What every UK therapist website needs: a simple checklist

1. A clear first screen

Within a few seconds a visitor should know who you are, what kind of therapy you offer, where you work and how to get in touch. A headline like “Counselling for anxiety and grief in Windsor and online” does far more than “Welcome to my website”.

• Your name and your title (counsellor, psychotherapist, psychologist)
• Your town or area, and whether you work online
• One clear button: “Book a free call” or “Get in touch”

2. A real photo of you

Therapy is personal. A warm, natural photo of you, in good daylight, builds more trust than any stock image. It doesn’t need to be a studio portrait; a good phone photo is fine. Avoid heavy filters: clients should recognise you when they meet you.

3. Your registration and training

UK clients increasingly check that a therapist is registered. Mention your professional body (for example BACP, UKCP, NCPS or HCPC), your membership level and your main training. Link to your entry on your professional body’s register if you have one: it reassures people instantly.

4. What you help with, in plain words

List the issues you work with using the words clients actually use: “panic attacks”, “low mood”, “relationship problems”, “grief”. A short page for each main area also helps you appear on Google for those searches.

5. Fees and practical details

Many people won’t get in touch if they can’t see a price. Show your session fee, session length, whether you offer online or phone sessions, your cancellation policy and any concessions. Clear information feels respectful and saves you time on enquiries.

6. An easy, private way to get in touch

Offer a simple contact form, your email and (if you’re happy to) a phone number. Some clients prefer to book online, so a booking calendar can help, but keep a gentle enquiry option for people who want to ask a question first.

7. Privacy and the legal basics

• A privacy policy explaining how you handle enquiries and client information
• Most UK therapists in private practice also need to pay the ICO data protection fee: check ico.org.uk
• A short note that you’re not an emergency service, with where to get urgent help (999, NHS 111 or Samaritans on 116 123)

8. Fast, mobile-friendly and found on Google

Most visitors arrive on a phone. Your site should load quickly, be easy to read on a small screen, and be set up for Google: clear page titles, your town in the text, and a free Google Business Profile so you appear on Google Maps.