Readiness Assessment
Welcome
Knowing when to scale your practice is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a solo practitioner. This assessment gives you clarity on where you stand—financially, operationally, and personally.
This resource is designed to help you:
- Calculate your actual financial readiness with Lancaster County benchmarks
- Audit your operational systems honestly
- Assess your leadership capacity and desire
- Create a realistic timeline for scaling when you're ready
How to Use This Guide
Work through each section in order. Be honest with yourself. This isn't about judgment—it's about clarity. Some practitioners will discover they're ready now. Others will identify exactly what needs strengthening before scaling makes sense. Both outcomes are valuable.
Set aside 60-90 minutes to complete this assessment thoughtfully. Have your financial records, calendar, and client management system accessible as you work.
Let's begin.
A Note About Perspective
This assessment draws on years of consulting experience with solo practitioners, as well as my operational knowledge as co-founder of Inspire Wellness Collective, a coworking space for wellness professionals in Lancaster County. This dual perspective—both consulting with practitioners about growth and operating a facility that supports flexible practice models—informs the office model comparisons and cost analyses you'll find throughout this guide.
My goal isn't to promote one model over another, but to help you make informed decisions based on accurate financial data and operational realities.
Quick Assessment: Where Do You Stand Right Now?
Before diving into detailed analysis, answer these 10 questions with YES or NO. This gives you an immediate sense of your readiness level.
Question | Yes | No |
---|---|---|
1. Has my monthly revenue been consistent or growing for at least 6 months? | ||
2. Do I have at least $4,000 saved in business reserves? | ||
3. After paying all expenses, do I have at least 20% profit remaining? | ||
4. Do I have a waitlist of 8+ clients that has persisted for 2+ months? | ||
5. Could someone else follow my intake/scheduling process with minimal training? | ||
6. Do at least 40% of my new clients come through referrals? | ||
7. Do I spend at least 60% of my work time on direct client care (not admin)? | ||
8. Do I feel energized (not depleted) by the idea of managing another clinician? | ||
9. Is my pricing clear, consistent, and accepted without negotiation? | ||
10. Can I clearly articulate what I want my practice to look like in 2 years? |
Scoring
8-10 Yes: You're likely ready to scale now or within 3-6 months.
Focus on the sections that address your "no" answers, then move forward with confidence.
5-7 Yes: You're building toward readiness.
Use this assessment to identify your 2-3 highest priorities for the next 6-12 months.
0-4 Yes: You're in foundation-building mode.
This is not a failure—it's clarity. Work through this guide to create a realistic timeline for strengthening your practice before scaling.
SECTION 1: Financial Readiness Calculator
Financial readiness isn't about achieving a magic number. It's about stability, margin, and reserves that can support growth without destabilizing what already works.
1.1 Monthly Revenue Tracking
Instructions: Fill in your monthly revenue for the past 6 months. Calculate the average.
Month | Gross Revenue | Notes (cancellations, seasonal factors, etc.) |
---|---|---|
Month 1: | $ | |
Month 2: | $ | |
Month 3: | $ | |
Month 4: | $ | |
Month 5: | $ | |
Month 6: | $ |
6-Month Average Revenue: $
Analysis Questions:
Has your revenue grown over the past 6 months? Yes No Stayed stable
Lancaster County Benchmark:
For full-time solo practitioners, consistent monthly revenue of $6,500-$8,000 indicates strong baseline. If you're above this consistently, you have revenue stability. If you're below, focus on client volume or pricing before scaling.
1.2 Expense Breakdown
Instructions: List your actual monthly expenses. Be thorough and honest.
Office/Space Expenses:
Rent/Office Space | $ |
Utilities | $ |
Internet/Phone | $ |
Furnishings/Maintenance | $ |
Professional Expenses:
Liability Insurance | $ |
Licensure/Certifications (annual ÷ 12) | $ |
Continuing Education (annual ÷ 12) | $ |
Professional Memberships (annual ÷ 12) | $ |
Business Operations:
EHR/Practice Management Software | $ |
Accounting/Bookkeeping | $ |
Marketing/Website | $ |
Business Banking Fees | $ |
Other:
$ | |
$ |
Total Monthly Expenses: $
1.3 Profit Margin Calculator
Formula:
(Average Monthly Revenue - Total Monthly Expenses) ÷ Average Monthly Revenue × 100 = Profit Margin %
Your Calculation:
($ - $) ÷ $ × 100 = %
Your Profit Margin: %
Interpretation:
- 25%+: Excellent margin. You have strong financial readiness for scaling.
