Running a practice
9 therapist referral networks for finding new clients
Here’s how to find and schedule more clients using therapist referral networks and online directories.
January 24, 2025 • Updated on August 29, 2025
4 min read
Whether you’re just starting out in the field or you’re hoping to expand your existing therapy practice, it can be challenging to build your clientele. Taking steps to market your practice is a helpful way to connect with potential clients while highlighting your professional expertise and practice areas.
But what’s the best way to get your name out there and actually start scheduling more clients? Learn more below about how to find and schedule more clients using referrals and online directories.
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How to get therapy client referrals
It can take time to start receiving therapy referrals, but a few strategies can help increase your visibility and community connections.
Networking with other therapists
Building relationships with other therapists is a great way to build your client base — and a client referral network. When another therapist is full or can’t see a potential client for another reason, they may refer the client to you. Attend in-person networking events when you can or join professional groups to connect with other providers.
Social media
Creating a professional presence on social media sites like Instagram and Facebook to enable more people to find you and connect with your therapeutic expertise. You can also join Facebook groups for therapists to connect with potential referring providers.
Website
Your website should make it easy for people to find you and learn about all the services you provide and your approach to treatment. Including a contact form or direct contact info is also a helpful way to help potential clients connect with you. Be sure to optimize your website for search engines, too.
Online directories and platforms
Many clients searching for therapists end up on online directories and platforms, and it’s not hard to understand why.
Online directories are convenient and easy for clients to use. They allow people to conduct more sophisticated searches than they could through traditional search engines, filtering by provider type, background, treatment specialty, and more. Most online therapist directories also include built-in tools that allow prospective clients to contact or schedule consultations with therapists they like, which streamlines the process and makes it simpler for them to get started with treatment.
Plus, at a time when remote therapy is rapidly replacing in-person visits, it makes sense for clients to find their therapists in the same place they’ll eventually meet with them: online.
Savvy therapists know that marketing their practices via online directories enhances their internet presences, increases referrals, and fosters connections with clients who might not otherwise find them. Sign up for a few online directories and platforms that allow you to highlight your practice and skillset.
Our favorite therapy referral networks and online directories
Online directories make it easy for people to search for and find therapists who meet their needs. Searching clients can input specific criteria, such as location, insurance, and practice areas, to find a provider they want to work with. The below online directories are a great place to start.
Headway
Headway’s directory is an excellent choice for therapists looking to start or grow their practices online. First and foremost, it doesn’t cost anything to join. All providers have to do is complete a fast and free application and submit the information needed for Headway’s credentialing process. In as little as two weeks, they’ll be ready to list themselves in the Headway directory and start seeing clients — all without paying a cent.
Almost 50,000 therapists and prescribers from all 50 states are already listed in the Headway directory, making it the largest network of insurance-accepting providers in the U.S. That makes Headway’s directory a great place to connect with new clients, since prospective patients can browse with the confidence that they’ll be matched with a provider who is both affordable and accessible. Plus, Headway’s directory provides many filters that clients can use to find exactly the right match, from accepted insurance plans to favorite treatment modalities.
Psychology Today
One of the most popular online directories for therapists, Psychology Today also allows mental health providers to publish clinical blog content on the site.
Zencare
Zencare, another popular directory option, also offers services for therapists starting a private practice (such as invoicing and clinical records storage).
GoodTherapy
Along with making it easy to find providers, GoodTherapy publishes mental health news and information.
Choosing Therapy
A growing online platform for therapists, Choosing Therapy also disseminates mental health information.
TherapyDen
TherapyDen is an online directory that makes it easy for clients to find therapists that align with their values and identities.
Inclusive Therapists
Inclusive Therapists provides a platform for therapists of color and LGBTQIA+ therapists to connect with potential clients.
Therapy for Black Girls
Therapy for Black Girls is an online directory focused on connecting Black women with therapists.
Therapy for Latinx
Therapy for Latinx provides an online directory focused on connecting Latinx individuals with therapists.
Asian Mental Health Collective
AMHC is an online directory focused on connecting Asian individuals with therapists.
Tips for optimizing your Headway and other directory profiles for referrals
Strategically creating or updating your profile can help increase the likelihood of receiving referrals. Maximize your opportunity to connect with new patients by taking these steps:
- Upload a professional picture: Before booking an appointment, clients want to see who you are. Choose a clear professional photo of yourself to upload.
- Select focus areas: Choose all the focus areas that represent your expertise along with other treatment areas that support your practice.
- Add treatment approaches: Show potential clients which interventions and modalities you have experience with.
- Build your bio: Highlight your skills and strengths with additional details about your experience and practice in your bio.
- Set working hours: Pick as many working hours as your schedule allows. Clients are more likely to book with therapists who have greater availability.
Referrals grow your caseload, Headway helps sustain it
Headway lightens the load of insurance and paperwork, so you can put more energy into strengthening referral relationships and serving new clients.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute clinical, legal, financial, or professional advice. All decisions should be made at the discretion of the individual or organization, in consultation with qualified clinical, legal, or other appropriate professionals.
© 2025 Therapymatch, Inc. dba Headway. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission.
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