22 Impactful Business Ideas For Therapists & Psychologists
Interested in starting a business as a therapist in 2024?
If managed well, building a business as a therapist could be more lucrative than employment. So, which are the best business ideas for therapists?
We put together 22 of some of the best therapist business ideas you can start in today.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other therapist businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a therapy business ($74.8K/month)
Starting a therapy business could be an excellent way to supplement your income or transition into a full-time entrepreneurial venture. As a therapist, leveraging your existing skills and experience could enable you to create a personalized practice that allows you to set your own schedule and rates, potentially increasing your income. Additionally, you could offer specialized services that align closely with your expertise, such as relationship counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy, or mindfulness training, capturing a niche market willing to pay for high-quality, tailored care.
Starting your own practice also allows you to choose the type of therapy you are most passionate about, giving you the freedom to focus on areas where you feel you can make the most impact. By adhering to necessary certifications and licenses, you would ensure that your business operates within legal and ethical guidelines, building a reputation for trust and reliability.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Professional cuddler, Sam Varnerin, developed her successful one-to-one cuddle service, Snuggle with Sam, as a result of recognising the universal human need for connection and touch, which also led to her opening Sam’s Snuggle School, a course for aspiring professional cuddlers.
2. Start a privacy management business
As a therapist, you could leverage your understanding of confidentiality and privacy to start a privacy management business. This side venture would involve helping other professionals and businesses navigate data protection and regulatory compliance, ensuring that personal information is handled responsibly and lawfully.
Given the increasing incidences of data breaches and the heightened demand for privacy, your expertise in managing sensitive information could make you uniquely suited for this role. You could create policies, conduct audits, and provide guidance to ensure that your clients adhere to privacy regulations, offering them peace of mind while expanding your income potential.
How much you can make: $66,000/month
How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)
Kolpolok Limited's CEO shares the journey behind their popular VPN service, Symlex VPN, which has over 6 million total subscriptions, 300k+ paid subscribers, and over 190k daily engagements worldwide.
3. Start a micro saas ($82.9K/month)
Starting a micro-SaaS as a therapist presents a unique and impactful opportunity to supplement your income and diversify your professional reach. By creating targeted software solutions designed specifically for the mental health sector, you could address unique challenges therapists face, such as patient scheduling, progress tracking, or telehealth integration. This approach enables you to leverage your in-depth understanding of the industry's needs, delivering highly customized solutions that can significantly benefit your peers.
Not only does this foster a closer relationship with your customer base, but it also allows for continuous refinement of your product through direct feedback. Launching a micro-SaaS targeted at therapists and psychologists could provide a steady revenue stream while offering valuable tools that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of mental health practice. Prioritize identifying a distinctive problem within the field and choose a scalable platform to maximize the potential for growth and long-term success.
How much you can make: $117 — $1,766,666/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
SuperLemon, a WhatsApp plugin for Shopify eCommerce stores, crossed $29,000 in MRR as of July 2020, with 20,000 users from 50+ countries and 1700+ paying customers, all acquired through organic marketing strategies and a relentless focus on customer service and satisfaction.
4. Start a health and wellness consulting business ($148K/month)
If you're a therapist seeking to supplement your income or start a side business, a health and wellness consulting venture could be an ideal fit. Leveraging your existing expertise in mental health, you could guide clients toward a more balanced and healthier lifestyle. This business would allow you to offer personalized plans that encompass better nutrition, regular physical activity, and effective stress management techniques.
Given the growing market of individuals eager to invest in their well-being, the demand for health and wellness consulting services is robust. This venture doesn't require a medical degree, making it accessible, but obtaining certifications and engaging in continuous learning are essential to maintain credibility. By tapping into your therapeutic skills, you could inspire and transform lives beyond the therapy room, making a meaningful impact on a broader scale.
How much you can make: $100 — $1,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 100 days (?)
Bey Moss, an e-commerce platform selling sea moss-infused health and wellness products, made over $800,000 to-date with less than $10,000 overall in ads after validating the product idea through reviews and feedback and leveraging their social media following to build a Bey Moss community.
