How to Interpret Online Reviews of Therapists (And What You Should Know Before Leaving One)

Do Online Reviews Help You Find a Therapist?

If you’re searching for a therapist, you’re likely doing what most people do—Googling options and reading reviews. Reviews can be incredibly helpful when choosing a restaurant or hotel, but when it comes to mental health care, they don’t always tell the full story.

Therapists follow ethical guidelines that make their reviews different from other service providers. Unlike restaurants, dentists, or personal trainers, therapists cannot ask clients for reviews and are not allowed to respond to them. This creates a unique challenge: the reviews you see may not always reflect the full range of experiences.

So how should you interpret therapist reviews? And if you’ve had a positive experience, should you leave one? Let’s explore what you need to know.

Why Therapist Reviews Are Different from Other Businesses

1. Therapists Can’t Ask for Reviews

Most businesses actively encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews, but ethical guidelines prohibit therapists from doing so. This means reviews are usually written only by those who feel compelled to share—whether they had a great experience or a frustrating one.

2. Therapists Can’t Respond to Reviews

Unlike restaurants or doctors who can reply to reviews and clarify misunderstandings, therapists are bound by confidentiality laws (HIPAA and professional ethics). Even if a review is inaccurate, misleading, or unfair, they cannot respond or explain their side of the story.

3. Reviews Often Skew Negative or Extreme

Because happy clients aren’t nudged to leave reviews, online feedback about therapists may be more negative or polarized than what you’d expect in other industries. Many satisfied clients never leave a review at all, while those who had a difficult experience may be more motivated to share.

How to Interpret Therapist Reviews Effectively

✅ Look for Patterns, Not Just One Review

A single negative review doesn’t necessarily mean the therapist isn’t skilled. Instead, look for consistent themes across multiple reviews. If several people mention poor communication or difficulty scheduling, that might be a red flag.

✅ Consider the Reviewer’s Perspective

Therapy is deeply personal. A therapist who wasn’t a good fit for one person may be perfect for someone else. Words like "cold" or "distant" might reflect a mismatch in style rather than an actual issue.

✅ Understand That Some Reviews Aren’t from Clients

Unfortunately, some negative reviews come from people who never actually had therapy with that provider. These might include people frustrated about scheduling policies, fees, or insurance—not their actual therapy experience.

✅ Trust Your Own Judgment

Ultimately, the best way to evaluate a therapist is by speaking with them directly. Many therapists offer free consultations, allowing you to get a feel for their style before committing.

Should You Leave a Review for Your Therapist?

If you’ve had a great experience with a therapist and want to help others find quality care, leaving a review can be beneficial. Since therapists can’t ask for reviews, your feedback may help balance out the negative bias in online ratings.

However, there are some important things to consider before posting:

Pros of Leaving a Review

✔ You Help Others Find a Great Therapist – Your review can guide others in choosing a provider who meets their needs.

✔ You Balance Out Negative Bias – Since therapists can’t solicit reviews, positive experiences are often underrepresented.

✔ You Can Show Appreciation for Their Work – Many therapists work hard to support clients, and a thoughtful review can be a meaningful way to acknowledge their impact.

Cons of Leaving a Review

⚠ You Might Reveal Personal Information – Even if you don’t share details, simply stating that you saw a therapist can disclose sensitive info about your mental health journey.

⚠ Reviews Are Public and Permanent – Once posted, a review is out there for anyone to see. You may later wish you hadn’t shared that information.

⚠ Your Therapist Might See It – If you’re still working with the therapist, they may see your review, which could feel awkward for you.

How to Write a Thoughtful Therapist Review

If you do decide to leave a review, keep it general and avoid sharing personal details. Instead of saying, “This therapist helped me through my anxiety and panic attacks,” you could say:

✅ "Compassionate, professional, and knowledgeable. Highly recommend!"

This keeps the focus on the therapist’s qualities rather than your personal experience.

Final Thoughts: Trust More Than Just Online Reviews

While reviews can provide useful insights, they don’t tell the whole story. The best way to find the right therapist is through a consultation, asking trusted referrals, and trusting your own instincts.

And if you’re in a position to leave a review, doing so might just help someone else find the support they need.