On‑Page SEO Checklist for Therapists: 10 Must‑Have Elements for Every Service Page

If you’re a therapist or psychotherapist building a private practice, your website is one of the most powerful tools you have, not just for sharing what you do, but for helping the right people find and connect with you. But having a website is just the beginning. For it to work for you, it needs to be discoverable. That’s where SEO (search engine optimization) comes in.

SEO helps your site show up higher in Google search results, making it easier for potential clients to find your services. And one of the best places to start is with on-page SEO, the elements on each individual page that tell search engines (and people) what your content is about.

In this guide, we’ll walk through 10 must-have on-page SEO elements every therapist should include on their service pages to increase visibility, reach more of the right people, and grow your practice.

1. Use the Right Keywords

Each service page should be built around one specific keyword or phrase that reflects what you do and where you do it. For example:

• “Anxiety therapy in Little Rock, AR”
• “Online couples counseling for St. Paul, MN”

You’ll want to naturally weave this keyword into:

• The page title
• The first paragraph
• At least one subheading
• A few spots throughout the page

Sprinkling in related terms (like “therapy for anxiety” or “SEO for therapists”) can also help reinforce your topic for search engines.

2. Craft a Clear, Optimized Page Title

Your page title, also called a title tag, is what appears in Google’s search results, so it should be clear, concise, and focused on your service.

Example:
Anxiety Therapy in Seattle | Licensed Therapist for Adults

A few tips:

• Keep it under 60 characters so it doesn’t get cut off
• Include both your service and your location
• Think about what your ideal client would click on

3. Write a Compelling Meta Description

Meta descriptions don’t directly affect your rankings, but they can absolutely influence whether someone clicks on your site.

Example:
Looking for anxiety therapy in Seattle? I help adults manage stress and anxiety through compassionate, evidence-based care.

Keep it under 160 characters, include your main keyword, and let people know what makes your approach helpful or unique.

4. Use Headings to Organize Your Page

Break your content into sections using header tags (H1, H2, H3, etc.). It makes your page easier to read and helps search engines understand your content better.

• Use one H1 (your main title)
• Use H2s for main sections
• Use H3s for supporting points

Example:

• H2: What to Expect from Anxiety Therapy in Little Rock, AR
• H3: Therapeutic Techniques I Use

Think of headers as road signs guiding your reader through your page.

5. Optimize Your Images

Photos and visuals help your website feel more welcoming and personal, but they should also be SEO-friendly.

Tips for image optimization:

• Use compressed file formats like JPEG or WebP so your site loads quickly
• Rename files descriptively (e.g., anxiety-therapy-seattle.jpg)
• Add alt text that describes the image and includes a relevant keyword if it fits
  

Bonus: This also makes your site more accessible for people using screen readers.

6. Link to Other Pages on Your Site

Internal links (links between pages on your own website) help visitors explore and help Google crawl your site more effectively.

Examples:

• Link from a service page to your Contact or About page
• Link from a blog post to a related service you offer
  

This also gently nudges visitors toward taking action.

7. Add Clear, Inviting Calls to Action (CTAs)

Every page should guide your reader toward what to do next, whether that’s booking a session, reaching out, or scheduling a consultation.

Examples:

• “Schedule Your Free Consultation”
• “Book a Session Today in Kansas City, MO”
• “Contact Me to Get Started”

It’s a good idea to place CTAs near the top, middle, and bottom of the page so they’re easy to find.

8. Don’t Forget Local SEO

Most therapy searches happen locally, so it’s important to signal where you’re based and focus on local SEO.

Make sure to:

• Mention your city and state throughout the page
• Include your address and phone number
• Add a Google Map to your contact page

These details help Google (and potential clients) know exactly where you’re located and who you serve.

9. Make Sure Your Site Works on Mobile

With more than half of all web traffic coming from phones, your service pages must look and function well on mobile.

Here’s how to check:

• Run your site through Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test
• Make sure the text is easy to read and the buttons are easy to tap
• Use layouts and images that load quickly

Most modern website platforms (like Squarespace, Wix, or WordPress) do this automatically, but it’s always worth double-checking.

10. Write Content That Feels Like You

This one’s big: your content should sound like you, not like a textbook or a robot.

Speak directly to your clients’ experiences. Show empathy. Let them know you understand what they’re going through and how you can help.

Example:
Feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or stress? As a licensed anxiety therapist in Denver, I offer a safe, supportive space to help you feel more grounded and in control.

Good content is:

• Clear and conversational
• Focused on the client’s needs and feelings
• Around 2,000 words per service page

If you’re using tools like ChatGPT to help with content creation, that’s totally fine. They can be great for brainstorming or getting a draft going. But always go back and make sure it reflects your voice, your values, and the way you work. That human touch makes all the difference.

Let Your Practice Be Seen

Whether you’re just starting out or growing an established practice, strong on-page SEO helps more people find the support they’re looking for from you.

By implementing these 10 elements on each service page, you’re not just improving search rankings, you’re creating a clearer, more welcoming experience for the clients who need your care.

Need support with the tech side or content writing? Working with an SEO professional at Simplified SEO Consulting who understands therapists can help you feel confident that your website is doing its job, attracting the right clients, and reflecting the heart of your practice.

Get Found by the Clients Who Need You With Simplified SEO Consulting

At Simplified SEO Consulting, we specialize in helping therapists and private practice owners make the most of their websites. With strategic on-page SEO, you can rise in search rankings, increase visibility, and create a site that truly reflects your work. Follow these three simple steps to get started:

1. Book a free consultation with our SEO team
2. Get customized guidance from a skilled SEO specialist who understands your field
3. Attract the right clients and help more people

Additional SEO Services

At Simplified SEO Consulting, we provide a range of services designed to elevate your online presence and help your website perform at its best. Whether you’re seeking full-service SEO help or prefer a more hands-on learning experience, there’s an option that fits your needs.

Our Done-For-You SEO Services handle everything from targeted keyword research to on-page content optimization—so you can stay focused on supporting your clients while we take care of the behind-the-scenes SEO work. If you’re more of a DIYer, our DIY SEO Online Courses are packed with practical strategies and training to help you confidently manage your own SEO journey. Looking for something uniquely tailored to your goals? Our SEO Strategy Package offers a custom plan built just for you. If you just need expert input here and there, our SEO Consulting Package is perfect for getting personalized advice on specific challenges.

We also offer Technical SEO to improve how your site functions, Local SEO to increase visibility in your geographic area, and Stand-Alone Copywriting for high-quality, keyword-optimized content that engages and converts visitors. Want to learn more about SEO? Our blog is full of helpful insights and tips created specifically for therapists looking to strengthen their digital presence and connect with more of their ideal clients.

About The Author

Brianna is a skilled Mental Health SEO specialist known for her ability to optimize therapist websites and work closely with private practice owners to reach their SEO goals. She’s driven by a passion for simplifying SEO—translating complex strategies into manageable, step-by-step actions that truly move the needle. With strong attention to detail and a client-centered approach, Brianna strives to deliver a smooth, supportive SEO journey that equips practice owners with the knowledge and confidence to grow their online presence.

Ready to boost your visibility? Schedule a consultation with our team and start moving your practice forward today!