5. Start a pet accessories business ($347K/month)
As a therapist, you could capitalize on the booming pet accessories market by launching a side business that promotes pet health and wellness. The growing number of pet owners means there's a high demand for quality pet products, such as treats, toys, collars, leashes, and pet beds. By leveraging your understanding of therapeutic benefits, you could offer accessories that contribute to both the mental and physical well-being of pets, thereby creating a niche in the market.
Entering the pet accessories business allows for a flexible schedule, something that could easily complement your existing practice. Your knowledge and experience in therapy could guide you in selecting products that not only improve pet handling but also enhance the bond between pets and their owners. This could provide a meaningful way to diversify your income while tapping into a thriving industry.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 268 days (?)
Dog with Blog, a content-driven pet adoption network in India led by founder Abhishek Joshi, has successfully driven 900+ dog adoptions using social media and content marketing, and has an active community of 116k fans across its social handles.
6. Start an eco-friendly retail business ($86K/month)
As a therapist, starting an eco-friendly retail business could offer a unique way to supplement your income while aligning with your values of promoting well-being. You could focus on selling sustainable products, such as organic apparel, zero-waste toiletries, and eco-friendly home goods, which dovetail with the holistic lifestyle often advocated in therapeutic practices.
By leveraging your understanding of mental and emotional health, you could curate an ethically sound inventory that not only minimizes environmental impact but also supports a mindful, balanced approach to living. Educating your clients and customers about the benefits of sustainable living enhances your role as a trusted advisor and provides an additional revenue stream. This entrepreneurial venture allows you to blend your passion for sustainability with a meaningful business, offering both personal and financial rewards.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $240,096/month
How long does it take to build: 242 days (?)
Boomerangz Footwear created interchangeable thongs designed to minimize blowouts and with patented bases and straps, resulting in a successful crowdfunding campaign that raised $50,000 in 6 weeks and led to the company being stocked in over 40 stores around Australia and expanding globally.
7. Start an event IT support business ($26.5K/month)
Starting an event IT support business might seem unconventional for a therapist, but the unique blend of organizational and interpersonal skills you possess can be a strong foundation for success in this field. You could leverage your problem-solving abilities and understanding of human behavior to effectively manage the technical needs of various events, from conferences to weddings. Your knack for detail and ensuring smooth operations could make you the go-to expert for setting up audiovisual equipment, managing networks, and troubleshooting tech issues during high-stakes moments.
This entrepreneurial venture could offer a fulfilling side income or even grow into a standalone business. Given the high demand for reliable IT support at events, your technical expertise combined with a therapist's calming presence can ensure client satisfaction and smooth event execution. By stepping into the fast-paced world of event IT support, you could tap into a new, exciting field while utilizing your existing skill set in innovative ways.
How much you can make: $23,000 — $30,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,550 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Data Fetcher is a no-code tool that imports data into Airtable which has reached 190 paying customers in just over a year after launch and is making $6500 in MRR, with a goal of reaching $30k+ in MRR, for aspiring founders looking to bootstrap an app to life-changing revenue as a solo founder.
8. Start a skills training business ($94.8K/month)
Starting a skills training business as a therapist offers a unique opportunity to leverage your expertise in human behavior and mental processes to help individuals develop important life skills. You could create online courses or workshops focusing on areas such as stress management, effective communication, conflict resolution, or emotional intelligence, all of which are highly sought after both personally and professionally.
Given your background, this business idea could be an additional revenue stream requiring minimal initial investment but offering significant potential for growth. The global skills training market is projected to reach $47.2 billion by 2027, making it a lucrative field. By building a strong online presence and a portfolio showcasing your specialized training programs, you could charge premium rates and work towards achieving financial independence while positively impacting others' lives.
How much you can make: $1,500 — $350,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Online learning community Frontend Mentor has over 200,000 members, with over 1,500 paid subscribers generating over $15,000 MRR, offering professionally designed challenges to improve front-end coding skills with a freemium business model and a focus on real-life experience.
