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PARTNERS AND SPONSORS

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NOTES FROM THE EDITOR

What I learned about AI search

Like many people around me, I enthusiastically climbed on the AI bandwagon. For the past year I've been using LLMs like ChatGPT, Perplexity, etc. every day. Initially, for brainstorming and ideas and later, as a thinking partner.

I've used it to create resources, write blog posts, and analyze data. I took AI-related workshops and used different AI tools, and here's what I've learned so far:

• AI search is here to stay. People use it for research and problem solving. If your online presence is minimal, you simply won't appear in these searches. Being visible online matters now more than ever.
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• Your organic traffic may be down but your SEO still counts. People still use Google to find things, services included. But now, it's not enough to just generate a lot of content. Your content needs to be even more intentional and relevant than before.
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• ​Local SEO is one of the most important lead generators for your practice and it's not affected by AI searches as much. In other words, people who are looking for a "therapist near me" will still use Google or Google Maps to find a provider in their area.

Unfortunately, many therapy websites are still focused on content volume to drive traffic instead of creating a strong local presence first. This is an uphill climb in 2025 because content is so easy to create.

If you want to learn more about Local Search, I just wrote an article about the Benefits of Local SEO for Therapists, you can read it here. (It's written by me with some formatting help from a Wix AI writer.)

And now to the news!

NOTEWORTHY

Therapists Becoming Deskilled by Relying on AI

Experts warn that heavy reliance on AI for therapy tasks could weaken core clinical skills and reduce human connection.

Why it matters: Overuse of AI could undermine the value therapists bring.

BUSINESS AND PRIVATE PRACTICE

Tech Companies Creating PT Profiles

Some platforms are auto-generating therapist listings without consent, diverting traffic to their own services.

Why it matters: Unauthorized profiles may confuse clients and cut into referrals.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

6 Groups Competing on Health AI Standards

Six organizations are pushing different frameworks to govern health AI use.

Why it matters: The winner could shape future rules for safety and adoption.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I’ve seen firsthand that therapists who double down on local SEO and intentional content continue to grow, even as traffic dips in other areas.

The key is to stop chasing volume and start building visibility instead.

See you next week,

Avivit