Are you a therapist looking for a side hustle and learn new things?
Being a therapist can be great, but sometimes it’s hard to make enough money to cover living expenses. For example, they might want to buy a bigger house or send their children to private schools with expensive tuition.
Having a side job can be a lucrative way for therapists to make more money while still doing what you enjoy most: helping people.
In this article, we’ll talk about some of the best side jobs for therapists. These jobs can give you extra cash and teach you new skills that could advance your therapy career.
Table of Contents
18 Best Side Hustles for Therapists and Psychologists
1. Write a Book or E-Book
Writing a book or e-book is a fantastic opportunity for therapists and psychologists who enjoy writing. Your expertise in mental health makes you well-equipped to provide valuable advice and support on a variety of topics.
Thanks to modern technology, self-publishing has become easier than ever. Platforms like Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing allow you to publish your work without the need for expensive printing and inventory. Books are printed and shipped only when they’re ordered, saving you time and money.
You can also sell your book or e-book directly through your own website or use platforms like SendOwl and Podia. While writing a book requires a significant initial time investment, it can generate a steady income for years to come.
A well-received book can also boost your professional reputation, establish you as an authority in your field, and lead to exciting opportunities in the future.
So, if you have a passion for writing and a wealth of knowledge to share, consider putting it into a book – it could be the start of something great!
2. Start a Blog
Starting a blog or niche website can be a great way for therapists and psychologists to make extra money. You’re already an expert in your field, so why not share your knowledge and interests with others online?
A blog covers a wide range of topics, while a niche website zooms in on one specific area, like managing anxiety or recovering from addiction.
There are lots of ways to make money from your blog or website. You can earn cash through ads, affiliate marketing, selling products, or promoting your own services.
But remember, it might take some time – usually 6 to 12 months – before you start seeing a profit. Be patient, and keep working at it!
3. Create an Online Course
For therapists and psychologists who want to share their knowledge, it’s a great idea to make money selling your own online courses.
Unlike traditional content like books, online courses can command higher prices and are seen as valuable investments by learners. Many successful courses sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
To get started, you can use platforms like Teachable or Podia, which make it easy to create, sell, and deliver your course content. Draw from your expertise in therapy or psychology to develop engaging course material, and organize it in a logical and easy-to-understand way.
You can also consider creating multiple courses, bundling them together for added value, or designing courses that complement each other to encourage repeat business.
If you want to host a course on your own website, make sure it’s easy for students to enroll and access the materials.
4. Sell Printables
Do you know that digital products, like planners and checklists, are in high demand in today’s digital world? As a therapist or psychologist, you can make some money selling printables during free time.
You don’t have to be a design expert. Tools like Canva make it easy to craft visually appealing products, or you can hire a designer on platforms like Fiverr.
You can customize your printables to address common issues you encounter in your practice. For example, you could create journaling sheets, goal-setting worksheets, or relaxation exercise guides.
Platforms like Etsy makes it easy for you to start selling your printables. However, to maximize your earnings potential, you should consider setting up your own website using platforms like Podia.
The beauty of this side hustle is its passive income potential. Once created, your printables can continue to sell for years, providing a steady stream of income.
5. Start a Podcast
If you prefer talking over writing, you might consider starting a podcast to share your expertise and earn additional income.
Instead of writing or creating videos, podcasts involve recording audio episodes. You can use your podcast to offer medical advice, discuss important topics, or interview other therapists in your field.
There are several ways to make money from your podcast, including:
- Advertisements
- Sponsorships
- Affiliate marketing
- Merchandise sales
Focus on delivering valuable content, and you’ll increase your visibility within your industry. That’s the beauty of word-of-mouth marketing. People naturally share what they find helpful in their circles. This increased exposure may lead to exciting opportunities like speaking engagements and consulting work.
6. Start a YouTube Channel
These days, every expert seeking additional income is on YouTube, and you should join them too! As a therapist, you have lots of expertise to share with your audience.
To get started, create some videos related to your field, providing medical advice and insights that resonate with both professionals and those seeking guidance.
While YouTube doesn’t directly pay for your videos, you can monetize your channel in various ways. To qualify for ad revenue, you need to reach 4,000 watch hours and 1,000 subscribers within the past year, which allows you to join the YouTube Partner Program. Through this program, you can run ads on your videos and earn money based on the number of views.
