Why your Psychology Today referrals are down
Have you been getting fewer referrals from Psychology Today recently?
If so, you’re not alone. Therapists have been talking about it on Reddit.
There are a few possible explanations.
One hypothesis is that it’s not actually a Psychology Today problem. It’s that people are struggling financially. According to Reddit user jaavuori24, “there may or may not be something with that actual company, but 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.”
Another theory is that companies like Headway, Alma, and Rula have flooded Psychology Today with therapist profiles, pushing other results down. According to Reddit user MKCactusQueen, “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 bc I had more referrals through PT than I could handle. Since mid 2023, it's been crickets.”
Similarweb shows 34.74% of outgoing traffic from Psychology Today’s website linking to Headway’s website followed by 7.20% to Alma’s website, so there may be some truth to that theory.
Image via Similarweb
Regardless of the reason, the takeaway here is to diversify your referral sources.
If you only rely on Psychology Today for clients, then you’re going to be in trouble if referrals slow down. Instead, invest in other marketing channels, like networking and SEO.
Don’t put all your marketing eggs in one basket.