How to Know When It’s Time to Grow Your Solo Practice
Jun 11, 2025
Running a solo practice can be deeply fulfilling. You get to set your own schedule, work with clients you love, and maintain full control over your business. But there comes a point where you may start to feel the strain. Your calendar is maxed out, your energy is stretched thin, and you’ve hit a ceiling when it comes to growth.
So how do you know when it’s the right time to expand your practice and step into group practice ownership?
In this post, we’ll break down the signs that you’re ready to grow, common fears that hold therapists back, and what to consider before you make the leap.
1. You’re Consistently at Capacity
If you have a full caseload and a waitlist that keeps growing, it’s a strong indicator that your community needs more of what you offer. When you find yourself turning away potential clients week after week, you’re not just missing out on revenue, you’re missing an opportunity to serve at a larger scale.
This is often the first and most obvious sign that it might be time to grow.
Ask yourself:
- Am I consistently booked out several weeks in advance?
- Do I feel guilty or overwhelmed trying to accommodate new inquiries?
- Are referral sources sending more clients than I can handle?
2. Your Income Has Plateaued, But Your Expenses Haven’t
You’ve likely raised your rates over time and optimized your calendar, but there’s only so much one person can do. As a solo practitioner, your time equals your income, and there are only so many hours in the day.
Meanwhile, your business costs may be increasing. From software subscriptions to continuing education to liability insurance, your bottom line can shrink quickly if your income can’t grow beyond your own hours.
Hiring another therapist creates the opportunity to earn additional income without taking on more clients yourself.
3. You Want to Take Time Off Without Losing Income
One of the hardest parts of being a solo practitioner is that your business essentially pauses when you do. Whether you’re sick, on vacation, or simply need a break, your income stops unless you're actively seeing clients.
Expanding to a group practice helps create more stability and sustainability. When you have a team, your practice can continue to generate income even when you take time away, which is essential for long-term well-being and balance.
4. You’re Craving Collaboration and Growth
Running a business alone can be isolating. If you find yourself craving collaboration, mentorship, or the ability to lead and support other clinicians, that’s a sign you’re ready to evolve into a leadership role.
Group practice isn’t just about growth for the sake of numbers, it’s about stepping into your role as a visionary. If you feel excited about the idea of building a team culture, mentoring other therapists, and creating a mission-driven practice, you’re ready to lead.
5. Your Vision Has Outgrown Your Current Model
Sometimes it’s not about the numbers, it’s about alignment. You may have a bigger vision for your business than what solo practice can contain. Maybe you want to serve more communities, create more impact, or specialize in areas that require multiple providers.
Whatever your vision looks like, it deserves the space to grow.
Common Fears That Keep Therapists Stuck
It’s totally normal to feel hesitant about growth. Some of the most common concerns we hear are:
- “I’m not sure I’m ready to be a boss.”
- “What if I hire the wrong person?”
- “What if I don’t make enough money to support a team?”
- “I don’t know anything about systems or leadership.”
These are valid fears, but the truth is, no one feels 100% ready. Growth always comes with uncertainty, but it also brings opportunity. With the right plan, tools, and support, you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
How to Prepare for Group Practice Growth
If any of this resonates with you, it may be time to start preparing for the transition. That doesn’t mean hiring tomorrow, it means getting intentional now.
Here are a few first steps you can take:
- Reflect on your long-term vision. What kind of practice do you want to build?
- Start documenting your current systems, scheduling, billing, intake, etc.
- Research what’s required to hire in your state (taxes, compliance, supervision).
- Begin networking with potential team members or supervisors.
- Create a financial plan to understand what’s possible.
Thinking about starting a group practice?
If you’re wondering whether now is the right time to grow, we’ve a free guide that will help you assess your current practice and see if you have the clarity, systems, and vision to take the next step.
It’s a quick but powerful tool to help you get clarity and take the next best step for your future.
