How does a therapy practice get Google reviews safely?

Your Google profile has few reviews and some old negative ones. Asking clients for reviews feels risky, and replying can expose them.

The short answer

Be careful about asking current clients; many ethics codes discourage it. Focus on a complete profile and on replies that never confirm someone is a client.

Do it yourself

  1. Check your ethics code

    The APA code says psychologists don't solicit testimonials from current therapy clients. Check yours.

  2. Complete your profile

    Hours, services, insurance taken, photos of the office and regular updates all help.

  3. Reply without confirming

    Never confirm someone is a client, or mention care, dates or details, in a reply.

  4. Report what breaks policy

    Flag reviews that break Google's rules, such as fake or off-topic ones.

Tools people use

  • Weave Patient communication software for practices, with review requests.
  • Birdeye Every rating and review from every site, in one place.
  • Podium Leads and reviews in one shared team inbox.

Or have it run for you

Runway watches your Google reviews and drafts replies that never confirm anyone is a client.

Every review seen

New Google reviews show up on your page with a reply drafted.

Privacy-safe replies

Drafts stay general: no names, no care details, nothing that confirms a client.

Profile kept fresh

Runway suggests updates for your Google profile and posts them after your yes.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Check privacy questions with your own compliance adviser.

Questions

How do I get more Google reviews for my therapy practice without breaking HIPAA?

Be careful about asking current clients; many ethics codes discourage it. Focus on a complete profile and on replies that never confirm someone is a client.

Can a therapist reply to a Google review?

Yes, with a general reply that doesn't confirm the person is a client. Don't mention their care, dates or details.

Can I ask clients for Google reviews?

Many professional codes discourage asking current clients. Read your own code and check with your board before you ask anyone.

Sources

  1. Weave: Review management
  2. Birdeye: Reviews
  3. Podium: Inbox
  4. APA: Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (Standard 5.05)
  5. Google: Report a review
  6. Google Maps: Content policy

Public pages read on October 14, 2026. Prices and features change; check each site before you choose.

More answers

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