If Someone Searched for You Today, Would They Find You?

Most people who need a therapist or coach start the same way: they type a search into their phone, often late at night, often after weeks of working up the courage. If your name doesn’t show up in that moment, they’ll reach out to someone else.

You became a therapist, psychologist, counselor or coach to help people, not to learn search engine optimization. But how clients find care has changed. Being good at your work is no longer enough on its own. People also need to be able to find you.

The numbers: clients search first

Search is now the most common way people look for a new provider, ahead of asking a friend. A 2024 survey by Harmony Healthcare IT found that 46% of patients use Google to find a new doctor, and 46% check a provider directory. Only 32% rely on word of mouth, and 29% on a referral from another provider (TechTarget).

The last two numbers matter most. Showing up online isn’t enough. You need to show up near the top, because almost no one scrolls to page two.

Why word of mouth isn’t enough anymore

Referrals still matter. A recommendation from a trusted friend or doctor carries real weight. But even referred clients usually look you up before they call.

Mental health adds another layer. Many people aren’t ready to tell a friend they’re looking for a therapist. They search privately first, read quietly, and reach out only when a provider feels like the right fit. If the only way to find you is through someone who already knows you, you’re invisible to the people searching on their own.

A referral starts the conversation. What they find when they search is what gets them to reach out.

What clients look for when they find you

Once someone finds your name, they’re trying to answer one question: is this person right for me? A clear profile answers it quickly. Most people look for:

• Who you help. The concerns you specialize in, like anxiety, grief, relationships or life transitions.
• How you work. Your approach in plain language, not just a list of acronyms.
• The practical details. Location or online sessions, fees, and whether you take insurance.
• A real person. A friendly photo and a few sentences in your own voice.
• What others say. Reviews matter: 90% of patients use them to evaluate providers (Software Advice).
• An easy next step. A simple way to reach out, without hunting for a phone number.

A client who can’t find these answers in under a minute usually moves on to the next result.

SEO in plain language

SEO, or search engine optimization, just means setting up a page so Google understands who it’s for and shows it to the right people. For a provider, three pieces matter most:

1. Page title and meta description. This is the headline and short summary people see in search results. A clear one, like “Anxiety Therapist in Portland | Jane Smith, LCSW,” tells both Google and the reader exactly what you offer.
2. The words on your page. Google matches searches to the words you use. Naming your specialties, location and approach in everyday language helps the right people find you.
3. Links from trusted sites. When a reputable site links to your page, Google treats it as a vote of confidence and is more likely to rank you higher.

None of this is hard, but it takes time and know-how that most clinicians would rather spend with clients.

How TheraConnect helps you get found

TheraConnect gives every provider their own professional profile page, and our team handles the SEO and meta tags for you. You share who you are and how you work. We make sure the page is set up so people searching online can find it.

• Your own page and link. Share it in your email signature, on social media or on business cards.
• SEO and meta done for you. No keywords to research, no website to build.
• Direct client inquiries. Clients contact you, and you keep 100% of your session fees.
• Open to every kind of support. Therapists, psychologists, counselors, experienced coaches and wellness professionals are all welcome.

TheraConnect was built by the team behind FitnessHacksForLife.org, a 501(c)(3) wellness nonprofit. Founding Provider membership is $199 a year, with no setup fees. Premium ($650 a year) adds a blog spotlight article, a do-follow backlink to your website, and promotion on Facebook and Pinterest.

If someone searched for you today, would they find you? Make sure the answer is yes. Create your provider page at TheraConnect.

Sources

1. Heath, S. “Most patients find new doc online, via provider directories.” TechTarget Patient Engagement, June 26, 2024. Reporting on the 2024 Harmony Healthcare IT patient survey. Link
2. Software Advice. “How Patients Use Online Reviews.” 2020 patient survey. Link
3. Backlinko. Google organic click-through rate study of 4 million search results, originally published August 2019, updated April 2025. Link