Let's talk about something that's often on our minds and frequent hot topic in those therapist FaceBook groups– creating side hustles. So, why are therapists often on the lookout for extra opportunities? While we're all passionate about making a positive impact, let's face it, those student loans and bills don't pay themselves. There's a variety of reasons therapists begin looking for ways to generate extra income. Truth be told, many therapists aren't making a living wage. We often find ourselves overworked and underpaid, leading us to explore additional income sources just to maintain a comfortable, steady income. It could be triggered by life changes like a divorce, suddenly making us solely responsible for our financial well-being. Perhaps it's dealing with the rollercoaster of inconsistent client appointments, low insurance reimbursements, coupled with the weight of student loans, a lengthy illness or medical bills, or the simple desire to start prepping for retirement.
Sometimes, it's all about beating burnout, dialing back on client hours, and finding something that not only meets your financial needs but also energizes and fulfills you and gives you more control over your financial future. Given our innate creativity, you might be flooded with ideas and love juggling multiple things at once.
In this article, we're throwing out 41 awesome ideas for side gigs that therapists like you can explore. Whether you're daydreaming about that perfect vacation or just need a bit more wiggle room in your budget, these side hustles might be the golden ticket. So, let's jump in and uncover the perfect side hustle for you!
1. Provide clinical supervision to other therapists
2. Get certified in a new approach such as EMDR, DBT, Play Therapy, etc.
3. Offer Coaching services
4. Provide consulting services
5. Grant writing
6. Apply for federal, state, local and school district contracts
7. Write blog articles for other therapists
8. Become a medical billing specialist for providers or provider other virtual assistance
9. Become and EAP provider
10 Sign up with Telehealth companies
11. Write home studies
12. Create and sell an online course
13. Become a trainer or keynote speaker
14. Become trained as an expert witness
15. Start a podcast
16. Write a book
17. Create an e-book
18. Develop worksheets/clinical tools for therapists. Sell on your website, Etsy or Teachers Pay Teachers site.
19. Create an app for clients or other therapists
20. Create and sell sandtray miniatures
21. Open an Etsy store - Create and sell mugs, t-shirts, toys, etc. to other therapists
22. Teaching (college, university, virtual schools)
23, Tutoring
24. PRN work at hospitals, treatment centers, etc.
25. Assessments for adoptive parents, immigration, disability, etc.
26. Offer wellness coaching and training
27. Become certified as a yoga teacher
28. Sports psychology
29. Become a social media influencer-Youtube, Instagram, Tiktok, etc.
30. Sharing your knowledge, ideas, interventions—Creating products-forms, play therapy Ebook
31. Create a website with paid advertising or affiliate marketing
32. Real estate ventures -Invest in rental properties, flip houses, or list properties on Air BNB.
33. Start a group practice
34. Website developer
35. Social media marketing
36. Conferences and Events- Host conference venues or create and manage retreats for therapists or clients
37. Create a membership group
38. Invest in a business
39. Start a new business related to a hobby or craft such as event planning, photography, become tour guide, etc.
40. Add services to your practice-groups, camps, a new niche
41. Find some part-time work, such as pet sitter/walker, DJ, nanny, camp counselor, uber driver, etc.
Diversifying income streams not only enhances financial stability but also brings new challenges and opportunities for growth. By exploring your own options for side hustles you can build a more resilient and rewarding professional journey, and even have some fun!
