More mental health clinics are using Google Ads, but many still struggle to turn clicks into real appointments. A 2026 research report from HHB Canada examines why some campaigns work while others waste budget without helping patients find care. This challenge sits at the core of what any paid ads agency must solve in this space.
Rather than focusing on agency reputation or big promises, the analysis looks at how ads perform in day-to-day clinic settings, not what a paid ads agency says on its website. The study reviewed the top 10 specialist providers using a 100-point scoring system built for small to mid-sized clinics, where time, staff, and budgets are limited.
Intent and intake define a paid ads agency
One key takeaway stands out. Results begin with intent. Ads that target searches like local psychiatrist availability, medication management, or diagnostic evaluations perform better than broad keywords that bring interest but not action.
Word choice also matters. This is where a paid ads agency earns trust or loses it. Clear language, realistic claims, and landing pages that match the services offered help patients feel confident when deciding to reach out.
Focus then moves to what happens after the click. The report stresses intake design, including how calls are handled, how forms are set up, and how simple it is to book a consultation. Clinics perform better when ad spend is linked to qualified inquiries and booked appointments rather than clicks or impressions.
What the scores reveal
The scoring reflects these priorities. Psychiatry and behavioral health fit and Google Ads execution each make up 20% of the total score. Conversion and tracking account for 15%, with ROI control adding another 15%. Transparency, reputation, and operational fit each contribute 10%.
One practical insight stands out. Strategies built for smaller clinics often outperform large, complex setups. For a paid ads agency, clear reporting and quick changes matter more than size, because relevance and structure drive results in mental health advertising.
