How to Market Your Telepsychiatry or Therapy Practice: Psychology Today, Google Business, SEO + Referral Scripts

Marketing feels overwhelming when you're focused on providing excellent care. But the reality is: if potential clients can't find you, you can't help them. This guide provides practical, proven strategies that actually work for telepsychiatry and therapy practices in 2026.

I'll walk you through exactly what to do—no fluff, just actionable steps you can implement today.

Why Marketing Matters for Telepsychiatry and Therapy

The Reality:

• 75% of people search online for mental health providers
• 60% choose a provider based on online presence
• 80% read reviews before booking
• Most therapists get 70% of new clients from just 3 sources

The Good News: You don't need to be everywhere. You need to be visible in the right places with the right message.

The Strategy: Focus on these high-impact channels:

1. Psychology Today (highest intent traffic)
2. Google Business Profile (local search dominance)
3. Basic SEO (your website)
4. Direct referrals (highest quality clients)

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Strategy 1: Psychology Today Optimization

Psychology Today is the #1 source of new clients for most therapists. Here's how to maximize it.

Setting Up Your Profile (The Right Way)

Step 1: Choose a Specific, Niche Headline

❌ Bad: "Licensed Therapist | Anxiety & Depression" ✅ Good: "Anxiety Specialist for High-Achieving Women | Online Therapy in [State]"

Why it works: Specific headlines attract your ideal clients and repel poor fits.

Examples by specialty:

• "ADHD & Autism Evaluations for Adults | Telehealth Psychiatrist"
• "Trauma Therapy for First Responders | EMDR & Somatic Approaches"
• "Perinatal Mental Health | Pregnancy, Postpartum & Infant Loss"
• "Teen Anxiety & Depression | Parent Collaboration Welcome"

Step 2: Write a Client-Focused Statement

Your statement should answer: "Why should I choose you?"

Template:

[Opening: Who you help]
I specialize in working with [specific population] who are struggling with [specific issues].

[Your approach]
My approach combines [therapy modalities] to help you [specific outcome]. 
I believe therapy should feel [adjective] and [adjective], not [common fear].

[What makes you different]
Unlike traditional therapy, I [unique approach]. This means [benefit to client].

[Call to action]
If you're ready to [desired outcome], I'd love to help. Book a free 15-minute consultation 
to see if we're a good fit.

Real Example:

I work with anxious high-achievers who look successful on the outside but feel overwhelmed 
on the inside.

My approach combines CBT and mindfulness to help you manage anxiety without sacrificing 
your ambition. I believe therapy should feel practical and empowering, not like another 
thing on your to-do list.

Unlike traditional therapy, I provide concrete tools you can use immediately. This means 
you'll see progress within the first few sessions, not months down the road.

If you're ready to feel calm and confident again, I'd love to help. Book a free 
15-minute consultation to see if we're a good fit.

Step 3: Choose the Right Photo

✅ Do:

• Professional headshot
• Warm, approachable expression
• Good lighting
• Neutral or office background
• Updated within 2 years

❌ Don't:

• Selfies or casual photos
• Sunglasses or hats
• Busy backgrounds
• Group photos
• Outdated photos

Step 4: Select Strategic Specialties

Choose 3-5 specialties that:

1. You genuinely enjoy treating
2. Have high demand in your area
3. You have training/experience in

High-demand specialties:

• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• ADHD (especially adult ADHD)
• Trauma and PTSD
• Relationship issues
• Life transitions
• Perinatal mental health

Step 5: Update Your Profile Weekly

Psychology Today's algorithm favors active profiles.

Quick weekly updates:

• Change one word in your statement
• Update your availability
• Add a new specialty
• Adjust your fees
• Update your photo seasonally

Time required: 5 minutes/week Impact: Boosts visibility by 30-50%

Psychology Today Pro Tips

Tip 1: Respond to Inquiries Within 2 Hours

• 80% of clients book with the first therapist who responds
• Set up email/text notifications
• Use ClinikEHR's automated responses for instant acknowledgment

Tip 2: Offer a Free Consultation

• Increases inquiry-to-booking rate by 60%
• 15 minutes is enough
• Use it to assess fit, not provide therapy

Tip 3: Keep Your Calendar Updated

• Mark yourself "accepting new clients" even if waitlist
• Explain waitlist in your statement
• Offer to add them to your list

Expected Results:

• 5-15 inquiries per month (well-optimized profile)
• 30-50% conversion to booked clients
• Can fill 50% of your caseload from Psychology Today alone

Cost: $30-40/month ROI: Excellent (typically pays for itself with 1-2 clients)

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Strategy 2: Google Business Profile Optimization

Google Business Profile is free and incredibly powerful for local search visibility.

