October 16, 2025

533. Scaling and Growth Part 2: Hiring vs. Optimizing

49 minutes

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here.

In the second episode of my Scaling Smart mini-series, I dig into the tactical question every practice owner faces once they decide to grow: should you hire, or should you optimize the team and systems you already have? Drawing on my own experience—from my very first psychometrist hire 15+ years ago to the painful lessons of building a 45-person team—I break down the conditions that make hiring smart, the efficiencies that can buy you time without adding staff, and the middle path of cross-training and flexible roles. If you’ve ever felt stuck between “we need more people” and “we should be running leaner,” this episode will help you clarify your next move.

Main topics covered

When hiring truly makes sense (capacity, stepping back, profitability)

Why busy staff don’t always equal profitable staff

Lessons learned from hiring too quickly and without financial modeling

Practical examples of optimization: AI tools, automation, time blocking, and systems fixes

The “middle path”: using contractors and cross-training staff

How to run a simple capacity audit before making your next hire

Why right-sizing is personal and must align with your goals and lifestyle

Cool Things Mentioned

The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting

Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists

Featured Resources

I am honored to partner with two AMAZING companies to help improve your testing practice!

PAR is a long time supporter of the Testing Psychologist podcast, and I will continue to bring you featured items from their catalog! Listen to each episode for specific product recommendations and links. Learn more at www.parinc.com.

TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing

The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s!I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit this link to access current and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health!

About Dr. Jeremy Sharp

I’m a licensed psychologist and Clinical Director at the Colorado Center for Assessment & Counseling, a private practice that I founded in 2009 and have grown to over 20 clinicians. I earned my undergraduate degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina before getting my Master’s and PhD in Counseling Psychology from Colorado State University. These days, I specialize in psychological and neuropsychological evaluation with kids and adolescents.

As the host of the Testing Psychologist Podcast, I provide private practice consulting for psychologists and other mental health professionals who want to start or grow psychological testing services in their practices. I live in Fort Collins, Colorado with my wife (also a therapist) and two young kids.

Ready to grow your testing services? Click below to schedule a complimentary 30-minute pre-consulting call!

Schedule Your Call

...more