Why Mental Health Websites Lose Clients (And How to Fix Yours)
If you’re a mental health professional, your website should be a safe, welcoming space. But too often, websites in this space feel like medical textbooks, corporate reports or just plain confusing.
And when that happens? Potential clients leave before they even figure out how you can help them.
But don’t worry, a few small tweaks can change everything.
Let’s break down the 5 biggest mistakes mental health brands make in their website copy—and how to fix them.
The 5 biggest website mistakes mental health brands make
1. Too much jargon
Why this is a problem:
Imagine someone with poor mental health. They finally work up the courage to seek support, only to land on a website filled with sentences like:
“We specialise in providing holistic, integrative, trauma-informed methodologies within our human-centred framework.”
Instead of feeling reassured, they feel more overwhelmed.
Jargon doesn’t make your brand sound more professional—it creates a barrier between you and the people who need you most.
How to fix it:
· Write like you’d talk to a friend.
· Use everyday language that makes people feel safe, not confused.
· Read your content out loud—if it doesn’t sound natural, simplify it.
Example:
❌ “We provide trauma-informed, evidence-based interventions.”
✅ “We offer therapy that’s supportive and tailored to your needs.”
2. Making it all about you (instead of your clients)
Why this is a problem:
A lot of mental health brands lead with their qualifications and credentials. And while expertise is important, it shouldn’t be the first thing people see.
When someone visits your site, they’re not there to read your resumé—they’re there to see if you understand their struggles and can help them.
How to fix it:
· Start with their pain points. (“Dealing with anxiety? You’re not alone.”)
· Use ‘you’ more than ‘we.’ (“You deserve support that feels right for you.”)
· Show empathy first, then introduce your expertise.
Example:
❌ “We are a leading mental health provider with 20 years of experience.”
✅ “Feeling anxious? You’re not alone. We’re here to help.”
3. No clear step (weak of missing call to action)
Why this is a problem:
Even if someone loves what you’re saying, they won’t take action unless you tell them what to do next.
A vague “contact us for more information” isn’t enough. You need to guide them.
How to fix it:
· Make your CTA clear and action driven.
· Use friendly, inviting language.
· Remove friction—make it easy for them to take the next step.
Example:
❌ “Contact us for more information.”
✅ “Book a free 10-minute call to see if we’re the right fit for you.”
Pro Tip: Test your CTA—would you click it? If not, rework it!
4. Overcomplicating the homepage
Why this is a problem:
Your homepage is your first impression. If it’s cluttered, confusing or overwhelming, people will leave before they even start exploring.
· Too much text = information overload.
· Too many choices = decision fatigue.
· No clear message = people don’t know what you do.
How to fix it:
· Keep your homepage clean and easy to navigate.
· Stick to one key message: “We help people find the right support for their mental health.”
· Make your first CTA unmissable.
Did you know? 55% of website visitors spend less than 15 seconds on a page before deciding whether to stay.
5. Sounding too corporate
Why this is a problem:
Mental health is deeply personal. Your content should reflect that.
If your website sounds like a legal document, people won’t feel connected to you.
How to fix it:
· Write like a real human.
· Use warmth and empathy in your tone.
· Make your words feel like a safe space.
Example:
❌ “Our organisation specialises in multi-faceted therapeutic modalities designed for diverse populations.”
✅ “We help people navigate life’s challenges with therapy that feels right for them.”
What people want when they visit your website
· Trust: “Is this a safe place for me?”
· Clarity: “Do they actually get what I’m going through?”
· Ease: “How do I book/get started?”
If your website isn’t answering these questions quickly, they’ll leave.
A simple checklist for your website copy:
· Write for real people, not professionals.
· Use simple, clear language.
· Speak directly to the reader—use ‘you’ more than ‘we.’
· Make your CTA easy and inviting.
· Keep your homepage clean, simple, and easy to navigate.
Your work is life changing. Your content should be, too.
If your website isn’t bringing in the right people, the problem isn’t your work—it’s how you’re communicating it.