Did You Know You Could Be A Psychotherapist As A Digital Nomad Job?

Sometimes finding a digital nomad job is as easy as taking something you already do or love and turning it into an online business. If you’re someone who loves psychology and helping others, you might be interested in becoming a psychotherapist. 

This generation is taking mental health seriously in a way that all previous generations never did. It used to be taboo to go to therapy and you certainly wouldn’t tell anyone. Now people are seeing therapists on the regular to treat unresolved traumas, anxiety, and even as a way to just process their day-to-day life. You could say we are collectively healing, which is awesome. 

There are online coaches for all things and working on your mental health is one of them. A psychotherapist has the ability to work with people one-on-one to help them do a deep dive into their issues and work on resolving them together. It’s not a one-size fits all approach. 

Allow me to introduce you to the 4th woman in this series of digital nomad jobs, Nancy Diaz, who is a psychotherapist. Nancy is an incredible woman who is fulfilling her dream of working and traveling while being able to help others overcome anxiety that interferes with their life. How awesome is that?

Digital Nomad Job:

Can you really be an online therapist?

It used to be that traditional therapy would be in a sterile office setting but now you have the ability to bring the office to anyone around the world. In fact, Psychology Today reported that in 2022 The American Psychological Association (APA) found that 96% of psychologists treat patients virtually. That’s huge! 

As more and more businesses transition to a virtual setting, the opportunity to find the perfect digital nomad job increases. If you are someone who loves helping people and have a knack for mental health, then perhaps becoming an online psychotherapist is a great option for you.

And if you’re already a psychologist, counselor, or therapist then you will want to read on to learn about how you can take you career online to allow you the freedom to work and travel. Read here if you’re interested in finding out why I made the jump to full-time travel.

I asked Nancy to give me the breakdown of her business as a psychotherapist for a digital nomad job. She breaks down what it is that she does, what she likes and doesn’t like about her career, what a typical day is like in this digital nomad lifestyle, what others need to do in order to break into this industry, and more.

Let’s dive right in, shall we?! ↓

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Digital Nomad Job:

Interview With Psychotherapist, Nancy Diaz

Summary of what your digital nomad job entails

My job as a psychotherapist involves diving deep into the problems a client presents. I take a holistic approach and in my initial intake, I conduct a thorough biopsychosocial assessment which helps me determine which methods or techniques will work best for the client. I spend a lot of time reading and researching as well to make sure I am up to date on evidence-based practices so that I can help my clients.

What made you get started with this digital nomad job?

When my younger sister was diagnosed with anxiety, I realized that it was near impossible to find a bilingual therapist. I later found out that 90% of therapists are white and I know personally how hard it is to connect with a therapist who has never experienced many of the issues minorities have had. I also realized that while there are a handful of location independent therapists, there are very few who specialize in the unique issues that digital nomads experience.

What’s a typical day like for you as a digital nomad?

Every day looks different for me and I love this because I get bored easily with too much routine. I don’t usually wake up to an alarm but when I do wake the first thing I do is a guided meditation on gratitude. Afterwards I usually drink water and make myself breakfast. After that I may have a podcast interview to record, a client session, or a blog post to write.

I also may spend part of my day developing mental health tips to share on social media. I often make videos on mental health topics or record solocast episodes for The Wandering Minds Podcast as well. At some point in the day I go for a nature walk and do yoga as well. My day might include meeting up with a friend for lunch or going to the beach to watch the sunset.

Because I work with digital nomads who often need a bit more flexibility in their sessions and are in different time zones, I may have a session in the evening or on the weekend. I usually do end up working 6 or 7 days a week but since I just work a few hours here and there I don’t mind and it is what works best for me.

I make sure to set boundaries and make time for friends, family, and me time. My days usually end with journaling, a daily mood check-in, and some meditation.

Best thing you love about your job + the lifestyle

My favorite thing about my job is that I get to help people feel better and become true to themselves. I am passionate about advocating for mental wellbeing because I see firsthand the difference it makes in the lives of my clients.

