Psychology Today Profiles Attempting to Dominate Search Results by Spamming Duplicate Listings

What’s Happening on Psychology Today?

In a competitive world where therapists and mental health professionals rely heavily on directories like Psychology Today to attract clients, it’s no surprise that some are looking for shortcuts to get ahead. However, we recently uncovered a concerning practice: duplicate or near-identical profiles being created to dominate search results.

This blog explores what we found, why this is happening, and the risks of using such tactics. If you’re a therapist trying to grow your presence online, this is a must-read to understand the pitfalls of profile spamming and what you can do instead to authentically stand out.

While browsing Psychology Today, we noticed an unusual trend: multiple listings under the exact same name, with the same profile photo and nearly identical content.

Check out this link to see duplicate profiles

Here’s an example of what we found:

Profile Name: The same name, “The Dot Canada”, appeared three times.

Identical Content: Each profile used the same introduction, with phrases like “life HAS gotten harder in the last few years” repeated verbatim.

Minor Credential Tweaks: To make the profiles appear unique, credentials were slightly altered:

1. RP, MSW, MA
2. RP, RSW
3. RP

Different Phone Numbers: Each listing displayed a different contact number, likely to give the impression of three separate professionals.

Same Image: The exact same profile photo was used across all listings, further indicating duplication.

At first glance, this may look like an innocent oversight. However, it’s clear that this tactic is deliberate, aimed at:

• Manipulating search results to push competitors further down the page.
• Maximizing visibility by appearing multiple times in a single search.

Why Would Someone Do This?

Therapists and organizations are under pressure to stand out online, especially as more clients search for mental health services. By duplicating profiles, they attempt to:

Dominate Search Results
Appearing multiple times for a single search increases the chances that a user will click on their profile while pushing other therapists down the list.

Capture a Broader Audience
Slight tweaks in credentials and details could help target different search queries. For example, someone searching for an “MSW” therapist may see one profile, while others searching for “RSW” might see another.

Test Contact Numbers
By listing different phone numbers, the organization may be tracking which profile generates the most inquiries.

While the intention is to improve visibility, this approach is both questionable and risky.

The Risks of Duplicate Profiles

Creating duplicate or near-identical profiles may seem like a clever strategy, but it comes with significant downsides:

Violating Platform Policies

Psychology Today has guidelines against misleading or duplicate profiles. If caught, the platform may:

• Flag or remove all duplicate profiles.
• Suspend or penalize the account.

This could cause a complete loss of visibility and harm the therapist’s reputation.

Damaging Trust

Mental health is built on trust. Potential clients who see repetitive profiles may feel that something is “off” and choose another therapist. Duplicate listings can make an otherwise reputable professional seem inauthentic or spammy.

SEO Penalties

Search engines like Google penalize duplicate content. If multiple profiles have identical descriptions, it can lead to a drop in visibility for all listings.

Missed Opportunity for Connection

Instead of presenting a unique, compelling profile, duplication dilutes the chance to authentically connect with clients through clear messaging and branding.

What Should Therapists Do Instead?

If you’re a therapist looking to stand out on Psychology Today (or any directory), there are far better ways to boost your visibility:

Create a High-Quality, Optimized Profile

• Write a clear, client-focused bio that speaks directly to your audience’s needs.
• Include targeted keywords (e.g., “trauma therapy in [City]” or “online anxiety counseling”) to improve SEO.

Add a 15-Second Introduction Video

Video is a game-changer for building trust and connection. Introduce yourself, explain your approach, and let your personality shine through.

Example:
"Hi, I’m [Your Name], a licensed therapist specializing in anxiety and trauma recovery. Let’s work together to help you feel in control and confident again."

Highlight Your Unique Specialties

Rather than creating multiple profiles, focus on what sets you apart:

• Niche areas like EMDR for trauma recovery or couples counseling.
• Services like teletherapy or specific demographics you serve.

Encourage Client Reviews

Positive testimonials can make all the difference. Ask satisfied clients to share their experiences to build credibility and attract inquiries.

Diversify Your Presence

In addition to Psychology Today, build a strong presence on:

• Your own website (optimized for SEO).
• Social media platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn.
• Other directories like TherapyDen or GoodTherapy.

The Bottom Line: Authenticity Wins

While some therapists may resort to spammy tactics like creating duplicate profiles, this approach is short-sighted and risky.

Success on platforms like Psychology Today comes from building an authentic connection with potential clients. A single, optimized profile with clear messaging, a video introduction, and a unique value proposition will always outperform repetitive, misleading tactics.

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