3 Mindset Shifts I Made Before Leaving Group Practice

Let’s be real,  it looked like I had it all together when I was in the thick of my group practice years. I was making around $140,000 a year, splitting my days between being their marketing director and seeing clients in the evenings. I had just bought my first condo, a small but beautiful place that felt like such an accomplishment, and I loved my team. On paper, I was “successful.”

But the truth is, I was struggling.

My relationships were fraying, my health wasn’t great, and I was commuting an hour each way while working six days a week. I was in a long-distance relationship with my now-husband and had chosen to stay in Los Angeles instead of moving closer to him, just to keep this job.

One of my dearest friends, a psychiatrist, looked at me one night and said: “Kelley, I know no one else sees it, but you’re struggling. I know you, and this could be better.” And she was right.

I was terrified at the idea of leaving the safety of my group practice, but deep down I knew I wanted something different. To finally take the leap into opening my own therapy private practice, I had to make three big mindset shifts.

Today’s blog is for any therapist standing in that same place, wondering if it’s time to leave the security of a group and step into something of their own. These shifts helped me make the transition, and I hope they’ll help you feel less alone, more equipped, and confident as you do.

Mindset Shift #1: Owning what I wanted for my future

At the time, I was 28, unmarried, no kids yet. I was living out a “young professional identity,” and working six days a week felt normal. But when I imagined my future, I knew what I wanted: to be a mom, to be home with my kids after school, to live closer to family, to slow down.

When I asked myself honestly, “What am I doing to move toward that five-year vision?” the answer was nothing.

That realization stung. I had to admit the path I was on wouldn’t lead to the life I actually wanted. Staying in the group might have looked successful, but it wasn’t going to get me there. Starting a private practice scared me, but it was the only step that could align my present with my future.

Mindset Shift #2: Trusting that I would figure it out

When you’re leaving a group practice to start a private practice, money fears can stop you cold. I was making $140,000 at the group practice, and walking away felt impossible.

But I had to let go of certainty and lean on trust. I told myself, “Even if I don’t make as much right away, I’ll figure it out.”

I even wrote it down: I will do whatever it takes to make it work.

That mantra carried me. If I had to pick up a side hustle, I would. I told myself in the worst-case scenario, I’d work at Trader Joe’s or Starbucks to bridge the gap. It wasn’t about having the perfect plan, it was about being willing to show up and keep going until I built something that worked.

And honestly, remembering that hundreds of thousands of other therapists had gone before me helped. If they could figure it out, I could too.

Mindset Shift #3: Doing my own inner work

This one is the hardest to share, but it’s also the most important.

In 2016, a lot of my own stuff bubbled up; perfectionism, codependency, and old wounds. I realized that if I wanted to step into business ownership, I couldn’t keep pushing those parts of me aside.

So I went back to therapy. Every week, sometimes twice a week. I even went to a week-long codependency retreat at Onsite in Nashville.

It forced me to look at how much of my life was shaped by people-pleasing and trying to look successful instead of actually feeling fulfilled.

If I hadn’t done that work, I don’t think I ever would have left the group practice. Doing the inner work gave me the resilience, clarity, and steadiness I needed to start and sustain my own therapy practice.

And here’s the part we don’t talk about enough: business strategies matter, but mindset and emotional work are half the journey.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a therapist standing at the edge of leaving a group practice, here’s what I want you to hear:

• Be honest about the life you want five years from now and whether your current path is taking you there.

• Trust that you’ll figure things out, even without a perfect plan.

• Don’t skip the inner work. Your mindset and healing matter just as much as your business plan.

You don’t have to do this perfectly. You don’t have to have it all mapped out. But if your heart is pulling you toward private practice, you owe it to yourself to listen.

Your future self will thank you.

Cheering you on always,
Kelley

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when it is time to leave a group practice?

It may be time to consider leaving when your current role no longer supports the life, career, or schedule you want to build. Look beyond whether the position appears successful on paper. Consider whether it supports your health, relationships, financial goals, professional growth, and long term vision.

Is it normal to feel scared about leaving a group practice?

Yes. Leaving a predictable income, established caseload, supportive team, or familiar routine can feel frightening. Fear does not automatically mean you are making the wrong decision. It may simply mean you are moving into a situation where you have more responsibility and less certainty.

Do I need a perfect business plan before starting my own practice?

No. You need a responsible starting plan, but you do not need every detail solved before moving forward. Identify your expected expenses, ideal clients, services, fee structure, marketing strategy, and backup plan. You can improve your systems as your practice grows.

How much money should I save before leaving a group practice?

The right amount depends on your household expenses, business costs, existing caseload, expected income, insurance needs, and tolerance for financial risk. Many therapists aim to create several months of savings before leaving, but there is no universal number that works for everyone. Build your decision around your actual finances rather than someone else’s timeline.

Should I review my group practice contract before leaving?

Yes. Review any employment or independent contractor agreement carefully before announcing your departure. Pay particular attention to notice requirements, client communication policies, confidentiality obligations, non solicitation language, record ownership, and payment terms. Consider seeking qualified legal guidance when any part of the agreement is unclear.

Is it wrong to leave a group practice that has treated me well?

No. You can appreciate the opportunities, relationships, and experience a group practice gave you while also recognizing that it is time to pursue something different. Gratitude does not require you to remain in a role that no longer fits your goals.

How can personal therapy help when leaving a group practice?

Personal therapy can help you understand whether fear, perfectionism, people pleasing, guilt, or old beliefs about success are influencing your decision. In Kelley Stevens’ experience, doing her own inner work provided the clarity and resilience she needed to leave group practice and build a business that better supported her life.

What if I earn less after leaving my group practice?

Your income may change during the transition, especially while you build referrals and strengthen your marketing. Create a realistic financial plan, identify expenses you can temporarily reduce, and consider whether part-time employment or another income source could provide additional stability. A temporary decrease in income does not automatically mean your private practice is failing.

Can I gradually transition from group practice to private practice?

In some situations, yes. A gradual transition may allow you to build your private practice caseload, test your marketing, create financial reserves, and gain confidence before leaving completely. Your options will depend on your schedule, contract, workplace policies, and professional obligations.

What questions should I ask myself before leaving group practice?

Ask whether your current path supports the life you want three to five years from now. Consider what you are gaining by staying, what staying may be costing you, what you are afraid of losing, and what support you need to move forward responsibly. The decision should reflect both your business goals and your personal definition of success.