Your Group Practice

Sustainable group practice growth requires more than adding clinicians, locations and revenue. It requires building a practice that can adapt to reimbursement pressures, administrative complexity, and an industry that is changing faster than most owners can comfortably keep up with.

In Episode 55 of Your Group Practice, Dan King welcomes back Danielle Hayes, former co-founder of Therapy Austin, group practice consultant and facilitator of the Group Practice Owners Network.

Danielle shares what practice owners are discussing behind closed doors: insurance rate cuts, growing administrative burdens, consolidation, clinician burnout and the increasing difficulty of maintaining control over a mental health business.

She also challenges one of the industry’s most persistent assumptions that every successful group practice must continue getting bigger.

Danielle and Dan explore:

•  Why insurance consolidation may reduce the independence and leverage of group practices 
•  How administrative complexity is exhausting owners and clinicians 
•  Why sustainable growth may mean protecting quality of life rather than maximizing scale 
•  How hybrid cash-pay and insurance models can strengthen clinician compensation and practice resilience 
•  Why emerging clinicians need supervision, mentorship and a genuine apprenticeship environment 
•  How peer communities help owners solve problems without continually reinventing the wheel 

Danielle argues that no single practice owner can solve every structural problem facing mental health care. But owners can become less isolated, share what is working and build stronger collective influence.

As she explains, practice owners may not be able to control the entire marketplace, but they can start “building the raft” together.

Listen to Episode 55 and explore how sustainable group practice growth can protect clinicians, clients and owners as the mental health industry evolves.

Transform Your Group Practice

Actionable insights for practice owners and clinicians who want to lead, grow, or exit with purpose. This is the podcast shaping a stronger mental health system — one practice at a time.

• Subscribe and listen to more episodes: https://yourgrouppractice.com/
• Want to be a guest? Reach out: [email protected]

About the Host

Dan King is a lawyer turned private equity founder with a passion for fixing burnout in mental health. With a background in M&A, Shark Tank deals, and psychology, he now leads Fireside Strategic — investing in group practices that put people first.

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/danmking
• Website: firesidestrategic.com

Group practice owner burnout can quietly shape some of the biggest decisions a practice owner will ever make, especially when the pressure to sell starts to feel like the only way out.

In this episode of Your Group Practice, Dan King speaks with Tracy Cherpeski, Business Consultant and Executive Coach and founder of Thriving Practice Community, about burnout, investor involvement, business partnership, and the emotional reality of leading a healthcare practice.

Tracy brings a grounded, practical perspective to a difficult conversation: many provider-owners did not enter healthcare to become full-time administrators. They wanted to serve patients, build meaningful careers, and create practices that reflect their values. But as a practice grows, the administrative burden, hiring pressure, financial decision-making, and emotional weight of leadership can become overwhelming.

Dan and Tracy explore why burnout can push practice owners toward rushed exit decisions, and why the first step is often not “sell or stay,” but pause, recover, and get clear.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why many practice owners feel forced to sell or shutter
• How admin burden and moral injury contribute to burnout
• Why exit planning should begin before desperation sets in
• What to look for when evaluating investors or buyers
• How staged transitions and business partnerships can protect legacy
• Why “rewirement” may be a better frame than abrupt retirement

For group practice owners and mental health leaders, this conversation is a reminder that growth, exit, and sustainability are not just financial decisions. They are leadership decisions.

Transform Your Group Practice

Actionable insights for practice owners and clinicians who want to lead, grow, or exit with purpose. This is the podcast shaping a stronger mental health system — one practice at a time.

• Subscribe and listen to more episodes: https://yourgrouppractice.com/
• Want to be a guest? Reach out: [email protected]

About the Host

Dan King is a lawyer turned private equity founder with a passion for fixing burnout in mental health. With a background in M&A, Shark Tank deals, and psychology, he now leads Fireside Strategic — investing in group practices that put people first.

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/danmking
• Website: firesidestrategic.com

Private-pay group practice growth requires more than just generating enquiries. It depends on communicating value, retaining clients, training clinicians and understanding the numbers behind sustainable growth.

In this episode of Your Group Practice, Dan King speaks with Stephanie Korpal, founder of Marble Wellness, about how she has built and leads a private-pay group practice with two locations, a team of specialist clinicians and an in-person workforce managed remotely.