The best feeling is knowing that you have helped someone out of depression and that they can start enjoying life again. My favorite part of the digital nomad lifestyle is the freedom of course. I’m sure that’s a typical answer but I love being able to make my own schedule and pick up and do a road trip whenever I want.

Least thing you like about your job + the lifestyle

I do miss my family and being so far away from them is hard. I video chat with them often though.

Average income whether that’s based on an average sale, hourly, yearly, per project, etc.

Most therapists in first world countries charge around $100-$200/hour. I keep my rates low and offer sliding scale rates because I truly believe therapy should be accessible to everyone. My background as a social worker has opened my eyes to the poverty and injustice in the mental health industry.

My first job as a therapist was working in a shelter for unaccompanied migrant children. I realized that while it was great that therapy services were being offered to them for free during their stay, it would likely be the only time in their life that they would be able to afford therapy. I know the harsh reality of being an immigrant and that is also why I decided to charge lower rates.

What qualifications did you need to get in order to do this career?

I obtained a master’s degree in social work from a university in the United States. Therapy is strictly regulated in the U.S. and you need a master’s degree to be a therapist. In many other countries this is not the case and anyone can say they are a therapist and offer services.

It’s important if you are seeking help from a mental health professional to ask about the person’s training and qualifications because the mind is so delicate and precious to be treated by someone who doesn’t have a degree.

Advice to those who are looking to pursue this field as a digital nomad job?

Do it. Get your degree and network as much as you can to build connections. You will need these connections because starting a private practice isn’t something that is taught in university. They teach you the skills to help clients but not the skills to help yourself get those clients first.

There is such a high need for mental health professionals and we could always use more advocates. Whether you decide to pursue this path or not, you can always be an advocate in your daily life for mental wellbeing.

Best tips on how to be successful working remotely and/or while traveling?

Make a daily to-do list but don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t get everything done. Make sure to schedule in time for self-care throughout the day so that you don’t burn out. Learn to be productive while you are commuting.

We are often on the road but if you are on a train, bus, or even walking somewhere, make the most of this time. Even if it’s listening to an audiobook or a podcast while you walk to get groceries, you can find ways to be productive if you look for them. 

Did you face any criticism getting started, from family or friends, in your digital nomad or remote work lifestyle, and if so, how did you overcome their judgment?

Yes. When I first told my mom about my decision to start my own online private practice, she said “Are you sure you want to do that? What if it doesn’t work?” I responded by asking her, “What if it does work?” Since then she has learned to be a lot more supportive, but it has taken time.

Our loved ones want what is best for us and that to them might look like stability and reliable income. They have a right to worry about us and we should be grateful that they care enough to voice their concerns, but we shouldn’t let that stop us from chasing our dreams.

What’s your favorite quote?

“The only zen you will find at the top of the mountain is the zen you bring with you”.

Your best travel tip or budget travel tip

Housesitting! It’s a great way to save money and get some pet cuddle time! I have done only a few housesits so far but I loved it. Studies show that having a pet can reduce the symptoms of depression so I always recommend housesitting or petsitting too digital nomads as a way to save money and as a bonus give your mental health a boost.

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Extra Resources

If you feel that helping others by working on and supporting their mental health sounds like something you’re interested in, I’ve put together a few resources below to help you out. Remember, we are only as healthy as our mind is.

Coaches:

• Unveiled Stories
• Business Of Therapy
• The Counselor’s Coach

Podcasts:

• The Private Practice Startup
• Therapy Chat
• Selling The Couch

Certification or Licensure

To become an online therapist, you’ll likely need to earn a graduate degree in psychology, counseling or social work, in addition to completing any required supervised clinical hours and earning licensure in your state.

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Summed up as a Psychotherapist

There you go, a little dive into what it means to be an online psychotherapist. I hope you found this valuable and are able to add it to the list of potential options for you to consider when looking for the perfect digital nomad job. If you want to learn more about Nancy and what she does, you can check her out on her instagram here or learn more at her website. 

Stay tuned for the next  post in this series on digital nomad jobs going live where I’ll announce on my Instagram.

xx, christine

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