Your Group Practice

Group practice partnerships may be the most overlooked strategy for scaling and exiting a mental health business.

In this solo episode of Your Group Practice, Dan King challenges one of the most common assumptions in the industry: that the end goal is to sell your practice. Instead, he presents a compelling alternative, bringing on a strategic “number two” to unlock the next version of your business.

Drawing from patterns he sees across practice owners, Dan explains why so many practices plateau between $2M–$4M in revenue and struggle to become truly sellable assets. Even profitable practices often lack the structure, leadership depth, and growth trajectory that buyers are looking for.

Rather than rushing to sell or feeling stuck, Dan outlines a different path forward:

• Why most practices hit a growth ceiling without a partner
 • How to identify your biggest bottleneck as an owner
 • What makes a great “number two” and why skills matter more than capital
 • How a “try before you buy” approach reduces partnership risk
 • Why clinician + operator partnerships are the future of group practice

This episode is both a mindset shift and a practical roadmap for practice owners who want to build something bigger, more valuable, and more sustainable without sacrificing autonomy or culture.

If you’re feeling stuck, considering a sale, or thinking about your next stage of growth, this conversation offers a new way to think about what’s possible.

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

Debt in group practice M&A is one of the most misunderstood and emotionally charged topics in the mental health business.

In this solo episode of Your Group Practice, Dan King breaks down the role debt plays when selling some or all of your practice. Drawing on real-world experience from both the buyer and seller side, he demystifies how debt actually works and why avoiding it isn’t always the smartest move.

Dan explores why debt is almost always part of the equation in modern transactions, especially when working with financial buyers. He challenges the stigma around debt, reframing it not as inherently good or bad, but as a tool that can amplify both positive and negative outcomes.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

•  Why debt is considered the “cheapest capital” in M&A 
•  The difference between external financing and seller financing 
•  How recapitalization deals work when you don’t fully exit 
•  The emotional and psychological weight of debt and how to think about it differently 

This episode is essential listening for group practice owners considering growth, partnership, or an exit. Understanding debt isn’t optional; it’s a core part of building a strategic, sellable 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

Group practice valuation is one of the most misunderstood topics in mental health, and the reality may be confronting.

In this solo episode of Your Group Practice, Dan King breaks down a hard truth many practice owners avoid: your business might not be sellable in its current form.

Drawing on years of conversations with practice owners and real transaction experience, Dan outlines the four core factors that determine whether a buyer or investor will seriously consider your practice or walk away.

First, profitability. Buyers are not buying revenue; they are buying profit. Without a meaningful profit threshold (often around $400K post-owner salary), the business becomes difficult to justify operationally and financially.

Second, clinician commitment. In a people-driven business, stability and engagement matter. Practices built on inconsistent or low-hour clinicians signal fragility rather than strength.

Third, payer concentration. While relying on a single high-paying payer may boost short-term income, it introduces significant risk. Buyers heavily discount revenue streams that lack diversification.

Finally, founder dependence. If the business cannot operate without you, it cannot scale, and it becomes far less attractive to any serious investor.

This episode is a direct, practical guide for practice owners who want to build something that lasts—and something that can eventually be sold.

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

Selling a group practice is often framed as a financial milestone — but the real story is far more complex.

In this solo episode of Your Group Practice, Dan King pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to sell your practice — not just strategically, but emotionally. Drawing from his experience in mergers and acquisitions, Dan explores the hidden “price” that many owners underestimate when entering the sale process.

Most sellers go through this journey for the first time, while buyers have done it dozens of times. That imbalance creates risk — not just financially, but psychologically. Dan explains why understanding the emotional side of the process is essential to making a clear, intentional decision.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

•  Why money in a sale often becomes tied to your self-worth 
•  How time and mental energy can quietly drain your capacity 
•  The complexity of managing staff, relationships, and communication 
•  What due diligence really demands from your workload 
•  Why identity is the biggest shift most owners aren’t prepared for 

Selling a practice isn’t just a transaction — it’s a transformation. Dan reframes the process as a pivot point in your life and career, where clarity, self-awareness, and intention matter more than ever.

If you’re considering selling your practice — now or in the future — this episode will help you approach the decision with open eyes.

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

The business side of mental health practice is one of the most overlooked yet essential skills for clinicians today. In this episode of Your Group Practice, Dan King speaks with Keith Myers, Associate Professor and Director of Clinical Training at Point Loma Nazarene University, about why business literacy is no longer optional for therapists.

Keith shares a powerful perspective shaped by both academia and real-world clinical experience. He highlights a major gap: clinicians are trained to care for people, but not to run sustainable businesses. This disconnect often leads to financial stress, poor decision-making, and burnout, even for highly skilled therapists.

Throughout the conversation, Keith breaks down the realities behind billing, insurance reimbursements, and the hidden costs of running a practice. He also explores the identity shift required to succeed, from clinician to clinician-entrepreneur, and why marketing, self-advocacy, and financial awareness are critical skills.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

•  Why most therapists misunderstand the true cost of delivering care 
•  How business education can transform long-term career success 
•  The importance of developing a strong professional identity and niche 
•  Practical lessons for group practice owners navigating growth and revenue challenges 

Keith also shares insights on working with veterans, emphasizing the need for culturally competent care and the role group practices can play in serving underserved populations.

If you’re building or scaling a practice, this episode will challenge how you think about money, identity, and sustainability in mental health.

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

Mission, vision, and values in group practice are not just abstract ideas; they are strategic levers that directly impact growth, recruitment, and long-term sustainability.

