Can Therapists Ask for Google Reviews? How to Handle Reviews Ethically in Private Practice
Ooooookay, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Google reviews.
The holy grail of online visibility.
They help you show up in search, make you look trustworthy, and reassure potential clients that you are, in fact, a real human being and not just some blurry headshot with a vague promise to help people “live their best life.”
Between the three of us, we’ve built multiple six-figure private practices - and we’ve helped many therapists hit their private practice goals. So yes, we care about visibility. And no, we’re not going to tell you to post dance videos on TikTok.
But if you’re a therapist in private practice, asking for reviews gets tricky. Because unlike plumbers or Pilates instructors, we’re not really supposed to say, “Hey, if you liked crying in my office for 12 weeks, could you leave a 5-star review?”
Yeah… no.
Wait. Can therapists even ask for Google reviews?
Not really. At least not from current clients. Here's why:
There’s a power dynamic in the therapy relationship. Even if you say “no pressure,” there’s pressure.
Asking can blur boundaries or make clients feel obligated.
And if they do leave a review, you legally and ethically can’t respond in a way that confirms you worked with them. (“Thanks, Sarah! Glad I helped with that panic attack!” = HIPAA nightmare.)
So yeah, not the move.
But reviews still matter. A lot. Especially now
Old school SEO isn’t what it used to be.
People are using AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini to search for everything from personal trainers to roofers.
And Bestie - You wanna be on that list.
So how do you get ChatGPT to be like, “Hey, look at this awesome therapist” (aka - you)?
Here’s what’s happening behind the scenes:
1. Someone asks ChatGPT, “Who’s the best therapist coach in Denver?”
2. It pulls data from Google Business Profiles, including your reviews, photos, and even your website content.
That means if your profile is well-optimized and has a handful of strong reviews, you're way more likely to show up in those AI-powered recommendations.
Think of it like digital word-of-mouth. And it’s only getting more important as people move away from traditional Google searches and start asking AI to tell them who to trust.
So even if you're not obsessed with SEO (and honestly, same), a few good reviews can go a long way in helping new clients find you …without having to dance on Instagram.
How therapists can ethically get Google Reviews (without crossing the line)
Thankfully, there are some totally ethical, non-awkward ways to encourage reviews without crossing any lines.
1. Add a gentle invitation to your website
You can include something like:
“If you’ve worked with us in the past and feel comfortable sharing your experience, you’re welcome to leave a Google review.”
You're not asking directly. You’re holding the door open in case someone wants to walk through it.
2. Let former clients bring it up
If a past client reaches out after therapy has ended and says something kind, like, “Thank you, I’m in such a better place,” you can respond with:
“I’m so glad to hear that. If you ever feel like sharing your experience in a public review, it’s always appreciated. But it’s totally up to you.”
The key here is that it’s their idea, and they’re no longer an active client.
No pressure. No weirdness. Just a gentle opening if they seem like they genuinely want to share their experience.
3. Ask colleagues and referral partners
People you’ve taught, consulted with, or worked alongside can leave reviews too, based on their professional experience of you. That means:
Other therapists
Referral partners
Workshop attendees
Past clinical supervisors
These are ethical and still helpful for potential clients who are trying to figure out if you’re legit.
4. Be generous with free content
Write helpful blog posts. Offer a free workshop. Share something valuable on social.
When someone finds your work helpful, outside of therapy, they may choose to leave a review as a thank-you. And you didn’t have to ask for a thing.
Can you add a Google review link in your email signature?
This one gets asked a lot, and it makes sense! Your email signature is prime real estate, and adding a review link feels easy and passive.
And it can be ethical… with a few important caveats.
It’s likely okay if:
You're using that email address primarily for colleagues, referral partners, former clients, or workshop attendees
The language is super general and not directed at clients specifically
You’re not sending this signature to active clients who could feel subtle pressure to write a review
But probably skip it if:
You’re regularly using that email to communicate with current clients
The wording feels like a request or expectation (even something as soft as “I’d love your feedback” can feel pressuring in a therapeutic context)
It creates a dynamic where a client might wonder if they’re supposed to do something in return for care
✅ A more ethical way to frame it:
“Have we worked together in the past and want to share your experience? You’re welcome to leave a Google review here.”