Setting Up Your Profile

Step 1: Claim Your Profile

• Go to Google Business Profile
• Search for your practice name
• Claim existing listing or create new one
• Verify ownership (postcard, phone, or email)

Step 2: Optimize for Telehealth

Business Name:

• Include "Telehealth" or "Online Therapy"
• Example: "Dr. Sarah Johnson | Telehealth Psychiatrist"

Business Category:

• Primary: "Mental Health Service" or "Psychiatrist" or "Counselor"
• Secondary: "Telehealth Service"

Service Areas:

• Don't list a physical address if telehealth-only
• Add service areas (cities, counties, or entire state)
• List all states where you're licensed

Step 3: Complete Every Section

Business Description (750 characters):

Board-certified psychiatrist providing online mental health care for adults with 
anxiety, depression, and ADHD. I offer medication management and therapy via secure 
telehealth throughout [State]. Quick appointment availability, usually within 1-2 weeks. 
Accepting [insurance names] and private pay. Book online at [website].

Services:

• List specific services (not just "therapy")
• Examples: "Anxiety Treatment," "ADHD Evaluation," "Medication Management," "Online Therapy"
• Add descriptions and pricing for each

Attributes:

• "Online appointments"
• "LGBTQ+ friendly" (if applicable)
• "Wheelchair accessible" (if in-person)

Step 4: Add High-Quality Photos

Upload 5-10 photos:

• Professional headshot
• Office/workspace (if showing)
• Credentials/diplomas
• Waiting area (if applicable)
• Team photos (if group practice)

Step 5: Post Weekly Updates

Google loves active profiles. Post once a week:

Post Ideas:

• Mental health tips
• New appointment availability
• Insurance updates
• Holiday hours
• Educational content
• Client success stories (de-identified)

Template:

🧠 Quick Tip: [Mental health tip]

If you're struggling with [issue], [actionable advice].

Need support? We're accepting new clients. Book online: [link]

#MentalHealth #[YourCity] #Therapy

Time required: 10 minutes/week Impact: Increases visibility by 40-60%

Getting Google Reviews

Reviews are critical—they're the #1 factor in local search ranking.

How to Ask for Reviews:

In-Person (End of Session):

"I'm so glad we're making progress together. If you're comfortable, I'd really 
appreciate a Google review. It helps other people find the support they need. 
No pressure at all—only if you feel good about our work together."

Email Template:

Subject: Quick favor?

Hi [Name],

I hope you're doing well! I wanted to reach out with a small favor.

If you've found our work together helpful, would you consider leaving a Google 
review? It really helps other people who are searching for support find my practice.

Here's the link: [Google review link]

It takes just 2 minutes, and you can keep it as brief or detailed as you'd like.

Thank you so much for trusting me with your care.

Best,
[Your Name]

Timing:

• Ask after 3-4 successful sessions
• When client mentions progress
• At natural milestones

Expected Results:

• 1 review per 10 requests (10% conversion)
• Aim for 10-20 reviews in first year
• 4.5+ star average

Pro Tip: Use ClinikEHR's automated review request feature to send requests at optimal times.

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Strategy 3: Basic SEO for Your Website

You don't need to be an SEO expert. Just cover these basics.

Essential Website Pages

Homepage:

• Clear headline: "Online Therapy for [Specialty] in [Location]"
• Your photo
• Services offered
• Insurance accepted
• "Book Appointment" button (link to ClinikEHR scheduling)

About Page:

• Your credentials and experience
• Your approach and philosophy
• Who you help
• Personal touch (hobbies, why you became a therapist)

Services Page:

• List each service separately
• Anxiety treatment
• Depression therapy
• ADHD evaluation
• Couples counseling
• Etc.

Insurance/Fees Page:

• Which insurances you accept
• Private pay rates
• Superbilling explanation
• Payment methods

Contact/Book Page:

• Embedded ClinikEHR scheduling
• Contact form
• Phone and email
• States where you're licensed

SEO Basics That Actually Matter

Title Tags (Most Important):

Homepage: "[Your Name] | Online Therapist for [Specialty] in [City, State]"
Services: "Anxiety Therapy Online | [Your Name] | [City, State]"
About: "About [Your Name] | Licensed Therapist in [State]"

Meta Descriptions:

"Board-certified therapist providing online therapy for anxiety, depression, and 
trauma in [State]. Accepting new clients. Book online today."

