Abundant Practice Podcast

Episode #600: Bringing Clients When You Leave A Group

Release Date: December 7, 2024
Host: Allison Puryear

Overview

In Episode #600 of the Abundant Practice Podcast, host Allison Puryear delves into the intricate process of transitioning from a group practice or agency to establishing a private practice, specifically focusing on the critical aspect of bringing clients along during this move. This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for therapists contemplating this significant career shift, addressing legalities, ethical considerations, and practical strategies to ensure a smooth and professional transition.

Key Discussions and Insights

1. Navigating Legal and Ethical Landscapes

Allison begins by addressing the common concern among therapists about the legality of taking clients when leaving a group practice. She emphasizes the importance of understanding contractual obligations, particularly non-compete clauses, which many agencies incorporate to prevent therapists from taking clients upon departure.

• Non-Compete Clauses: These clauses are designed to restrict therapists from poaching clients from their former employers. However, Allison points out that "these clauses don't usually hold up in court, especially in the therapy industry, because clients have the right to see whomever they want" (02:00).

• Client Rights: She reinforces the ethical standpoint that clients should have the autonomy to choose their therapist, underscoring that their well-being should take precedence over contractual loopholes.

2. Ethical Strategies for Client Transition

Moving forward, Allison shares practical strategies for ethically informing clients about the transition without violating any contractual terms.

• Transparent Communication: She advises therapists to have an open and respectful conversation with their current practice owners. "Have a conversation with your current agency or practice owner, explain your plan, and ask how they'd like you to inform clients." (02:08)

• Creative Messaging: For those bound by restrictive clauses, Allison suggests a tactful approach to client communication: "I'll be working somewhere else, but I can't legally tell you where, but Google can." (02:05) This allows clients to independently seek out the therapist's new practice without directly violating agreements.

3. Understanding and Managing Transfer Fees

Allison brings attention to another potential hurdle: transfer fees. Some contracts may stipulate that therapists pay a fee for each session a client attends at the new practice.

• Financial Implications: She highlights the unexpected financial burdens these fees can impose, especially for those just starting their private practice.

• Due Diligence: Karen recommends thoroughly reviewing contractual agreements and, if necessary, consulting with an employment attorney to fully grasp the implications and explore possible exemptions or negotiations.

4. Practical Transition Checklist

To aid therapists in the transition process, Allison provides a succinct checklist:

1. Review Contracts: "Review any contracts or agreements that you signed when you started with your current or past employer." (02:23)

2. Understand Clauses: Determine the presence of non-compete clauses or transfer fees and understand their implications.

3. Communicate with Employers: Engage in open dialogue with current practice owners about your intentions.

4. Prioritize Client Needs: Ensure that clients feel supported throughout the transition, regardless of whether they choose to follow you.

5. Seek Legal Advice: If contractual language is unclear, consulting with an employment attorney is advisable.

5. Allison’s Philosophy on Client-Therapist Relationships

Drawing from her experience as a group practice owner, Allison shares her perspective on valuing client relationships over strict business policies.

• Sacred Bonds: "The relationship between the therapist and the client, that's sacred. That bond needs to come before any business considerations on my end." (04:00)

• Client Continuity: She prioritizes the client’s comfort and continuity of care over potential revenue shortfalls caused by therapists moving their client base.

6. Resources and Support

Allison promotes her membership program, Abundance Party, which offers step-by-step guidance for therapists transitioning to private practice. She highlights the community support, individual consultations, and comprehensive courses designed to accelerate practice growth.

• Free Worksheet: Listeners are encouraged to access the free worksheet titled "Working in Group Practice versus Going Out on Your Own" by emailing her team or visiting AbundancePracticeBuilding.com.

• Further Support: For more personalized assistance, Allison invites listeners to reach out via email at help@abundancepracticebuilding.com.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "These clauses don't usually hold up in court, especially in the therapy industry, because clients have the right to see whomever they want." — Allison Puryear (02:00)

• "I'll be working somewhere else, but I can't legally tell you where, but Google can." — Allison Puryear (02:05)

• "Have a conversation with your current agency or practice owner, explain your plan, and ask how they'd like you to inform clients." — Allison Puryear (02:08)

• "The relationship between the therapist and the client, that's sacred. That bond needs to come before any business considerations on my end." — Allison Puryear (04:00)

Conclusion

Episode #600 of the Abundant Practice Podcast offers invaluable insights for therapists aiming to transition from group practices to private ventures. Allison Puryear meticulously navigates the legal and ethical considerations, providing actionable strategies to ensure therapists can maintain their client relationships respectfully and professionally. With a blend of legal advice, ethical guidelines, and practical tips, this episode serves as an essential resource for any therapist contemplating the shift to private practice.

Additional Resources

• Membership Program: Abundance Party – Step-by-step guidance to build a thriving private practice.
• Free Worksheet and Tools: AbundancePracticeBuilding.com – Access checklists, worksheets, and free trainings.
• Contact for Support: help@abundancepracticebuilding.com

Note: This summary excludes promotional segments unrelated to the episode's core content, focusing solely on delivering the valuable insights shared by Allison Puryear.