Is Your Website ADA-Compliant? Why Accessibility Matters for Therapists (+ A New Service to Help)
As a therapist or wellness provider, you’re committed to creating safe, inclusive spaces for all clients. But does your website reflect that same level of care?
In recent years, ADA website compliance has become more than just a best practice- it’s a growing legal necessity. With lawsuits on the rise and accessibility tools becoming more widely used, now is the time to make sure your online presence is not only professional and polished, but also accessible to everyone.
And here’s the good news: we can help.
What Does ADA Website Compliance Even Mean?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires businesses, including healthcare providers, to provide equal access to their services, and that includes digital spaces. While the law doesn’t currently outline one specific standard for websites, the most widely accepted guidelines are the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
These standards aim to ensure that websites are:
Perceivable (e.g., text alternatives for images, readable fonts, captions on videos)
Operable (e.g., usable with a keyboard, accessible navigation)
Understandable (e.g., clear instructions, predictable behavior)
Robust (e.g., compatible with assistive technologies like screen readers)
If your website isn't compliant with WCAG standards, users with visual, hearing, motor, or cognitive impairments may not be able to navigate it, which can result in a frustrating experience for them and potential legal exposure for you.
Why Should Therapists and Wellness Providers Care?
You might be wondering, “Does this really apply to me?”
Short answer: Yes.
Even small practices and solo providers can be, and increasingly are, held responsible for non-compliance. Accessibility lawsuits are on the rise, with thousands filed annually against small businesses and healthcare professionals.
But beyond legal risk, this is also about alignment with your values. Your clients come to you for support, safety, and connection. If your digital presence unintentionally creates barriers, that sends the wrong message, especially for:
Neurodivergent individuals
Clients who use assistive technology
Aging populations
People with low vision or hearing impairments
An accessible website ensures every potential client can learn about your services, book a session, and engage with your content without roadblocks.
Common Accessibility Issues We See
Through our work supporting private practices, we’ve reviewed dozens of wellness websites, and even beautiful, well-designed ones often include:
Missing alt-text on images
Poor color contrast between text and background
No keyboard navigation support
Videos without captions or transcripts
No clear focus indicators (which show where a user is on the page)
Complex or inconsistent navigation menus
Forms that are difficult to use with a screen reader
These issues aren’t always obvious to the average user, but they’re major roadblocks for people with accessibility needs.
How to Tell If Your Website Is ADA-Compliant
Unless you’ve worked with a web developer familiar with accessibility standards, there’s a good chance your site has some issues. Luckily, there are tools that can help you get an overview:
Lighthouse in Google Chrome Dev Tools (read more here)
SiteImprove or Axe Accessibility Checker
But interpreting these reports and fixing the issues can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in.
New: CouchSide’s Website Accessibility Audit + Compliance Report
We’re excited to introduce our newest service for therapy and wellness businesses:
Website Accessibility Audit + Compliance Report ($200)
Scan and audit your site using trusted ADA compliance tools
Review key accessibility areas (color contrast, alt-text, navigation, forms, etc.)
Compile an easy-to-understand report outlining what’s working and what’s not
Provide a custom quote if you'd like our team to implement the improvements for you
We’re not lawyers (and we’ll never claim to guarantee legal compliance), but we do help therapists reduce risk and improve inclusivity through practical changes. This audit gives you clarity, confidence, and a path forward.
This is perfect for…
Therapists unsure if their current website meets accessibility standards
Providers who recently launched or redesigned their site and want peace of mind
Practices shifting to private pay and seeking to serve a wider client base
Business owners who value inclusion and want their digital presence to reflect that
Anyone who wants a clear, actionable report, without the overwhelm
Why This Matters More Than Ever in 2026
The legal environment is changing. More states are adopting website accessibility requirements, and more consumers are speaking up when online spaces exclude them. We’re also in a cultural shift toward equity, inclusion, and ethical practice. Having an accessible website isn’t just about compliance… it’s a continuation of your care. Your website is often the first impression a client has of your work. Let’s make sure it’s as welcoming, inclusive, and professional as your actual office.
Final Thoughts: Start With the Audit
You don’t need to overhaul your entire website overnight. But you do need to know where you stand.
Our Accessibility Audit is a judgment-free, affordable first step toward greater clarity and inclusivity. And if you choose to move forward with implementation, we’ll provide a custom quote and help you make the updates without hassle.
🔎 Ready to schedule your audit? Complete an interest form today, and a member of our team will get back to you to schedule a complimentary discovery call!
Let’s make sure your systems support all of your clients- online and off.