Stephanie explains why private-pay clients evaluate therapy differently, how Marble Wellness positions deep therapeutic work as a meaningful investment and why strong marketing cannot compensate for weak client retention. She also shares the thinking behind Marble Wellness’s live 12-week retention training for every new clinician, regardless of experience.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to market a general practice built around specialist clinicians
• Why the first eight sessions shape client trust, engagement and retention
• How clinician confidence, pacing and money mindset affect the client experience
• Which marketing and intake metrics practice owners should understand
• Why live onboarding and shared training strengthen team culture
• How professional community can save owners time, money and emotional energy

Stephanie’s approach challenges practice owners to look beyond lead generation and examine the entire client journey—from the first website visit and intake call to the quality of early sessions and long-term therapeutic progress.

For group practice owners building a sustainable private-pay model, this conversation offers practical ideas for aligning marketing, clinical quality, team development and business performance.

Transform Your Group Practice

Actionable insights for practice owners and clinicians who want to lead, grow, or exit with purpose. This is the podcast shaping a stronger mental health system — one practice at a time.

• Subscribe and listen to more episodes: https://yourgrouppractice.com/
• Want to be a guest? Reach out: [email protected]

About the Host

Dan King is a lawyer turned private equity founder with a passion for fixing burnout in mental health. With a background in M&A, Shark Tank deals, and psychology, he now leads Fireside Strategic — investing in group practices that put people first.

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/danmking
• Website: firesidestrategic.com

Embodied leadership for group practice owners is more than a leadership style it’s a framework for creating healthier teams, stronger cultures, and more sustainable businesses.

In Episode 51 of Your Group Practice, Dan King sits down with Kelly Higdon, LMFT, and co-founder of Zynnyme, to explore how practice owners can lead from greater self-awareness, clarity, and alignment.

Kelly challenges the traditional belief that leadership is purely intellectual. Instead, she introduces the concept of embodied leadership, leading through the integration of mind, body, heart, and values. The conversation explores how group practice owners can avoid over-responsibility, establish healthier boundaries, and create cultures that support both clinicians and clients.

Key takeaways from this episode include:

•  What embodied leadership means and why it matters for practice owners 
•  How over-responsibility can undermine effective leadership 
•  The role of boundaries, self-awareness, and self-ownership in business growth 
•  Why niche clarity improves both clinical outcomes and organizational culture 
•  How hiring, culture, and values alignment create stronger teams 
•  Kelly's perspective on somatic work, breathwork, psychedelics, and personal growth 

Throughout the discussion, Kelly shares practical insights on slowing down, listening to what is truly yours to carry as a leader, and building a practice that reflects your values rather than external expectations.

If you're a group practice owner looking to lead with greater intention, clarity, and impact, this conversation offers both practical tools and powerful reflections.

Transform Your Group Practice

Actionable insights for practice owners and clinicians who want to lead, grow, or exit with purpose. This is the podcast shaping a stronger mental health system — one practice at a time.

• Subscribe and listen to more episodes: https://yourgrouppractice.com/
• Want to be a guest? Reach out: [email protected]

About the Host

Dan King is a lawyer turned private equity founder with a passion for fixing burnout in mental health. With a background in M&A, Shark Tank deals, and psychology, he now leads Fireside Strategic — investing in group practices that put people first.

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/danmking
• Website: firesidestrategic.com

Virtual group practice leadership requires more than technology; it requires intentional culture, exceptional hiring, and a commitment to clinician growth.

In Episode 51 of Your Group Practice, Dan King sits down with Sara Makin, Founder and CEO of Makin Wellness, to discuss how she built a fully virtual mental health organization serving clients across multiple states while maintaining a strong culture and high clinical standards.

Sara shares her journey from launching a virtual-first practice before telehealth became mainstream to leading a growing team of clinicians who work entirely remotely. She explains why culture becomes even more important in virtual environments, how she evaluates value alignment during hiring, and why retaining great clinicians requires continuous investment in their professional development.

Throughout the conversation, Sara offers practical insights into building psychologically safe teams, creating scalable leadership structures, leveraging technology without sacrificing quality, and navigating the realities of clinician retention in today's workforce.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How to build culture in a fully remote practice
 • Why every hire must be a values-aligned "yes"
 • How technology can improve clinician experience and efficiency
 • A healthier way to think about employee retention and turnover
 • Why independent group practices remain essential to mental health care

If you're building a virtual practice, scaling a remote team, or looking for ways to strengthen clinician engagement, this episode provides practical lessons from a leader focused on both impact and sustainable growth.

Transform Your Group Practice

Actionable insights for practice owners and clinicians who want to lead, grow, or exit with purpose. This is the podcast shaping a stronger mental health system — one practice at a time.