Moreover, you can explore opportunities for sponsorships, sell relevant products or online courses, and capitalize on the long-term potential of growing your subscriber base.
With dedication and quality content, your YouTube channel can become a lucrative source of income that might even allow you to quit your full-time job.
7. Freelance Writing
Freelance writing is a rewarding side hustle option for therapists looking to earn money in their spare time. This side hustle allows you to capitalize on your writing skills without the need to invest a lot of time in building a personal brand or website, meaning you can start earning money almost immediately.
As a therapist, you bring a unique perspective to the table, making you a valuable asset in the world of freelance writing. You can create articles, blog posts, or even e-books covering a wide range of mental health and psychology topics.
To get started in freelance writing, platforms like Fiverr and Upwork offer accessible entry points. They connect you with potential clients and ensure you get paid for your work.
Alternatively, you can take a proactive approach by reaching out to companies or publications and pitching your writing services. While this approach may require more effort, it can lead to higher-paying opportunities.
8. Telehealth
Telehealth is a rapidly expanding opportunity for therapists and psychologists to boost their income. This growing field allows you to conduct therapy sessions online or via phone, offering unmatched flexibility.
To get started in telehealth, you can use user-friendly platforms like Talkspace to launch your virtual therapy practice quickly.
Alternatively, you can incorporate telehealth services into your existing practice or explore part-time telehealth roles with established practices.
9. Become an Expert Witness
As a therapist, you’re a suitable candidate to serve as an expert witness in legal cases. Leveraging your field experience, you can provide expert testimony, offering insights on diagnoses, standards of care, and more.
While this role allows you to use your expertise to earn extra income, it’s important to recognize that being an expert witness can be demanding and may require familiarity with the legal process.
To get started, reach out to local lawyers or law firms and offer your services. You can also consider signing up for platforms like SEAK, which connect experts with those in need of their services.
10. Public Speaking
Public speaking is a lucrative side hustle for therapists and psychologists looking to share their expertise in mental health and well-being. With your specialized knowledge, you can become sought-after speakers at various events and platforms.
You can find speaking opportunities through local engagements, such as talks at schools, community organizations, and conferences. You can also host webinars or workshops online to broaden your reach.
To start a public speaking career, you can approach local organizations directly or use platforms like SpeakerMatch to connect with event organizers.
11. Become an Adjunct Professor
If you enjoy teaching, you might want to consider becoming an adjunct professor. It’s a highly-regarded side gig for therapists and psychologists.
Adjunct professors typically teach a limited number of classes, usually one or two per semester, at local colleges or universities. You can easily balance your teaching commitments with existing schedules.
More importantly, this part-time job can bolster your resume and establish you as an expert in your field. It’s an excellent opportunity to enhance one’s credentials.
It also allows you to mentor and inspire the next generation of mental health professionals.
12. Group Therapy Sessions
Offering group therapy sessions is a fulfilling side hustle for therapists and psychologists.
One of the major advantages of group therapy is its cost-effectiveness. Instead of working solely with clients one-on-one, you can conduct therapy sessions with multiple participants. These group sessions can address various topics like anxiety, depression, relationships, and grief.
With group sessions, you can charge a lower price to accommodate more participants and positively impact the lives of many people simultaneously.
Don’t worry about landing your first client. You probably have some followers on your social media accounts. Just make an announcement about your service and offer a few free sessions to get some positive testimonials.
13. Consulting
As a therapist, many businesses might look to you as a consultant. Most professionals feel overburdened these days, and companies often require therapists to help them design wellness programs for their employees to better manage stress.
Sharing your knowledge can improve workplace environments and mental health, benefiting both employees and employers.
To get started, you can reach out to businesses in need of your services, leverage your professional network, or establish an online presence on platforms like Upwork or Clarity.
If you’ve successfully managed your own practice, you can also advise other therapists and psychologists on how to run a successful business.
While securing clients may require some initial effort, consulting has the potential to significantly increase your income.
14. Provide Therapeutic Retreats
Providing therapeutic retreats offers a rewarding opportunity to blend your expertise as a therapist with unique activities and services.
You can get creative with the offerings, such as coordinating yoga classes, meditation sessions, therapeutic art projects, or outdoor excursions.
