A Decline in Referrals Sparks Widespread Concern
For years, Psychology Today has been one of the go-to directories for therapists looking to connect with clients.
But according to therapists on Reddit, something has changed.
What was once a reliable source of referrals has reportedly slowed to a trickle, leaving many professionals wondering what happened. 
A recent discussion on r/therapists, a Reddit community where mental health professionals share insights and frustrations, revealed growing concern over declining visibility on the platform.
One therapist, Marigold June, shared their experience, writing:
“Like a lot of you, I’ve noticed that Psychology Today has been super disappointing lately.
I’ll get 2–3 messages a week if I’m lucky, versus when I first started, and I would get 2–3 messages a day.”
Others in the thread echoed the sentiment, noting that despite maintaining active listings, they’ve seen a significant drop in inquiries from potential clients.
The Economic Slowdown and Shifting Priorities
One of the most common explanations offered by therapists in the discussion was the state of the economy.
Layoffs in major industries, especially in tech-heavy cities, have left many people struggling financially, making therapy a lower priority.
Reddit user jaavuori24 noted:
“I think the bigger general issue is that a lot of people are economically hurting right now.
I work in the city with a large tech footprint, the layoffs this year have decimated my schedule.”
This financial strain has led to clients stretching out sessions or pausing therapy altogether.
Some therapists shared that their full-time practices are now struggling to stay afloat, something they hadn’t experienced before.
The Rise of BetterHelp and Rula
Another potential reason for the decline? The growing presence of large telehealth platforms like BetterHelp and Rula.
Multiple therapists speculated that Psychology Today may be prioritizing therapists from these platforms over independent practitioners.
Some even accused the directory of quietly pushing clients toward these services rather than their private practices.
User MKCactusQueen raised concerns about Psychology Today’s alleged relationship with Rula:
“PT supposedly boosts the therapists through a company called Rula.
They deny it, but no one believes them. From 2019–2023, I didn’t have to market myself at all because I had more referrals through PT than I could handle.
Since mid-2023, it’s been crickets.”
Others shared similar experiences, saying that when clients reach out through Psychology Today, they are sometimes funneled toward therapists affiliated with Rula rather than independent practitioners.
The Growing Competition for Visibility
Some therapists pointed to shifting algorithms and increased competition on the platform as potential reasons for the downturn.
User LMFT33 shared an eye-opening statistic:
“My bio appeared in 14,000 searches in 2023 and 4,000 in 2024. Something fishy here!”
Several other therapists noted that their profiles, once prominent in search results, now appear buried under dozens of listings from corporate therapy providers.
Mimi_618 shared their findings after researching Psychology Today’s search results:
“I investigated this and put my zip code in. They have their online-only therapists flooded into the search… I had to scroll through three pages to get to mine.”
If these claims are accurate, independent therapists may be fighting an uphill battle just to be seen by potential clients.
Therapists Looking for Alternatives
With Psychology Today referrals slowing down, some therapists are turning to alternative platforms to market their practices.
User Marigold June mentioned trying GoodTherapy and Open Path Collective, two platforms that cater to therapists who offer sliding-scale rates.
Others suggested improving direct marketing efforts through personal websites, Google search, and networking with local clinicians.
Still, for many, the shift is concerning. The drop in referrals has made an already difficult profession even more precarious.
With therapy demand high, but accessibility issues growing, the conversation around how therapists and clients connect is more important than ever.
What’s Next for Therapists?
As the mental health landscape continues to evolve, therapists are navigating a changing marketplace where visibility, affordability, and corporate influence play bigger roles than ever.
Whether Psychology Today addresses these concerns or therapists move on to new platforms remains to be seen.
One thing is certain, therapists are feeling the impact, and they’re searching for answers.
What Can Therapists Do? Verified Recommendations from foorum
While the slowdown on Psychology Today is concerning, therapists still have options to increase visibility and connect with potential clients.
Based on expert insights and verified recommendations from foorum Insider, here are some strategic steps clinicians can take:
1. Optimize Your Online Presence
- Google My Business – Many therapists overlook this free tool. Registering your practice ensures it appears in local search results when people look for therapy in your area.
- SEO for Private Websites – If you have a website, optimizing it with relevant keywords like “affordable therapy near me” or “anxiety therapist in [your city]” can increase organic traffic.
- Improve Profile Listings – If you’re staying on Psychology Today, make sure your profile is fully optimized with engaging descriptions, up-to-date credentials, and keywords that match what clients are searching for.
2. Diversify Referral Sources
- Join Alternative Directories – Platforms like GoodTherapy, TherapyDen, and Open Path Collective cater to independent providers and may offer better visibility.
- Network Locally – Establish referral relationships with primary care doctors, community organizations, and schools. Word-of-mouth referrals remain one of the strongest ways to gain new clients.
- Social Media & Content Marketing – Engaging content on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn can help educate potential clients and increase inquiries.
3. Leverage Telehealth Wisely
- Hybrid Practice Model – Balancing in-person and virtual appointments can open your practice to clients in different regions, especially in states with high demand for mental health services.
- Vet Telehealth Partnerships – If you’re considering joining platforms like BetterHelp or Rula, review contract terms carefully. Some therapists report low pay and high caseloads.
4. Build Direct Client Relationships
- Sliding Scale & Membership Models – Some therapists are shifting to direct-pay models with sliding-scale fees or subscription-based services to offer affordability while maintaining financial stability.
- Workshops & Group Therapy – Hosting group sessions on stress management, parenting, or trauma recovery can generate additional income and provide support to those hesitant about one-on-one therapy.
The Bottom Line: Taking Control of Your Practice
The mental health field is shifting, and platforms like Psychology Today may no longer be the powerhouse they once were.
While economic challenges and algorithm changes play a role, therapists can still take proactive steps to stay visible, attract clients, and build a sustainable practice.
The message is clear, therapists can’t rely on a single platform to do the work for them.
A diverse approach to marketing, networking, and practice management is the best way forward.
