Who Needs More Clients?
10 Ways to Diversify Your Income - And Save Your Sanity
Being a psychotherapist often feels like riding a financial rollercoaster, with its unpredictable ups and downs. One month you’re booked solid; the next, your schedule is a sea of empty slots and cancellations. And if you take a vacation or are ill? That’s just unpaid leave.
I’ve talked in past articles about how to prevent the “income leaks” that come with not charging for missed sessions and from running overtime in sessions. But can you earn money when you are sitting on a beach with a coconut drink in your hand, or in bed with the flu? Or when your caseload takes that mysterious dip?
Yes, it is possible. Today I'll talk about 10 income sources that don't rely on client hours, and how these can fill your wallet -- and save your sanity.
My story
I had hit “crispy” status — you know, that "on-the-verge-of-burnout" state. My empathy was non-existent, and my savings account was, too. I felt like a hamster on a wheel, unable to get ahead, and soooo tired. I wanted to earn more money, but I couldn’t face seeing more clients.
I realized I needed to uncouple my financial survival from the therapy hour. I needed sources of income that didn’t involve the intensity that came with client care. I also wanted some sources of “passive income,” where I could earn money while at home in my pajamas watching “Fixer Upper” (don’t judge me).
So, I got creative, and started playing around with new projects. I started doing occasional consultations. I offered to give a few free talks. I started writing my book. I started my newsletter and discovered how much I enjoyed writing articles. It all felt fun and fresh, and the variety gave me a much-needed break from the usual grind.
With each new venture, I was surprised to discover a new part of myself, like flexing an unused muscle I didn't know I had. At first, I wasn't doing it for the money -- that came later. But by mixing things up, I actually started feeling like myself again, full of energy and excitement for my work. In short, I got my mojo back. And the more I let myself think outside the box, the more sources of income I developed.
And I'm not alone...
Heard’s 2026 Financial State of Private Practice Report showed that about 40% of clinicians surveyed reported earning income from at least one source other than therapy. In fact, the average therapist reported bringing in non-therapy income of $8895 annually. That’s a big chunk of change.
Beyond the couch: 10 popular secondary income options
The Heard survey found therapists had a wide variety of side hustles. Here are some of the most common..... (to find out ways to grow your income without seeing more clients, continue reading the article here)
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