If you’re a mental health clinician, the past few years have likely felt like a whirlwind. COVID-19 changed everything—not just for the people seeking therapy but for those of us providing it. While the pandemic shone a long-overdue spotlight on the importance of mental health, it also transformed the way we deliver care. And now, post-COVID, we find ourselves in an entirely new landscape—one that makes solo practice harder than ever before and highlights the increasing value of high-quality group practices.
As the director of The Tri Health Clinic, a thriving group practice in Ontario specializing in sex and couples therapy, I’ve had a front-row seat to these changes. In this blog, I’ll explore why solo practice is becoming increasingly difficult, why group practice is the solution many clinicians didn’t know they needed, and how joining the right practice can be the most rewarding career move you’ll make.
The Reality of Solo Practice in a Post-COVID World
During COVID-19, mental health needs skyrocketed. People were isolated, stressed, and struggling, and for many, this was their first time seeking therapy. Clinicians in private practice were overwhelmed with demand. If you had your own solo practice, it was like the floodgates opened—clients came pouring in because everyone desperately needed help. Many of us worked from home, eliminating the need for expensive office spaces or long commutes. Solo practice seemed easier than ever.
Fast forward to today, and the game has completely changed.
The mental health market is now flooded with practitioners. Colleges like Yorkville University are pumping out hundreds—if not thousands—of new psychotherapists annually. This influx has created a saturated market where simply “hanging a shingle” and waiting for clients no longer works. Add to that the increasing preference for in-person therapy, and suddenly solo practitioners are facing rising overhead costs for office spaces they used to do without.
But the biggest challenge of solo practice isn’t just the competition—it’s the crushing loneliness and administrative burden. For a job where you spend all day talking to people, working in solo practice can be shockingly isolating. You have no colleagues to bounce ideas off of, no supervision to sharpen your skills, and no sense of community to help you stay connected. On top of that, you’re responsible for everything: screening clients, scheduling appointments, collecting payments, managing marketing, updating your website, and troubleshooting technical issues. It’s exhausting, and it’s no wonder so many clinicians are feeling burned out.
Why Group Practice Is the Solution
If you’re tired just reading about the challenges of solo practice, you’re not alone. That’s why more and more clinicians are choosing to join group practices—and for good reason. Here’s what makes group practice the ideal solution in today’s mental health landscape:
1. Community and Connection
Therapy is a lonely job, but it doesn’t have to be. In a high-quality group practice, you’re part of a team of like-minded professionals. You have people to consult with, learn from, and laugh with. This sense of community not only makes your work more enjoyable but also makes you a better therapist. After all, no one grows in isolation.
2. No More Admin Nightmares
In solo practice, you’re not just a therapist—you’re also an administrator, a marketer, a tech support specialist, and sometimes even your own accountant. In a group practice, all of that is handled for you. At The Tri Health Clinic, for example, we have a dedicated intake coordinator who screens and matches clients to the right therapist, so you don’t have to waste time answering inquiries or coordinating schedules. Our admin team also handles billing, paperwork, and all the other non-clinical tasks, freeing you up to focus on what you do best: helping clients.
3. Training and Supervision
Quality group practices invest in their clinicians. At The Tri Health Clinic, we provide in-house training, supervision, and consultation to ensure our therapists are always at the top of their game. Whether you’re new to sex and couples therapy or a seasoned expert, having access to ongoing education and mentorship makes a world of difference—not just for your career but for your clients.
4. A Curated Client List
One of the hardest parts of solo practice is screening and finding the right clients. In a group practice, this is done for you. At The Tri Health Clinic, we carefully match clients to therapists based on their needs and the therapist’s expertise, ensuring that you’re always working with clients who are the right fit for your skills and interests.
5. Work-Life Balance
When you’re in solo practice, work-life balance often feels like a pipe dream. You’re constantly juggling therapy sessions with admin tasks, and it’s easy to let work creep into every corner of your life. In a group practice, you can leave the admin work at the door. That means more time to rest, recharge, and actually enjoy your life outside of work.
Why Join a Group Practice, Like The Tri Health Clinic?
Not all group practices are created equal. At The Tri Health Clinic, we pride ourselves on being more than just a workplace—we’re a community of passionate, skilled clinicians dedicated to providing the best sex and couples therapy in Ontario. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Evidence-Based Expertise: We’re a data-driven clinic, which means we use the latest research to inform our practice. Our therapists are trained in evidence-based models like EFT, CBT, ACT, and mindfulness, ensuring our clients receive the highest standard of care.
- High-End Compensation: Our fee-split model is competitive, and because we specialize in sex and couples therapy—a high-demand area—our client fees are typically higher than average. That means you earn more for the work you do.
- Flexibility and Autonomy: As an independent contractor, you have the freedom to set your schedule, choose your clients, and build the career you want—all while enjoying the support of a group practice.
- Immediate Availability: Our intake team works quickly to fill your schedule, so you’re never left waiting for clients. Plus, our curated matching process ensures you’re working with clients who are the best fit for your skills.
- Comprehensive Support: From admin tasks to training to community-building events, we take care of everything, so you can focus on what you love: helping clients.
The Future of Mental Health Care Is Here
The mental health landscape has changed dramatically over the past five years, and it’s clear that the future lies in high-quality group practices. Solo practice may have worked during the COVID boom, but today, it’s a recipe for burnout and frustration. Group practices like The Tri Health Clinic offer a sustainable, fulfilling career path where clinicians can thrive—not just survive.
If you’re a high-quality clinician who’s ready to join a thriving team, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re an experienced therapist or just starting your career, The Tri Health Clinic offers the support, community, and opportunities you need to succeed.
Why Flounder? Join A Group Practice That Cares About You
Interested in joining Ontario’s leading sex and couples therapy clinic? Apply today and take the next step in your career. Together, we can build a future where clinicians thrive, and clients receive the care they deserve. Learn more and apply here.