- 20-24%: Good margin. You're ready or nearly ready financially.
- 15-19%: Moderate margin. Identify ways to reduce expenses or increase revenue before scaling.
- Below 15%: Insufficient margin. Focus on financial stabilization before considering growth.
Reality Check:
If you're below 20%, scaling will be financially risky. Before expanding, focus on:
- Raising your session rates
- Reducing unnecessary expenses
- Filling your current capacity more consistently
- Choosing a lower-overhead office model
1.4 Office Model Cost Comparison
Instructions: Calculate your costs under each model based on your current or projected usage.
Expense Category | Traditional Commercial Lease | Coworking Model (Inspire Wellness) |
---|---|---|
Rent/Space | ||
Monthly rent | $ | $ |
Utilities | $ | Included |
Internet | $ | Included |
Furnishings (monthly average) | $ | Minimal/Included |
Total Space Costs | $ | $ |
Other Fixed Costs | ||
Insurance | $ | $ |
Maintenance/Cleaning | $ | Included |
Shared amenities | Included | Included |
Total Other Costs | $ | $ |
Home Office (for virtual) | ||
If applicable | $ | $ |
TOTAL MONTHLY OVERHEAD | $ | $ |
Sessions Needed to Cover Overhead:
At your current session rate of $, you need:
- Traditional lease: sessions per month just to break even
- Coworking model: sessions per month just to break even
Annual Commitment Difference:
Traditional lease annual cost: $
Coworking annual cost: $
Difference: $
Flexibility Factor:
With a traditional lease, if you need to reduce hours or take time off, you still pay: $ monthly.
With a coworking model, you can adjust usage and pay: $ monthly (minimum).
Which Model Better Supports Your Scaling Plan?
1.5 Reserve Fund Assessment
Current Business Savings: | $ |
Monthly Operating Expenses (from 1.2): | $ |
Months of Reserves Available:
$ ÷ $ = months
Interpretation:
- 6+ months: Excellent reserves. You can weather scaling transitions comfortably.
- 3-6 months: Good reserves. You have adequate cushion for scaling.
- 1-3 months: Minimal reserves. Build savings before scaling to reduce risk.
- Less than 1 month: Insufficient reserves. Prioritize building emergency fund before expansion.
Scaling Cost Estimates (Lancaster County):
Consider these typical initial scaling investments:
Investment Category | Estimated Cost |
---|---|
Hiring/training a new clinician (credentialing, onboarding, marketing, reduced productivity during training) |
$2,000-$4,000 |
Virtual assistant (3 months trial) | $1,500-$2,500 |
Marketing for expanded services | $1,000-$2,000 |
Additional software/systems | $500-$1,000 |
Legal/contracts/HR setup | $500-$1,500 |
Total Estimated Initial Investment | $5,500-$11,000 |
Do your reserves cover these costs?
1.6 Financial Readiness Score
Award yourself points for each criterion:
Criterion | Points | Your Score |
---|---|---|
6+ months consistent revenue | 20 pts | |
Profit margin 20%+ | 20 pts | |
Reserves of 3+ months | 20 pts | |
Clear, consistent pricing | 15 pts | |
Office model supports flexibility | 15 pts | |
Revenue above $7,000/month average | 10 pts | |
TOTAL FINANCIAL READINESS | 100 pts |
Scoring:
- 80-100: Financially ready to scale now
- 60-79: Nearly ready—address 1-2 gaps
- 40-59: Building phase—strengthen foundation for 6-12 months
- Below 40: Early stage—focus on stabilization before scaling
SECTION 2: Operational Systems Audit
Strong operations are the difference between scaling smoothly and scaling chaotically. This section helps you assess whether your systems can support growth.
2.1 Process Documentation Checklist
Instructions: For each process, assess its current state.
