Benefits of a Group Practice Setting

Group practice settings have become increasingly popular among mental health professionals as they offer a range of benefits and opportunities for collaboration. Whether you are a registered psychotherapist, clinical psychologist, psychological associate or practicum student, working in a group practice setting can enhance your professional growth and provide a supportive environment for both you and your clients.

Collaborative Expertise: One of the significant advantages of group practice settings is the availability of diverse expertise. Working alongside colleagues with varying specializations allows mental health professionals to tap into a collective knowledge base. This collaboration often leads to improved clinical outcomes, as practitioners can consult and learn from one another’s experiences. It also enables a multidisciplinary approach, with professionals from different backgrounds working together to address complex client needs. At the Cognitive & Interpersonal Therapy Centre (CITC), we host monthly rounds where associates can present cases, and receive feedback from the team. We also have a journal club, where associates share interesting articles and can discuss the latest topics in psychology.

Shared Resources and Administrative Support: Group practices typically offer shared resources and administrative support, reducing the burden of managing the business side of the practice. This can include shared office space, reception services, billing support, and marketing efforts. By relieving mental health professionals of administrative tasks, they can focus more on client care and therapeutic interventions. Moreover, shared resources often make it possible to provide a wider range of services and amenities to clients, increasing the overall quality of care. At CITC, associates have access to a vast selection of online and in-person measures, client worksheets and resources, full-time administrative support, a centrally located office, and advanced technology to store client data and conduct virtual sessions.

Referrals and Networking Opportunities: Being part of a group practice setting opens doors to a vast network of potential referrals. Colleagues within the group can refer clients to one another based on their areas of specialization, which can be beneficial for both the client and the practitioner. Additionally, group practices often have established relationships with other healthcare providers, allowing for cross-referrals and collaboration with medical professionals, addiction specialists, or other related services. Associates at CITC receive consistent referrals from both our website and third-party businesses such as Lumino Health, Greenspace, Life Support Mental Health, hospitals, family doctors and schools.

Work-Life Balance and Coverage: Group practices offer flexibility and the possibility of creating a more balanced work-life schedule. Mental health practitioners are able to choose the hours in which they decide to see clients. At CITC, associates create their own schedules, and the administrative team books clients accordingly. We also offer a hybrid environment, with flexibility to see clients in-person or virtually.

In summary, working in a group practice setting can be highly rewarding for mental health professionals. It fosters collaboration, provides access to diverse expertise, offers case consultation and peer support, and allows for shared resources and administrative support. The networking opportunities, referral potential, and improved work-life balance make group practices an appealing choice for mental health professionals seeking professional growth, support, and a fulfilling career. To inquire about open positions at CITC, please contact us at office@citcassociates.com.