How to build a therapist website homepage

Nov 12

As a registered clinical counsellor, psychotherapist or therapist, your website is often the first impression you make on potential clients. That’s why we need to make an impression right away. The key to getting your therapist website design right and making a great first impression is to make your homepage as clear and as inviting as possible. So, what are the essential elements to include in your private practice website’s homepage?

How to design a therapy website homepage:

1. Header
The first thing your potential client should see and read is how you can help them. You want to let them know that they’ve landed in the right spot. Your headline needs to be clear and geared towards the client. If you have a physical office space, the area you serve should be included here as well. You should include your headline and at least one image. The image could be of your office space, of you, you and a ‘client’, or and image of a client.

Example: Headline - Struggling with anxiety? Therapy can help. (How you can help your ideal client and their problem.)
Sub headline - Individual therapy for adults in Kelowna, BC. (What you offer and where.)

A screenshot of a header section of a therapist website.

2. List your services
Underneath the header section of your website you should write about your services. Write the title of your services and a short explanation of what they are and who they’re for. Use a call to action (a button) to guide the user to your services page so that they can learn more about each service and book.

Example: Headline - Our sessions are made for everyone.
Services - Individual Counselling, Couples Counselling, Family Counselling, EMDR (below each of these sub headlines write a short sentence or two on who they are for and what they are).

Services section of a therapist website with images and text

3. A short welcoming introduction to who you are

In this section share a little bit about yourself and your approach to therapy. Keep it personal and engaging, remember the client wants to connect with who you are. This is a great section to include a photo of you. Potential clients want to see what you look like. It might sound shallow but they just want to connect with the therapist on the screen.

An about me section of a therapist website with text and an image of the therapist

4 . Areas of focus
Do you have a specialty that sets you apart from other therapists? Do you have a team that works on a variety of focuses? This is a good place to list out areas of focus so that potential clients can connect with you further. For example, are you an expert in trauma. Of so, go into a bit of detail in this section on help with trauma. I also have clients who like to list out items like: Anxiety, relationship issues, major life changes, grief and loss, perfectionism, people pleasing and depression.

This section helps the user figure out if you’re a good fit for what they’re looking to work on.

section of therapist website that goes over areas that the therapist specializes in.

5. What to expect or what a first session looks like
I encourage you to write a short section on your therapy website’s homepage that includes what a client can expect as they go through the counselling process. As a therapist, you need to put yourself in the client’s shoes and explain how the process works. Most clients feel awkward and uncomfortable reaching out for help but if you can paint a clear picture of how the process works, it helps create ease for the client.

A section of a therapist website that explains what to expect in steps

6. A book now or contact call to action

Your potential client has read through your entire homepage and has made it near the bottom. This is the perfect spot to encourage them to book with you. I recommend making this section a different colour so that it stands out and guides them into booking. For example: Headline - Ready to make a change? Button - Book Now.

Call to action section of a therapist website

7. Your website footer

In the footer of your website you want to include:

Your business name
Location (if you have a physical one!)
Your email or a button to contact you
Links to the pages of your website - this saves the user from having to scroll back to the top. It gives a nicer experience and can keep the user engaged on your website longer (that’s great for SEO).
Images of designations or other thing like: RCC, Registered Clinic Counsellor, Verified by Psychology Today, and LGBTQ+ Flag, CVAP logo, etc.
Links to your Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions Pages
Land Acknowledgment (optional)
Social media links (optional)
Logo or logo mark (optional)
Hours of operation (optional)

7. That’s it!

So there you have it, that’s a great structure to get you started on the design on your homepage of your counselling website!

Professional photography: I will make a special note that professional photos make a huge difference. First Impressions matter. A few professional photos can make a significant difference in how potential clients perceive you. It really helps to build credibility, trust and a human connection. Most people are looking for a therapist that is friendly and approachable and professional photography can help clients feel more comfortable and connected to you as a therapist.

Your website is a valuable tool for attracting and retaining clients. By creating or investing in a well-designed website, you can establish yourself as a trusted authority in your field. If you need help designing your therapist website, I’m here to help. Connect with me here.