18 Inspiring Mental Health Related Business Ideas (2023)
Almost 11% of the world population suffers from some kind of mental health disorder. That's almost 800 million people.
In business terms, that's a quite big addressable market to tackle, as attractive as any other you can find. Plus, you get the benefit of making an impact on people's lives. So there's no doubt why the sector is booming and entrepreneurs, investors and tech companies are paying more attention to it.
Have a mental health-related business and want to get added to this list? Submit to share your story here.
Below we have listed some successful businesses that we have featured in the past and that are thriving while helping people. Check them out, and get some inspiration from their stories:
1. Start a meditation studio
Starting a meditation studio is a great business idea for those passionate about wellness and helping others find inner peace. This studio provides a relaxing and calming environment where people can practice mindfulness and meditation.
At your meditation studio, you can offer a variety of classes and workshops, including guided meditation sessions, yoga classes, and other wellness practices. You can also offer one-on-one coaching and personal development sessions to help your clients achieve their goals and find more balance in their lives.
To create the perfect atmosphere, you will want to design your space with calming colors, comfortable seating, and soothing lighting. You may also want to consider adding essential oil diffusers, calming music, and other elements that help create a peaceful environment.
The demand for meditation and mindfulness practices is growing, so starting a meditation studio is an excellent opportunity to tap into this trend and positively impact your community. By providing a place for people to relax, de-stress, and find inner peace, you can help people live happier, healthier lives.
We are Athena and Maria, the mother-daughter co-founders of Kala Mobile Meditation Studio in Baltimore, Md. Our customized 35 ft vehicle has 8 meditation rooms or “pods” for individual audio meditation and sound therapy sessions. Each pod is equipped with comfortable built-in seating, noise-canceling headphones, and an interactive tablet where guests can view and select from our menu of original (and locally produced) meditation options.
2. Start a supplements company
A supplement business makes money by selling dietary supplements, vitamins, protein powders, and health foods to customers.
These products are often sold directly to customers or through distributors and retailers.
Your target customers will likely include fitness enthusiasts, health-conscious individuals, wellness influencers, and those who prioritize their nutrition daily.
Starting a supplement brand is becoming increasingly popular because it's relatively inexpensive, and you can run the business from your home.
My name is Nick Bare and I own Bare Performance Nutrition. We are a sports nutrition and health supplement company based out of central Texas, just about 20 minutes north of Austin.
I built the brand while working as an active duty Soldier, sleeping very little and working very much. Bare Performance Nutrition has always specialized in sports performance (pre-workout, pump enhancers, whey protein, BCAAs) but is now adding to the line of health supplements (greens superfoods, red superfoods, multi-vitamin, joint support) due to the increased demand and popularity from the current customers. The flight is our flagship product (pre-workout) which launched the brand in 2012 and has been one of our fastest moving products to date.
3. Create a card game
If you love card games and have dreamed of starting your own business, why not consider starting a card game business? This can be a great way to bring people together and create a fun, social atmosphere while also making a profit.
To get started, you’ll need to decide what type of card game you want to focus on. Do you want to offer a variety of games like poker, blackjack, and baccarat, or do you want to specialize in a specific game like bridge or magic gathering? Once you’ve decided on the type of card game you want to offer, you’ll need to find a location to host your business. This could be a physical storefront or even an online platform.
Next, you’ll need to consider what types of services you want to offer. Some options could include hosting card game tournaments, offering lessons or classes for people interested in learning how to play or even selling card game supplies like decks, chips, and other accessories.
You'll need to advertise your business and create a strong online presence to attract customers. This could include creating a website, promoting your business on social media, and reaching out to local card game communities to spread the word about your business.
Overall, starting a card game business can be a rewarding and exciting venture. It allows you to share your love of card games with others while also building a successful business. You can turn your passion for card games into a thriving business with the right planning and dedication.
My name is Bart and I’m a co-founder of Vertellis. Vertellis means “tell me more” in Dutch and our mission is to bring people closer together. Vertellis is where connections grow and conversations begin, and we're striving to make a worldwide impact on the way people connect in our digital society.
We don’t invest in media, papers and podcasts come to us and then we decide if we follow up or not. We choose the 20/80 principles and The One Thing (book by Gary Keller) that we focus on Facebook Marketing. We believe we are the best authentic storytellers in our branch at this moment in time (and we like to keep that title!)
4. Start a mental health blog
Starting a mental health blog can be a fulfilling and impactful business idea for anyone looking to make a difference in the lives of others. This type of business involves creating and maintaining a website or blog that provides helpful information and resources on mental health topics.
