Beyond the Couch: Smart Revenue Streams for Therapists and Coaches
I’ve never met a therapist that says that they have too much money.
But I have met plenty who are:
Worried about the current political climate’s impact on their practice
Desperate for additional revenue to pay down debt or student loans
Feeling restless with one-on-one work and looking for something different
Does any of that sound like you?
If you’ve been thinking about adding an additional revenue stream but are unsure of where to start, you’re not alone. More therapists and coaches than ever are expanding their income beyond the proverbial couch and into creative, scalable, or simply less emotionally taxing revenue streams. And it's not just about making more money — it's about protecting your peace, preventing burnout, and building a career that works for your life, not the other way around.
“I love therapy, but I knew I needed income that didn’t depend on me being in the room every hour of the day.” – Private Practice Owner
Why Diversifying Your Income is a Power Move
Whether you’re a therapist managing a full caseload or a coach juggling your biz with caregiving and life responsibilities, there comes a point when you realize:
You can't sustainably trade hours for dollars forever
Client work — especially deep emotional labor — has a shelf life before burnout knocks
There are so many ways your skills can generate income in new, creative ways
The number of people you want to help with the number of hours that you want to give will never match
Multiple revenue streams don’t just offer financial security — they give you options when life throws a curveball or when your passion for 1:1 work starts to shift.
15+ Revenue Stream Ideas for Therapists and Coaches
Here’s a breakdown of real income paths your peers are using — both clinical and non-clinical.
1. Supervision + Consultation
For example, clinical supervision or case consultations to interns and newer clinicians.
This could be your secret sauce if: You have a passion for specific topics, demographics and are at capacity and want to give others a chance to share the load. You can stand out by creating niche consult group, like EMDR, trauma-informed care, and practice building.
2. Online Courses or Digital Products
For example, turning your most-requested client or peer content into a course, checklist, workbook, or mini-training.
This could be your secret sauce if: you’re noticing a common theme amongst your existing clients or client inquiries.
3. Teaching or Adjunct Faculty Roles
For example, working for the university where you trained or in an associated or complimentary course.
This could be perfect for you if: You’re looking to make an extra $3-10k annually, can commit to a consistent schedule and enjoy the structure of a traditional class. While many universities require a terminal degree for masters level classes, you may be able to teach undergrad with your existing degree and licensure.
4. Coaching or Niche-Based Services
For example, business coaching, parent coaching, or spiritual life guidance are all common extensions.
This could be perfect for you if: you are feeling constrained by your license or if you really want to focus on your most favorite clients to work with.
5. CEU Trainings & Public Speaking
For example, hosting workshops or speaking at conferences (in person or virtual) and getting paid nicely.
This could be perfect for you if: You’ve always dreamed of being a TEDx speaker, really enjoy the energy of an audience or you have a natural talent for performance. As a note, this leads perfectly into consulting which has added multiple 6-figures to our practice just in the past 2 years alone.
6. Memberships or Subscription Offers
For example, build a low-cost community with monthly support, resource sharing, or live Q&As.
This could be perfect for you if: You want a way for clients to work with you at a lower price point. This can also work for clients who have “graduated” and need maintenance support.
7. Affiliate Marketing or Product Reviews
For example, getting paid to recommend tools, training, or therapy-support products you love (and use affiliate links).
This could be perfect for you if: You enjoy telling people about things that you like. This usually requires either a social media following or an email list, but now you can also sign up to just share videos and reviews directly through Amazon too.
8. Contract Work or Side Jobs
For example, reviewing CEU courses for compliance, reviewing grant applications, managing a practice on behalf of another therapist, or offering immigration evaluations.
This is perfect for you if you’re a little more analytical and don’t want to create anything.
9. Creative & Non-Therapy Side Hustles
The sky is the limit here, you can do anything from breeding English Bulldogs 🐶 to home organization to flower farming, not every income stream has to be clinical.
This is perfect for you if you want a completely separate way of making money without using your license. Not sure where to start? Grab my FREE Skills to Pay the Bills Guide and check out some ways that you could be making money immediately.
Here’s What Your Colleagues Are Actually Doing
To give you a peek behind the scenes, here’s a sampling of what real therapists and coaches just like you are doing right now:
🧠 “I run a group practice, sell digital products, and have a small online membership.”
🎓 “I teach at a local university and lead supervision groups.”
📚 “Courses, a directory I created, and consulting for therapy-adjacent professionals.”
🎤 “I speak and train, plus I wrote a book and created a sensory product line.”
💻 “I run a YouTube channel and offer home design services — it’s totally different, and I love it!”
Bottom line: There’s no one right way. The best revenue stream is one that fits your season of life and goals for your business.
How to Get Started Without Burning Out
If you’re feeling excited but overwhelmed, keep these tips in mind:
✅ Start small — your first step might be a freebie, a webinar, or offering to supervise one intern.
✅ Choose something you already talk about often — that’s probably your zone of genius.
✅ Use your existing audience — you don’t need to build from scratch.
✅ Stay anchored in your why — additional income should bring you peace, not pressure.
Want to brainstorm the right idea for YOU?
Sign up for a quick strategy session and leave with not only confirmation of your right idea, but the quickest path to profit too!