What Is SEO?

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the process of making your website more visible on search engines like Google. When someone types a question into Google, like "trauma-informed therapist near me" or "how does therapy help anxiety?" Google uses over 200 factors to decide which websites to show first.

These factors include:

• Keyword usage: Using the words and phrases people are actually searching for.

• Optimized content: Making sure your blogs and web pages answer specific questions and are structured in a way search engines understand.

• User experience: Ensuring your website is easy to navigate, loads quickly, and works on both desktop and mobile devices.

For therapists, SEO isn’t just about ranking, it’s about consistently attracting the right clients and building long-term trust with both Google and your audience.

What Is AIO?

AIO (AI Optimization) refers to optimizing your content not just for traditional search engines like Google, but also for AI-powered search and voice assistants like ChatGPT, Bing AI, and Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE).

In today’s search landscape, people are asking more conversational questions like:

• “What should I expect in my first therapy session?”

• “Is CBT or EMDR better for trauma?”

• “Can therapy really help with burnout?”

When your content clearly and concisely answers these kinds of questions, AI tools are more likely to pull your content into their responses. This builds your authority, expertise, and visibility across both AI and search platforms.

Why Are SEO and AIO Essential for Therapists?

SEO and AIO are not just marketing tools, they’re client connection tools.

Therapists often rely on word-of-mouth or Psychology Today, but clients today are looking for more. They're searching for:

• Answers to their mental health questions

• A sense of who you are before reaching out

• Reassurance that you understand what they’re going through

When your website content speaks to client pain points, answers their questions, and reflects your unique voice and expertise, you're already starting the therapeutic alliance before the first session.

SEO and AIO make sure your insights and approach are findable by the people who need you most.

How Sustainable Is SEO Marketing?

SEO is the most sustainable long-term marketing strategy for therapists.

Unlike social media, where algorithms change weekly and you need to constantly produce new content, SEO focuses on evergreen content, content that continues to attract and serve your ideal clients months or even years after it’s published.

While it typically takes 6–9 months to start seeing consistent results, once your foundation is in place, maintaining your SEO involves:

• Occasional blog posts

• Updating or refreshing old content

• Optimizing new services as your practice evolves

It's a front-loaded investment that pays off over time with less ongoing effort than many other strategies.

Why Is SEO So Expensive?

SEO is an investment, and for many therapists, it’s one of the biggest upfront costs in their marketing budget. I understand that can feel overwhelming.

I was lucky enough to be trained in SEO during grad school, but for therapists who don’t have the time or capacity to learn it themselves, hiring an SEO specialist makes sense.

Here’s what you’re investing in:

• Keyword research: Finding what your ideal clients are actually searching for.

• Competitor analysis: Understanding how others in your niche are ranking—and how to stand out.

• Site optimization: I optimize 3–4 pages per month, which takes 45–60 minutes per page, depending on content.

• Analytics: I review your Google Analytics and Search Console data to track results and adjust strategies.

• Strategy and communication: Monthly calls, email communication, blog topic suggestions, error fixes, and ongoing technical maintenance.

For context, SEO services typically range from $2,500–$3,500 for initial projects, and $500–$700/month for ongoing work. Many providers (myself included) offer payment plans.

If you want long-term growth without constantly overhauling your marketing, SEO is worth the investment.

What’s My Commitment to You, and Yours to Me?

I take my work seriously, and I want to make sure it’s a good fit for both of us.

Here’s what I need from you:

• Timely communication: Schedule meetings within your two-week availability window.

• Content deadlines: Have your content ready by the 7th of the month; extensions can be granted until the 10th.

• Feedback: Please give me feedback mid-month, especially early on. If you’re unsure why I made a change, just ask! I love collaborating and explaining my strategy.

And in return:

• I’ll respect your time and expertise as a therapist.

• I’ll provide transparency around what I’m doing and why.

• I’ll tailor your SEO strategy to your practice’s unique needs.

I also run a private therapy practice, so I deeply understand how precious your time is, and I promise to honor that in our work together.

How Do I Get Started?

You can book a free 30-minute consultation on my website. My availability shifts, so if a time you book is no longer open, I’ll email you to reschedule within the same timeframe.

This consultation is a no-pressure opportunity to:

• Get a feel for my process

• Understand the time and financial commitment

• Receive personalized feedback on your current website