Considerations When Expanding to Group Practice

Is This the Time to Expand Your Practice?

Today, around 50% of MFTs work in individual private practice, making solo practice the dominant setting across the profession. But the next generation of clinicians may be pointing toward a shift in what the future of practice looks like.

What the Future Workforce Wants

According to data from the 2025 AAMFT Workforce Study, while private practice continues to dominate the field today, student responses point toward a changing landscape. Among MFT students and pre-licensed professionals:

• 40% still prefer individual private practice
• 32% — a growing share — identify group practice as their future preferred work setting

This growing interest among future clinicians offers a unique business opportunity for MFTs interested in expanding their individual practices. But before making the leap from solo practice to group practice, what should practice owners consider to determine whether now is the right time to expand?

In AAMFT’s new Systemic Therapy Certificate, Beyond Solo Practice: Advanced Growth Pathways for MFTs(9 CEs), Shelby Riley, owner of Shelby Riley LMFT & Associates, shares practical guidance for practice owners considering a transition to a group practice, offering insights into business models as well as financial and ethical considerations. Preview her module above and then check out the full Certificate at aamft.org/beyond.