Key Considerations Before Expanding
Before I transitioned from a solo to group therapy practice, I had a waitlist that was weighing on me. Which is why I want you to remember this: Your waitlist isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it’s the universe giving you a giant neon sign that you’re ready for more.
Whether you’re in a small town or simply an exceptional therapist, that waitlist is proof that there are people literally waiting for you to expand and hire.
So, when do you know it’s time to scale and transition from a solo to group therapy practice?
You may already be there if:
- You have a waitlist that never seems to end
- You’re constantly getting referrals for services you don’t even offer or you find yourself referring out.
- You’re working evenings and weekends and starting to approach burnout fast (maybe you’re already there).
These are all signs that your practice is ready for growth and it’s time to hire! I know this can feel like a scary step. But that’s why I’m here to help make that first hire a little less overwhelming.
Transitioning from solo to group therapy practice doesn’t mean giving up control or overextending yourself. Instead, it means removing the waitlist, helping more people, making more money and having the freedom to work fewer hours.
And if you’ve ever dreaded seeing certain client names pop up on your calendar or silently celebrated a last-minute cancellation, take that as another clue: you’re likely burned out and in need of support. Building a therapy team will allow you to lessen the load and only see the clients you actually want to see.
Building a Cohesive Team
I know what you’re thinking when it comes to building a therapy team: Other therapists don’t want to join a group practice. But that’s simply not true! The reality is that many therapists DO want to be part of a group practice, and here’s why:
- They became therapists to focus on therapy, not to juggle admin tasks, marketing, accounting and operations.
- They crave community. Working in isolation can be lonely and being surrounded by other therapists can be incredibly rewarding.
When you’re building a therapy team and interviewing potential hires, make sure to emphasize the perks of joining your group practice. Remind them that they get to focus on the work they love while you handle all the stressful behind-the-scenes tasks (or you can delegate those tasks to your admin!).
And when you’re ready to start hiring, platforms like Indeed can be a goldmine. Just make sure to sponsor your job posting for better visibility and highlight what’s in it for them right at the top of your posting before moving on to the qualifications and expectations.
Remember: A thorough hiring process will save you time and money in the long run. In my own clinic, I used a 6-step hiring process (we go over this in The Clinic Growth Map program), including personality tests and delegated screenings, to make sure we only brought in the best!
Managing Group Dynamics
Let’s be honest. Even the best teams can experience friction and sometimes therapists leave.
That was my least favourite part about growing a group practice but I will give you all the ways to make this easier (keep your eyes on my podcast and Instagram where I’m constantly posting group practice growth strategies) so when that happens, it will feel less like a gut punch.
There are always ways to catch issues before they lead to a departure. For example, the 90-Day Check-In.
Checking in with your team every 3 months is crucial. And no, you shouldn’t be calling these “performance evaluations.” Think of it more like a casual “check-in” to foster open communication. Ask questions like:
- “On a scale of 1-10, how happy and fulfilled are you in your role?”
- “How would you rate the responsiveness of the admin team?”
- “What’s one thing I’m doing well as your boss, and one thing I could improve?”
- “Are there any policies or procedures you think we should change?”
These conversations can be an absolute game-changer. As your practice grows, it becomes harder to keep tabs on everything happening behind the scenes. Checking in regularly ensures that your therapists feel heard and supported.
Bonus: It gives you a chance to address any small issues before they become big problems. It’s really a win for everyone!
And when problems do arise, ask yourself this:
Is this a people problem, systems problem, or leader problem?
Believe it or not, most of the time it’s a systems issue. This is where my group practice growth strategies come in, systems are fixable with the right processes!
Scaling to a Thriving Group Therapy Practice
Transitioning from a solo to group therapy practice is no small feat but with the right mindset, strategies and support, it’s totally achievable. Stay tuned for more blog posts where I’ll continue to share practical growth strategies, or follow me on Instagram for even more guidance.
Ready to build a group practice that runs smoothly and grows your income exponentially? Let’s make it happen!
Your business bestie,
Nicole
