Why AI Mental Care Apps Are the Next Big Thing in Side Hustles
In a world that’s more connected, anxious, and self-aware than ever before, mental wellness is no longer just a personal goal. It’s a booming business. And if you’re looking for your next side hustle, AI-powered mental care apps might be one of the most underestimated goldmines on the horizon.
What Are AI Mental Care Apps?
AI mental care apps combine machine learning, natural language processing, and mental health frameworks (like CBT or mindfulness) to create tools that can help users manage anxiety, stress, depression, burnout, or loneliness often through chatbot-like interfaces, mood trackers, journaling systems, or personalized advice.
Unlike traditional therapy apps that connect you to real therapists (like BetterHelp or Talkspace), these use AI to simulate conversations or automate wellness tasks, making them much easier to scale.
Is There a Market?
Absolutely and it’s growing fast.
- According to Grand View Research, the global mental wellness market size was valued at $131 billion in 2023, with AI solutions showing the fastest growth.
- Chatbot therapy and self-guided wellness tools have seen a spike in downloads, especially post-COVID when therapist waitlists became long and mental health awareness surged.
- Gen Z and Millennials are particularly open to digital self-care routines, with many already using apps like Calm, Woebot, or even Replika.
How Much Can You Make?
Let’s look at real-world examples to estimate potential side hustle earnings:
1. Woebot Health (U.S.)
- AI therapist chatbot based on CBT
- Over 1.5 million users globally
- Receives millions in funding (raised $123M total as of 2023)
- Built by a lean team out of Stanford, making it a standout in low-headcount, high-impact health tech
2. Hellobot (Korea)
- AI-based fortune & mental care chatbot
- Over 5 million users
- Offers free basic use but monetizes via paid features and premium conversations
- Shows strong retention due to its “emotional companionship” angle
3. Replika
- AI friend app that supports mental wellbeing through conversation
- Over 30 million global users
- Monetizes through premium subscriptions (typically $5~$20/month)
- Many side hustlers white label the tech or affiliate it with wellness sites
How Can You Build One as a Side Hustle?
You don’t need to be a developer to start. Here’s a simplified pathway:
- Niche Down: Focus on a specific segment e.g. “burnout for tech workers”, “emotional care for new moms”, “stress relief for college students”.
- Build with No-Code Tools: Use tools like:
- GPT (OpenAI API or ChatGPT custom GPTs)
- Flutterflow or Glide for mobile app UI
- Monetize:
In-app subscriptions
One-time paid reports or journaling insights
Email-based mini coaching funnels
- Distribute:
- TikTok, Instagram Reels (emotion-focused content works well)
- Reddit groups on anxiety, ADHD, etc.
- Newsletter or Substack