About Therapist Headshots
Everything you need to know about what to wear, how to pose, and what backgrounds to use for the best therapist headshots.
After you’re done reading this guide:
What Are Therapist Headshots?
Therapist headshots are a type of business portrait photo typically used for company websites, business cards, and LinkedIn profiles. For your average therapist, the most popular place for headshots is on their business website.
Good therapist headshots focus on showcasing the subject’s professionalism, friendliness, and competence. A great headshot is the perfect first step for building trust with clients online
Therapy clients want to see that their potential provider looks friendly, happy, and trustworthy – particularly if they’ve experience severe prior trauma or have history with a bad therapist.
Are Therapist Headshots Important?
Have you ever met someone that you instantly either liked, or disliked?
Perhaps you knew why you felt that way about them, or perhaps you didn’t, but most people generate “first impressions” of other people in just 1/8th of a single second. These first impressions can have dramatic impact on who they hire, buy from, and otherwise listen to.
These days, most first impressions start online. If you’re launching or growing a therapy practice, good headshots are critical for attracting more clients.
While we’re using the general term “therapist” here, the information on this page applies to psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors as well.
What Do I Wear for Therapist Headshots?
It’s tough to say without knowing more about your specialty, brand, and personality – but we can give some general advice.
In general, you’ll want to tread the fine line between professional and friendly.
As many clients may/may not have had bad experiences with therapists in the past – we wouldn’t dress in an overly casual outfit.
On the other hand, a suit and tie will not make you look approachable.
How Do I Pose for Therapist Headshots?
No need to go crazy on your poses for professional headshots. In our sessions, we tend to focus on minimalist poses. We’ve seen other photographers force clients into some truly bizarre poses. But, we avoid this practice like the plague.
We are, after all, showcasing your professionalism — not our photography.
At the beginning of your session, you should warm up with simple and straightforward poses. Simply stand there and smile.
Later, we will work toward some more advanced, yet subtle, poses.
What Backdrops are Best for Therapist Headshots?
The most popular backdrop used by our therapist clients is a pure white. While it looks slightly medical, it’s also classic and won’t age with time.
Visit our headshot backgrounds page to see previews of all studio background options.
If you’re using these headshots to promote your practice on various channels, a white background will also have the most flexibility.
By using popular photo editing tools like Canva or Photoshop, you can easily cut your headshot out and place it on business cards, signage, websites, email headers, and social-media.
You can also book an outdoor session for a friendly, yet modern, theme for your photos.
HeadShots Inc Offers 11 Studio Backdrop Options
How Should I Prepare for My Headshots?
There are three keys to preparing for your headshot ahead of time.
First, if possible, try to get some sleep, exercise, and sunshine in the weeks before your session. Our editing team airbrushes your selected photos before delivering them to you, but your preparation will help ensure that the photos look as natural as possible.
Second, make sure to briefly wear your desired clothing a couple days before your session. You want to make sure that your outfits still fits properly and doesn’t need dry cleaning.
Third, take a look at some prior photos of yourself and see if there are any that you particularly like. When you arrive at the studio, show those photos to your photographer, and that will help us find an angle that you find flattering.
What If I’m Not Photogenic or Hate Getting My Photo Taken?
We’ve got you covered! Most portrait photographers are unfortunately guilty of creating a cringe-y environment for their clients. They force you into awkward poses and don’t truly understand what clients are looking for from their session. Either that, or they rush you through the session.
At HeadShots Inc, we strive to create a fun & stress-free environment for every client. At our studio, we play upbeat music and constantly get feedback from the client so that we can work towards an amazing headshot that you’ll be proud to show online.
How Much Do Therapist Headshots Cost?
Therapist headshots can cost anywhere between $89 and $1500 depending on geography, package, and provider.
When considering pricing, remember to look at a) licensing (who owns the photos) and b) retouching fees.
In terms of licensing, photographers typically only give you ownership for photos that you “buy” from them. This fee is separate from your “session fee,” which just covers the time spent inside their studio.
If you want to use your photos on a press release, advertisement, magazine, or book cover, you may have to pay additional licensing fees.
For retouching, many photographers charge between $50 and $150 per photo. Calculate those fees into your total session cost.
If you’re looking for a less expensive option, there are also Virtual Headshot services that start at $49/photo.
Looking For Therapist Headshot Pricing?
Find the perfect headshot package for your goals and budget below.
Individual Sessions
Headshot sessions for individuals and small groups of up to four people. Make a great first impression with your professional headshots.
Team Sessions
Groups of five or more people. Hourly, half-day, and full day packages available at our studio or at your office location.
Virtual Headshots
DIY headshots done with just a smart phone. It’s not as good as our in-person photography, but much better than a selfie.
Corporate Plans
Flexible corporate plans that allow you to send employees to our studio for exactly matching headshots or portraits.
Learn more about Gift Cards, Corporate Plans, Event Booths, and Branding Services Below:
Looking For Our Studio Locations?
Visit one of our studio pages to learn about getting therapist headshots near you: