Let’s be real: consistently posting on Instagram as a therapist can feel like a second job. You’re likely already balancing a full caseload, note taking, and supervision hours. Add in back-to-back emails, scheduling mix-ups, your CEU to-do list, plus the fact that you still need to pick up groceries, feed a small human (or three), answer your sister's fifth “just checking in” text, and prioritize your own self-care...

So when it comes to social media, you may find yourself questioning what to post, how often to engage with your audience, and whether your insights are resonating with others. The balance between authenticity and professionalism is delicate. You want to share valuable information without compromising confidentiality or crossing ethical boundaries, and advertise your therapy practice so you can keep your appointment slots full.

But Instagram doesn’t have to drain you. It can be an excellent way to advertise your practice for free and connect with potential new clients. With a few strategic posts and a good template system, you can show up professionally, consistently, and meaningfully, without burning out.

Here are 7 Instagram post ideas for therapists, social workers, psychologists and counselors so you can post with confidence and connect with the clients who are already searching for what you offer.

1. Your Therapist Intro Post

Think of this as your Instagram handshake. You can and should post this intro more than once! Every 6–8 weeks is a good rhythm as your audience grows. Plus, all your followers don't always see everything you post. Keep your voice authentic to be build trust and use these examples as inspiration. Mix up what you write as you re-post your intro. And be sure to post your intro with a picture of your face!

• I see some new faces around here so I thought I would share a few things about me:

  
  

  ✨ I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) specializing in anxiety, burnout, and boundaries especially with women who are used to doing all the things.

  🧠 I became a therapist after my own life-changing experience in therapy. Healing is personal for me, and I bring that same empathy into my work.

  ☕ I fully believe iced coffee counts as a personality trait. Iced oat milk lattes are my go-to even in the middle of winter.

  📚 Outside of sessions, I’m a book lover. I rotate between trauma theory, poetry, and whatever Reese Witherspoon is recommending this month.

  🐾 I have a rescue dog Luna, a pomeranian who likes to make cameo appearances during telehealth sessions.

  🌿 I believe therapy should feel like a soft place to land and not a performance. My approach is warm, direct, and rooted in nervous system safety.

  🎨 I made this account to share resources, spark reflection, and make mental health feel a little more human.

  
  

  Thanks for being here. If you’re new, introduce yourself below and let me know what we have in common. I love connecting! 🖤 #therapistsofinstagram #lmhc #denver

  
  

• Hi, I’m Dr. Emily (but you can call me Em). I help anxious teens and exhausted parents build better communication, confidence, and coping skills. Therapy doesn't have to be stuffy. It's a space to breathe again. #providence #psychologistsofinstagram

  
  

• Hey, I’m Kelli an LMFT, iced-coffee-lover, and advocate for rest as a form of self-care. I help women dismantle internalized perfectionism so they can feel whole, not just functional. #lmft #orangecounty

  
  

• I’m Jamie, a trauma-informed therapist specializing in post-divorce identity rebuilding. I work with women learning how to feel at home in their bodies again. #TherapistOnInstagram #traumainformed

  
  

• I believe therapy should be accessible, affirming, and deeply human. I'm a trilingual therapist who speaks Spanish, Portuguese, and English and supports first-gen adults navigating identity, boundaries, and burnout. #firstgen #nevada #therapist

  
  

• Not sure if therapy is for you? I'm Ted and I help high-achieving professionals manage anxiety, impostor syndrome, and relational stress. Therapy isn’t just for crisis. It’s for growth. #impostersyndrome #therapistsofig

  
  

2. Inspirational Quotes That Reflect Your Therapeutic Approach or Niche

Quotes should feel like a gentle nudge or a deep breath and not a Pinterest cliché! Use your own words or curate carefully and give credit to the original author if you're quoting others. Here are some therapist quote ideas for the post image with caption prompt suggestions to get your wheels churning.

"Rest isn’t something you earn. It’s something you’re worthy of, always."

• In the caption, talk about how clients struggle to rest due to internalized productivity and hustle culture.

"You’re not ‘too sensitive.’ You’ve just had to survive environments that required you to shut down your sensitivity."

• In the caption, reflect on how therapy helps clients reconnect with that part of themselves.