Process | Fully Documented | Partially Documented | Not Documented | Could Someone Else Follow It? |
---|---|---|---|---|
CLIENT INTAKE | ||||
Initial inquiry response | ||||
Scheduling first appointment | ||||
Sending intake forms | ||||
Insurance verification (if applicable) | ||||
First session protocol | ||||
ONGOING SCHEDULING | ||||
Appointment scheduling | ||||
Reminder system | ||||
Cancellation/rescheduling policy | ||||
No-show protocol | ||||
BILLING & PAYMENT | ||||
Session fee collection | ||||
Insurance claims submission | ||||
Outstanding balance follow-up | ||||
Receipt/superbill generation | ||||
COMMUNICATION | ||||
Email response time standards | ||||
Crisis/emergency protocol | ||||
Between-session contact policy | ||||
CLINICAL DOCUMENTATION | ||||
Note-taking timeline | ||||
Treatment plan updates | ||||
Records requests | ||||
CLIENT CLOSURE | ||||
Termination protocol | ||||
Final documentation | ||||
Follow-up/check-in |
Count your "Fully Documented" processes: out of 25
- 20-25: Excellent systems. Ready for delegation.
- 15-19: Good foundation. Document remaining processes before scaling.
- 10-14: Moderate systems. Prioritize documentation over next 3-6 months.
- Below 10: Weak systems. Scaling will create chaos without stronger processes.
Priority Action:
Identify your 3 most critical undocumented processes and commit to documenting them this month.
1.
2.
3.
2.2 Time Tracking Audit
Instructions: Track your time in 30-minute blocks for two full work weeks. Then categorize your activities.
Week 1 Sample:
Day | Direct Client Care | Admin Tasks | Marketing/Business Dev | Professional Dev | Personal/Break |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mon | hrs | hrs | hrs | hrs | hrs |
Tue | hrs | hrs | hrs | hrs | hrs |
Wed | hrs | hrs | hrs | hrs | hrs |
Thu | hrs | hrs | hrs | hrs | hrs |
Fri | hrs | hrs | hrs | hrs | hrs |
Total | hrs | hrs | hrs | hrs | hrs |
Week 2: (Repeat same table)
Day | Direct Client Care | Admin Tasks | Marketing/Business Dev | Professional Dev | Personal/Break |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mon | hrs | hrs | hrs | hrs | hrs |
Tue | hrs | hrs | hrs | hrs | hrs |
Wed | hrs | hrs | hrs | hrs | hrs |
Thu | hrs | hrs | hrs | hrs | hrs |
Fri | hrs | hrs | hrs | hrs | hrs |
Total | hrs | hrs | hrs | hrs | hrs |
Two-Week Totals:
Category | Total Hours | Percentage of Work Time |
---|---|---|
Direct Client Care | % | |
Admin Tasks | % | |
Marketing/Business Development | % | |
Professional Development | % |
Total Work Hours:
Analysis:
Direct Client Care Percentage: %
- 65%+: Excellent. Your time allocation supports revenue generation.
- 50-64%: Moderate. Look for admin efficiencies.
- Below 50%: Poor allocation. Administrative burden is too high for scaling.
Administrative Time Percentage: %
- Below 20%: Efficient systems.
- 20-30%: Moderate efficiency. Room for improvement.
- Above 30%: Significant inefficiency. Must address before scaling.
Questions for Reflection:
What administrative tasks consume the most time?
Which of these could be:
• Automated with software?
• Batched more efficiently?
• Delegated to support staff?
• Eliminated entirely?
2.3 Waitlist Analysis
Current Waitlist Size: clients
How long has this waitlist existed?
Waitlist Composition:
Client Need | Number on Waitlist | Could Be Served by Another Clinician? |
---|---|---|
General therapy | Yes No | |
Trauma/EMDR | Yes No | |
Specific population (specify): | Yes No | |
Specific issue (specify): | Yes No |
Waitlist Stability:
Does your waitlist:
Analysis:
A sustained waitlist of 8+ clients for 2+ months is a strong indicator of scaling readiness. If your waitlist is smaller or less consistent, focus on:
- Strengthening your referral network
- Improving your marketing presence
- Clarifying your specialization
Question: If you hired another clinician tomorrow, could you fill their caseload within 3 months based on current demand?
2.4 Referral Source Analysis
Instructions: Review your last 20 new clients. Identify how they found you.
