Should You Start a Group Practice?
Insights from a therapist and group practice owner who has been there done that.
As a seasoned licensed therapist and group practice owner, I’ve been in the unique position to experience firsthand the challenges and rewards of building a group practice. It’s a big decision—one that many therapists consider after years of working solo. However, the move to a group practice is not for everyone, and the journey requires careful consideration.
If you’ve found yourself asking, “Should I start a group practice?”, I invite you to take a thoughtful pause. Below, I share reflections, lessons, and questions to guide you through this decision.
Why Do You Want to Start a Group Practice?
Before diving in, the most important question to ask yourself is: Why?
Common motivations include:
Financial Growth: Many therapists hope that a group practice will increase their income. While this is possible, it’s not always immediate and requires significant upfront investment of time, money and patience.
Increased Impact: A group practice allows you to serve more clients and create a collaborative clinical environment. By offering a diverse approach you can extend your reach be more inclusive.
Freedom and Flexibility: The idea of reducing client facing your time often drives therapists to consider leadership roles. Similar to Financial Growth, more flexibility is possible with leadership role, it will take time and the creation of systems before true schedule freedom can be enjoyed.
However, some therapists pursue a group practice without realizing how much administrative and leadership work is involved.
It’s no longer just about the clinical work you love—it’s about running a business.
Ask yourself:
Do I want to be a clinician, a business owner, or both? Can I see myself leading others while maintaining my values and vision?
The Transition from Therapist to Leader
Running a solo practice primarily requires clinical and administrative skills, but owning a group practice is a leadership role. You’ll be managing people, systems, and financials.
As a practice owner, your focus shifts from doing the work to building the systems that support others in doing the work. This can feel fulfilling, but it’s also a major adjustment.
Key Skills You’ll Need:
Leadership and Supervision: Supporting other therapists’ clinical growth, navigating team dynamics, and addressing challenges as they arise.
Business Acumen: Understanding budgeting, payroll, taxes, and operational expenses is essential.
Administrative Oversight: Creating systems for referrals, billing, documentation, and communication to ensure your practice runs smoothly.
Ask yourself:
Am I willing to step into a leadership role? Do I have the capacity to develop these skills or hire support?
The Financial Realities of a Group Practice
While starting a group practice has the potential to increase income, it’s important to understand the financial investment involved. Some costs include:
Hiring Support Staff: Billing specialists, administrative assistants, or business consultants to manage the growing workload.
Office Space: Will you rent additional offices or go virtual? Both require careful planning.
Insurance and Payroll: You’ll need to navigate employee classifications (e.g., W-2 vs. 1099 contractors) and associated costs. Make sure you have a great CPA who understands the unique needs of therapy practices.
Marketing and Referrals: Growing your practice means increasing your visibility and attracting consistent referrals for your team. Hiring an SEO specialist or doing an SEO course may be needed.
It can take time for a group practice to become profitable. Your role as the owner involves balancing overhead expenses with sustainable income for yourself and your team.
Defining Your Group Practice Culture
As a group practice owner, you’ll set the tone for your team. It’s your values, vision, and systems that will define the culture. For example:
What’s your clinical focus? Will your practice serve a particular niche or population?
What values drive your practice? Are you committed to being trauma-informed, HAES-aligned, or a child specialist?
What’s your leadership style? How will you inspire, guide, and retain a team that shares your mission?
In my own experience, creating a group practice grounded in a fat-positive, social justice-oriented, and trauma-informed lens has been a rewarding endeavor. It’s important to remember that the clinicians you bring on board will look to you as both a leader and a model for the practice’s culture.
Do You Have Support to Start a Group Practice?
It’s tempting to believe you need to do everything alone, but the reality is: building a group practice is not a solo endeavor. Surrounding yourself with the right support makes all the difference.
Consider these resources:
Consultants or Mentors: Working with someone who has experience in practice-building can help you avoid common pitfalls.
Accountants and Legal Advisors: Having professionals guide you through taxes, employment structures, and contracts is invaluable.
Administrative Help: Delegating tasks early (like billing, scheduling, or answering phones) frees you to focus on leadership.
Ask yourself:
Do I have the right people and tools to help me navigate this transition?
Pros and Cons: A Quick Snapshot
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Increased opportunities to serve clients and communities.
Potential for financial growth and shared resources.
The fulfillment of mentoring and collaborating with other therapists.
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More time spent on administrative tasks, leadership, and problem-solving.
Financial risk, especially in the early stages.
Less direct clinical work as your role expands.
Final Questions to Reflect On
Starting a group practice can be incredibly rewarding, but it requires deep clarity about your goals, values, and willingness to step into a new role. As you consider this path, reflect on these questions:
Why do I want to start a group practice? Is it aligned with my values and career goals?
Am I prepared to be a leader and a business owner?
Do I have the time, energy, and financial resources to invest in this venture?
What kind of culture do I want to create for my team?
Do I have support—mentors, advisors, or staff—to help me navigate this journey?
My Experience: A Personal Note
From my years as a therapist and group practice owner, I can say this: owning a group practice has been one of the most challenging and fulfilling decisions of my career. It allowed me to expand my impact, mentor talented clinicians, and serve more clients than I could have imagined.
At the same time, it has required stepping into leadership, developing systems, and embracing the learning curve of business ownership. It’s not for everyone—and that’s okay. Staying solo is just as valuable if it aligns with your vision.
If you choose to start a group practice, remember this: your practice will reflect you. Build it with intention, integrity, and a clear understanding of what you want to create.
Final Thoughts…
Starting a group practice is a significant step that requires thoughtful consideration. By clarifying your motivations, preparing for leadership, and seeking support, you’ll be better positioned to make the right decision for yourself and your career.
If this resonates with you, I hope my reflections have offered guidance as you consider the path ahead. Whether you decide to build a team or continue the rewarding work of a solo practice, trust in your ability to create a career that aligns with your values and purpose.
Ready to explore whether a group practice aligns with your professional goals?
Edie Stark Consulting can help you assess the next steps, design systems, and develop leadership strategies to build a sustainable and mission-driven practice.
Schedule a consultation today and start building a practice—and a career—that truly reflects your values and vision.
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