What to Look for When Interviewing for a Group Private Practice
If you're a therapist looking to join a group private practice, the interview process is more than just answering questions—it's about asking the right ones. Whether you're newly licensed or a seasoned clinician, it's important to evaluate whether a practice truly supports your professional development, values work-life balance, and offers the benefits you're looking for. Here are a few essential things to consider when interviewing for your next role in private practice.
#1 W-2 vs. 1099: Know Your Employment Status
Start with the basics: Is the role a W-2 employee position or a 1099 independent contractor role? This distinction affects everything from how you’re paid to the benefits you may receive.
See our post on 1099 vs W-2 Employment.
At Lakeside Counseling Center, we offer W-2 employment to ensure our therapists are well-supported and have access to employer-backed benefits.
# 2. Salaried or Hourly?
If the position is W-2, ask whether it's salaried or hourly. A salaried role may offer consistency, while an hourly position could provide more flexibility. If the practice you are interviewing for pays a salaried wage, be sure to ask what the expectation is in terms of caseload to maintain the salary. If you are being asked to see 30+ clients per week to maintain a salary, it could be a potential path to burnout. At Lakeside, we believe in fair compensation for the work you do and are transparent about expectations from the start. All full-time employees are expected to see 25 clients per week and are paid hourly. We also compensate additional hours for your time spent on doing notes, coordination of care and treatment planning outside of session.
# 3. Are Benefits Offered?
If you're seeking full-time employment (30+ hours per week according to the ACA), your employer is legally required to offer a healthcare option. But not all benefits are created equal. Ask:
Is health insurance included?
Are dental and vision options available?
Does the practice contribute to premiums?
Is there a 401(k) or retirement plan with an employer match?
At Lakeside Counseling Center, we offer a low-deductible PPO health and dental plan, covering 60% of premiums for full-time employees. All staff, part-time or full-time, can also contribute to a 401(k) plan with an employer match.
# 4. How is PTO Structured?
While group practices aren’t required to offer paid time off, it's a strong indicator of how a practice values self-care and work-life balance. Important questions to ask:
Does the practice offer PTO?
How is PTO accrued?
Is PTO paid out at your admin rate or clinical rate?
At Lakeside, we provide a PTO bank for all employees, regardless of part-time or full-time status. Full-time employees can earn up to 75 hours of PTO annually, and PTO is paid at the clinician’s hourly clinical rate.
# 5. Is There Support for Clinical Growth?
One of the biggest advantages of working in a group practice is access to clinical supervision and peer consultation. Ask how the practice fosters professional development:
Are there opportunities for continuing education?
Is there a stipend for training or conferences?
Are there supervision or consultation groups?
At Lakeside, we prioritize ongoing growth and education. All employees receive a yearly continuing education stipend. We host monthly tiered peer support options, including 1:1 consults and small focus groups around topics like EMDR or specific populations. All employees are compensated for their participation in consult groups, meetings and 1:1 supervision.
# 6. What About Work-Life Balance and Flexibility?
Burnout is real in the mental health field. Look for signs that the practice cares about your overall well-being:
Can you create your own schedule?
Are evenings or weekends required?
Is family time and personal balance respected?
At Lakeside, we believe family comes first. Clinicians are empowered to set their own schedules with only one small request: that they work at least one weekday until 6 PM. Your time is respected, and your needs matter.
# 7. Is There a Sense of Community?
Many therapists join group practices to avoid the isolation that can come with solo work. Ask:
How does the practice build community?
Are there opportunities for leadership or involvement?
Will I feel like I’m part of a team?
At Lakeside Counseling Center, we believe no one should feel like they're working in a silo. Our team culture is rooted in collaboration, peer support, and empowerment. Clinicians can lead consult groups, offer supervision, and grow into leadership roles. We believe every clinician brings something unique to the table—and we all grow when we learn from each other.
Ready to Join a Supportive, Collaborative Practice?
Are you a licensed LPC, LCSW, or LMFT in the state of Wisconsin? If you’re a passionate, growth-oriented therapist looking for a team that values your contributions, prioritizes your well-being, and supports your professional development,
Lakeside Counseling Center may be the right fit for you.
Send your resume to: therapy@lakesidecounsel.com
We look forward to hearing from you!