Why Join a Group Practice? A Canadian Therapist’s Perspective

If you’re a therapist considering your next step, joining a group practice can be a really appealing option. It often sits in that sweet spot between the structure of employment and the autonomy of full private practice. You get support, community, and systems — without having to build everything from scratch.

Before we dive in, an important disclaimer. What I’m sharing here is based on what I see as the average group practice experience in Canada. Every practice is different. Culture, expectations, compensation models, and leadership styles can vary widely. That’s why it’s so important to take your time during interviews, ask thoughtful questions, and stay curious about what actually matters to you. A good-fit group practice should support both your clinical work and your life.

With that in mind, here are some of the key reasons many therapists choose to join a group practice.

The Freedom of an Independent Contractor Role

In Canada, most group practice therapists work as independent contractors rather than employees. For many clinicians, this offers a lot of flexibility. You’re typically able to work in more than one setting at the same time — for example, holding a role at a government or community agency, working with another group practice that has a different niche, or running your own small private practice, as long as it’s not directly competing in the same geographic or clinical area.

This model allows you to diversify your work, your income, and your professional identity. You get to build your business, while operating under the umbrella of an established practice.

Administrative Support Without the Headache

One of the biggest draws of a group practice is administrative support. You can step into private practice work without having to decide which client management system to use, how to manage third-party payors, or how to set up every operational detail on your own.

Scheduling, billing processes, intake systems, policies, and procedures are often already in place. This means you get to focus your energy on your clients and your clinical skills, instead of getting bogged down in backend logistics. For many therapists, this makes private practice feel accessible and sustainable much earlier in their careers.

Access to Clients (and a Marketing Engine)

Most group practice owners put significant time and energy into marketing and networking. They usually have a clear strategy — a recipe that works for their community — to attract referrals and inquiries.

As a result, the majority of your clients are often provided to you with relatively minimal effort on your part. That said, this doesn’t mean you get to be completely hands-off. Many practices expect — or at least strongly encourage — therapists to participate in some way. This might look like writing a blog post, creating a short reel, updating your profile, or networking locally.

As an independent contractor, you’re invested in the success of your business and the business you’re working within. While you may not have to do the heavy lifting of marketing, being willing to participate shows professionalism, collaboration, and a shared commitment to the practice’s growth.

Built-In Collegiality and Community

Private practice can be isolating, especially when you’re working solo. One of the most meaningful benefits of a group practice is collegiality.

Many group practice owners intentionally prioritize culture, connection, and community. Depending on the practice, this might include peer consultation groups, regular team meetings, shared trainings, or team events like holiday parties. Sometimes it’s as simple as seeing colleagues in the hallway between sessions and knowing you’re not doing this work alone.

Instead of arriving at a rented office, seeing your clients, and leaving in silence, you’re part of a professional community that understands the emotional and relational weight of the work.

Accountability That Supports Growth

A well-led group practice provides accountability — not in a punitive or controlling way, but in a way that supports growth and quality care. Thoughtful leadership often means receiving feedback on how your consultations are going, where you might strengthen your skills, and how to better attract and retain your ideal clients.

You’ll likely receive information about client retention and why it matters — not just for the business, but for your clients’ outcomes and your own income stability. And yes, you’ll probably also be held accountable for getting your notes done on time. :)

For many therapists, this kind of structure feels containing and supportive. It creates a professional environment where expectations are clear, feedback is normalized, and you’re encouraged to keep developing as a clinician.

A Note for Seasoned and Long‑Time Solo Therapists

If you’ve been in practice for a while — especially if you’ve spent years working solo — joining a group practice can bring up mixed feelings. You may value your autonomy deeply, feel confident in your clinical skills, and know how to run your own practice. And at the same time, you might be feeling tired of doing everything alone.

Many seasoned therapists are drawn to group practices not because they can’t do it on their own, but because they no longer want to. There’s often a quiet yearning for shared responsibility, thoughtful leadership, and a sense of professional community that doesn’t require you to give up your independence.

In a well-run group practice, experienced clinicians can offload administrative tasks they’ve carried for years, benefit from a steady referral stream without constant self-promotion, and engage in collegial conversations that sharpen their work rather than drain them. For many, it’s a way to keep practicing clinically — and sustainably — without the isolation that can creep in over time.

Seasoned therapists also bring immense value to group practices. Your clinical depth, professional maturity, and ability to mentor or model best practices are often deeply appreciated. When the fit is right, this becomes a mutually beneficial relationship — one that supports longevity in the field.

Questions to Ask When Interviewing with a Group Practice

Because every group practice is different, thoughtful interviewing matters. These questions can help you assess whether a practice is aligned with your values, needs, and stage of career:

1. How do you support therapists clinically and professionally over time?
This can give you insight into consultation opportunities, feedback processes, and whether growth is supported beyond the onboarding phase.

2. What does participation look like outside of client sessions?
Ask about expectations related to meetings, marketing, content creation, or community involvement so you can understand how visible or engaged you’re expected to be.

3. How do you define and support a healthy, sustainable caseload?
This helps you understand the practice’s philosophy around client retention, workload, boundaries, and long‑term therapist wellbeing.

A Final Thought

Joining a group practice isn’t just about convenience — it’s about alignment. The right practice can offer freedom, support, community, and accountability in a way that allows you to focus on what you do best: clinical work.

Take your time, ask good questions, and trust that it’s okay to be selective. The goal isn’t just to join a group practice — it’s to join the right one for you.