Answered by Noah Watson · Updated 2026-10-15
Can a therapist use client testimonials in their marketing?
Almost never, and not without written authorisation. A testimonial confirms someone was a patient, which is protected information, and the professional codes for psychologists and counselors also bar asking current clients for one.
Why testimonials are different in mental health
In most businesses a happy customer quote is free marketing. In a mental health practice, the quote itself reveals that the person was treated there. Under HIPAA that needs the patient's written authorisation before it can be published.
On top of that, the ethics codes for psychologists and counselors tell clinicians not to solicit testimonials from current clients, because a client in treatment may not feel free to say no.
What to use instead
Show the clinician instead of the client. Posts where the psychiatrist or therapist explains how they work, what a first appointment is like and who they help build the same trust a testimonial would, with none of the risk.
Want this set up for your practice? See how I do it.