9. Start a visa application business
Starting a visa application business could present a unique and rewarding opportunity to utilize your skills as a therapist while diversifying your income streams. Many individuals and families undergoing the visa application process experience significant stress and anxiety, much like the clients you work with daily. Your training in providing emotional support and understanding complex psychological needs could position you effectively to guide them through this often daunting process with empathy and care.
Additionally, you could offer specialized services to clients who may have mental health considerations as part of their immigration cases. By combining your expertise in therapy with the detailed knowledge required for visa applications, you could create a niche business that stands out in the market and offers significant value. This venture could start as a side business and potentially grow into a full-time endeavor, allowing you to expand your professional horizons while making a meaningful difference in people's lives.
10. Start an email marketing tool ($249K/month)
As a therapist, starting an email marketing tool could open up additional revenue streams by helping you connect more effectively with your clients and potential audience. You could develop tools specifically designed for psychological and therapeutic services that can assist in sending out informative newsletters, appointment reminders, mental health tips, and wellness advice. This specialized email tool would not only serve your practice but could also be marketed to other mental health professionals looking to enhance their client engagement.
Moreover, such a tool can facilitate better outreach, providing a platform to offer online courses, e-books, and workshops that can supplement your income. Considering the booming email marketing industry, tapping into this market could significantly broaden your professional influence and clientele base. By automating and optimizing your email communications, you'll have more time to focus on your primary practice while still reaping the benefits of an additional, scalable business venture.
How much you can make: $120 — $2,083,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 170 days (?)
H-supertools founder Hasan developed a set of free SEO and digital marketing tools generating $2k per month in profit using Google Adsense, affiliate marketing, selling ad spaces, and email, plans to launch a membership option, and has attained over 80k registered users and 300k monthly visits in less than two years.
11. Start an influencer platform ($89.6K/month)
As a therapist, you could start an influencer platform to supplement your income by connecting brands with psychologists and mental health professionals who can promote wellness products authentically. Picture an online marketplace where companies can easily find and contract influencers specializing in mental health, ensuring that their promotional efforts resonate with the right audience.
This platform would not only offer an additional income stream through commissions and fees but also allow you to foster genuine collaborations between brands and professionals. With built-in analytics to monitor campaign success, you could create a win-win environment that benefits both influencers and companies. Moreover, tapping into the growing influence of social media and the current focus on mental well-being makes this an exciting and lucrative venture.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $350,000/month
How long does it take to build: 240 days (?)
This case study is about a founder who launched a paywall platform for content creators in 2019, bootstrapping it from $0 and eventually selling it for $3.5M on Flippa, with the platform generating between $125,000 - $142,000 in Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR) on 95% margins.
12. Start a rave clothing store
As a therapist with an entrepreneurial spirit, starting a rave clothing store could offer you a creative outlet while supplementing your income. Given your understanding of human behavior and individual expression, you'd be uniquely positioned to tap into the rave and festival-goer community's desire for vibrant, eye-catching apparel and accessories.
You could curate a collection of extravagant items like neon tops, holographic pants, LED-infused accessories, and UV-reactive makeup, creating a curated shopping experience that resonates with your clients and beyond. Whether you choose an online platform or a physical boutique, this venture would allow you to connect with a growing niche market that values flamboyant and expressive fashion.
Utilizing your therapeutic skills, you could also engage with customers on a deeper level, understanding their needs and preferences, ultimately building a loyal customer base. This creative and dynamic business opportunity not only adds a new stream of revenue but also allows you to explore a different facet of human expression through festival fashion.
How much you can make: $400,000/month
GloFX sold millions of pairs of "raver glasses" and expanded into various markets including arts and science museums, educational institutions, and EDM subculture fashion. One of the fastest-growing companies in America, and generates $400K in revenue per month.
13. Start a drinking accessories business
Starting a drinking accessories business could be an exciting entrepreneurial venture for therapists and psychologists looking to supplement their income. By leveraging your creativity, you could develop custom drinking accessories that resonate with both bar owners and individual consumers. This side business provides an opportunity to explore a different market while utilizing your expertise in understanding people's preferences and behaviors.