• Subscribe and listen to more episodes: https://yourgrouppractice.com/
• Want to be a guest? Reach out: [email protected]

About the Host

Dan King is a lawyer turned private equity founder with a passion for fixing burnout in mental health. With a background in M&A, Shark Tank deals, and psychology, he now leads Fireside Strategic — investing in group practices that put people first.

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/danmking
• Website: firesidestrategic.com

Medicaid compliance for group practices can feel like a moving target. Regulations change, audits increase, and administrative demands continue to grow. In Episode 50 of Your Group Practice, Dan King sits down with Joe Murphy, co-founder of Checkpoint EHR, to discuss how practice owners can navigate complexity while staying focused on client care. 

Joe shares the remarkable story behind Checkpoint EHR and Integrity Support, a company built on the principles of accountability, service, and integrity. What started as a mission to reduce fraud and improve documentation in behavioral health has evolved into a trusted platform supporting Medicaid-focused practices across the United States. 

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why Medicaid compliance requires a proactive rather than reactive approach
 • The hidden risks group practices face when documentation errors trigger audits and chargebacks
 • How simplifying workflows can reduce clinician burnout and improve billing outcomes
 • Why collaboration between practice owners may be one of the industry's biggest untapped opportunities
 • How a values-driven culture can shape long-term business success

Joe also shares his philosophy of stewardship, servant leadership, and building a company focused on helping others succeed. His insights provide a refreshing perspective on growing a business without chasing growth for growth's sake.

Whether you're operating a Medicaid-based practice, evaluating EHR platforms, or looking for practical ways to strengthen compliance systems, this conversation offers valuable lessons for practice owners at every stage.

Transform Your Group Practice

Actionable insights for practice owners and clinicians who want to lead, grow, or exit with purpose. This is the podcast shaping a stronger mental health system — one practice at a time.

• Subscribe and listen to more episodes: https://yourgrouppractice.com/
• Want to be a guest? Reach out: [email protected]

About the Host

Dan King is a lawyer turned private equity founder with a passion for fixing burnout in mental health. With a background in M&A, Shark Tank deals, and psychology, he now leads Fireside Strategic — investing in group practices that put people first.

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/danmking
• Website: firesidestrategic.com

Revenue cycle management for group practices is one of the most overlooked drivers of sustainable growth. In Episode 49 of Your Group Practice, Dan King sits down with Paul Jonas, CEO and Co-Founder of Breezy Billing, to discuss how successful practice owners balance exceptional clinical care with strong operational systems.

What began as a simple effort to help Paul's parents reduce administrative frustrations in their practice eventually grew into Breezy Billing, a company dedicated to helping behavioral health organizations improve billing, collections, insurance processes, and financial operations.

Throughout the conversation, Paul shares practical insights into why many practices struggle with accounts receivable, how insurance contracts impact revenue, and the warning signs that indicate it may be time to outsource billing functions. He also explains why growing practices often encounter operational challenges as they scale from a handful of clinicians to larger teams.

Beyond revenue cycle management, Dan and Paul explore the leadership side of practice ownership. They discuss how visionary, heart-centered practice owners can maintain culture and values while introducing the systems, processes, and accountability required for growth. Paul also shares Breezy Billing's unique approach to defining and measuring company values through their "ground rules" framework.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The most common causes of unpaid balances and denied claims
 • How to improve accounts receivable performance
 • When outsourcing billing makes financial sense
 • Why operational systems become critical as practices grow
 • How to preserve culture and values while scaling a team
 • The role leadership plays in sustainable practice growth

Whether you're a solo practitioner, an emerging group practice owner, or leading a larger organization, this episode provides actionable insights for building a stronger, more sustainable mental health practice.

Transform Your Group Practice

Actionable insights for practice owners and clinicians who want to lead, grow, or exit with purpose. This is the podcast shaping a stronger mental health system — one practice at a time.

• Subscribe and listen to more episodes: https://yourgrouppractice.com/
• Want to be a guest? Reach out: [email protected]

About the Host

Dan King is a lawyer turned private equity founder with a passion for fixing burnout in mental health. With a background in M&A, Shark Tank deals, and psychology, he now leads Fireside Strategic — investing in group practices that put people first.

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/danmking
• Website: firesidestrategic.com

Scaling a values-driven group practice takes more than hiring more clinicians. It requires clear values, strong leadership, sustainable systems, and a culture people actually want to stay in.

