The Side Hustle Therapist: 4 Ways to Build New Income Streams Outside of Sessions

Therapists, especially those who are self-employed, often find themselves searching for additional ways to expand their professional reach while enjoying financial independence. Helpers, advocates, innovative thinkers, and even teachers by nature, it’s all too easy to feel far too confined in an office setting alone.

Exploring a few side hustles that exercise the mind while clinicians are tending to the minds of others can add some color to an otherwise predictable routine. There are many options for opening the door to creativity, increasing industry influence, and enjoying additional income. In this blog, we will explore a few out-of-the-box suggestions to build new income streams outside of therapy sessions.

Teaching, Tutoring, and Offering Online Courses

Teaching is one of the most natural ways for therapists to share their knowledge. Universities, training programs, and community groups often look for instructors who can bring real-world experience into a classroom setting, and therapists tend to be qualified education-wise to step into these roles. Opting to explore an academic setting full-time, or simply adding one-off events to the calendar, can be a great way to share valuable insight.

Today’s digital world makes it even easier for clinicians to expand their reach in this way. Hosting a webinar, leading an online class, or tutoring students in a one-on-one setting can now be accomplished in between sessions without a need for travel.

Many online platforms also allow therapists to design their own courses on topics close to their heart such as mindfulness practices, anger management, stress reduction strategies, or communication skills.  Once prerecorded, these courses can be uploaded and act as a passive income stream, automatically depositing funds into a clinician’s account each time a new student signs up. Live webinars and workshops, on the other hand, offer opportunities for in-person or on-screen interaction, leading to both knowledge sharing and the potential to secure additional therapy clientele.

Writing and Podcasting

Self-help writing or podcasting can also be powerful outlets for imparting knowledge. Breaking down otherwise complex mental health topics to a broad audience is something that’s sought after in today’s media world, whether in print or through a more interactive setting. Some therapists are even lucky enough to adorn a TEDx stage at some point in their careers, offering engaging speeches to crowded rooms while, in turn, gaining instant recognition and credibility.

Blog and website writing, journal article submissions, live video streaming on social media, and guest appearances on radio or television are all great options for getting a clinician’s name out there. These ventures tend to build a therapist’s reputation as an expert in the field, which can, over time, lead to a recognizable brand. Clinicians who work on building their brand will more readily secure leads as well as additional side hustle opportunities. Even one or two guest appearances on well-known podcasts or other media outlets can quickly snowball into an entire second career.

Consulting and Mentorship

Organizations are increasingly focusing on maintaining employee wellness and boosting office morale to maximize productivity and decrease turnover. Therapists bring a unique skill set to these areas, making consultancy a good fit. Whether taking on a temporary contract or accepting a more permanent seat, clinicians can be called upon by businesses to improve communication, manage workplace conflict, and develop successful training programs. They are commonly asked to share their expertise with advisory boards and leadership teams or carve out specific plans for supporting workplace mental health. Because these opportunities tend to vary in size and scope, all of which generally pay quite well, clinicians can enjoy a wide variety of tasks while earning a substantial income. 

Similar to specific company assignments, private mentorship is another avenue that can be quite rewarding. Therapists who have successfully built a practice can guide others who are just starting out. Sharing non-clinical lessons on business development, client management, marketing or professional balance can help new clinicians avoid common pitfalls. Separate from the information departed during clinical supervision or in therapy sessions, mentorship might include one-on-one business coaching or hosting group workshops. Both roles allow therapists to leverage their skills in a meaningful way while quickly boosting their bottom line.

Clinical Supervision

Many states require therapists to complete supervised field hours before receiving full licensure, which creates an ongoing need for qualified supervisors to support those with limited licenses. Taking on a clinical supervisor role allows seasoned therapists to support early-career professionals, guiding them through field basics, theories, client interactions and ethical dilemmas while generating a steady side salary.

Clinical supervision involves much more than reviewing and signing off on paperwork. It means meeting with budding therapists one-on-one or in group settings and working through case complexities, clinician concerns, and just about everything in between. This responsibility reinforces the supervisor’s own knowledge, while keeping them engaged with current practice standards and strengthening the overall quality of the profession. Specific certification is required before stepping into a supervisory role, although the exact requirements to become certified vary from state to state. Similar to mentorship, but more structured and focused on evidence-based principles and interventions, there are established models of supervision that therapists must follow despite format differences. Those opting to supervise in group settings can charge per attendee, making a hefty amount in a short period of time. As a bonus, group supervision can be ideal for clinicians just getting started because rates tend to be more reasonable than one-on-one guidance. 

Getting Started

For therapists, side hustles can add much-needed variety to what otherwise might be a monotonous schedule, offering additional pathways to growth, influence, and professional satisfaction. Whether stepping into an educational setting or focusing on increasing media influence, there are many opportunities to put both a clinical background and real-word mental health experience to good use. All it takes is a bit of creativity and drive to shift gears and start enjoying new income streams. The opportunities are truly endless!