A mental health blog aims to educate and support those struggling with mental health issues, as well as their loved ones. This can be achieved through various content, including articles, videos, podcasts, etc.
You will need to research and gather information on various mental health topics, such as anxiety, depression, stress management, etc. You will also need to create and maintain a website or blog, which will serve as the platform for your content.
In terms of revenue, a mental health blog can generate income through various methods, such as advertising, sponsored content, and selling products or services related to mental health.
Overall, starting a mental health blog can be a rewarding and meaningful business idea for anyone looking to make a positive impact in the lives of others. By educating and supporting those struggling with mental health issues, you can make a significant difference in the world.
Hello everyone! I am Swagat Mohanty. And I co-founded FailTell with Rahul Mohanty. Our online platform FailTell offers a wide range of services to help everyone overcome failures, conquer mental health & emotional challenges, strategize career and deal with everyday concerns for personal, emotional, and professional growth. Be it mental health support, uncertain career decisions, or just someone you want to talk to who could help you lead a more meaningful and happier life, FailTell offers a one-stop solution to redesign one’s personal and professional growth, with its wide range of services.
5. Start a journal brand
A journal is a newspaper or a magazine that covers a particular subject or a professional activity based on the author's thoughts and feelings. The beauty of journaling is there is no right or wrong way to start.
The approach depends on your personal experience and can take many forms.
Find a journaling habit that works for you and create a writing routine. Get creative and journal about anything that comes to mind, so long as it interests your target audience.
Hi, I’m Jess. I’m 34 years old from Tasmania, Australia. I started Chasing Planner Peace back in 2015 when I was pregnant with my third child. Originally we were based on Etsy and only sold planner inserts, however, we’ve now turned into a one-stop planner shop that caters to seasoned “planner addicts” who want to add to their planners, and also planner newbies who love the fact our shop is the only store in Australia you can custom build your own ring planner style planner.
Over the past few years, we’ve really expanded our range to not only offer planners and inserts, but also planner dashboards (beautiful cover pages), dividers, notepads, stationery items and more. We also recently started our subscription box service where every two months customers can receive a “Planner Peace Box” which is full of planner and self-care goodies. We have so many more plans for new products in 2020.
6. Build a mental health app
Starting a mental health app can be rewarding for those passionate about helping others. A mental health app is a mobile application that helps individuals manage their mental health and well-being. It can offer a variety of features, such as self-assessment tools, resources for finding therapists, and stress management and relaxation techniques.
One potential way to monetize a mental health app is through subscription plans. Users can sign up for a monthly or yearly subscription to access premium features and resources. Another option is to offer a freemium model, where users can access basic features for free and pay for additional premium features.
To create a mental health app, you will need a team of developers to design and build the app and mental health professionals to contribute content and resources. Marketing the app and building a user base will also be important for the business's success.
Overall, a mental health app can be a meaningful and profitable business venture for those who are dedicated to improving the mental health and well-being of others.
Hi all, my name is Martin Morávek, and I’m the developer and founder of minimalist phone. This phone app allows people to prioritize their mental health by gently discouraging screen time. The app is currently available on Google Play for Android devices.
The initial investment was only $100 for a Google Play developer license and $3,000 for a homepage, and from that, we now generate $20,000 monthly revenue on average – most of the earnings are spent again on paid advertising. We’re on track to reach 500,000 downloads on Google Play soon, which is a remarkable milestone.
7. Start a mobile yoga business
Are you a passionate yogi interested in entrepreneurship? Teaching others how to do yoga safely and regularly can be a profitable business.
Most yoga teachers start with a 1:1 class before launching group classes for yoga enthusiasts. However, with more people becoming busier, creating a mobile classes business has become the trend. To start your business, identify a niche and pitch them on the importance of learning yoga. An active online presence and sharing videos on social media will help your business thrive.
Hi, I’m McKenna Rowe, and manage Chakra5, a mobile wellness team that does yoga/meditation/pilates classes, vegan cooking classes and sound baths on demand. We’ve been working on location and by appointment with various businesses, schools and organizations throughout greater Los Angeles since 2012.
When I first started the business I had one or two monthly clients and was bringing in a few hundred dollars in revenue. As I began to work a lot more on our SEO and content marketing (especially told from our customers’ point of view), interest in our company began to grow. Now we bring in ~6K/month and get new weekly inquiries all the time. I’ve had to double the size of my team since we started.
8. Start a weighted blankets brand
Are you looking for a unique business idea to help people feel calm and relaxed? A weighted blanket brand might be the perfect fit for you!
Weighted blankets are a popular therapeutic tool that uses deep pressure touch to provide comfort and security. They can be especially helpful for individuals with anxiety, ADHD, or sensory processing disorders.
