building trust: 6 website elements that make clients feel safe choosing your therapy practice

 Building Trust: 6 Website Elements That Make Clients Feel Safe Choosing Your Therapy Practice,

Your website is often the first impression a potential client has of you. For therapists, psychologists, and health coaches, building a safe, welcoming online space is just as important as the work you do in the therapy room.

In this guide—Building Trust: 6 Website Elements That Make Clients Feel Safe Choosing Your Therapy Practice—you’ll learn how to create a website that connects, reassures, and gently guides visitors toward booking their first session.

1. Warm, Professional Headshots

Building trust begins with showing your face. A friendly, high-quality headshot helps potential clients feel connected before they even reach out. Make sure your photo reflects who you are in session—approachable, grounded, and professional.

2. A Genuine “About” Page

Your About page is one of the most visited sections of your website, so use it to speak directly to your ideal clients. Share your qualifications, your approach to therapy or coaching, and why you love what you do. Write in a conversational tone and let your personality come through—authenticity is key when building trust.

3. Credentials & Certifications

Clients want to know they’re in capable hands. Display your qualifications, professional memberships (e.g., AHPRA, PACFA), and any areas of specialty. These visual cues of professionalism go a long way in building trust and credibility.

4. Clear Contact Information

Make it easy for clients to reach you. Include your email, phone number, and a secure contact form. If you see clients in person, add your location (e.g., Melbourne) and clearly state whether you offer telehealth, in-person sessions, or both. Transparent, easy-to-find contact info helps in building trust with visitors navigating their mental health journey.

5. Accessibility & Crisis Resources

A trauma-informed website design is inclusive and caring.

• Use large, easy-to-read fonts, high-contrast colours, and alt text for images to make your site accessible.

• Add links to 24/7 crisis support services or emergency contacts. Even if you don’t offer crisis counselling, this signals your deep care for client safety and wellbeing—an important part of building trust online.
  

6. Blog & Resources

Sharing helpful blog posts or free resources is a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and support potential clients before they even book. It positions you as a warm expert while improving your website’s visibility on Google. And yes, regular content updates show you’re active and invested—another trust-building tick.

Bonus Trust-Builders

Want to go the extra mile? ➕ Include photos of your office or a virtual tour ➕ Add links to your professional social media for ongoing engagement ➕ Feature testimonials or client feedback if allowed by your governing body (note: AHPRA-registered professionals must not use testimonials)

Ready for a Website That Builds Instant Trust?

I'd love to help. I create Wix websites tailored for therapists, coaches, and health professionals. If you want to bring these 6 trust-building website elements to life and make your practice stand out, I’d love to help. Get in touch today