Selling these accessories online or through local glassware shops opens up multiple revenue streams. You could apply your therapeutic skills to create unique marketing strategies, emphasize the emotional experiences associated with using your products, and build a brand that stands out. This venture allows you to balance your primary career with a fun, artistic outlet that also brings in extra income.
How much you can make: $78,000/month
How long does it take to build: 130 days (?)
PDD Falcon is a family-owned brand that manufactures premium stainless steel storage and drinkware, serving over 5 million customers across 18,000 pin codes in India with a projected revenue of Rs 12 cr and valuation of Rs 25 cr for FY 2022-23, achieved through a network of 40 distributors and various major online portals.
14. Start a product photography business ($19.8K/month)
As a therapist, you could explore the entrepreneurial avenue of starting a product photography business to supplement your income. This venture involves taking high-quality photographs of products for commercial use, helping online traders showcase their items effectively. Given the increasing importance of visual marketing in eCommerce, your skill in capturing and editing high-end photos could be highly in demand.
If you have a passion for photography, this side business could provide a creative outlet while also generating additional revenue. By mastering photo editing software, you could enhance the visual appeal of the products you photograph, thus establishing a reputation for quality and professionalism. This business can be tailored to fit around your primary career, offering a flexible and fulfilling entrepreneurial opportunity.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $45,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)
Pro Photo Studio founder Tsour Lee Adato shares how she turned a $5k investment into a business that services over 500 clients annually and makes approximately $350k per year with plans to expand and become a 7-figure business while offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs to always be innovating, learning and growing, and not to undervalue themselves.
15. Start a business coaching ($121K/month)
As a therapist, you could tap into the rewarding field of business coaching to supplement your income or even establish a new venture. With your skills in understanding human behavior and facilitating personal growth, you are uniquely positioned to help entrepreneurs, managers, and business professionals overcome challenges and develop effective strategies.
In business coaching, you could offer specialized guidance in areas like leadership development, productivity, or market strategies. By conducting one-on-one sessions and developing customized plans, you would support clients in achieving their goals while holding them accountable for their progress. As demand for skilled business coaches continues to grow, this opportunity promises not only financial rewards but also personal satisfaction from helping others unlock their potential.
How much you can make: $3,500 — $541,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)
MentorCruise is a career coaching marketplace generating $24k MRR and processing $1M annually for mentors, with most traffic and sales coming from SEO and organic sources, currently looking to expand to the B2B market.
16. Start a handbag business
As a therapist, starting a handbag business could be a fulfilling side venture that allows you to tap into your creative side while supplementing your income. You could leverage your intuitive understanding of your clients' needs and preferences to design handbags that resonate with a specific target audience, creating a unique and stylish product line that stands out in a crowded market.
Additionally, your strong communication skills and empathetic approach will be invaluable for excellent customer service, ensuring prompt responses to customer inquiries and fostering customer loyalty. By utilizing social media campaigns, influencer partnerships, and collaborations with fashion bloggers, you could effectively market your handbags and grow your brand. This entrepreneurial endeavor could provide a dynamic and profitable balance to your therapeutic practice.
How much you can make: $1,000/month
How long does it take to build: 139 days (?)
Ohrna is a sustainable lifestyle products brand that empowers rural women in India by providing them with training and resources to create embroidered jute products, with current revenues of around $12,000 and 15 women employed.
17. Start a wedding band business
As a therapist, you could tap into the emotionally enriching world of wedding bands, leveraging your ability to connect deeply with people and understand their needs. Your strong listening skills and empathetic nature would allow you to cater to clients looking for a personalized and meaningful touch on their special day.
A wedding band business could serve as a creative outlet, offering a flexible side income that fits around your primary practice. By collaborating with musicians and creating bespoke experiences, you could help couples celebrate their love in a way that aligns with your passion for fostering meaningful human connections.