"Boundaries are the distance at which I can love you and me simultaneously." – Prentis Hemphill

• Share a story of you learning to set clearer boundaries and how it helped your life.

"Healing isn’t about fixing. It’s about remembering who you were before the world told you to shrink."

• Invite your audience to consider who they are at their core and that you don’t need to be “healed” to be worthy. You already are worthy.

"If your nervous system is overwhelmed, you’re not broken. You’re wise."

• Break down the body’s response to stress and how therapy can help folks deal with nervous system overwhelm and dysregulation.

3. Ideas for Educational Instagram Carousels for Therapists

Instagram carousels are a series of up to 10 images that your audience slides through. Carousels are your chance to offer real value. They offer excellent opportunities for mini psychoeducation sessions and it's a great opportunity to share a list. Keep it digestible, engaging, and clear, and be sure to add a call to action on the last slide. Here are examples of educational carousels for therapists, social workers, psychologists, counselors, and other mental health professionals.

5 Signs of Burnout (That Aren’t Just Exhaustion) (Slide 1)

• You’re snapping at people you care about (Slide 2)

• You feel numb, not just tired (Slide 3)

• You dread even basic tasks (Slide 4)

• You fantasize about disappearing (not dying) (Slide 5)

• Burnout is a signal. Not a weakness. You deserve support. Check out the link in my bio to learn more. (Slide 6)

What Actually Happens in the First Therapy Session? (Slide 1)

• Let’s demystify this... (Slide 2)

• We'll explore why you’re here and no, you don’t need a “perfect” answer (Slide 3)

• It’s okay to feel nervous or cry. It's totally normal (Slide 4)

• We move at your pace (Slide 5)

• We'll also cover some paperwork, policies, and confidentiality talk (Slide 6)

• Therapy starts with trust, not pressure. (Slide 7)

• I am now accepting clients in Alabama. Click the link in my bio to learn more. (Slide 8)

  
  

How Anxiety Shows Up in the Body (Slide 1)

• Anxiety isn’t just a racing mind and worried thoughts. It can also look like... (Slide 2)

• A tense jaw (Slide 3)

• A racing heart (Slide 4)

• An upset stomach (Slide 5)

• Trouble sleeping (Slide 6)

• Your body’s trying to protect you. Let’s work with it, not against it. (Slide 7)

• Having anxiety and want to book a free consultation with me? Comment below and I'll send you a link to my calendar. (Slide 8)

5 Grounding Techniques You Can Do in 60 Seconds (Slide 1)

• Feel out of your body? Try these (Slide 2)

• Cold water splash (Slide 3)

• 5-4-3-2-1 senses exercise (Slide 4)

• Weighted object + breath (Slide 5)

• Naming objects in your space  (Slide 6)

• Save these for later. Come back anytime.  (Slide 7)

Therapy vs. Coaching: What’s the Difference? (Slide 1)

• Not sure if you need therapy or coaching?  (Slide 2)

• Therapy is for healing and processing the past or working through mental health symptoms.  (Slide 3)

• Coaching is more future and goal focused and more directive than therapy is. (Slide 4)

• Therapists are licensed. Coaches aren’t.  (Slide 5)

• You can benefit from either, but you need to know your goals  (Slide 6)

• I’m a licensed mental health therapist AND a life coach. Check out the link in my bio to head to the blog to learn more and see if therapy or coaching is right for you. (Slide 7)

4. Behind the Scenes or Day in the Life of a Therapist Post

Behind the scenes or day in the life of a therapist posts help build relatability and lower the intimidation factor for potential clients. People want to know you’re human, too. You can also add questions to help engage your followers.

• Photo of your tea and laptop

  • Caption: Finishing up notes with a cozy playlist and chamomile. Therapists need rituals, too. What's your favorite cozy drink?

• Selfie in your therapy room before sessions

  • Caption: Office prepped. Aromatherapy on. Let’s do this. What's your favorite scent?

• Screenshot of a podcast you’re listening to

  • Caption: This episode on trauma + relationships is a must-listen. What are you nerding out on right now?

    
    

• Your favorite self-care tool (journal, yoga mat, paintbrush)

  • Caption: Therapist doesn’t mean superhuman. This is how I reset. What's your favorite way to reset?