In this episode of Your Group Practice, Dan King speaks with Alison Pidgeon, founder and CEO of Move Forward Counseling, an 80-plus employee practice in Pennsylvania. Alison shares how she grew from solo practitioner to a multi-location group practice with around 60 clinicians, while staying focused on staff wellbeing, ethical care, and business sustainability.

Alison opens up about the burnout that led her to private practice, the decision to move to W-2 employment, and the pandemic-era growth that accelerated the business. She also explains why culture became one of her strongest hiring advantages, how values show up in everyday decisions, and why red flags in interviews should not be ignored.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Alison grew from solo practice to 80-plus employees
 • Why culture can outweigh compensation in clinician retention
 • How values guide hiring, leadership, and decision-making
 • Why a COO helped unlock major growth
 • How specialty programs and payer diversification are shaping the future of her practice

For group practice owners thinking about growth, leadership, and sustainability, Alison’s story offers a practical reminder: the strongest practices are built on both care and operational discipline.

Transform Your Group Practice

Actionable insights for practice owners and clinicians who want to lead, grow, or exit with purpose. This is the podcast shaping a stronger mental health system — one practice at a time.

• Subscribe and listen to more episodes: https://yourgrouppractice.com/
• Want to be a guest? Reach out: [email protected]

About the Host

Dan King is a lawyer turned private equity founder with a passion for fixing burnout in mental health. With a background in M&A, Shark Tank deals, and psychology, he now leads Fireside Strategic — investing in group practices that put people first.

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/danmking
• Website: firesidestrategic.com

Behavioral health operations software is becoming essential for group practice owners who want to grow without letting referrals, billing, follow-up, and client communication fall through the cracks.

In this episode of Your Group Practice, Dan King speaks with Wendy McSparren, founder of WPA Therapy and Admira, about what happens when a therapy practice outgrows notebooks, spreadsheets, duct-taped systems, and EHR workflows that were never designed to manage the full client journey.

Wendy shares how launching WPA Therapy during the pandemic exposed the operational complexity behind group practice growth. With demand for care rising quickly, she and her husband, John began building Admira, a system designed specifically for behavioral health practices.

In this conversation, Dan and Wendy explore:

• Why EHRs often fall short before and after clinical care
 • How referral workflows can become both a care issue and a business bottleneck
 • Why clinicians can use systems thinking as a leadership advantage
 • How AI receptionists may support access without replacing human care
 • Why scaling a practice requires getting key processes out of the owner’s head

This episode is a practical and thoughtful look at what it takes to build a more organized, humane, and scalable group practice.

Transform Your Group Practice

Actionable insights for practice owners and clinicians who want to lead, grow, or exit with purpose. This is the podcast shaping a stronger mental health system — one practice at a time.

• Subscribe and listen to more episodes: https://yourgrouppractice.com/
• Want to be a guest? Reach out: [email protected]

About the Host

Dan King is a lawyer turned private equity founder with a passion for fixing burnout in mental health. With a background in M&A, Shark Tank deals, and psychology, he now leads Fireside Strategic — investing in group practices that put people first.

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/danmking
• Website: firesidestrategic.com

Profitable therapy practice finances are essential for building a sustainable group practice that supports owners, clinicians, and clients over the long term.

In this episode of Your Group Practice, Dan King speaks with Julie Herres, founder of Green Oak Accounting, about the financial realities many therapy practice owners avoid until the numbers become impossible to ignore.

Julie brings more than a decade of experience working with therapy practices across the United States and shares practical insights on profitability, compensation, boundaries, benefits, and financial transparency.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why every therapy practice deserves to be profitable
 • How clinical payroll can impact long-term sustainability
 • Why Julie recommends keeping clinical payroll between 45% and 60% of income
 • The pros and cons of percentage splits, flat fee models, and salaries
 • Why benefits should be added with intention, not pressure
 • How financial clarity helps practice owners make better leadership decisions

This conversation is especially valuable for group practice owners who want to care well for clinicians without compromising the health of the business.

Transform Your Group Practice

Actionable insights for practice owners and clinicians who want to lead, grow, or exit with purpose. This is the podcast shaping a stronger mental health system — one practice at a time.

• Subscribe and listen to more episodes: https://yourgrouppractice.com/
• Want to be a guest? Reach out: [email protected]

About the Host

Dan King is a lawyer turned private equity founder with a passion for fixing burnout in mental health. With a background in M&A, Shark Tank deals, and psychology, he now leads Fireside Strategic — investing in group practices that put people first.

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/danmking
• Website: firesidestrategic.com