How to Get Google Reviews as a Therapist (Without Crossing Ethical Lines)
Key Takeaways
Most people search for therapists locally. And one of the best ways to show up locally is to have a Google Business Profile. BUT if you don’t have any reviews, it’s unlikely to show up when people search (especially in a crowded market). This article covers techniques for getting reviews in an ethical way.
If you're a therapist, asking for reviews can be ethically murky. Let’s start with what you shouldn’t do.
These are things that could violate your professional ethics or clients’ confidentiality. And of course this is not legal advice. Please check with your own licensing board for the particulars of your own license!
1. Don’t ask current clients directly for reviews.
As you probably know, most licensing boards prohibit this (or at least frown upon it) because of the power dynamic in therapy. Even a casual ask could feel like pressure. It puts clients in an awkward position and could be seen as exploitative.
2. Don’t incentivize reviews.
Offering a gift card or free session in exchange for a review is a huge red flag. Even if well-intentioned, it crosses ethical lines and can damage trust.
And actually, no matter what profession you are in, offering payment or incentives for reviews violates Google’s terms as well!
3. If you get a review, don’t respond to it with anything personal.
Even a “thank you” can be risky if it confirms someone was your client. Keep responses vague and general and never acknowledge the therapeutic relationship directly.
So how do you navigate getting Google reviews as a therapist? Here are some ways you can ethically encourage reviews.
Again, these are all subject to your own license as well as your own comfort and style. These are just ideas. Take what you want from these and leave the rest.
1. Share your Google review link passively and publicly.
Add a short note to your website footer or email signature that says something like:
“Want to share your experience? You’re welcome to leave a review on our Google profile.”
This gives past clients and community members an option, without you needing to ask anyone directly.
2. Include a gentle nudge in your closing or follow-up paperwork.
If you have termination or wrap-up paperwork (like letters, emails or internal feedback forms) built into your process, you might include something in there like:
“If you’d like to share your experience publicly, you’re welcome to leave a review here.”
Keep it brief, non-pushy, and make sure it’s sent to all clients and built-in to your process, not selective.
3. Use general signage in your office or telehealth portal.
A simple printed sign or a line in your virtual waiting room can say:
“Your honest feedback helps others find support. Feel free to leave a review.”
This gives clients the option to take action without being prompted directly. You can now generate a QR code that goes right to your Google Review page. That way people can use their phone in the moment.
4. Focus on reviews from past clients (if you are comfortable and if allowed by your licensing board) or professional contacts.
Former clients, supervisees, colleagues, or people who’ve attended workshops or consulted with you might leave feedback without the same ethical concerns. Just be sure you’re not blurring professional boundaries. This might be a good thing to discuss in supervision/consultation before you do it!
5. Respond carefully (if at all).
If someone leaves a review, a generic “Thank you for your feedback!” is often the safest bet. Never confirm they were your client, even if it feels obvious.
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution here, but the key is this: offer the opportunity, not the ask.
When you make it easy for people to leave a review without pressure, you stay on solid ethical ground. And over time, those small nudges can make a big difference for your visibility in Google search.
