Parents searching for child therapy are often stressed, skeptical, and ready to commit—but only if they find you first. Your Google My Business (GMB) profile is the fastest way to show up in those critical search moments and build trust with families in your area. Here's exactly how to set up GMB for your child and adolescent therapy practice.
Why Google My Business Matters for Therapists
When a parent types "child therapist near me" or "adolescent therapy [city name]," Google displays local results with verified business profiles first. A complete GMB profile increases your visibility, credibility, and click-through rates by up to 70%. Without it, you're invisible to the families most likely to book.
Setting Up Your Business Profile
Go to google.com/business and click "Manage your business." You'll need:
- Business name (exactly as registered; add your specialization if relevant, like "Smith Therapy—Child & Adolescent Focus")
- Service address (your physical office; if you work from home, use a professional business address or check if Google allows home-based services in your area—they vary by region)
- Phone number (dedicated line if possible, not your personal cell)
- Website URL (essential; even a simple one-page site improves credibility)
- Business category ("Therapist" or "Mental Health Service" are primary; "Counselor" and "Psychologist" are also relevant)
Verify your business within 48 hours using Google's postcard, phone call, or email verification method. This step is non-negotiable—unverified profiles rank lower.
Crafting Your Service Descriptions
Google allows you to list specific services. For child therapy, be explicit:
- Individual therapy for children (ages 6–11)
- Adolescent counseling (ages 12–18)
- Anxiety and depression treatment
- ADHD support and behavioral coaching
- Trauma-informed therapy
- Family sessions (if you offer them)
Each description should be 100–160 characters and speak directly to parent pain points. Instead of "therapy services," write "Anxiety and behavioral support for children struggling in school or at home."
Photos and Videos Build Trust
Upload 10–15 high-quality images:
- Your office waiting room (calm, welcoming, age-appropriate)
- Your therapy office (professional but warm)
- You in your space (parents want to see who they're trusting)
- Team photos if applicable
- Certificates or credentials displayed on your wall
A 15–30 second video introducing yourself—mentioning your experience with children, your approach, and how parents can get started—increases engagement significantly. Keep it professional but personable.
Pricing Transparency
Add your service prices directly in GMB. Most child therapists charge:
- $80–$150 per session (standard rates in most U.S. markets)
- $120–$200 per session (if specializing in trauma, ADHD, or complex cases)
- Package discounts (e.g., 4 sessions for $400 instead of $480) often appear in profiles and attract committed families
Listing pricing upfront filters out budget-mismatched inquiries and speeds up lead quality.
Get and Respond to Reviews
Ask parents to leave reviews after their first successful session. Aim for 15–20 reviews in your first three months. Respond to every review within 48 hours—positive or negative.
For positive reviews: "Thank you for trusting us with your child's care. We're honored to be part of their journey."
For negative reviews: Stay calm, acknowledge concerns, and invite offline conversation. Never get defensive; families are watching how you handle criticism.
Reviews with specific details (e.g., "therapist helped my anxious son feel safe") rank higher and persuade more parents than generic praise.
Business Hours and Availability
Set accurate hours and note any school-year vs. summer variations. If you take on new clients through referral only, clarify that in your profile description—don't list yourself as "Open" if you're not accepting direct bookings.
Link Your Website and Booking System
If you have a booking tool (Acuity, Calendly, SimplePractice), add the link to your GMB profile. Parents want to schedule directly without calling. This reduces friction and increases conversion.
Listing on Dedicated Platforms
While GMB is foundational, listing on Mercoly and similar mental health directories helps you get found by more families, win qualified leads, and showcase your specific services and credentials in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I list my home address on GMB if I work from my home office? A: No. Google doesn't allow residential addresses for therapists in most regions. Use a virtual office address or your practice's registered business address instead.
Q: How long does it take for my GMB profile to show up in local search results? A: Verified profiles typically appear within 7–14 days, but full ranking optimization (reviews, photos, consistent information) takes 4–8 weeks.
Q: Can I add "ADHD specialist" or "trauma-informed therapist" as service tags? A: Yes. Use service descriptions and attributes to signal your specialties, and mention them in your "About" section for search visibility.
Start your GMB setup today—families in your area are searching right now.