Do therapists’ tattoos put patients off? A study of 114 people in Canada found they do not. A visible tattoo made no meaningful difference to how competent, trustworthy, or empathic a psychologist seemed, whether the psychologist was presented as male, female, or non-binary. Tattooed psychologists were even rated as more open to feedback.
Choosing a psychologist can feel daunting, particularly for people who are already anxious about seeking help for their mental health. New research suggests that one factor people might otherwise worry about, whether their therapist has a visible tattoo, makes little difference to how competent or trustworthy they perceive that professional to be.
What the study found
The study, published in the Psychreg Journal of Psychology, surveyed 114 people in Canada, including students and members of the public, about their perceptions of clinical psychologists. Participants were shown a profile featuring a photograph and short biography of a psychologist named Dr Campbell, who was randomly presented as male, female, or non-binary, and either with or without a skull tattoo on their arm.
Researchers from the University of Montreal and King’s University College found no meaningful differences in how competent participants judged the psychologists to be, regardless of whether they had a tattoo. This remained true across measures assessing clinical intervention skills, empathy, and personal characteristics, suggesting that tattoos did not influence perceptions of professional ability.
Did gender change the results?
The study also examined whether gender influenced how tattoos were perceived, as earlier research has suggested that women in professional roles, including surgeons and healthcare staff, can face harsher judgements when tattooed. However, the latest study found no such interaction. Male, female, and non-binary psychologists received similar ratings regardless of whether their tattoos were visible.
A surprising finding about feedback
One unexpected finding was that tattooed psychologists were perceived as more open to feedback than their non-tattooed counterparts. This challenges older assumptions that tattoos are associated with lower agreeableness or professionalism, and may suggest that attitudes towards body art are shifting as tattoos become increasingly mainstream in Canada and beyond.
Interestingly, female psychologists were rated as more professional overall than their male or non-binary counterparts, regardless of whether they had a tattoo. However, this did not translate into any reduced willingness among participants to seek treatment from male or non-binary professionals.
The researchers say their findings challenge long-standing advice given to trainee therapists to cover up tattoos when seeing clients. They argue that such guidance may no longer reflect how the public views body art in clinical settings, and that supervisors should be cautious about allowing personal biases to shape professional standards.
Michele LaFemina, clinical director at Pathways Treatment Center in New Jersey, who was not involved in the study, said: “That’s the real damage of a rule that requires you to cover up your tattoos. It tells people that looking acceptable is more important than being present”.
Limits of the study
The authors acknowledge several limitations, including the relatively young and homogeneous sample, and call for further research involving more diverse participants and a wider range of tattoo styles and placements. Even so, the findings add to growing evidence that stigma surrounding tattoos in the mental health professions may be fading.
What this means for therapists and clients
For anyone hesitant about visiting a tattooed therapist, or for tattooed therapists themselves, the findings offer reassurance that visible tattoos are unlikely to influence perceptions of professional competence or the quality of care provided.
Deb Bushong, a licensed professional counsellor supervisor at Conversations Therapy and Supervision in Dallas, who was not involved in the study, said: “I would not be an effective leader if I were creating additional stigma associated with a person’s appearance, specifically related to body modification like tattoos”.
Frequently asked questions
Do therapists’ tattoos put patients off?
The study found little effect. Visible tattoos did not meaningfully change how competent, trustworthy, or empathic a psychologist seemed to participants.
Who took part in the study?
114 people in Canada, including students and members of the public, who viewed a profile with a photograph and short biography of a psychologist called Dr Campbell.
Did the psychologist’s gender make a difference?
Not to the tattoo effect. Male, female, and non-binary psychologists received similar ratings whether or not the tattoo was visible, although female psychologists were rated as more professional overall.
What was the unexpected finding?
Tattooed psychologists were seen as more open to feedback than non-tattooed ones, which challenges older assumptions that tattoos signal lower agreeableness or professionalism.
What are the study’s limitations?
The sample was relatively young and homogeneous, and the authors call for more diverse participants and a wider range of tattoo styles and placements.
