The Hidden Income Stream Most Therapists Are Overlooking (and It’s Not Another 1:1 Client)
Let’s be honest, most of us didn’t go into therapy for the money. But that doesn’t mean we don’t need it to live.
But with changes to insurance reimbursement rates and layoffs heading into the holidays this year, most of us are at least aware of the benefit of having a little extra money coming in. And others are desperate to generate some additional revenue.
Here’s one word I want you to consider seriously: Affiliate marketing.
Now before you picture shady “influencer” posts or random beauty products, hear me out. Affiliate marketing, done well, is simply recommending tools and resources, many of which you already use, and getting paid when someone else signs up using your link.
Chances are, you already do this everyday and even enjoy it, you just aren’t getting paid for it. So, let’s change that.
What Affiliate Marketing Looks Like for a Therapist
I talked about affiliate marketing in Product Launch Made Simple because I really value any income stream that allows me to earn as close to passively as possible. But if you’re still not convinced, please let me ease your mind. Affiliate marketing doesn’t mean becoming a salesperson. It means becoming a trusted resource.
You already tell clients, colleagues, or supervisees about:
That must-have planner you found on Amazon that helps you stay organized.
How affordable Therapy Appointment is as a EHR portal.
The Gusto payroll system you switched to because it actually made paying your 1099s simple.
The Teachable, Thinkific or Skool course platform you used to host your first digital product.
The OpusClips tool that turns your talking head videos into shareable clips.
The ManyChat tool that lets you logoff your phone and still communicate with your audience.
The Marriott Bonvoy Credit card that has the best rewards.
How you’re saving so much by using Legal Shield for your simple questions instead of dipping into your retainer for every little thing.
Each one of those companies has an affiliate or referral program, and every time someone joins using your link, you could earn a commission or credit.
So imagine: You write a blog, record a short video, or even drop a “resource list” for fellow therapists or small business owners on your website. You can even text friends a link in most cases. They sign up through your link. You get paid, all while you’re out living your life.
Why This Makes Sense for Therapists
You already have built-in trust.
People come to you because they trust your judgment, not just clinically, but personally. If you share something that helps you save time or money, they’ll listen.It aligns with ethical marketing.
You’re not pushing random products. You’re sharing things that actually improve workflow, organization, or wellbeing.It’s scalable.
Whether five people click your link or 500, it doesn’t change your workload. You can set it up once and let it grow.It adds a passive income stream to your practice.
That phrase gets overused, but it’s real. You do the work once, create a video, post a link in your email footer, or write a quick blog, and it can keep paying you over time.
Tools Therapists Can Start with Today
To be as ethically transparent here, I would include a disclaimer on your site that purchases is not a requirement for receiving treatment. You can also opt to keep this completely separate from your caseload and focus on building socially or on Pinterest where your links can circulate without an attachment to your license.
Here are a few affiliate opportunities that make sense in our world:
TikTok: A good general way to get started. Perfect if you’re already sharing professionally on the platform. Ask them to connect with you and make a few bucks. At the time of this writing they are giving $10 for each new signup, which can add up fast.
For Emotional Regulation, Mindfulness, and Stress Management
These are perfect if you work with anxious, overwhelmed, or high-achieving clients.
Insight Timer / Calm / Headspace – Offer referral links to meditation apps (some pay per sign-up or have partner programs).
Thrive Market – Great for holistic wellness or nutrition-focused clients (healthy snacks, supplements, etc.).
BetterSleep App – For clients with sleep or anxiety challenges.
Example: Create a “Calm Corner Starter Kit” blog or checklist and include all your affiliate links.
For Financial Wellness or Career Transitions
If you support clients with stress, burnout, or transitions, these fit beautifully.
RocketMoney – Helps track subscriptions and manage budgets.
M1 Finance or Acorns – Gentle intro to investing for beginners.
Fiverr Learn / Skillshare / Coursera – Learning platforms for clients exploring new careers or creative pursuits.
Example: A “Resources for Starting Over” email after a client graduates or completes career transition coaching.
For Relationships, Parenting, and Family Life
If you work with couples, parents, or families, try these:
The Gottman Institute Store – Affiliate program for books, card decks, and workshops.
KiwiCo – Monthly creative kits for kids (great for child therapists or parent coaching clients).
Example: Share a “Family Connection Toolkit” blog with your top recommendations.
For Digital Wellness and Productivity
If your clients struggle with burnout, focus, or boundary-setting with tech:
Opal App – Helps block distractions and manage screen time.
Todoist or Notion – Productivity tools that support executive functioning goals.
Remarkable Tablet – For clients who want to go digital without the distractions of social media.
Amazon Kindle / Audible – For clients who love learning and personal growth content.
Example: “Apps That Help You Protect Your Peace (and Your Focus)” blog or email.
How to Integrate This Without Feeling Salesy
You can add affiliate links into:
Your website resources or “things I love” page.
A follow-up email after discharge or workshop completion.
A monthly newsletter section (“Therapist Picks of the Month”).
A curated Amazon storefront (“Shop My Therapist Favorites”).
Transparency is key, just add a simple disclosure like:
“Some of these links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only share what I truly love and recommend to clients.”
Start small. Be transparent. Stay helpful.
The Bottom Line
Affiliate marketing is one of the easiest ways to diversify your income without adding more sessions or burning out.
You’re simply monetizing the value you already give.
And in a world where therapists are being pushed to do more for less, finding ways to work smarter, not harder, is exactly what this season calls for.
Your Turn:
What’s one tool you absolutely love and recommend all the time? That might be your first affiliate link waiting to happen.
Oh, and it should go without saying but if you click some of these links, I may be compensated for your purchase or subscription. But as a bonus, it won’t cost you a penny extra and might even save you a few dollars. Don’t forget to check out more ways to make more money in the Product Launch Made Simple.