Starting a weighted blanket brand requires research and planning, but it can be fulfilling and profitable. First, you’ll need to decide on the type of blankets you want to offer. Options include different sizes, weights, and materials such as cotton, Minky, or fleece. You’ll also need to choose a reliable supplier and determine your pricing strategy.
Next, you’ll need to consider your marketing and sales strategy. This could involve setting up an online store, attending trade shows, or partnering with retailers. You’ll also want a solid social media presence to connect with potential customers.
Finally, don’t forget about customer service! Providing excellent service and support to your customers will help you stand out in the market and build a loyal customer base.
Starting a weighted blanket brand requires dedication and hard work, but it can be a rewarding and lucrative business idea. If you’re passionate about helping people feel more comfortable and relaxed, this could be the perfect opportunity for you!
Baloo Living is asleep and wellness company launched from Bali in 2018. Our signature product is a weighted blanket, an incredible tool for calming the nervous system with gentle pressure, similar to the way being hugged or held makes us feel naturally comforted. These blankets have been used for decades by therapists and are only now going mainstream as people discover just how powerful they can be for improving sleep and soothing anxiety--without the use of medication.
It’s exciting to be bringing a product to market that does so much good and only beginning to reach critical mass. The market for weighted blankets is exploding - currently, on Amazon, there are millions of dollars in sales monthly, and we know that e-commerce generally represents 10% of retail sales in the US. We reached six figures in our third month, and seven figures after our first holiday season before even a year has passed! Baloo took off like crazy, partly because we stand for the highest product quality, customer service, and thoughtful design.
9. Build a medical app
Medical apps are an integral part of any physician’s practice. Doctors need access to the latest reference materials and advances in healthcare technology. You might have a lot of medical experience, but creating a medical app can be daunting if you don’t know about coding and app building.
The medical apps market is expected to reach $314.60B in 2028. The healthcare industry is sacrificing billions of dollars annually on paperwork, filing, and an inefficient system for sharing patient information. With today’s technology, healthcare professionals can streamline this process and will be able to keep track of their patient’s records through a secure information system.
Hi, my name is Shuhan He. I’m the founder of Conduct Science, a company which I created to try and provide scientists and researchers with the necessary equipment to complete their research.
The data is stored on the Qolty servers for years, meaning that work isn’t lost and can be used for longitudinal studies.
10. Start a skin care product line
The skincare business is a multi-billion dollar one, and it shows no sign of slowing down. New anti-aging products are entering the market at a nearly exponential rate, and the competition for consumers' money is growing more and more.
The industry was valued at 130 billion USD in 2021 and will expand at an annual growth rate of 4.6% up to 2030. This is surely a type of business that you should not miss. You'll need to build your creativity on your products and make sure that it is all safe and useful in improving the skin of your customers.
Oh My Balm was founded two years ago and we make kitchen-crafted all-natural body products. Our tagline is “Two Mom’s Making it Real.”
We promote them through our marketing, as they work on several different projects that create a life of prosperity for African women and their families. You can find more about them here. The other charity that is close to our hearts is Behind The Scenes, which provides financial support to entertainment technology industry professionals if they, or their immediate dependent family, are seriously ill or injured. We make a body butter, “Crew,” and we give a portion of the proceeds of every tin sold to BTS. This got us mention in several entertainment industry magazines.
11. Start a planner brand
Hi, I’m Jess. I’m 34 years old from Tasmania, Australia. I started Chasing Planner Peace back in 2015 when I was pregnant with my third child. Originally we were based on Etsy and only sold planner inserts, however, we’ve now turned into a one-stop planner shop that caters to seasoned “planner addicts” who want to add to their planners, and also planner newbies who love the fact our shop is the only store in Australia you can custom build your own ring planner style planner.
Over the past few years, we’ve really expanded our range to not only offer planners and inserts, but also planner dashboards (beautiful cover pages), dividers, notepads, stationery items and more. We also recently started our subscription box service where every two months customers can receive a “Planner Peace Box” which is full of planner and self-care goodies. We have so many more plans for new products in 2020.
12. Start a therapy business
Therapists are professionals licensed to help patients cope with mental and emotional challenges. A therapist listens to the client's challenges and works with the client in developing a plan to confront the challenges and achieve an improved life.
If you plan to become a therapist, you should consider what type of therapy you wish to provide. Then, earn the necessary certifications and licenses to practice.
Hi there! My name is Sam Varnerin and I created Snuggle with Sam, my independent professional cuddling practice, while I was still working full-time as a construction engineer.
