In 2025, having an effective website isn’t optional for therapists. It’s essential. Whether you’re just starting your private practice or looking to grow your established client base, your online presence is often the first impression potential clients get. So how do you choose the right platform to build your site?
In this post, we’re comparing two popular options: TherapySites and Squarespace. We’ll break down their pros and cons specifically for therapists and private practices, especially here in Michigan.
Meet the Contenders: What Are TherapySites and Squarespace?
TherapySites is a subscription-based website platform built specifically for mental health professionals. Their promise is an “all-in-one” solution, including HIPAA-compliant hosting, simple templates, basic SEO, and pre-written content designed for therapy practices.
Squarespace is a well-known DIY website builder used by small businesses and creatives. It is recognized for its elegant templates, drag-and-drop tools, and flexibility, making it a go-to for people who want control over their brand’s look and feel.
Design & Customization
TherapySites: The Templated Approach
If you’ve ever noticed that a lot of therapist websites look oddly similar, TherapySites might be the reason why. While their system is streamlined, the template options are limited and feel outdated. As of the publication of this blog post, there are only 15 templates to choose from. Customization is minimal, which means your brand may end up blending in with the digital noise rather than standing out.
Squarespace: Modern and Flexible Design
Squarespace excels when it comes to visual design. With a variety of sleek, mobile-friendly templates and intuitive tools, it gives you the freedom to create a website that reflects your personality and practice. Whether you’re going for calm and minimalist or bold and creative, Squarespace helps your brand stand out rather than blend in.
Content and Personalization
TherapySites: Pre-Written Content
One of TherapySites’ biggest selling points is that they provide content out of the box. But, there’s a catch: everyone gets the same content. This can significantly hurt your SEO rankings and prevent you from truly connecting with your audience.
Squarespace: Creative Freedom
With Squarespace, you are in control. You can write your own website’s copy in your own writing voice, whether that’s warm and conversational or professional and to-the-point, you control the message and how it’s written. Adding blogs, videos, or downloadable resources for clients is easy, allowing you to build trust with potential clients before they ever step into your office.
SEO & Website Performance
TherapySites: Basic, Built-In SEO
“Built-in SEO” sounds promising, but what does it really mean? In practice, TherapySites often falls short in helping therapists rank well in local searches or drive organic traffic. Their platform lacks the depth and control needed for real SEO strategy and growth.
Squarespace: Potential for Robust SEO
Squarespace offers stronger SEO tools, guides, and integrations with platforms like Google Analytics and Google Search Console. With a thoughtful strategy, your site can be well-positioned to attract the right visitors and convert them into clients.
Ownership, Portability & Scalability
Here’s something most people don’t realize: Neither TherapySites nor Squarespace gives you true full ownership of your site.
With both, you are essentially renting the platform. That means if you ever want to move to another service, you may face technical challenges, additional fees, and even risk losing your content or even your domain.
If you are planning to grow your practice or invest long-term in your brand, this is a major factor to consider.
Pricing & Value: TherapySites vs Squarespace
- TherapySites starts at $69 per month, which includes HIPAA-compliant hosting and bundled features like pre-written content.
- Squarespace starts at $16 per month (when paid annually). It is more affordable and offers more design freedom, but HIPAA compliance is not included. In order to maintain HIPAA compliance with Squarespace, we recommend using other services such as Google Workplace forms, Hushmail, or Simple Practice which can be easily integrated into your website to collect PHI.
Ultimately, value depends on what you need and how involved you want to be in building and maintaining your site.
The Therapist’s Perspective: Who Is Each Platform Best For?
TherapySites may be a good fit for therapists who:
- Need a site launched quickly
- Want minimal involvement in design and content
- Are comfortable with a more generic online presence
Squarespace is better suited to therapists who:
- Want more control over branding and content
- Are open to spending some time customizing their site
- Value standing out in a competitive market
But what if neither feels quite right?
That’s where Tracy Mak Studio comes in.
Custom Websites for Therapists: Why They’re in Demand
At Tracy Mak Studio, we specialize in custom, strategic websites for therapists and private practices in Michigan. We understand your local community, your goals, and your voice. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions.
Instead, we create websites that are:
- Designed specifically for you and your brand
- Built with dynamic SEO strategy in mind from the beginning
- Easy to manage without compromising quality
- Focused on your services, your audience, and your goals
Whether you’re in Metro Detroit, Grand Rapids, or Marquette, we help Michigan therapists build an online presence that reflects who they are and what they offer.
Final Thoughts
When comparing TherapySites and Squarespace, there’s no one-size-fits-all winner; but there is a best fit for your unique practice. TherapySites offers convenience, especially for those who need something up quickly, but it comes at the cost of flexibility and individuality. Squarespace allows for more customization and a modern design, though it does require more hands-on effort.
For therapists who want a website that’s both strategic and deeply personal, a custom site from Tracy Mak Studio offers the ideal solution. With Tracy Mak Studio, your customized, professional, high-impact presence is designed from the ground up to support your practice’s growth and connect with your community.
Ready to elevate your therapist website?
Contact Tracy Mak Studio OR take the quiz to find out what website builder fits your needs!