(Insert hyperlink to your Google Business profile)
Short. Polite. No pressure.
The goal is to make the door visible without nudging anyone toward it.
Can you post a sign in your office asking for a review?
Technically? Yes. But tread carefully.
A small sign in your office might seem harmless (and in some contexts, it is) but whether it’s ethical really depends on how it’s framed and who it's visible to.
It’s possibly okay if:
It’s subtle and non-directive (think: tucked into your waiting room, not taped to your therapy room wall)
It’s clearly meant for anyone who has interacted with your practice, not just active clients
It doesn’t create pressure or an expectation to take action
This kind of signage might make sense if you run a group practice or offer workshops, supervision, or public-facing services. In those cases, someone might see the sign and think, “Oh yeah, I could leave a review,” without feeling like they should.
Probably skip it if:
The sign is in a space where only therapy clients will see it (like your private office or intake forms)
It says anything like “We’d love your review!” or “Help us grow!” Even if your intentions are good, the tone can feel pushy in a therapeutic setting
A more appropriate version might be:
“If you’ve interacted with our practice and would like to share your experience, you’re welcome to leave a Google review.”
No ask. No pressure. Just a quiet invitation that keeps ethics (and your clients’ comfort) front and center.
What not to do when it comes to Google Reviews for therapists
We’ve covered what you can do to ethically encourage Google reviews, but let’s talk about what to avoid at all costs.
These are the big no-no’s that can get you into ethical trouble, damage your therapeutic relationships, or just make things super awkward.
Whether you’re new to private practice marketing or trying to boost your online presence, here’s what not to do when it comes to reviews as a therapist:
Don’t ask for reviews during sessions
Even if you casually mention it at the end of a session- “Hey, if you ever want to leave a review…”, it’s still an ethical violation.
You’re in a position of power, and no matter how low-pressure it feels to you, your client may feel like they’re supposed to say yes.
Plus, it can shift the focus away from the therapeutic relationship and into weird transactional territory.
Don’t offer discounts, incentives, or giveaways
This isn’t a coffee shop punch card.
Offering something in exchange for a review, like a future session discount or free resource, is considered unethical and violates most professional guidelines.
Reviews should be voluntary, not rewarded.
Don’t reply to reviews in a way that confirms someone is your client
This one trips up even well-meaning therapists.
Let’s say someone leaves a glowing review like, “Erica helped me so much with my anxiety!” You cannot respond with “Thank you, Sarah! I’m so glad I could help.”
Why? Because now you’ve confirmed they were your client. That’s a HIPAA violation, and it can undermine client confidentiality-even if they were the one to post first.
If you reply at all, keep it general and don’t acknowledge a therapeutic relationship.
Something like: “Thank you so much for your kind words.” Still warm, but safe.
Don’t ask your mom to pretend she saw you for anxiety
Tempting, I know. But please don’t have your friends or family write reviews pretending they saw you for anxiety.
Fake Google reviews violate trust, mislead potential clients, and can actually hurt your business.
Plus, Google’s algorithm is also getting smarter. And spammy, suspicious reviews can be flagged or removed.
What to do if someone leaves a bad Google Review of your therapy practice
So… you’re minding your business, checking your email, sipping your overpriced oat milk latte…and then BAM.
A bad review.
Your stomach drops.
Your brain starts sprinting. “Who is this? Why didn’t they just say something? Can I reply? Should I reply??? EVERYONE HATES ME AND THIS PROVES IT SO I’M GONNA GO CRAWL INTO A HOLE OKAY BYEEEEE”
Take a deep breath. This happens to nearly every therapist (or small business owner) at some point. And how you handle it matters way more than the review itself.
Here’s what to do when someone leaves a negative Google review of your therapy practice:
Step 1: Don’t panic and definitely don’t respond emotionally
Yes, it feels personal.
But take a beat before you reply.
Drafting a defensive response, trying to figure out who it was, or venting online will only make things worse.
Remember: you’re still bound by ethical and legal standards, even if the review feels unfair.