Each retreat can be tailored to meet the specific needs and interests of the participants. By combining your therapeutic techniques with immersive experiences, you can help them achieve deeper levels of self-awareness, connection, and transformation.
15. Become a Virtual Meditation Guide
Becoming a virtual meditation guide is a fantastic way to help people improve their physical and mental well-being through meditation.
Many people are interested in meditation but may not know where to start or which techniques to use. As a virtual meditation guide, you can create guided meditation sessions that people can access online. This allows them to experience the calming effects of meditation from the comfort of their own homes or offices.
Your guided meditation sessions can cover a variety of topics and techniques, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of your audience.
16. Offer Clinical Supervision
If you’re an experienced therapist or psychologist, you can offer clinical supervision to mentor and guide newly licensed or emerging clinicians.
As a clinical supervisor, you provide support and direction on various topics, including ethical and legal considerations, clinical decision-making, best practices, and more.
However, this role isn’t suitable for just anyone. To become a clinical supervisor, you need a few years of experience in the field, along with certifications related to clinical supervision.
If you’re not ready for this side gig yet, no worries. You can use your free time to join some certified courses and gradually build up your portfolio.
As the time comes, you’ll effectively mentor and support new clinicians as they navigate their careers.
17. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is a flexible and lucrative side hustle for therapists. With affiliate marketing, you can promote products or services from other companies and earning a commission for each sale made through your referral.
As a therapist, you can focus on recommending high-quality products and services related to mental health and well-being. This could include recommending books on self-care, online courses on stress relief, or meditation apps.
To get started, you can join affiliate programs offered by companies whose products align with your niche. Once accepted into a program, you’ll receive unique affiliate links to share with your audience. You can promote your affiliate links on social media, podcast or a niche website.
18. Become a Social Media Influencer
Becoming a social media influencer can be a rewarding side hustle for therapists who want to expand their reach and influence. As an influencer, you’ll create content that promotes products or services while sharing your expertise and knowledge with a wide audience.
To become a social media sensation, it’s important to stay up-to-date with trends and create content that resonates with your audience. This may include sharing tips on mental health, self-care strategies, or recommendations for products and resources that align with your niche.
Apart from that, you have to stay informed about the ever-changing algorithms used by social media platforms. This can make sure that your posts are seen by as many people as possible.
While becoming a social media influencer requires time and effort to build a following, it offers the opportunity to share your expertise on a larger scale and potentially earn income through brand partnerships.
What’s the Best Side Hustle for Therapists?
The best side hustle for therapists really depends on many factors, including time commitment, experience, earning potential, etc. Every therapist or psychologist might have their own needs, so it’s hard to say.
However, if you’re feeling too tired after work, you might get started with affiliate marketing. It can be as easy as sharing affiliate links on your social media account. If the products or services you recommend are high quality, your friends or audience might just click your links and make a purchase.
Don’t overstress yourself. Give yourself some time to try out a few side hustles until you find the perfect match. Just don’t make a substantial financial investment when you’re just starting out.
For more inspiration, you can check out our side hustle idea database.
FAQs
Are there legal or ethical concerns therapists should know about when starting a side hustle?
Yes, therapists should be aware of legal and ethical concerns like conflicts of interest, confidentiality, licensing rules, and insurance needs.
How can therapists balance their side hustle with their primary job as a therapist?
Therapists can balance their side hustle by setting a clear schedule, boundaries, and taking care of themselves. They should also talk with clients and coworkers about their availability.
What resources are out there for therapists starting a side hustle?
Therapists can find help through books, courses, professional groups, and online communities. They can also seek advice from experienced pros.
Can a side hustle help a therapist’s practice?
Yes, a side gig can boost a therapist’s practice by making them more visible, expanding their connections, and offering new chances for growth and learning. It can also boost their energy and passion for their main job.
Anthony Smith is an internet entrepreneur. He created the Side Hustle Ideas Database to help people find side hustles for making extra money, with the potential of turning into a full-time income.
After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania with a business degree, he gained business experience at a consulting firm. At the same time, he tried various side hustles including freelance writing, blogging, and eCommerce. He managed to turn his side hustles into a full-time business, earning over $3 million. Now, he enjoys financial freedom and travels around the world as a digital nomad.