In today’s digital-first world, your website is often the very first impression potential clients get of your therapy practice. As a counsellor, therapist, or wellness professional, having a website that’s not just visually appealing but also functional and client-focused is absolutely essential. At Richard Thorne Web Design, we’ve spent years working with practitioners just like you, helping them create websites that build trust, support client needs, and most importantly, attract new business. Here’s a comprehensive checklist of the 11 must-have features to ensure your therapist website stands out and delivers the results you need in 2025.
1. Mobile-Friendly Design
Let’s face it: most of your prospective clients are finding you on their phones. If your website isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re missing out on a huge chunk of your audience. In fact, Over 54% of all website traffic is generated from mobile phones. This means your site needs to look great and function smoothly on devices of all sizes, from the latest iPhones to older Androids.
Mobile-friendly design isn’t just about shrinking your site to fit a smaller screen. It’s about responsive layouts, easy-to-tap buttons, fast load times, and readable text. Navigation should be intuitive, and visitors should be able to access all key information—like services, contact details, and online booking—without pinching and zooming.
And it’s not just about convenience. Google prioritizes mobile-optimized sites in its search rankings, so a responsive design directly impacts your visibility. With 96.5% of internet users access the web via mobile at least some of the time, making your site mobile-friendly isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a necessity for any therapist looking to grow their practice online.
2. Clear and Accessible Contact Information
When someone is ready to reach out for support, the last thing they want is to hunt around for your contact details. Make it as easy as possible for visitors to get in touch. Your phone number, email address, and office location (if applicable) should be highly visible on every page—ideally in both the header and footer.
Consider adding a dedicated “Contact” page with a simple, secure form that lets visitors send a message directly from your site. For therapists, it’s also thoughtful to include details about your response time and your preferred method of communication (email, phone, text, etc.).
Accessibility matters too. Make sure your contact forms are easy to use for everyone, including those with disabilities. Simple features like large text fields, clear labels, and error messages make a real difference in accessibility and user experience.
3. Secure Online Booking System
Today’s clients expect the convenience of online booking. Integrating a secure booking system allows potential clients to view your availability and schedule sessions directly, no phone tag required. This not only streamlines your workflow but also increases the likelihood that a visitor will become a paying client. According to recent research, A well-designed therapy website can increase bookings by up to 20%.
When choosing a booking solution, prioritise security and privacy. Ensure that bookings are encrypted and that you (and your clients) receive automatic confirmations. Many systems integrate with Google Calendar or iCal, which helps prevent double-booking and keeps your schedule organised.
For extra peace of mind, look for booking platforms that support intake forms, payment processing, and automated appointment reminders—these features save time, reduce no-shows, and set a professional tone from the very first interaction.
4. Professional Headshot and About Me Page
Therapy is personal. Clients want to know who they’re trusting with their story. Including a professional headshot and a thoughtfully written “About Me” page helps humanise your practice and begin building rapport before a session even starts.
Your headshot should be recent, high-quality, and reflect the tone of your practice—warm, approachable, and professional. On your About page, share your qualifications, areas of expertise, and what inspires you to do this work. Don’t be afraid to include a bit about your values, approach, and even your personality.
This section is your chance to help visitors feel seen and understood. A compelling About page creates connection and helps prospective clients feel confident in reaching out to you for support.
5. Detailed Services and Specializations
Clients need to know exactly what you offer and whether you’re the right fit for their needs. Clearly list your services, approaches (such as CBT, EMDR, mindfulness, etc.), and any specializations (like trauma, anxiety, couples counselling, etc.).
Break down what each service involves in simple, jargon-free language. This helps demystify therapy for first-timers and gives potential clients assurance that you understand their specific situation.
If you offer different session types—such as in-person, teletherapy, workshops, or group sessions—make these options clear. Consider using bullet points or small sections for each specialization to make scanning easy. This clarity not only helps visitors but also supports your SEO efforts by targeting specific keywords people may be searching for.
6. Client Testimonials and Success Stories
Word of mouth is powerful—even more so online. Including testimonials and anonymised success stories helps prospective clients see real-world results and builds trust in your expertise.
Ask past clients (with their permission) for a short statement about their experience. If you can, include their first name or initials and a general location, but always maintain confidentiality. If you’re just starting out, consider asking colleagues or referral partners for professional endorsements.
Showcasing success stories reassures new clients that you’ve helped people with similar struggles. It also adds a human touch, reinforcing that therapy is about real change, not just clinical processes.
7. Informative Blog or Resource Center
Providing valuable content through a blog or resource center positions you as an expert and supports your clients between sessions. Share articles on common mental health topics, coping strategies, FAQs, and updates about your practice.
Not only does this help visitors, but it also improves your search engine rankings by keeping your website fresh and relevant. Blog content can answer common questions, debunk myths about therapy, and offer practical support to those who may be nervous about reaching out.
With the integration of AI-generated content services, as planned by Richard Thorne Web Design, creating high-quality blog posts and resources can become even more efficient. This means your website can consistently provide value without taking up all your time—letting you focus more on your clients.
8. HIPAA-Compliant Security Features
Confidentiality is at the heart of therapy. Your website needs robust security measures to protect client data, especially if you offer online forms, booking, or telehealth. HIPAA compliance (or its UK equivalent) ensures that client information is encrypted, securely stored, and only accessible by authorised personnel.
Key features include SSL certificates (look for “https” in your web address), secure contact forms, encrypted appointment scheduling, and regular security monitoring. Richard Thorne Web Design’s managed hosting and website care services cover these essentials, making sure your website stays protected with regular updates and backups.
Demonstrating your commitment to privacy not only keeps you compliant with legal requirements but also builds trust with prospective clients, showing you take their confidentiality seriously.
9. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Even the best website won’t help your practice if no one can find it. That’s where SEO comes in. By optimising your site for search engines, you increase your chances of appearing in Google results when clients are looking for therapists in your area or for specific services you offer.
SEO basics include using relevant keywords, having fast load times, and ensuring your website structure is easy for search engines to read. Regularly updating your website with useful content—like blog posts—also boosts your SEO.
Richard Thorne Web Design specialises in SEO for wellness professionals, ensuring your website isn’t just beautiful but also discoverable. This is crucial for growing your client base and maintaining a steady stream of new enquiries throughout the year.
10. Fast Page Load Speed
Speed matters. In our fast-paced world, people aren’t willing to wait around for slow websites. 53% of users abandon sites taking over 3 seconds to load. That’s more than half your potential clients gone before they even see what you offer!
Optimising your website’s speed involves compressing images, using efficient code, and choosing quality hosting. Managed hosting, like that provided by https://richardthornewebdesign.uk/, keeps your site running smoothly with regular maintenance and updates.
Fast load times not only improve user experience but also boost your search engine rankings, making it easier for new clients to find you online.
11. Integrated Teletherapy Features
The demand for online therapy has skyrocketed in recent years. 88% of therapists are using telehealth services. If you want to serve clients who can’t make it to your office, integrated teletherapy tools are a must.
Look for solutions that allow secure video sessions, encrypted messaging, and easy scheduling. Some therapists integrate platforms like Zoom, while others prefer specialised telehealth software that’s fully GDPR- or HIPAA-compliant.
Having teletherapy options front and centre on your website signals to potential clients that you’re flexible, accessible, and up to date with the latest trends in mental health care. It’s a simple way to expand your reach and provide essential support to those who need it most.
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