How to Get Reviews When You Can't Ask Your Clients.

Did you know that the Therapist Code of Ethics recently clarified regulations for asking clients for online reviews, i.e., Google reviews? Clinics cannot directly ask clients for reviews online. When you take a moment to think about it, that makes sense. There are power dynamics in play when we provide or seek out a therapeutic relationship.

So what are clinic owners to do? In our world, whether we like it or not, online reviews come with big stakes. Reviews build website SEO, and in a world where AI search is becoming more prevalent every day, review listings can make the difference between new clients finding your clinic and losing foot traffic on your website. Reviews matter, but so do ethics. Here are my tips for collecting reviews without crossing ethical boundaries.

1. Use Your Network

   
   

If you cannot ask your clients for reviews, who should you turn to? Your professional network! The mental health world is growing, and the networks are strong! Most people in the helping professions genuinely want to see their network succeed. Make a list of everyone you know who would be able to genuinely speak to your services, your character, and your career. Once you have your list, you can create a plan for reaching out to request reviews.

2. Personalize The Ask

The best way to receive reviews is to personalize your ask. Reaching out through a bulk email or text message saves time, but the reality is that most people won't remember to leave a review, even if they planned to. One of the best ways to actually get reviews is to reach out to one person and ask for a review.

Here is the formula I use:

• Reach out using the written platform that you communicate with them the most on: text, email, Snapchat, Facebook, etc.

• Start the message by using their name and checking in.

• Explain why you are looking for a review and why you feel they would be a good person to leave a review: "I am trying to build my online presence, you know my work from xyz."

• Thank them in advance for their time and express what it means to you.

• Share the direct link for your review page.

• Offer to leave them a review for their business if applicable.

• Thank them again for their time.

3. Stay Consistent

Try to ask one or two people in your network for a review each week. Being consistent is important because building your online presence takes time. Many platforms will remove reviews if too many are posted on one day. Asking for one or two a week keeps you in the habit of asking for them without overrunning the platform. Some weeks you may not get any reviews, and that is ok, do not let that keep you from staying consistent with your requests. Over time, your reviews will help boost your SEO, which will drive traffic to your website, ideally converting into new clients.

Important Note:

Clinic owners and providers cannot ask for client reviews, but that does not stop clients from leaving reviews on their own. If a client writes a review, clinics mustn't confirm the therapeutic relationship in their review response, as that would violate HIPAA. If you plan to respond to reviews, make sure to keep the responses neutral.

Reviews help with your clinic's online presence, but the real-world work matters more. Providing high-quality care and support for clients is what will help your clinic grow the fastest. Being genuine and authentic with your network matters too. When the work you do is making a difference, you will always "land on your feet."