Episode Summary: Abundant Practice Podcast

Episode #682: Taking Group Practice Clients With You When You Leave

Host: Allison Puryear
Date: August 30, 2025

Overview

In this episode of the Abundant Practice Podcast, host Allison Puryear addresses a common and often tricky situation faced by therapists: Can you take your group practice clients with you when you leave to start your own private practice? Allison explores the ethical, legal, and practical considerations for therapists transitioning out of group or agency work, highlighting best practices and real-world advice to ensure client care and professional integrity remain the priority.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Central Question: “Can I bring group practice clients with me?”

• Short Answer: “It depends.” (03:38)
• Determination relies on the nature of employment contracts, especially regarding non-compete clauses and client transition language.

2. Legal and Ethical Foundations

Ethical Perspective

• Allison clearly states:

  “Ethically, those are your clients. They do not belong to the group.” (02:30)
  However, she notes the real world often introduces complications beyond ethical ideals.

Contracts and Legal Agreements

• Non-compete clauses:

  • Often included in employment contracts to restrict client solicitation post-departure.
  • Not always enforceable; some states ban them.
  • Regardless, taking risks can lead to expensive legal battles even if the clause is unenforceable.
  • Quote:

    “Even though non-compete clauses often don't hold up in court, there's still an ethical approach to taking clients with you when you leave.” (05:04)

• Review your contract:

  • Always review what you signed. If unclear, consult an employment attorney before making any moves.
  • Quote:

    “It's better to know what's legally binding than get caught in a tricky situation.” (06:00)

• If no contract was signed:

  • Handshake agreements may leave you with more freedom, but still proceed with transparency.

3. Best Practices for Leaving a Group Practice

Step 1: Assess Your Agreement (06:15)

• Carefully review all contracts and agreements.
• Seek legal advice for ambiguous or restrictive language.

Step 2: Open Communication with Group Practice (07:11)

• If legally allowed, have a direct and honest conversation with the practice manager/owner.
• Ask them their preference for handling client transitions.
• Transparency preserves goodwill and avoids misunderstanding.

  “Don't assume that it's okay to take clients and run.” (07:40)

Step 3: Transparency with Clients (08:19)

• If permitted, inform clients where you’re going.
• Give clients the explicit option to stay with the group or follow you.
  • Never pressure or manipulate; emphasize it’s their choice.
  • Quote:

    “Their trust is the most important thing and you want to make sure they feel in control of their therapeutic journey.” (09:06)

Special Cases: Fee Agreements and No Contract Situations (10:15)

• Some contracts require you to pay the group a fee for ex-clients' sessions after you leave.
• Handshake/no-contract situations generally mean more freedom, but still follow ethical protocols.

4. Perspective as a Group Practice Owner

• Allison shares her own policy:

  “In my practice, I would never ever, ever have a non compete clause because I truly believe that that therapeutic relationship is more important than anything else, including business profits.” (12:15)

• Encourages prioritizing the therapist-client relationship over business interests.
• Stresses importance of legal protection for oneself, even if acting in good faith.

5. Protect Yourself Legally (“CYA”) (13:45)

• Always have contracts reviewed by someone specializing in employment law.
• Being proactive is less expensive—and less stressful—than resolving disputes later.
  • Quote:

    “Having a professional review the documents can save you a ton of stress down the road.” (14:19)

6. Clients' Needs Remain Paramount (15:16)

• Center your actions on clients’ best interests.
• Transparency and respect for choices are key.
• Never disparage your old practice during transitions.
  • Quote:

    “Do not bash the practice. Even if the owner is acting like a horrible person, which does happen sometimes, let them know they have options.” (16:05)

7. Final Encouragements & Resources (17:10)

• Transitions are daunting, but support exists—from legal professionals to professional communities like Allison’s Abundance Party.
• Invites listeners to join her community for step-by-step support, grab worksheets, and use her resources for navigating intricate situations.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Ethics vs. Business:

  “I truly believe that that therapeutic relationship is more important than anything else, including business profits.” (12:15)

• On Due Diligence:

  “If you have any doubts about the contract you signed, take it to a lawyer who specializes in employment. Don't trust that everything's going to be fine.” (14:00)

• On Client Options:

  “Make sure they know you're prioritizing their well being throughout the transition.” (16:20)

• Empowerment:

  “If you're considering making the leap into private practice, I know it can feel daunting. There's a lot to think about from the legal stuff to setting up your business transitioning clients. But remember, you don't have to do it alone.” (17:18)

Timestamps: Key Segments

• 02:30 — Ethical standpoint: clients “belong” to the therapist, not the group.
• 05:04 — Limitations of non-compete clauses and realistic risks.
• 06:15 — Steps to take: Review contracts and consult attorneys.
• 07:40 — The importance of not making assumptions during client transition.
• 09:06 — Relationship trust and client autonomy.
• 12:15 — Group practice owner perspective prioritizing clients.
• 13:45 — Legal self-protection/consultation emphasis.
• 16:05 — Upholding professionalism when leaving a group.
• 17:10 — Final thoughts and encouragement for listeners.

Conclusion

Allison Puryear delivers candid, structured advice for therapists considering taking clients when leaving a group practice. She emphasizes balancing ethics, legalities, and compassion—advising due diligence, open communication, and above all, putting client autonomy and care first. Listeners are encouraged to seek professional support, utilize available resources, and foster transparency throughout their transition to independent practice.