Header Tags:

• Use H1 for main headline on each page
• Use H2 for section headers
• Include keywords naturally

Content Tips:

• Write for humans, not search engines
• Answer common questions
• Use location keywords naturally
• Update content quarterly

Local SEO:

• Mention your city/state throughout site
• Create location-specific pages if serving multiple areas
• Link to your Google Business Profile

Technical SEO Checklist

• [ ] Mobile-friendly design
• [ ] Fast loading speed (under 3 seconds)
• [ ] SSL certificate (https://)
• [ ] Clear navigation
• [ ] Contact info on every page
• [ ] Schema markup for local business
• [ ] Google Analytics installed
• [ ] Google Search Console set up

Pro Tip: Most website builders (Squarespace, Wix, WordPress) handle technical SEO automatically.

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Strategy 4: Building a Referral Network

Direct referrals are the highest quality clients—they're pre-qualified and ready to commit.

Who to Target for Referrals

Primary Targets:

• Therapists (if you're a psychiatrist/PMHNP)
• Psychiatrists (if you're a therapist)
• Primary care physicians
• Pediatricians (if you see children/teens)
• OB/GYNs (if you do perinatal work)
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
• School counselors
• Other specialists in your niche

Referral Outreach Email Template

Subject Line: "New [Specialty] in [City] — Quick Intro?"

Email Body:

Hi [Name],

I'm [Your Name], a [credentials] who recently opened a [telepsychiatry/therapy] 
practice in [City] specializing in [your niche].

I'm reaching out to introduce myself and see if we might be a good referral fit. 

I offer:
• [Service 1] for [population]
• [Service 2] for [population]
• Quick appointment availability (usually within 1-2 weeks)
• Telehealth and in-person options
• [Insurance plans] accepted

I'd love to connect briefly if you ever have [patients/clients] who need [your services]. 
Here's my website: [link]

Would a quick 15-minute Zoom intro be helpful?

Best,
[Your Name]
[Credentials]
[Phone] | [Email] | [Website]

Real Example (Psychiatrist to Therapist):

Subject: New Telepsychiatry in Austin — Quick Intro?

Hi Dr. Martinez,

I'm Dr. Sarah Johnson, a board-certified psychiatrist who just opened a telepsychiatry 
practice in Austin specializing in anxiety, depression, and ADHD.

I'm reaching out because I know many therapists have clients who need medication 
evaluation or management alongside therapy.

I offer:
• Psychiatric evaluations and medication management
• Collaborative care with therapists
• Quick availability (usually within 1 week)
• Telehealth throughout Texas
• BCBS, United, Aetna accepted

I'd love to be a resource for your clients who might benefit from medication. 
Here's my website: www.drjohnsonpsych.com

Would a quick 15-minute Zoom intro work for you?

Best,
Dr. Sarah Johnson
Board-Certified Psychiatrist
512-555-0123 | [email protected]

Referral Outreach Process

Week 1: Research

• Create list of 30-50 potential referral sources
• Find contact information
• Note their specialties

Week 2-6: Outreach

• Send 5-10 emails per week
• Personalize each email
• Follow up once after 1 week if no response

Week 7+: Relationship Building

• Schedule Zoom intros with interested clinicians
• Send quarterly updates
• Refer back when appropriate
• Stay in touch

Expected Results:

• 20-30% response rate
• 10-15% convert to active referral sources
• Each active source: 1-3 referrals per month

Referral Thank You Process

When You Receive a Referral:

Immediate (Same Day):

Hi [Referring Clinician],

Thank you so much for referring [Client Name] to me. I saw them today and we had 
a great first session.

I'll keep you updated on their progress (with their permission, of course).

I really appreciate the referral and your trust in my care.

Best,
[Your Name]

After Treatment Begins (2-4 weeks):

Hi [Referring Clinician],

Quick update on [Client Name] — they're doing well and we've established a good 
treatment plan. [Brief, HIPAA-appropriate update].

Thanks again for the referral. Please keep me in mind for future clients who might 
benefit from [your services].

Best,
[Your Name]

Pro Tip: Use ClinikEHR's secure messaging to coordinate care with referring clinicians (with client consent).

