Google Reviews Done Right: Talking About the Ethical and Legal Considerations for OT, PT, SLP Practices

As a private practice owner—whether you’re an OT, PT, or SLP —you’ve probably heard how powerful Google Reviews can be for building your reputation and attracting new clients. 

A good review can help your practice stand out in a crowded field, showing potential clients that you’re trusted by the people you’ve already served.

But asking for reviews? 

That can get tricky. Especially as a licensed healthcare professional. How do you get the Google reviews potential clients are looking for without compromising your ethical responsibility to current clients? What are some of the legal considerations of Google reviews for private practice owners?

Let’s dive in and explore how to ethically handle Google Reviews without making things weird!

But before we go any further, I want to point out that I’m not a lawyer and nothing in this blog should be taken as legal advice or guidance in any way shape or form. I’m just here to point out some areas to consider when gather Google Reviews for your practice. 

1. Big Perspective: Make Easy But No Pressure Option

First and foremost, remember maintaining safety and trust with clients is the number one goal. With an understanding of the type of clients you have, consider if it makes sense to offer invitations for Google Reviews. The last thing you want for your clients to feel like leaving a review is some sort of expectation.

Here is some possible wording:

• “If you feel comfortable, we’d love for you to share your experience.”
• “We’d love your feedback, but no pressure!”

For some private practice therapists, it might make sense to ask for reviews directly but without pressure.

For example:

• Send request via email
• Post on social media

For other therapists, you might want to take a subtle approach that makes a Google Review easy to leave without a direct ask.

Some options:

• Lobby sign
• Add the Google Review link to your email signature

And if you don’t feel like it’s an option to ask clients for a review, consider if there are other professionals or community members who can speak to the quality of your work via a Google Review. 

Remember, an honest and heartfelt review will always trump one that feels forced or awkward. Keep it light and let clients know that their review is appreciated but never required!

2. HIPAA and Client Privacy Still Matter: Responding to Reviews the Right Way

As healthcare providers, you’re already familiar with HIPPA and privacy compliance, but did you know it applies to your responses to Google Reviews as well?

 Yup, you still need to protect your clients’ confidentiality, even when replying to that glowing review.

Here’s what Total Medical Compliance advised: 

“While the consensus for most businesses is to publicly respond to online reviews, healthcare professionals are limited in what they can communicate in a public forum due to HIPAA.

Even though HIPAA doesn’t prohibit healthcare professionals from responding to online reviews, it does apply to the content of the response and a patient’s privacy. Responses cannot include any of the patient’s protected health information (PHI), even if the patient has revealed their own personal information.”

The main takeway: never confirm they’re a client, and never provide details about their care in your response.

Stick to general responses like: “Thank you for your kind feedback! We strive to provide the best care possible to everyone who comes through our doors.”

What not to say? Something like:

❌“Glad we were able to help you recover from that rotator cuff injury!”

Oops—that would be a big HIPAA no-no.

3. Public Knowledge: Remind Clients That Reviews Are Visible to All

One thing your clients may not always realize is that Google Reviews are public—meaning anyone can see them. It’s a good idea to remind clients that when they leave a review, it’s out there for the world to read.

Here’s a friendly way to frame it:

“We’d love for you to share your thoughts on our services. Just a reminder, Google Reviews are public, so feel free to focus on your overall experience and avoid including any personal or identifying details.”

This gentle nudge helps them maintain their privacy while still sharing positive feedback.

 Clients often don’t think about the fact that anyone—colleagues, neighbors, or even family members—might come across their review, so it’s helpful to remind them upfront

4. No Rewarding Reviews! Google’s Policy on Incentivizing Reviews

Everyone loves a good deal, but when it comes to Google Reviews, offering any type of incentive in exchange for a review is strictly against Google’s policies. That’s right—no discounts, freebies, or gift cards as a “thank you” for reviews.

Here’s the policy straight from Google:

“No content that has been posted due to an incentive offered by a business – such as payment, discounts, free goods and/or services.

This includes content posted following requests for revision or removal of a negative review in exchange for an incentive.”

Why is this important? Google has these guidelines to ensure that reviews are genuine and unbiased. 

The best way to encourage reviews is to keep it simple and authentic. No bribes needed! As long as you’re providing stellar care, clients will be happy to share their thoughts. 

 5. Check the Fine Print: Laws and Regulations Vary by Location and Profession

Before you start asking clients to share their experiences on Google, it’s important to remember that the rules surrounding testimonials and reviews aren’t the same everywhere. In fact, depending on where your practice is located, the laws governing how healthcare professionals can ask for or use testimonials may vary greatly.

For example, in countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, healthcare professionals often face stricter regulations around testimonials. In these places, it may be against the rules for licensed practitioners to use client testimonials in marketing materials, as it can be seen as misleading or putting undue influence on potential clients.

Even within the United States, there can be differences in regulations from state to state. In some regions, professional boards for physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists may have additional guidelines about the ethical use of reviews.

What’s the takeaway? It’s always a good idea to double-check the rules and regulations for your country, state, and profession before asking for reviews. This can help you avoid any unintended legal issues and ensure that your approach to testimonials is compliant with local laws and professional ethics.

Need to do a little research? Here are some places to start:

• Check your local professional board or association for specific guidance.
• Review national healthcare guidelines in your country, especially if you’re practicing in a regulated field.
• Consult a legal professional if you’re unsure whether your review-gathering methods are compliant with local regulations.

By staying informed about the rules in your area, you can confidently collect reviews that highlight your work—without stepping on any legal or ethical toes!

Now Take Action on Gathering Google Reviews in a Way that Works for Private Practice!

To wrap things up, gathering Google Reviews for your practice is a powerful way to grow your reputation —just make sure you work on building them up in the right way! Ask thoughtfully, respect privacy laws & HIPAA, and avoid any form of incentives. Remember, your practice is built on trust—and trust shines brightest in honest reviews!

Have you found ethical ways to gather Google Reviews for your practice? Share your tips in the comments below! And if you need more advice on growing your practice practice through ethical marketing, check out my copywriting services

Google Review Lobby Sign Template