The counseling profession has long been rooted in compassion, connection, and client care. Yet, a growing number of counselors are now stepping into a role that wasn’t always part of their graduate training: business owner. Group practice ownership is on the rise, especially among female counselors, and it is transforming how mental health services are delivered in communities across the country.
So, what’s driving this shift? And why does it matter for counselors considering their next career step?
The Numbers Behind the Movement
According to recent data, over 70% of professional counselors in the United States are women, and more than 20% of members of the American Counseling Association (ACA) report working in private practice settings (ACA, 2019; Data USA, 2017). Even more striking, female-owned businesses across all sectors have grown faster than male-owned businesses in the past decade, signaling a major cultural and economic shift (Business Wire, 2018).
In counseling specifically, this trend means more clinicians are leaving agency work to build practices that reflect their values, meet client needs, and create sustainable income. Group practices, rather than solo practices, offer added benefits: shared administrative costs, built-in referral networks, and the ability to serve more clients through multiple providers.
Why Counselors Are Choosing Group Practice Ownership
1. The Desire for Autonomy
Many counselors move into private practice seeking freedom from agency restrictions, high caseloads, or rigid productivity requirements. Group practice ownership takes this autonomy a step further, allowing clinicians to shape not only their schedules but also the culture, values, and services offered within their organization.
2. Financial Sustainability
Solo practices often have income limits based on one person’s capacity to see clients. A group practice model, by contrast, can generate revenue through multiple clinicians while spreading out administrative costs such as billing, marketing, and office space.
3. Opportunities for Leadership and Mentorship
Group practices create natural leadership roles. Owners often find themselves mentoring early-career counselors, shaping clinical standards, and influencing the professional development of their teams.
4. Meeting Community Needs
Group practices can expand services beyond individual therapy. Many offer workshops, support groups, or partnerships with schools and local organizations, reaching clients who might not otherwise have access to care.
The Gap in Business Training
While counselors excel in clinical skills, research shows that most have little to no formal training in business management (Reese et al., 2013). This gap can make the leap into group practice ownership intimidating.
My own research with female group practice owners found that many relied on informal networks, mentors, and trial-and-error learning rather than structured business education. They often expressed a wish for more practical training on topics like:
- Financial planning and billing systems
- Hiring and HR considerations
- Marketing and referral development
- Leadership and organizational culture
As counselor education programs evolve, integrating even a single business-focused course could help future practice owners feel more prepared.
A Changing Landscape
The rise in group practice ownership isn’t just about individual career goals. It reflects larger trends in mental health care:
- Telehealth Expansion: Accelerated by COVID-19, remote counseling has changed how practices deliver care and reach clients.
- Managed Care Contracts: Group practices often have more negotiating power with insurance companies, increasing financial stability.
- Integrated Care Models: Larger practices can partner with medical providers or community organizations, offering holistic care.
These changes position group practice owners not only as business leaders but also as innovators shaping the future of mental health delivery.
Thinking About Group Practice Ownership? Start Here.
If you’re considering the leap, here are three steps to begin:
- Clarify Your Vision: What population do you want to serve? What values will shape your practice culture?
- Assess Your Readiness: Take stock of your financial resources, leadership skills, and support network.
- Find Mentors and Peers: Join professional groups, attend workshops, or connect with experienced practice owners who can offer guidance.
Looking Ahead
As more counselors explore group practice ownership, the profession itself is evolving. Owners are not only building businesses but also creating workplaces that reflect counseling values: collaboration, growth, and care for both clients and staff.
Future blogs in this series will dive deeper into how to prepare for ownership, navigate financial and administrative challenges, and maintain work-life balance as a business leader.
If you found this post helpful, you may also enjoy: Brave Play Blogs!
Ready to take your counseling practice to the next level? Brave Play offers consulting, CE trainings, and supervision tailored for group practice owners. Click here to learn more!
References
American Counseling Association. (2019). Counseling profession statistics.
Business Wire. (2018). Women-owned businesses on the rise.
Data USA. (2017). Counseling profession demographics.Garrett, A. (2022). The Lived Experiences of Group Practice Ownership by Female Licensed Professional Counselors (Doctoral dissertation, Walden University). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies, 12983.
Reese, R. J., et al. (2013). Business training gaps in counselor education programs.