Here’s all of the contributors on the panel at CuddleXpo in Chicago presenting how we came up with the Code of Ethics for Professional Cuddling. Back left to right: Maryelen Reid, Madelon Guinazzo, Samantha Varnerin (me!), Samantha Hess, Jean Franzbleau, Fei Wyatt, Janet Trevino. Front left to right: Keely Shoup, Lisa Meece. Photo credit Rellian Chen Merrin
13. Start a natural health product business
A natural health products business covers many products, including foods, supplements, drinks, and weight management products. Typically, natural health products go into the production of drugs.
It is easy to imagine why you would want to start your own natural health products business. First, health and wellness are hot topics right now. Everyone wants to be happy and healthy regardless of background, culture, or economic status. Second, the natural health products industry will exhibit a CAGR of 5.3% and reach over 32 billion in the next few years.
Therefore, the natural health products business can be a profitable venture. To maximize profitability, focus on providing health products that solve the problems experienced by your target customers.
Hi, my name is Adam Wright and I am the founder of SuperGreen TONIK. We develop a greens powder that contains 38 superfood nutrients, adaptogenic herbs, vitamins, and minerals.
Our target is 7-figures for our 2nd year, which we believe is very achievable.
14. Start a woodworking business
While many see woodworking as a hobby to pass the time, it is a profitable blue-collar business with growth potential. If you are skilled, passionate, and looking for a blue-collar side hustle, consider starting a woodworking business.
Starting a woodworking business allows you to work from home. Besides, you can scale the business easily and enjoy unlimited earning potential. Some opportunities you can go for include building custom wood pieces, teaching others about woodworking, starting a woodworking blog, and flip furniture.
My name is Sasha Weekes and I’m the 25 years old owner of Timber Grove Studios. Our home-based woodshop is nestled in the hills of PEI’s countryside, and we specialize in decorative shelving and home decor with a focus on minimalist design and simplicity. Each piece is made to order with 20+ color options, meaning it will be the perfect fit for each customer's space. We ship Canada and U.S. wide.
Moving twice in two years has definitely caused organizational, financial and opportunity hiccups, but the business has grown steadily regardless so we’re very excited about where 2020 will take us. We’ve learned what to focus on during which months, as revenue can range anywhere from $2000 during slow months to $10,000 during high months. Net profit has run anywhere between 20-50% throughout the life of the business and varies month to month. It’s closer to 20% right now as we’ve been spending all we can on new tools and materials for our new larger products and our Christmas stock.
15. Become a painter
Becoming a painter is more than earning a living; it's about creating your own art and enjoying the freedom of working for yourself.
I’m Sarah, an artist from Plano Texas and living out my life long dream of being an artist. I am a stay at home mom to two; my oldest Elijah is 17 months and youngest Skyla is 4 months old. My husband is also an entrepreneur, so our schedules are pretty flexible and our children get to grow up seeing us both pursue our passions.
I am most proud of how my art allows for a connection with the buyer. To me, it’s more meaningful to know the artist and their process than purchasing a piece of art in a retail store or gallery.
16. Become a therapist
I’m Janine Halloran, and I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who has been working with children, teens and their families for almost 20 years. I run a business called Coping Skills for Kids that I started a little over 3 years ago.
The business started out quite small, and now between book sales and e-commerce revenue, our gross sales are about 10k a month, which is quite exciting.
17. Start a nootropics brand
Hey everyone! We are Chelsea and Mitch Glaser, a sister/brother team that just launched Fredi, a female-focused productivity brand aiming to re-define productivity as a sustainable form of self-care. Our goal is to provide holistic wellness for busy brains in order to help women bring their best selves to work and life on a more consistent basis.
We launched Focused by Fredi in mid-April and did about $3.5k in sales in our first month. We are working tirelessly to create content on our social platforms where we now have almost 8.5k followers! Check us out on Instagram.
18. Start a gym
Over the last decade, more people across the globe have become self-aware of the importance associated with living a healthy lifestyle.
As a result, the gym has become a trend for millions of people, leading to a rapid increase in the size and popularity of the global fitness industry. According to statistics, the global fitness club industry is worth over $96 billion.
Therefore, starting a gym could be a great business opportunity.
Hey everyone! I am Chris and in March 2011 I started Live Fit. Live Fit is a personal training company that was created to change the standards in the personal training industry. Early on I focused on building a company that is not only based on results, as most fitness companies are, but that is also focused very heavily on relationships. Relationships create trust, trust creates buy-in, and buy-in leads to the accountability and dedication it takes to get results.
Hey! 👋 I'm Pat Walls, the founder of Starter Story.
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