DIY, template, or designer? Compare your therapist website options
If you're not sure where to start with your website, you're not alone.
There’s no one right way to build a therapist website; however, there is a best option for you. This post and easy comparison chart break down the most common approaches — from DIY builders to fully custom design — so you can choose what makes the most sense for your goals, budget, and time. Wherever you are in your practice, this will give you a clearer sense of what your next step might be.
1) DIY Website Builder
(Build your own website entirely in Squarespace, Wix, etc.)
✅ Pros
Most affordable (~$200/year)
No coding needed
Built-in tools help with basic SEO & Web Accessibility
You have full control of your website
Quick to get started
⚠️ Cons
Very time consuming
Limited customization, can feel generic
SEO and Accessibility require manual setup
Easy to make choices that hurt SEO & Accessibility
Steep learning curve
→ Best for therapists on a tight budget who are comfortable learning tech tools on their own and don’t mind a time-intensive setup.
→ If DIY is your style, I always recommend Squarespace — I’ve spent countless hours in the platform and think it offers the best mix of ease and power.
2) Pre-made Templates
(Build your own website using a professional template designed for therapists)
✅ Pros
Professional design with less effort and faster setup than DIY
Cost-effective ($200–$800 one-time)
Design already tailored for therapists
⚠️ Cons
Still requires setup (copywriting, images, tech tweaks)
SEO requires manual setup
Level of accessibility varies depending on creator
Limited flexibility, can feel generic
→ Best for those who want a more polished site than DIY but are still budget-conscious and willing to take the time to learn some tech tools and do some of the work themselves.
→ If you'd like to buy a beautiful, done-for-you template, Etsy has great options made specifically for therapists that you can implement yourself in Squarespace.
3) Semi-custom Website by Designer
(Designer builds your website using a professional template designed for therapists)
✅ Pros
Lower cost than fully custom design
Faster turnaround (usually 1–3 weeks)
Built on a strategic, therapist-specific template
Still customized to your branding and practice
Professional guidance on layout, copy, and visuals
SEO and Accessibility built in
⚠️ Cons
Less design flexibility
Still an investment (~$1,500-$3,000)
Limited to the designer’s style/template options
Requires you to provide content (unless you add copywriting service)
→ Best for therapists who want a professional, strategic website quickly and affordably, without the timeline or price tag of a fully custom site.
→ If you're leaning toward something more tailored but not fully custom, I offer semi-custom websites starting at $1,500. Book a free consultation and we can talk through what’s right for you.
4) Custom Website by Designer
(Hire a professional web designer to build your website from scratch)
✅ Pros
Fully tailored design + messaging
Includes SEO strategy + setup
Accessibility often baked into the design
Optional growth features: scheduling, logo/branding, newsletter/blog, etc.
Support and involvement in the process
⚠️ Cons
Larger investment ($2,000–$10,000+)
Takes more time (4–12 weeks)
Requires you to provide content (unless you add copywriting service) and design feedback
May take time to find the right designer fit — make sure designer specializes in therapist websites
→ Best for established or growth-minded therapists who want a fully tailored, high-impact online presence with strong SEO and branding.
→ If you're ready for a fully custom site that reflects your unique practice, I offer custom Squarespace design starting at $4,000. Feel free to book a consultation to learn more.
5) Therapy Specific Platforms
(Brighter Vision, TherapySites, etc.)
✅ Pros
Fast & easy to launch
Industry-specific tools (HIPAA, blogs, scheduler)
Some SEO included
Some offer easy integration of EHR or scheduling tools
⚠️ Cons
Underperforms in SEO in the long term
Accessibility features may be outdated or missing
Limited design control, lack of site ownership
Generic design & copy
Ongoing fees ($60–$150/month) add up over time
→ Best for those who prioritize convenience and an all-in-one solution, and don’t mind sacrificing uniqueness or flexibility.
→ If you prefer to use a therapy-specific platform, you might want to check out Brighter Vision, TherapySites, or SimplePractice — they all offer built-in features just for therapists.
✨ Best of luck on your website journey! ✨
If you’re looking for additional web design support, feel free to check out my services or get in touch!
Maggie Goulder | custom web designer for therapists
Maggie Goulder is a web designer specializing in websites for mental health professionals. As a Social Work graduate and a former User-Experience designer, her unique blend of clinical experience and web design expertise allows her to support therapists in bringing their practices online in a way that is authentic, ethical, and naturally attracts the right clients.