In this solo episode of Your Group Practice, Dan King explores why the most successful practices take a clear stand on what they believe and who they serve. Drawing on real-world examples across the mental health landscape, Dan breaks down how practices with a defined identity consistently outperform those that rely on generic branding.

Dan highlights how clarity of purpose creates alignment across every level of a practice from clinicians to clients, while also simplifying key decisions around hiring, marketing, and culture. In a crowded and competitive market, especially in self-pay environments, practices that articulate their values clearly gain a powerful advantage.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
 • Why defining your mission, vision, and values attracts aligned clinicians faster
 • How clear positioning improves patient connection and therapeutic outcomes
 • The role of purpose in reducing burnout and building resilient teams
 • The potential risks of strong positioning and how to navigate them as you grow

Dan also reflects on the tension between clarity and scalability, offering a nuanced perspective on how practices can evolve their identity without losing their core.

If you’re building or leading a group practice, this episode will challenge you to move beyond generic messaging and define what you truly stand for.

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

Choosing a business partner in group practice is one of the most important — and most misunderstood — decisions founders make. In this solo episode of Your Group Practice, Dan King breaks down when you actually need a partner, and how to choose the right one if you do.

Dan starts by challenging a common assumption: not every business needs a partner. If your goal is to build a lifestyle practice, you may not need one at all. But if your ambition is to build something larger, more complex, and enduring, the case for a partner becomes significantly stronger — especially in mental health, where complexity, regulation, and human impact are high.

From there, Dan introduces a powerful guiding principle: would you marry this person? This question reframes partnership as a long-term, high-stakes commitment — one that requires deep trust, alignment, and resilience.

He then outlines three critical criteria for choosing the right partner:

•  Complementary skill sets that expand decision-making capacity 
•  Integrity you can trust at a gut level 
•  Alignment on mission, vision, and long-term ambition 

This episode is a practical framework for group practice owners navigating growth decisions and considering partnership as a path forward.

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

Sustainable growth for mental health practices doesn’t come from radical change, it comes from consistent, intentional progress over time.

In Episode 38 of Your Group Practice, Dan King speaks with Sean McColl, founder of Trusted Business Advisors, about how practice owners can break through growth plateaus and build scalable, resilient businesses without losing sight of their mission.

Sean brings a unique perspective from both Fortune 500 leadership and entrepreneurial experience, helping business owners navigate the critical shift from doing everything themselves to leading strategically. He explains why many practices stall between $2M–$4M in revenue, and what it really takes to move beyond that stage.

Throughout the conversation, Sean draws a powerful parallel between therapy and business growth: small, incremental changes applied consistently create the biggest long-term results.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why “what got you here won’t get you there” in practice growth
• How delegation and prioritization unlock your next stage of scale
• The role of accountability in driving real business results
• Practical cost-cutting strategies that immediately improve profitability
• How to build a foundation for sustainable, long-term growth

Sean also shares how strong advisor relationships, built on trust and accountability, can help business owners stay focused, overcome blind spots, and maintain momentum, even during challenging periods.

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to scale your practice, this episode offers a clear and practical roadmap forward.

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

Working fewer hours as a practice owner is a goal many clinicians dream about—but few believe is actually possible.

In this episode of Your Group Practice, Dan King speaks with Ruth Mannschreck, founder of Shoreline Strategies, about the systems and leadership principles that allow healthcare practice owners to reclaim their time without sacrificing quality of care.

Ruth’s journey began in dentistry. After building a successful practice, her life changed dramatically when her daughter experienced serious health complications that required extensive medical care. Faced with the need to dramatically reduce her clinical hours, Ruth and her team redesigned their entire business model—compressing five days of work into just 2.5 days while maintaining excellent patient care.

What emerged from that experience became the foundation of her consulting work with healthcare practices.

In this conversation, Ruth shares how practice owners can redesign systems, hiring strategies, and leadership approaches to create what she calls a self-propelled business.

Key insights from this episode include:

• Why mapping the client journey from the first phone call can transform operations
• How hiring for soft skills like empathy and compassion improves patient care
• Innovative interview techniques that reveal a candidate’s real interpersonal abilities
• How generational differences in the workforce can unlock creativity instead of conflict
• Why practice owners must clearly define outcomes before empowering teams to innovate

Ruth also shares how practice owners can begin reducing their own workload by focusing on systems, team development, and emotional intelligence in client interactions.

Free Resource:
Download Ruth’s framework:
The Self-Propelled Business Framework
www.WorkFewerHours.com

Learn more about Ruth:
https://shorelinestrategies.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthmannschreck/

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

AI in therapy is advancing faster than most clinicians can keep up with, but what does that actually mean for group practice owners?

In this episode of Your Group Practice, Dan King sits down with psychologist and MBA Genevieve Bartuski, whose background in forensic and cyberpsychology places her at the center of AI governance conversations. Together, they unpack the real role AI should play in mental health and where the profession must draw clear ethical boundaries.

Genevieve makes one thing clear: AI will not replace therapists. Research consistently shows that the therapeutic alliance is the strongest predictor of positive outcomes. While AI can augment workflows, it cannot replicate empathy, clinical judgment, or the nuanced human relationship at the core of therapy.

Here’s what you’ll take away:

• Why AI hallucinations and “drift” pose serious accountability risks
 • Where AI can responsibly support group practices (billing, documentation, compliance)
 • The ethical concerns around AI note-takers and session recording
 • How AI could bridge mental health access gaps with strong human oversight
 • The psychological risks of clients developing emotional reliance on AI

For practice owners navigating rapid technological change, this episode provides a grounded framework: protect the client relationship, leverage AI to improve backend efficiency, and approach innovation with critical thinking not blind adoption.

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