Selling the Couch

420: How A Therapist's Website Shapes A Client's First Impression


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Do therapist websites still matter in the age of AI?

With platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, Google AI Search, social media, and online directories changing how people search for support, many therapists are wondering:

Is it even worth investing in a website anymore?

In this episode, Mel sits down with Sarah Gershon of Strong Roots Web Design to explore why therapist websites may actually matter more than ever, especially in a world where AI is becoming the intermediary between clinicians and potential clients.

Together, they unpack how websites shape a client’s first impression, why authenticity matters more than “marketing,” and how therapists can create websites that feel safe, human, and deeply aligned with their values.

We cover:

* What potential clients are really looking for in the first few seconds on a therapist website * Why websites still matter in the AI era

* The difference between “rented” platforms (social media) vs. owned platforms (your website)

* How to write website copy that feels authentic instead of salesy

* Why therapists are uniquely positioned to create high-quality, human-centered content

* Google’s evolving EEAT standards

* A simple homepage audit exercise every therapist should do this month

Your website isn’t just a marketing tool.

It’s a place where potential clients can feel safe, understood, and begin building trust before they ever reach out.

If you want to improve your website this month: ask: Would a hurting person feel safe here?

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--

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Selling the CouchBy Melvin Varghese, PhD

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