Therapist Website vs Psychology Today Profile: What’s the Difference?
Most therapists start out with a Psychology Today profile. It’s easy. It’s affordable. And it feels like a rite of passage.
But here’s the question: is it enough?
Short answer: nope. Psychology Today is a good start, but it’s not the finish line. And if you’re serious about growing your practice, you need a website of your own. Let’s dig into why.
What a Psychology Today Profile Actually Is
Think of your PT profile as a directory listing. It’s the online equivalent of the Yellow Pages (yep, those thick books people used to flip through).
✅ Quick to set up
✅ Gives you instant visibility
✅ Adds a layer of credibility
But here’s the flip side:
❌ Every profile looks the same
❌ You’re competing with hundreds of other therapists on the exact same page
❌ You can’t fully express your story, your style, or what makes you different
Here’s what I hear therapists say over and over:
“I feel like I’m just another name on a list.”
“The people who reach out aren’t really my ideal clients.”
“My profile feels flat compared to the way I actually work.”
It’s not that you’re doing anything wrong. It’s that PT isn’t designed to showcase you. It’s designed to showcase a directory.
What a Therapist Website Actually Is
Your website? That’s your digital office.
It’s the place where clients don’t just find you — they feel you.
✔️ You control the design (colors, fonts, photos)
✔️ You choose the words (in your own voice, not a generic form)
✔️ You set the vibe (calm, professional, quirky, cozy — whatever feels like YOU)
✔️ You decide what actions people can take (schedule a call, read your blog, download a resource)
Your website is the difference between blending in and being remembered.
The Big Differences (Psychology Today vs. Your Website)
1. Control & Customization
Psychology Today: Here’s your box. Fill it out. Hope for the best.
Website: Endless possibilities. You can actually showcase your personality and create a brand that feels authentic.
2. Visibility & SEO
PT: You’re at the mercy of their algorithm. Clients scroll through dozens of listings before finding you.
Website: You can rank on Google for “therapist in [your city]” or “online trauma counseling” and attract people who aren’t browsing directories at all.
3. Client Connection
PT: Limited space. Limited story.
Website: You can go deeper — share your journey, your philosophy, your approach. That’s what builds trust before the first email.
4. Calls to Action
PT: One option: “Contact this therapist.”
Website: Multiple touchpoints — book a consult, join your list, read your blog, access resources. You guide the client journey.
5. Professionalism & Growth
PT: Fine for beginners.
Website: Shows you’re invested in your practice and ready to grow.
The Emotional Reality of Relying on PT
When you’re one of 200 therapists in a city, all using the same font, the same headshot box, and the same layout… how is a client supposed to feel who you are?
With a PT profile, clients often:
Reach out to multiple therapists at once
Price-shop or ghost after one reply
Don’t feel much loyalty (you were just one of many tabs they opened)
It’s not your fault. The platform simply wasn’t built to highlight your uniqueness.
The Transformation of Having a Website
Now picture this:
A potential client Googles “anxiety therapist near me.” Instead of scrolling through PT, they land directly on your site.
They see warm, calming colors that mirror your office.
They read your story — in your own words.
They watch a short video where you explain your approach.
They find clear buttons to book a free consult.
Their nervous system relaxes. This person gets me.
Clients who find you through your website:
Already resonate with your story and approach
Feel connected before reaching out
Are more likely to commit because they’ve self-selected as aligned
The difference? PT is a numbers game. Your website is a relationship game.
When a Psychology Today Profile Is Enough
If you’re just starting out, still defining your niche, or testing the waters, PT can give you some initial traction. It’s quick, simple, and low-cost.
But if you’re ready to actually build a practice — one that attracts aligned clients, not just anyone — then a website isn’t optional. It’s the foundation.
Why a Website Is Non-Negotiable for Growth
Here’s the no-nonsense truth:
A Psychology Today profile will get you seen.
But your website is what gets you chosen.
It builds trust.
It shows professionalism.
It makes you stand out from 100 other therapists in your zip code.
It future-proofs your practice — you’re not at the mercy of someone else’s platform.
How They Work Together
This isn’t an either/or situation. You can keep your Psychology Today profile for visibility and have a website for credibility + connection.
The funnel looks like this:
Psychology Today → client clicks your link → your website seals the deal.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Your Psychology Today profile can get you noticed — but your website is what helps clients truly choose you.
If you’re ready to move beyond a cookie-cutter listing but don’t want to start from scratch, I’ve put together a guide with the best Squarespace therapy website templates. It’s a resource designed to help you see what’s possible and find a template that feels aligned with your practice.
✨ Check out the full blog post here: Website Templates for Therapists: Beautiful, Easy-to-Use Designs for Private Practices
Because your clients deserve more than a directory. And you deserve a website that feels like home.