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Strategy 5: Social Media (Optional but Effective)

Social media isn't required, but it can be powerful for building trust and demonstrating expertise.

Platform Recommendations

LinkedIn (Highest ROI for professionals):

• Share mental health tips
• Post about your expertise
• Connect with other professionals
• Share client success stories (de-identified)

Instagram (Good for younger demographics):

• Mental health infographics
• Behind-the-scenes content
• Educational carousels
• Stories with tips

Facebook (Good for local reach):

• Join local community groups
• Share helpful content
• Respond to mental health questions
• Never directly promote services

Content Ideas That Work

Educational Posts:

• "5 Signs of High-Functioning Anxiety"
• "How to Support a Partner with Depression"
• "ADHD Myths vs. Facts"
• "Grounding Techniques for Panic Attacks"

Behind-the-Scenes:

• Your workspace setup
• Books you're reading
• Continuing education
• Your therapy approach

Client Success (De-identified):

"A client recently told me: 'I never thought I could feel this calm.' 

This is why I love what I do. Anxiety doesn't have to control your life. 

With the right tools and support, you can feel peaceful and confident again.

#AnxietyTreatment #MentalHealth #Therapy"

Posting Schedule:

• LinkedIn: 2-3 times per week
• Instagram: 3-5 times per week
• Facebook: 1-2 times per week

Time Investment: 30-60 minutes per week

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Marketing Automation with ClinikEHR

ClinikEHR helps automate many marketing tasks so you can focus on client care.

Automated Features

Appointment Reminders:

• Reduces no-shows by 40%
• SMS and email reminders
• Customizable timing (24 hours, 2 hours before)

Review Requests:

• Automatically sent after successful sessions
• Customizable timing and messaging
• Tracks response rates

Follow-Up Sequences:

• Welcome emails for new clients
• Post-session check-ins
• Appointment scheduling reminders

Online Booking:

• Embeds on your website
• Available 24/7
• Reduces phone tag
• Integrates with your calendar

Client Portal:

• Professional appearance
• Secure messaging
• Form completion
• Payment processing

Marketing Analytics

Track what's working:

• Referral sources
• Conversion rates
• No-show patterns
• Client satisfaction scores
• Revenue by marketing channel

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Marketing Budget and Timeline

Monthly Marketing Budget

Essential (Minimum):

• Psychology Today: $35/month
• Website hosting: $20/month
• Total: $55/month

Recommended:

• Psychology Today: $35/month
• Website hosting: $20/month
• Google Ads (optional): $300/month
• Social media tools: $30/month
• Total: $385/month

Timeline to See Results

Month 1:

• Set up Psychology Today profile
• Claim Google Business Profile
• Launch basic website
• Start referral outreach

Month 2-3:

• Optimize profiles based on data
• Continue referral building
• Start getting first reviews
• Begin social media (if chosen)

Month 4-6:

• Steady stream of inquiries
• 5-10 new clients per month
• Strong referral relationships
• Consistent online presence

Month 7-12:

• Full caseload (if desired)
• Waitlist management
• Referral network established
• Strong online reputation

Expected ROI

Investment: $55-385/month Return: 5-15 new clients/month Client Value: $150-300/session × 10-20 sessions = $1,500-6,000 per client ROI: 500-1000%+ (excellent return)

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Common Marketing Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Trying to Be Everywhere

Problem: Spreading efforts too thin Solution: Focus on Psychology Today + Google Business Profile first

Mistake 2: Generic Messaging

Problem: "I help everyone with everything" Solution: Niche down to specific populations and problems

Mistake 3: Not Responding Quickly

Problem: Losing clients to faster responders Solution: Set up notifications, use ClinikEHR's auto-responses

Mistake 4: Neglecting Reviews

Problem: No social proof Solution: Systematically ask satisfied clients for reviews

Mistake 5: Inconsistent Effort

Problem: Marketing in spurts Solution: Dedicate 2-3 hours per week consistently

Mistake 6: Not Tracking Results

Problem: Don't know what's working Solution: Use ClinikEHR's analytics to track referral sources

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Measuring Marketing Success

Key Metrics to Track

Lead Generation:

• Inquiries per month
• Inquiries by source (Psychology Today, Google, referrals)
• Conversion rate (inquiries to booked clients)

Client Acquisition:

• New clients per month
• Cost per client acquired
• Client lifetime value

Online Presence:

• Google Business Profile views
• Website traffic
• Review count and rating
• Social media engagement

Practice Growth:

• Caseload percentage
• Revenue growth
• Referral network size

Monthly Marketing Review

Spend 30 minutes monthly reviewing:

1. Which sources brought the most clients?
2. What was the cost per client acquired?
3. Which messages/content performed best?
4. What needs adjustment next month?

