AI Chatbots for Therapists: How to Make $1,000 a Week (Even If You’re Not a Therapist)

Imagine this: A therapist is drowning in paperwork, answering the same questions over and over, and struggling to keep up with patient requests. Meanwhile, people who need mental health support are stuck on long waiting lists or can’t afford traditional therapy.

This is where AI chatbots come in—smart computer programs that can talk to people, answer questions, and even help with therapy exercises. And guess what? You don’t need to be a therapist or a tech genius to make money from this growing trend.

In this article, I’ll show you how to turn AI chatbots into a $1,000-a-week business by helping therapists and mental health clinics.

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Why AI Chatbots Are a Huge Opportunity Right Now

1. There’s a Massive Therapist Shortage

• Over 150 million people in the U.S. live in areas with a shortage of mental health professionals. (Source: Kaiser Family Foundation)
• Many therapists have months-long waiting lists, leaving people without help when they need it most.

2. People Want Help Anytime, Anywhere

• Not everyone can afford $150-per-hour therapy sessions.
• AI chatbots like Woebot and Wysa offer 24/7 support at a fraction of the cost. (Source: Woebot Health)

3. Therapists Need More Time

• Most therapists spend hours on admin work—scheduling, reminders, and answering basic questions.
• AI chatbots can handle these tasks, giving therapists more time for actual therapy sessions.

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3 Simple Ways to Make Money with AI Therapy Chatbots

1. Sell Ready-Made Chatbots to Therapists

Many therapists don’t know how to set up an AI chatbot—but you can do it for them!

How it works:

• Use easy tools like Botpress or ChatGPT to create a simple chatbot.
• Offer it to therapists for a monthly fee (200–200–500 per clinic).
• Upsell extra features like automated appointment reminders or mood-tracking tools.

Example:

“Hey [Therapist’s Name], I noticed you’re spending a lot of time answering patient questions. What if a chatbot could handle 50% of those for you? I can set one up for your practice—no tech skills needed!”

2. Create a Self-Help Chatbot App

Instead of selling to therapists, you can sell directly to people who want mental health support.

How it works:

• Build a simple chatbot that gives daily mental health tips (like breathing exercises or journal prompts).
• Offer a free version and a paid version (10–10–20/month) with extra features.
• Promote it on TikTok, Instagram, or mental health forums.

Success Story:
The app Wysa has over 5 million users and makes money through subscriptions. (Source: Wysa)

3. Help Therapists Automate Their Work

Therapists waste time on scheduling, intake forms, and follow-ups. You can build a chatbot that does all this for them.

How it works:

• Create a bot that collects patient info before sessions.
• Charge a one-time fee (1,000–1,000–3,000) or a monthly subscription (50–50–200).
• Market it to small therapy clinics or life coaches.

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How to Get Started (Even If You’re Not Tech-Savvy)

Step 1: Pick an Easy AI Tool

You don’t need to code! Try:

• ChatGPT API (for simple chatbots)
• Botpress (drag-and-drop bot builder)
• Landbot (great for intake forms)

Step 2: Find Your First Clients

• Cold email therapists: “I help therapists save 10+ hours a week with AI chatbots. Want to see how it works?”
• Post on LinkedIn/Facebook groups for mental health professionals.
• Offer a free trial to get your first customers.

Step 3: Keep It Legal & Safe

• Don’t give medical advice—just automate admin tasks.
• Use HIPAA-compliant tools if handling patient data. (Source: HIPAA Journal)

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Can You Really Make $1,000 a Week?

Yes! Here’s the math:

• 5 therapists paying 200/month∗∗=∗∗200/month∗∗=∗∗1,000/month
• 50 users paying 20/month∗∗foraself−helpbot=∗∗20/month∗∗foraself−helpbot=∗∗1,000/month
• 2 clinics paying 500foracustombot∗∗=∗∗500foracustombot∗∗=∗∗1,000 in one week

The key? Start small, test, and scale.

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The Big Question: Are AI Chatbots Ethical?

Some people worry that chatbots can’t replace human therapists—and they’re right! AI should support, not replace, real therapy.

Best practices:

• Always add a disclaimer (“Not a substitute for professional help”).
• Include emergency resources (like suicide hotlines).
• Let users connect to a real therapist when needed. (Source: American Psychological Association)

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Final Tip: The Future Is Bright

AI therapy chatbots are just getting started. By getting in now, you can build a business that:
✅ Helps people access mental health support
✅ Saves therapists time
✅ Makes you $1,000/week (or more!)

Your Next Step?
Try building a simple chatbot this week (it’s easier than you think!). Then, reach out to just one therapist and see if they’re interested.

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Want to Learn More?

• How AI is Changing Therapy (Forbes)
• Best AI Chatbot Tools (TechCrunch)

Got questions? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to help! 🚀