Referral Source | Number of Clients | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Professional referrals (therapists, doctors, etc.) | % | |
Client referrals (word of mouth) | % | |
Insurance directory | % | |
Website/SEO | % | |
Social media | % | |
Psychology Today or other directory | % | |
Other: | % | |
Total | 20 | 100% |
Referral Network Strength:
Add "Professional referrals" + "Client referrals" = %
- 50%+: Strong referral network. Indicates reputation and trust.
- 40-49%: Good network. Sustainable but could strengthen.
- 30-39%: Moderate network. Invest in relationship building.
- Below 30%: Weak network. Scaling without this foundation is risky.
Top 3 Referral Sources:
1.
2.
3.
Strategy Question: If you doubled your capacity, which referral sources could you activate or strengthen to fill it?
2.5 Technology & Tools Assessment
Current Tools:
Function | Tool/Software Used | Cost per Month | Satisfaction (1-5) | Scalable? |
---|---|---|---|---|
EHR/Practice Management | $ | /5 | Yes No | |
Scheduling | $ | /5 | Yes No | |
Billing/Payment Processing | $ | /5 | Yes No | |
Telehealth | $ | /5 | Yes No | |
Email/Communication | $ | /5 | Yes No | |
Accounting/Bookkeeping | $ | /5 | Yes No |
Total Monthly Tool Costs: $
Questions:
Technology Gaps to Address Before Scaling:
1.
2.
3.
2.6 Operational Readiness Score
Award yourself points for each criterion:
Criterion | Points | Your Score |
---|---|---|
20+ processes fully documented | 20 pts | |
60%+ time spent on client care | 15 pts | |
Admin time below 25% | 15 pts | |
Waitlist of 8+ for 2+ months | 20 pts | |
40%+ referrals from professional/client network | 20 pts | |
Technology scales with multiple providers | 10 pts | |
TOTAL OPERATIONAL READINESS | 100 pts |
Scoring:
- 80-100: Operationally ready to scale
- 60-79: Nearly ready—strengthen 1-2 areas
- 40-59: Building phase—focus on systems for 3-6 months
- Below 40: Foundation building needed before scaling
SECTION 3: Leadership Readiness Self-Assessment
Financial and operational readiness matter. But so does this: Do you want to lead a practice, or do you want to be a practitioner?
These are different callings. Neither is better. But scaling requires leadership—delegation, management, vision-casting, and problem-solving that extends beyond clinical work. This section helps you assess your readiness and desire for that role.
3.1 Leadership Capacity Questions
Instructions: Answer each question honestly. There are no right or wrong answers—only clarity.
Rate each statement from 1-5:
1 = Strongly Disagree | 2 = Disagree | 3 = Neutral | 4 = Agree | 5 = Strongly Agree
Statement | Rating (1-5) |
---|---|
1. I feel energized by the idea of training and mentoring another clinician. | |
2. I am comfortable giving constructive feedback to colleagues. | |
3. I enjoy strategic thinking about business systems and growth. | |
4. I can delegate tasks without needing to control every detail. | |
5. I have enough energy at the end of my clinical day to handle business decisions. | |
6. I am comfortable with the financial risk involved in hiring. | |
7. I can maintain boundaries when team members need support. | |
8. I want to see clients less frequently to focus on practice leadership. | |
9. I am willing to handle HR issues (scheduling conflicts, performance concerns). | |
10. I can separate my identity from being "the only clinician" in my practice. | |
11. I feel confident making decisions that affect other people's livelihoods. | |
12. I have support (partner, mentor, peer group) for the challenges of leadership. | |
13. I am excited about building something bigger than my individual practice. | |
14. I can handle the emotional labor of being both clinician and business owner. | |
15. I have clarity about what I want my practice to become. |
Total Score: out of 75
Interpretation:
- 60-75: Strong leadership readiness. You have both capacity and desire.
- 45-59: Moderate readiness. Identify specific areas for growth or support.
- 30-44: Low readiness. Consider whether scaling aligns with your strengths and desires.
- Below 30: Leadership may not be your calling—and that's okay. Alternative growth models may serve you better.
Questions for Deeper Reflection:
Which 3 statements did you rate lowest?
1.
2.
3.
Are these skills you can develop, or preferences that indicate scaling may not align with your strengths?
