Ep 161: Do Therapists Need Additional Income Streams?

Creating Additional Income Streams for Therapist MomsThis episode of The Therapist Mom Podcast is packed with practical, actionable insights to help you diversify your income as a therapist and mother—without falling into hustle culture. If you’ve been feeling the financial strain of client cancellations, rigid insurance systems, or unpredictable family schedules — or you’re simply longing for more stability in your practice — you’re in the right place.As someone who’s navigated both the trenches of motherhood and the rollercoaster of private practice for years, I know firsthand that small, sustainable shifts in your business model can make a real difference. This week, I’m opening up about the real reasons additional income streams matter (especially for those of us balancing sick days and school closures) and sharing the exact strategies I use myself. Whether you’re just getting started or you’re feeling stuck in the one-to-one therapy model, this episode will meet you right where you are—with empathy and clear next steps.If you’re a clinician, a mom, or both, craving real-world support and practical options to help your practice (and your life) feel a little less fragile, you’re absolutely in the right place.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeAffiliate Marketing for Therapists: Learn how you can ethically recommend tools you love and already use, and earn a little extra from doing so.Teaching CEUs: Discover how sharing your unique expertise can become a reliable income stream while empowering your colleagues.Therapy Tools & Resources: Find out how packaging worksheets, workbooks, and tools you’ve created for clients can provide ongoing earnings — and free up your schedule.Episode Timestamps00:02: The real reason therapists and moms need additional income streams (it’s not about hustle)01:32: Why the therapy “hour for a dollar” model is fragile—and how life (and kids) disrupts our plans03:37: The three income streams I personally use and how they work (affiliate marketing, CEUs, therapy tools)05:54: Affiliate marketing ethics, practical ideas, and what NOT to do as a clinician10:13: How teaching CEUs can help you leverage your existing experience and create meaningful impact13:03: Turning the resources you’ve already made into passive income (workbooks, templates, journals)16:20: Making it manageable: starting small, being ethical, and creating stability that fits real lifeTop Takeaways on Creating Additional Income Streams for Therapist MomsRethink the “Therapy Chair Only” ModelLet’s break this down: So many of us were taught that therapy income has to come from direct, one-to-one session work. But the reality is, our lives as moms don’t fit neatly into a weekly calendar. When kids get sick or life happens, our income can take a real hit. Having flexible income streams isn’t about squeezing in more work — it’s about protecting yourself, your family, and your well-being from the unpredictability and systemic pressures in our field (01:32).For me, this shift started after my son’s first trip to the ER for food allergies and realizing, “I can’t be everything to everyone at once—and my old business model isn’t going to help when life goes sideways.”Ethical, Sustainable Affiliate MarketingHere’s how you can start implementing this TODAY:Step 1: Make a list of the tools, systems, books, and courses you genuinely use and would recommend to colleagues.Step 2: Check if these products offer affiliate programs. Many EHR platforms, course creators, or business tools do.Step 3: Add these links to a resources page on your website or share them with peers (NOT clients) in a transparent and authentic way.Pro tip: Never recommend or link to products or services you don’t fully believe in or wouldn’t use yourself. Affiliate marketing as a therapist needs to be rooted in integrity, always (05:54).Share What You Know: Teaching CEUs & Creating Therapy ToolsWe all make mistakes, but let’s save you the headache. Here’s what NOT to do:Mistake 1: Don’t assume you have nothing to teach. Even your unique process or a worksheet you’ve made can help others (10:21).Mistake 2: Don’t get bogged down thinking you need to launch a massive course or shop. Start with a single CEU or download—and build from there (16:02).You already have lived experience and expertise — teach what you know, and let those tools keep supporting your colleagues and clients while you handle the other parts of motherhood life that need you.Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeMichelle Risser’s “Diversify Your Income with CEUs” Course – for learning how to turn your expertise into CEU offerings. Use code Ashley50 at checkout to get $50 offJoin us for Therapist Mom Networking Meetup — a casual space to connect with other therapist moms, share what’s working in your practice, talk through challenges, and build real community. No pressure, no pitching — just support and connection. Register at https://www.raisedtoempower.com/networking💻 This episode is sponsored by Jane, the all-in-one practice management software I use and love. Book your FREE Live Demo HERE and when you're ready to sign up use code ASHLEY1MO for a 1 month grace period⭐️ Follow on Instagram @Raisedtoempower⭐️ Grab your FREE networking guide for therapists HERE⭐️ Learn more about how I can help support you and your practice, and ways we can work together at www.raisedtoempower.comYou don’t have to figure this out alone. Ashley Comegys specializes in helping therapist moms build private practices that allow them the time freedom, flexibility and autonomy they need in their careers. Looking for support in either starting your practice, or looking to revamp your marketing and systems? Let’s chat, book a free consultation here🎧 If you find today's episode helpful or inspiring, be sure to share it with your therapist friends, subscribe to the show, and leave your five star rating and review.Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, supervision, or legal advice.