A Complete Guide on How to Become a Traveling Mental Health Therapist [From a Travel Therapist]
Key Takeaways:
Becoming a traveling or remote mental health therapist offers the freedom to work from anywhere in the world, with benefits like an expanded client base and improved work-life balance.
The process of becoming a travel therapist includes identifying your starting point, making a plan, taking action, and adjusting to life as a nomad.
One-on-one coaching can help you navigate this process and get customized support from someone who's been through it.
As a mental health therapist, I always knew I wanted more freedom and flexibility in my career. The 9-to-5 grind of working for someone else just didn't fulfill me. I craved the ability to work remotely and travel the world, but the logistics of transitioning a traditional therapy practice to a location-independent model felt daunting.
That all changed when I discovered the world of digital nomads and virtual businesses. Suddenly, I could envision a future where I wasn't tied down to one geographic location. I could become a traveling therapist, seeing clients from anywhere with an internet connection. But actually making that vision a reality? That was another story.
It took a lot of soul-searching and a few leaps of faith, but I'm proud to say that I'm living a life that's even better than I imagined. And now, it's my mission to empower other therapists like myself to ditch the limitations of a stationary career and build a virtual practice that supports the lifestyle you've been dreaming of.
First of all: are travel therapists a thing?
Yes! I'm living proof.
If you're anything like me, you were probably fed a very specific idea of what a therapist's career path "should" look like: do your time at an agency, get licensed, and maybe go out on your own—but in a very structured, specific way.
I'm here to tell you that it doesn't have to be this way. You don't need to put limitations on yourself or your business! Despite what you may have been taught in grad school or the messaging you've absorbed from other sources (like your family, society at large, or elsewhere), you can craft a practice (and life) that's right for you.
For many mental health professionals, the traditional brick-and-mortar therapy practice can feel limiting. But as a traveling therapist, you aren't confined to one location. You have the autonomy to create the career and lifestyle you desire.
So what does a travel therapist do?
As a traveling therapist, your day-to-day work looks very similar to a traditional therapist: you'll meet with clients, develop treatment plans, provide evidence-based therapy, and document your sessions. The key difference is that you can do all of this from anywhere in the world, without being tied to a specific office or clinic.
In addition to providing remote therapy services, traveling therapists also have the flexibility to:
Work while exploring new destinations
Maintain a location-independent lifestyle
Expand their client base beyond their local area
Set their own schedule and work-life balance
Working as a remote therapist allows you to build a virtual private practice in which you can see clients online from anywhere with an internet connection. This opens up a world of possibilities—you could run your business from a beach in Bali, a cafe in Paris, or your home base in a country of your choosing. The ability to work remotely gives you the freedom to travel and live life on your own terms.
4 key steps to become a traveling mental health therapist
Here, I've outlined the process that I followed to launch my travel therapy practice. Keep in mind that the process should be customized to your specific situation and goals.
I know firsthand that there is a ton of logistics, emotions, and work that goes into this process. I'm here to support you through any stage of the process with my coaching services. Contact me today to learn more about how we can work together.
1. Get clear on where you're starting.
The first step in becoming a remote or traveling mental health therapist is to assess your current situation and goals. Are you still in school, working at an agency, or do you already have an established private practice? Knowing your starting point will help you determine the specific steps you need to take.
Consider factors like whether you want to travel internationally or within your home country, and if you plan to be a full-time digital nomad or maintain a home base. Outlining your vision for your traveling therapy practice is crucial for developing an effective plan.
2. Make a plan.
Once you've identified your starting point, it's time to thoughtfully plan your transition to becoming a remote or traveling therapist. Depending on your current situation, this planning process may involve extensive research.
Key questions to address in your game plan include:
Can you continue to see your existing health insurance-based clients remotely, or will you need to transition them to a private-pay model?
Does your state or country's licensing board allow you to practice across state or international borders?
What practical logistics do you need to figure out, such as how to receive client documents and mail while on the move?
Mapping out the specific steps you need to take, along with a realistic timeline, can help alleviate any anxiety around making this career change.
Exploring options beyond private practice
While my path to becoming a travel therapist was centered around my private practice, I recognize that this isn't the best fit for everyone. Here are some ideas to consider if you want to travel as a therapist but aren't sure about running your own practice.