3.2 Energy Audit
Instructions: Consider your current energy levels across different domains.
Rate your energy in each area:
1 = Depleted | 2 = Low | 3 = Moderate | 4 = Good | 5 = Thriving
Domain | Current Energy (1-5) | After Scaling, This Would: |
---|---|---|
Clinical work with clients | Increase Stay same Decrease | |
Administrative tasks | Increase Stay same Decrease | |
Business development/marketing | Increase Stay same Decrease | |
Financial management | Increase Stay same Decrease | |
Supervision/mentoring others | Increase Stay same Decrease | |
Strategic planning | Increase Stay same Decrease | |
Work-life balance | Increase Stay same Decrease | |
Personal wellness | Increase Stay same Decrease |
Questions:
Where do you currently gain energy?
Where do you currently drain energy?
If scaling requires you to do more of the activities that currently drain you, how will you sustain yourself?
What support systems do you need in place before scaling?
3.3 Vision Clarity Assessment
Instructions: Answer these questions to assess how clearly you can envision your scaled practice.
In 2 years, my ideal practice looks like this:
Number of clinicians (including me):
My role in the practice is (check all that apply):
My weekly schedule includes:
hours of direct client care
hours of supervision/mentoring
hours of administrative/business work
hours of professional development
The culture of my practice is:
We specialize in:
Our reputation in Lancaster County is:
Vision Clarity Check:
Could you describe your 2-year vision to someone in 2 minutes or less?
Do you feel excited or anxious when you imagine this vision?
If you feel primarily anxious or uncertain, explore:
What specifically feels unclear or concerning?
What information or support would help you gain clarity?
3.4 Values Alignment Check
Instructions: Rank these values from 1-10 (1 = most important to you).
Value | Rank (1-10) |
---|---|
Clinical excellence and depth with individual clients | |
Flexibility and autonomy in my schedule | |
Financial growth and increased income | |
Building a team and community of clinicians | |
Making a broader impact in my community | |
Maintaining work-life balance | |
Being known as a specialist/expert | |
Developing leadership and business skills | |
Simplicity and minimal complexity | |
Innovation and trying new approaches |
Top 3 Values:
1.
2.
3.
Question for Reflection:
Does scaling your practice align with your top 3 values, or would it require you to compromise them?
If scaling feels misaligned with your core values, what alternative growth model might serve you better?
(Examples: Raising rates, creating group programs, developing online courses, staying solo but optimizing)
3.5 Leadership Readiness Score
Award yourself points based on your assessments:
Criterion | Points | Your Score |
---|---|---|
Leadership capacity score 50+ | 25 pts | |
Current energy level 3+ in most domains | 20 pts | |
Clear 2-year vision | 25 pts | |
Scaling aligns with top values | 20 pts | |
Feel more excitement than anxiety about leading | 10 pts | |
TOTAL LEADERSHIP READINESS | 100 pts |
Scoring:
- 75-100: Strong leadership readiness—you want this and can do this
- 50-74: Moderate readiness—identify gaps and build support
- 25-49: Low readiness—consider whether scaling fits your strengths
- Below 25: Leadership may not align with your calling right now
SECTION 4: 6-Month Scaling Preparation Timeline
Based on your assessment results, choose the timeline that fits your readiness level.
Track A: Ready Now (Total Score: 240+ across all sections)
You have financial stability, operational systems, and leadership capacity. You're ready to scale within 3-6 months.
Month 1: Define & Design
- Week 1-2: Clarify your ideal hire (specialization, hours, compensation model)
- Week 3: Create job description and compensation package
- Week 4: Review/update employee handbook, policies, and onboarding materials
Month 2: Recruit & Select
- Week 1-2: Post position, leverage referral network, conduct initial screenings
- Week 3-4: Interview candidates, check references, make offer
Month 3: Onboard & Train
- Week 1: Complete hiring paperwork, credentialing applications
- Week 2-3: Conduct orientation and clinical training
- Week 4: Shadow sessions, begin seeing first clients under supervision
Month 4: Launch & Support
- Weeks 1-4: New clinician builds caseload (5-10 clients), weekly supervision, troubleshoot systems
Month 5: Monitor & Adjust
- Weeks 1-4: Assess caseload growth, client satisfaction, financial impact, refine processes
Month 6: Stabilize & Evaluate
- Weeks 1-4: Review first 6 months, assess sustainability, decide on next growth phase
Key Milestones:
Track B: Nearly Ready (Total Score: 180-239)
You're close but need to strengthen 1-2 areas before scaling. Focus on gaps for 6 months, then reassess.