    
    

• Stack of the books you're currently reading.

  • Caption: Constant reader over here. Swipe to see what’s on my current shelf! Let me know what you think I should read next!

5. Posting Therapy Session Announcements & Availability

6. 
   

Letting people know you have space for new clients is not pushy, it’s helpful. You'll want to specify in what states you are licensed for these type of posts, and let them know how they can reach out to you (i.e. connecting to your link in bio.)

• I’m now accepting clients for mid-May. I specialize in supporting moms in Nebraska navigating identity shifts, anxiety, and self-worth.

• 3 open telehealth spots just opened for Tuesdays and Fridays in Nevada. If you’ve been on the fence about starting therapy, now’s a great time to reach out.

• Summer can be a time of growth, too. I have a few openings left for short-term therapy focused on burnout recovery if you're located in Texas.

  
  

• Sliding scale spots available for LGBTQ+ clients in California navigating grief and identity. Send a message for a free consult.

  
  

• Now scheduling 1:1 therapy intensives in Sedona. These are half-day sessions for deep-dive work. Perfect if you don’t want a weekly commitment.

6. Therapy Testimonials, Wins, or Milestone Reflections

Client progress (with permission and always anonymized) is powerful. It builds hope and trust.

• One of my clients just finished their first 6 months of therapy and they told me they’ve laughed more in the past month than in the past year. This work matters. 🥹

• Sometimes the win isn’t a big breakthrough it’s sending the email they were scared to send. ✅ Progress looks different for everyone.

• A client recently said, ‘I don’t feel broken anymore.’ I sat with that one all day. Healing isn’t linear but it’s beautiful. I feel so blessed to do this work. 🙏

• End-of-session moment that stuck with me: ‘I didn’t shut down this time. I stayed present.’ Yes. Yes. Yes.

  
  

• I asked a client, ‘What’s different now?’ and they said, ‘I trust myself more.’ That’s everything. ☺️

7. Thoughtful Reflections & Therapy FAQs

These posts are soft, introspective, and high-engagement to spark conversation.

• Therapy isn’t about changing who you are, it’s about understanding who you’ve had to become in order to survive.

  • Caption: What parts of yourself are you rediscovering lately? Please share them with us in the comments below. ⬇️

    
    

• FAQ: What if I cry in therapy? Answer: Tears are welcome here. They’re not a sign of weakness. They’re a sign of something sacred unfolding.

  
  

• What if healing feels more painful before it feels better?

  • Caption: This is common. You're disrupting old survival patterns and that takes courage.

  
  

• Therapy isn’t magic. It’s work. But the kind of work that leads to freedom.

  • Caption: What’s something therapy has helped you unlearn?

    
    

• FAQ: How long will therapy take?

  • Caption: “There’s no set timeline. It depends on your goals. It’s okay to take breaks. It’s okay to stay for a while.”

Want Done-For-You Templates?

You don’t need to post all 7 in one week! You can rotate through these different ideas over the course of the month and reuse formats that resonate with you and your audience.

Want a shortcut? The Ultimate Therapist Instagram Template Bundle includes done-for-you templates plus 325+ captions written by a licensed therapist. All the images on this page are examples of templates from this bundle! You will get:

✔ 200 Instagram Post Templates in the New 4:5 Portrait Size of 2025 (fully editable in Canva)

✔ 100 Instagram Story Templates to Boost Engagement (fully editable in Canva)

✔ 125+ Instagram Quote Post Templates in the New 4:5 Portrait Size of 2025 (fully editable in Canva)

✔ 50+ Instagram Carousel Slide Templates to Create 8+ Carousels (fully editable in Canva)

✔ 46 Instagram Highlight Templates (fully editable in Canva)

✔ 325+ Done-for-You and Editable Captions with Hashtags

✔ A Downloadable PDF file with direct links to access your editable Canva templates and captions in Google Docs

Save time. Show up consistently and build a brand that books clients.

And if you’re ready to uplevel your Instagram therapy account be sure to sign up for my free 7-Day Gram Plan mini-course for counselors, social workers, and psychologists. It’ll help you grow your following, book more aligned clients, and stop second-guessing what to post.