Step 2: Never confirm the person was a client
This is big.
Even if you know who left the review (and especially if they mention clinical details), you cannot confirm or deny they were ever your client.
Responding in a way that acknowledges the relationship (directly or indirectly) is a potential HIPAA violation and could get you into hot water with your licensing board.
Step 3: If you reply - keep it brief, kind, and general
A response to a negative review is not just damage control. It’s a public-facing opportunity to demonstrate your professionalism, compassion, and values.
Here’s how a therapist can use a bad review response to subtly reinforce that they’re ethical, grounded, and actually really good at what they do (without sounding defensive or desperate).
Goals of a great therapist response to a negative review:
Protect client confidentiality
Stay grounded and non-reactive
Model emotional intelligence and boundaries
Reassure future clients reading the review that you are trustworthy, ethical, and skilled
Here’s what that can look like:
“Thank you for your feedback. Because I take client confidentiality seriously, I can’t confirm or respond to the details mentioned here. I know therapy can bring up big feelings, and sometimes those feelings include frustration or disappointment. I aim to provide a supportive, respectful space for everyone I work with. If you’re reading this and looking for a therapist, I encourage you to find someone you feel safe with - whether that’s me or someone else. Therapy is a deeply personal process, and the right fit truly matters.”
Why this works:
✔️ It sounds calm and confident – You’re not shaken. You’re grounded.
✔️ It gently models therapeutic insight – Naming that therapy can be uncomfortable sometimes shows you get it.
✔️ It sells your values without selling – You emphasize safety, respect, and the importance of fit - all core elements of quality therapy.
✔️ It speaks to future clients – That last line is for them. You’re not just replying to a review. You’re reassuring potential clients who are scrolling and wondering if they should trust you.
Step 4: Report if it violates Google’s policies
If the review includes slurs, threats, or completely false information from someone who was never a client (e.g., “This therapist stole my dog”), you can flag it for removal through your Google Business Profile.
Just don’t expect miracles. Google doesn’t always remove reviews, even when they clearly violate guidelines.
Step 5: Bury it with better ones (ethically, of course)
One bad review won’t tank your practice - especially if it’s surrounded by thoughtful, positive reviews from past clients, colleagues, and community members.
Over time, that single negative comment becomes just a blip.
So focus on the long game:
✔️ Keep doing great work
✔️ Keep showing up authentically
✔️ Keep creating ways for people to share their experience ethically
Final thoughts: How therapists can get Google Reviews the ethical way
Getting Google reviews as a therapist can feel like walking a tightrope - wanting to grow your private practice without compromising your ethics, your clients' confidentiality, or your own integrity.
But here’s the good news: it’s absolutely possible to get reviews, improve your visibility in search results, and attract your ideal clients…without doing anything shady.
The key? Keep it client-centered.
Let positive feedback happen naturally.
And make it easy for former clients, referral partners, or colleagues to share their experience - if they choose to.
You don’t need to ask for reviews in session.
You don’t need to offer discounts.
And you definitely don’t need your mom to pretend she saw you for her panic attacks at Costco.
Just keep doing great work, and make sure your Google Business Profile and website are optimized so that when people do want to sing your praises, they know where to go.
Because at the end of the day, ethical marketing works.
Authentic reviews build real trust.
And when you're clear, confident, and easy to find, the right clients will come your way - algorithm approved.
Ready to build a profitable, ethical private practice?
You don’t have to choose between being a great therapist and running a business that actually supports your life.
Google reviews are just one piece of the puzzle. If you’re serious about building a fully booked, sustainable private practice (without the overwhelm) we’ve got you.
Between the three of us, we’ve built multiple six-figure practices (each!) - working fewer than 12 client hours a week. And now we teach other therapists how to do the same.
Our Total Freedom Private Practice Roadmap gives you the exact tools, scripts, and strategies we used to get fully booked, set profitable rates, and attract the right clients - without spending all day on Instagram or doing things that feel out of alignment.
No fluff. No gatekeeping. Just a step-by-step plan to build a private practice that actually works for you.
👉 Join the Program Now and start building the practice you really want.
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