Solo vs. group: Finding your ideal practice

What is a solo practice?

Solo practice is a healthcare delivery model where one therapist or practitioner operates independently, maintaining complete control over all aspects of their professional practice. In this setting, the practitioner serves as the primary care provider and business owner, managing everything from clinical work to administrative responsibilities.

This practice model allows practitioners to create their own business model, set their own session fees, and choose their ideal clients. The solo practitioner handles all aspects of practice management, including scheduling, billing, marketing, and maintaining electronic health records.

Many mental health professionals choose solo practice for the potential benefits of being their own boss and having direct control over their professional development. However, this path requires careful consideration of factors such as business management skills, comfort with administrative tasks, and the ability to build a sustainable client base.

Pros of a solo practice

The decision to establish your own solo practice comes with numerous benefits that appeal to many mental health professionals. This includes the following:

Complete autonomy

Solo practitioners enjoy unrestricted control over their practice environment and clinical decisions. This independence extends to choosing ideal clients, determining therapeutic approaches, and setting practice policies.

Financial control

Operating as a solo practitioner requires overseeing financial matters, from setting session fees to managing overhead expenses. While initial costs may be higher, successful solo practices often report higher per-session income than employed positions in group settings.

Schedule flexibility

Solo practice owners can structure their work schedule according to personal preferences and work-life balance needs. This flexibility extends to determining how many therapy sessions to schedule, when to take vacation time, and how to organize administrative tasks.

Direct client relationships

Solo practitioners maintain direct oversight of all client interactions and therapeutic relationships. This direct involvement extends from initial contact through treatment completion, allowing for consistent care delivery and relationship building.

Cons of a solo practice

Running your own practice offers incredible freedom, as well as choosing your own clients and schedule, but it also comes with its challenges. Here are the top three things to consider as you weigh the pros and cons:

Administrative burden

Solo practitioners must manage all administrative tasks independently or budget for support staff. This includes scheduling, billing, insurance claims, maintaining electronic health records, and general office management.

Financial risk and responsibility

Operating a solo practice involves substantial financial responsibilities and risks. Initial startup costs, ongoing overhead expenses, and irregular income patterns can create financial stress. Solo practitioners must maintain adequate cash flow while managing rent, utilities, insurance, and professional development expenses.

Professional isolation

Working independently can lead to professional isolation, limiting immediate peer consultation and collaborative learning opportunities. This isolation can impact both professional development and clinical decision-making.

What is a group practice?

A group practice represents a healthcare delivery model where multiple therapists or practitioners work together under one organizational structure. This practice setting typically involves several mental health professionals sharing resources, administrative support, and often physical space while maintaining their client caseloads.

Group practices can vary significantly in size, from small practices with two or three clinicians to larger organizations with multiple therapists across various specialties.

Group practices typically provide structured administrative support, including centralized scheduling, billing systems, and electronic health records management. This arrangement allows practitioners to focus more on clinical work while administrative staff handle many business-related tasks.

If you plan to build your own group practice, the following are the pros and cons of a group therapy practice.

Pros of a group practice

Group practices offer a dynamic environment for healthcare professionals to work together under one roof. This collaborative model brings several advantages to the table. Here are the top three benefits to consider:

Shared resources

Group practices pool resources, giving you access to a broader range of tools and support. This can include the latest equipment, advanced technology, and additional staff support. With these resources, you can significantly enhance your ability to provide high-quality care and potentially expand your services to your patients.

Collaboration and support

One of the biggest advantages of a group practice is the opportunity to work alongside colleagues. You'll be surrounded by other healthcare professionals, fostering a collaborative environment. This allows you to share ideas, discuss challenging cases, and benefit from the collective knowledge and experience of the group. This constant exchange can lead to your professional development and growth as you learn and grow from each other.

Work-life balance

In a successful group practice, the workload doesn't fall solely on your shoulders. Responsibilities like administrative tasks, after-hours calls, and covering vacations can be shared among the group practice owner and members. This collaborative approach can lead to a better work-life balance, allowing you to dedicate more time to patient care, avoid burnout, and potentially enjoy more time for personal pursuits.

Cons of a group practice

While group practices offer many benefits, there are also some challenges. Here are the top three cons to keep in mind as you weigh your options:

Less autonomy

One of the most significant differences compared to a solo practice is the level of autonomy. In a group setting, decisions about practice management, patient care protocols, and even financial structures might involve collaboration and compromise. While this fosters collaboration, it can also mean having less individual control over certain aspects of the practice.

Potential for conflict

Working with many therapists and colleagues nearby can sometimes lead to disagreements or personality clashes. Choosing to join a group practice with a compatible culture and strong communication practices is essential to ensure a smooth working environment.

Income sharing

Group practices typically involve a system of income sharing. While this can be beneficial, your income might not be directly tied to the number of patients you see compared to a solo practice. The specific income structure will vary depending on the group practice model.

Find the perfect type of practice that fits you

The decision between a very own solo private practice and group practice hinges on several factors. Financially, solo practice demands a strong foundation for managing loans and covering initial costs. Group practices might offer shared resources and overhead expenses, potentially reducing the financial burden.

Beyond finances, consider your personality and practice style. Do you crave independence and minimal social interaction? A solo practice might be ideal. However, a more established group practice setting could be more fulfilling if you value collaboration and learning from colleagues. New graduates might find the support and experience of sharing in a group practice advantageous.

Ultimately, both paths offer viable routes to a fulfilling career in mental health, with the key being alignment between personal values, professional goals, and chosen practice structure.