Use ClinikEHR's reporting to track:

• Referral sources
• Conversion rates
• Client satisfaction
• Revenue by marketing channel

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Related Resources

ClinikEHR Marketing Features

• Online Booking and Scheduling
• Automated Review Requests
• Client Portal and Messaging
• Marketing Analytics and Reporting
• Website Integration

External Resources

• Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/
• Google Business Profile: https://www.google.com/business/
• Canva (for social media graphics): https://www.canva.com/
• Hootsuite (social media scheduling): https://hootsuite.com/

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to build a full caseload through marketing? Most therapists and psychiatrists can build a full caseload (20-30 clients) within 6-12 months using Psychology Today, Google Business Profile, and referral networking. ClinikEHR's automation features can accelerate this timeline by improving conversion rates and reducing no-shows.

What's the most effective marketing strategy for telepsychiatry practices? Psychology Today is typically the most effective single strategy, generating 5-15 inquiries per month for well-optimized profiles. Combined with Google Business Profile and referral networking, most practices see 10-25 new client inquiries monthly.

How much should I budget for marketing my therapy practice? Minimum budget is $55/month (Psychology Today + website hosting). Recommended budget is $200-400/month including Google Ads and social media tools. Most practices see 500-1000%+ ROI on marketing investment.

Do I need a website if I have Psychology Today? Yes—60% of potential clients visit your website after finding you on Psychology Today. A simple 5-page website with online booking (via ClinikEHR) significantly improves conversion rates from inquiries to booked clients.

How do I ask clients for Google reviews without being pushy? Ask after 3-4 successful sessions when clients mention progress. Use the script: "If you're comfortable, I'd really appreciate a Google review. It helps other people find the support they need. No pressure at all." ClinikEHR can automate review requests at optimal times.

Should I use social media to market my practice? Social media is optional but can be effective for building trust and demonstrating expertise. LinkedIn is best for professional networking, Instagram for younger demographics. Focus on educational content, not direct promotion. Time investment: 30-60 minutes weekly.

How do I build referral relationships with other clinicians? Send personalized emails to 5-10 potential referral sources weekly. Offer brief Zoom introductions. Focus on how you can help their clients, not what you need. Follow up with referral sources when you receive referrals. Use ClinikEHR's secure messaging for care coordination.

What's the best way to track marketing ROI? Track inquiries by source, conversion rates, and client lifetime value. ClinikEHR's analytics show referral sources, conversion rates, and revenue by marketing channel. Aim for detailed tracking of cost per client acquired and lifetime value per marketing channel.

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Conclusion: Marketing That Actually Works

Marketing your telepsychiatry or therapy practice doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. Focus on these four proven strategies:

1. Psychology Today — Optimize your profile and respond quickly
2. Google Business Profile — Complete setup and get reviews
3. Basic SEO — Simple website with clear messaging
4. Referral Network — Build relationships with other clinicians

Key Takeaways:

• ✅ Start with Psychology Today (highest ROI)
• ✅ Respond to inquiries within 2 hours
• ✅ Be specific about who you help
• ✅ Ask satisfied clients for reviews
• ✅ Build referral relationships systematically
• ✅ Track what's working
• ✅ Use automation to save time

Timeline: 6-12 months to full caseload Budget: $55-400/month ROI: 500-1000%+

Marketing is easier when your practice runs smoothly. ClinikEHR helps you convert more inquiries into clients with online booking, automated reminders, review requests, client portal, analytics, and secure messaging—all in one platform.

Start Your Free 30-Day Trial — See how ClinikEHR helps convert more inquiries into clients.

Try AI Notes Free First: Free Clinical Notes AI Generator — Generate professional mental health notes instantly, no signup needed.

Questions about marketing your practice? Contact our team — We help mental health professionals grow their practices every day.

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Disclaimer: Marketing results vary based on location, specialty, competition, and effort invested. This guide provides general strategies and is not a guarantee of specific outcomes. Always comply with your professional licensing board's advertising and marketing regulations.