If you are considering joining an existing group practice as a clinician, there are a lot of important things you need to consider. While this decision has a lot to do with your personal preferences and what is important to you, it can serve as a helpful guide. Keep these things in mind when you are preparing for your interviews!
Technology
What platforms do they use (EHR, phone, and email)? Are they platforms you are familiar with or would you have to learn how to use them? What type of onboarding or training is offered? Find out how the team communicates with one another. Is it primarily through email, a group chat, or a messaging platform? Does the expected communication method work with how you prefer to communicate with your coworkers? Another important consideration is will you be using your own computer and phone or are those provided to you?
Compensation
How you get paid is arguably one of the most important aspects of whether or not you will seriously consider a job. Will you be hired as an employee or contractor? If you will be hired as an employee, make sure to consider not only your rate per session but what benefits are included. Will you be paid a flat rate or a percentage? Does the practice accept insurance, private pay, or a combination of the two? What is the average rate of reimbursement per session? Do you get paid when the practice gets paid or are you paid regardless? Do you get paid when clients cancel or no show? Another important thing to consider is does the practice compensate for documentation completion and attendance at meetings?
Benefits
If you are hired as an employee, it is important to ask what benefits are offered (paid time off, medical insurance, reimbursement for trainings, retirement, disability). How important to you is it that the employer provides these benefits? Are there any requirements in order to be eligible for these benefits and do they increase over time? You will also want to ask if the employer contributes/matches your contributions to any of these benefits.
Support
Get clarification regarding the amount of administrative support provided (client acquisition, marketing, referrals, billing). How much are you expected to do and what is taken care of for you? Is the practice responsible for marketing and filling your caseload or is the expectation that you will be marketing yourself and managing your own schedule? You also will want to consider the level of support available for supervision or case consults. This can be something that may matter more depending on your level of experience and comfort. Is there a manual or centralized location for resources to use as a guide?
Reputation and Stability
How long has the practice been established? Do you want to work for a newer practice and help them grow or would you prefer to work somewhere established? Check their reviews on directories like Google My Business or hiring platforms like Indeed. What is their growth trajectory and is that something that you value? Has there been turnover, to what extent, and why? High turnover can signal a poor working environment, depending on the reasons clinicians are leaving. It could also be an indication that the practice supports clinicians starting their own practices. Are referrals consistent and where are they primarily coming from? What is their reputation in the community? Does the community even know they exist? Also keep in mind the experiences of the clients and the clinicians working there (or who have worked there in the past).
Philosophy and Values
What population(s) does the practice serve? Consider if this aligns with the clients you want to be working with. What is their approach to therapy and does this compliment your therapeutic style? How do they handle diversity, equity, and inclusion-not just with their clients but also with their clinicians? What is the mission statement and the values of the company? Do these align with your own values for providing services to clients and the community?
Work-life Balance
What is the caseload expectation? Really consider if the expectation at the practice matches up with what is realistic for you. How much flexibility is allowed with regard to your schedule? You may have certain days during the week you are unable to work or days you may need to start or end earlier or later and will this be accommodated? Do they primarily provide in person sessions, virtual sessions, or a combination of both? Will this position fit with your life and responsibilities? Do you get a say regarding the clients you are assigned? What is their screening process for new referrals and do you get a say in the clients you work with? If you identify a client is not a good fit, what is their process?
Opportunities
Are there opportunities for advancement within the practice? Consider if you want to become a supervisor, advance to a leadership position, or would be interested in exploring beyond one to one therapy. Are there additional ways to earn income (administrative or marketing tasks, facilitating groups, providing trainings)? What would the compensation look like for these additional opportunities?
Consider Us
The consultants at Compassionate Consulting Company are licensed independent clinical social workers located in Massachusetts who have been running successful counseling practices for years. Here are testimonials from clients that have worked with us. We enjoy working with entrepreneurs that are starting their business, expanding and hiring team members, as well as those who are considering diversifying and adding different income streams. Schedule a free consult so we can learn more about your business goals and share how we can help. Compassionate Counseling Company, owned by Julia Nepini, LICSW is a group practice that strives to prepare clinicians adequately, offer competitive compensation and benefits, encourage support and collaboration, promote work-life balance, provide opportunities for advancement, and assist clinicians with successfully starting their own practices. Check us out!