18. Start a digital services business ($299K/month)
As a therapist, starting a digital services business could supplement your income by leveraging your expertise in new ways. You might offer online workshops, create mental health content, or even provide virtual coaching services. This type of business has low overhead costs, allowing you to work from anywhere with just a reliable internet connection and the right digital tools.
Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr can help you find clients who need your specialized knowledge and skills. You could scale your operations by collaborating with other freelancers or consultants to handle larger projects, thus diversifying your offerings. This flexible approach lets you monetize your skills effectively, presenting a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurial-minded therapists.
How much you can make: $15,500 — $1,766,666/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)
A 25-year-old entrepreneur shares his journey of starting a property marketing agency, with a current monthly income of $18,000/month, and divulges the importance of having a niche and going all-in on client results and experience.
19. Start a video games rental service business
Starting a video games rental service business could provide a unique and exciting way to supplement your income as a therapist. This venture would allow you to tap into the booming gaming market, offering clients access to a diverse library of games for a monthly fee without requiring a hefty investment in upfront stock.
By leveraging your existing skills in management and logistics, you could efficiently handle memberships, inventory, and shipping, ensuring smooth operations and customer satisfaction. Additionally, this business could serve as a creative outlet and offer a balance to the often emotionally demanding nature of therapy work, all while fulfilling the needs of gamers seeking budget-friendly entertainment options.
With the right strategy, this side business could cater to both casual and hardcore gamers, creating a steady stream of supplementary income while keeping overhead costs relatively low.
20. Start a golf rental
As a therapist, you could diversify your income streams by starting a golf rental business, tapping into the recreational needs of your community. Golf is a popular pastime and offers opportunities for individuals to relax and unwind, which aligns well with your expertise in mental wellbeing. By offering high-quality golf equipment rentals, you could cater to busy professionals or vacationers who are keen to enjoy a game without the hassle of owning and transporting their own gear.
This venture could also present opportunities to integrate aspects of therapeutic practices, such as organizing wellness retreats or team-building exercises that incorporate golf activities. By combining your professional skills with the business of golf rental, you could foster an environment where clients not only have fun but also benefit from enhanced mental health and stress relief. This endeavor allows for flexibility, as you could manage rentals during off-hours or hire staff, making it a manageable and potentially lucrative side business.
21. Start a pet glider business
As a therapist, you could consider starting a pet glider business to supplement your income while leveraging your existing skills and interests. Sugar gliders, with their unique care requirements and affectionate nature, could provide a therapeutic experience for both clients and yourself. This venture aligns well with the principles of mental wellness and emotional support that you practice daily.
You could market these adorable pets as emotional support animals, which might appeal to your clients who seek non-traditional forms of comfort and companionship. Additionally, your background in psychology would be an asset in understanding the emotional dynamics between pet owners and their gliders, enhancing the overall customer experience.
Overall, starting a pet glider business allows you to diversify your income streams and engage in a fulfilling side venture that complements your therapeutic work. This new endeavor could not only provide additional financial benefits but also enrich your professional practice with a tangible connection to animal therapy.
22. Start a music app business ($98K/month)
As a therapist, you could supplement your income or create a full-fledged side business by launching a music app. Through this venture, you would develop a digital platform where users can stream, download, or share their favorite tunes. By integrating a user-friendly design and a rich library of music, you could offer a serene and therapeutic auditory experience that complements your existing practice.
Given the technical aspects involved, starting a music app will require a fair amount of planning, technical expertise, and licensing agreements with music labels. However, the potential rewards are significant, thanks to the growing popularity of smartphones and streaming services. If you have a passion for music and an entrepreneurial spirit, this could be an innovative and fulfilling way to combine technology and the arts, while also enhancing your professional offerings.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $195,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $7,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 160 days (?)
MightyCall's Product Manager, Anna Miranchuk, explains how they launched and grew a B2B VoIP business phone service that brings in just over $200,000 per month as of January 2021, with a user base exceeding 6,000 small business owners and 25,000 active users, and shares lessons for aspiring founders who want to build or grow their own business.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
