The Most Lucrative Side Hustles for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners

You Don’t Need Another Job — You Need Better Options

If you’re a psychiatric nurse practitioner who loves your work but feels limited by your income, I want you to hear this clearly:

More money does not have to mean more burnout.

So many psychiatric nurse practitioners assume the only way to earn more is to work extra shifts, see more patients, or sacrifice even more of themselves. That belief keeps a lot of us stuck.

The truth is, there are income opportunities that align with your training, protect your time, and allow you to build financial breathing room — without losing yourself in the process.

Why Side Hustles Make Sense for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners

Side hustles aren’t about grinding harder. When done intentionally, they help you:

• Reduce financial stress

• Create flexibility in your schedule

• Stop relying on a single employer

• Build confidence outside of traditional roles

For many psychiatric nurse practitioners, the right side hustle actually reduces burnout.

The Most Lucrative Side Hustles for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners

1. VA Disability Mental Health Evaluations
High demand, structured assessments, and strong compensation.

2. Nursing Home Psychiatric Rounds
Predictable schedules with consistent income.

3. Telepsychiatry for Rural or Underserved Areas
Flexible, remote, and scalable.

4. Substance Use Disorder Treatment (OBOT / MAT)
Meaningful work with excellent reimbursement.

5. SAP & DOT Mental Health Evaluations
One-time evaluations with strong earning potential.

6. Crisis Assessments (PRN or Contract)
Short-term work with premium pay.

7. Corporate Mental Health & Wellness Consulting
Work with organizations instead of back-to-back patient visits.

8. Expert Chart Review or Psychiatric Consultation
Use your expertise without clinical overload.

9. School-Based Psychiatric Services
Structured schedules with mission-driven impact.

10. Private-Pay Telehealth Services
Maximum autonomy and income control.

Why Most Psychiatric NPs Struggle to Get Started

The issue isn’t lack of opportunity — it’s lack of clarity and support.

Many psychiatric nurse practitioners:

• Don’t know which option fits their lifestyle

• Feel unsure about compliance or setup

• Underestimate their value

• Try to figure everything out alone

That uncertainty is often what keeps people stuck.

You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone

You deserve guidance, real conversations, and support from others who understand this path.

Inside The Psych NP Collaborative, psychiatric nurse practitioners connect around:

• career growth

• income expansion

• burnout prevention

• and building sustainable, fulfilling work lives

If you’re exploring what’s next and want support while you figure it out, this is a great place to start.

Want to Go Deeper?

I’m currently building step-by-step resources for psychiatric nurse practitioners who want to expand their income without burning out.

If you’d like to:

• be notified when those resources are available, and

• receive practical guidance in the meantime

Join my email list or community below.