Telehealth Clinics: Many mental health organizations and online therapy platforms are expanding their remote services and hiring licensed therapists to provide virtual sessions. Check out some of these existing businesses for potential job opportunities.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): EAPs often hire remote counselors to offer short-term support and referrals to employees of their corporate clients. Some may offer travel therapy contracts.
Contract/Freelance Work: You can seek out contract or freelance employment opportunities with schools, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, or other organizations that need remote therapy services. Consider working with a staffing agency for these types of roles.
Military/Government Support Roles: The military and various government agencies may have travel contracts for remote mental health roles supporting service members, veterans, or other populations.
Investigating these alternative job options can be a great way to gain experience and test the waters of remote work before potentially launching your own traveling therapy business down the road. Or who knows, one of these short-term contracts could turn into a permanent position that you love!
3. Start taking action.
Once you have a solid plan in place, it's time to start taking action. This may involve informing your existing clients about the transition to remote/traveling services, making arrangements to move your belongings or sell possessions, and breaking the news to family and friends.
Be prepared for a range of reactions from the people in your life—both positive and negative. It's normal to have doubts or uncertainty during this stage. Remind yourself of the reasons why you're pursuing this lifestyle change and stay focused on your vision.
4. Adjust to your new reality!
Congratulations, you've made the leap and are now living the traveling therapist dream! However, the journey doesn't end there. Embracing the nomadic lifestyle comes with its own unique challenges and adjustments.
Be prepared to navigate ongoing changes, both in your professional and personal life. Establishing routines, maintaining strong self-care practices, and building a supportive community of fellow digital nomads can all help you thrive in this new chapter.
P.S. Want a more in-depth guide on how to become a traveling mental health therapist? Check out my YouTube video where I break my process down in detail.
What are the perks of being a traveling counselor?
The ability to work remotely opens up a world of benefits for mental health professionals. Here's a look at some of the key advantages of being a traveling or remote therapist. I've experienced many of these myself!
Freedom and flexibility
As a traveling therapist, you have the freedom to live and work from anywhere. This allows you to create the lifestyle you desire, whether that means working from a different country every month or maintaining a home base while taking regular trips.
Expanded client base
When you're not limited to a specific geographic area, you can expand your client base beyond your local community. This gives you the opportunity to work with a more diverse group of people and potentially increase your income.
Better work-life balance
Remote work often allows for a better work-life balance. You can structure your schedule to prioritize self-care, travel, and personal time, rather than being tied to a rigid 9-to-5 schedule.
Want a sneak peek into how I practice self-care as a traveling therapist? Check out this video from my YouTube channel.
Reduced overhead costs
Operating a virtual practice eliminates many of the overhead costs associated with a traditional brick-and-mortar office, such as rent, utilities, and office supplies. This can lead to greater profitability for your business.
Personal growth
Embracing a traveling or nomadic lifestyle can foster personal growth, expand your worldview, and inspire you to apply your clinical skills in new, creative ways.
My top tips for success as a traveling or remote therapist
Adjusting to this lifestyle isn't easy, but it's so worth it. Here are a few of my tips to make the process as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Prioritize self-care: When your office can be anywhere, it's crucial to establish boundaries and routines that support your well-being. Make time for movement, rest, and other self-care practices.
Invest in reliable technology: Ensure you have a stable internet connection, high-quality video conferencing equipment, and secure communication and storage solutions. Test your setup thoroughly before sessions. At the same time, don't stress! Check out my tips for ditching wifi anxiety.
Develop a marketing strategy: Use digital marketing tactics like search engine optimization, social media, and email marketing to attract new clients and grow your online presence.
Network with other traveling therapists: Connect with a community of fellow therapists who understand the unique challenges and joys of remote and traveling work. Collaborate, share resources, and provide support to one another.
Educate yourself on legal and regulatory requirements: Stay up-to-date on the latest laws, regulations, and best practices for providing remote therapy services. Consult with legal and professional organizations as needed.
And remember, I'm here to offer you personalized support in this process. Contact me today to learn more.
Final thoughts
Whether your goal is to travel full-time, maintain a home base while exploring new destinations, or simply have more control over your work-life balance, the opportunity to become a traveling therapist is within reach. With the right planning, preparation, and support, you can transform your career and lifestyle in ways you never thought possible.
Take the first step today by reaching out for one-on-one guidance on building the virtual private practice and nomadic lifestyle of your dreams. The freedom and fulfillment that awaits are more than worth the effort.