Month 1: Identify Priorities
- Week 1: Review assessment results, identify your 2-3 highest-priority gaps
- Week 2-4: Create action plan for addressing each gap
Month 2-3: Financial Strengthening (if needed)
- Increase session rates by 5-10%
- Fill current capacity to 85%+
- Build reserves to 3+ months
- Reduce unnecessary expenses
Month 2-3: Operational Strengthening (if needed)
- Document top 10 critical processes
- Implement or optimize practice management software
- Create client intake automation
- Reduce admin time to below 25%
Month 2-3: Leadership Strengthening (if needed)
- Join a practice owners peer group
- Hire a business coach or consultant
- Attend workshop on supervision or practice management
- Clarify your 2-year vision
Month 4-5: Test & Refine
- Test your systems as if someone else were running them
- Track time allocation for 2 weeks and assess improvement
- Build referral network intentionally (2-3 new relationships)
Month 6: Reassess Readiness
- Retake this assessment
- If score is now 240+, move to Track A
- If gaps remain, extend timeline another 3-6 months
Key Milestones:
Track C: Foundation Building (Total Score: Below 180)
You're in foundation-building mode. This isn't a setback—it's clarity. Strengthen your practice for 6-12 months before reconsidering scaling.
Month 1-2: Stabilize Finances
- Review and adjust pricing structure
- Assess and reduce unnecessary expenses
- Create business savings account
- Set goal: 20% profit margin within 6 months
Month 3-4: Build Systems
- Document intake, scheduling, billing processes
- Implement practice management software if not already using
- Automate appointment reminders and invoicing
- Set goal: 60%+ time on client care
Month 5-6: Strengthen Referral Network
- Identify 5-10 key referral sources
- Schedule coffee/connection meetings with 2-3 per month
- Clarify your niche and communicate it clearly
- Set goal: 40%+ new clients from referrals
Month 7-8: Fill Current Capacity
- Market consistently (content, networking, directories)
- Fill your caseload to 80-90%
- Build waitlist of 5+ potential clients
- Set goal: Sustained full capacity for 2+ months
Month 9-10: Assess Leadership Desire
- Reflect on whether you want to scale or feel pressure to scale
- Consider alternatives: raising rates, group programs, staying solo
- Seek mentorship or consultation about growth options
- Set goal: Clarity about whether scaling aligns with values
Month 11-12: Reassess
- Retake this assessment
- Celebrate progress in areas that improved
- Decide: Scale, optimize current model, or explore alternative growth
Key Milestones:
SECTION 5: Office Model Decision Framework
Your office model significantly impacts your financial readiness and operational flexibility during scaling. As co-founder of Inspire Wellness Collective, I've seen firsthand how office model choice impacts practitioners' ability to scale sustainably. Use this framework to make an informed decision.
5.1 Office Model Comparison Matrix
Here's how two common models compare:
Factor | Traditional Commercial Lease | Coworking Model (Inspire Wellness) |
---|---|---|
FINANCIAL | ||
Monthly cost | $975-$1,525 | $450-$850 |
Annual commitment | $11,700-$18,300 | $5,400-$10,200 |
Flexibility to adjust | Low (locked in) | High (scale up/down) |
Upfront costs | High (deposit, furnishings) | Low (minimal setup) |
Break-even point | 8-12 sessions/month | 4-7 sessions/month |
OPERATIONAL | ||
Space customization | Full control | Shared/limited |
Maintenance responsibility | Your responsibility | Managed by facility |
Amenities included | None (you provide) | Waiting area, utilities, wifi |
Scheduling flexibility | 24/7 access | Booked days/times |
Virtual client accommodation | Need separate home office | Built into model |
GROWTH | ||
Risk during scaling | Higher (fixed costs continue) | Lower (flex as needed) |
Ability to test growth | Limited | High |
Adding another clinician | Need more space/higher rent | Book additional days |
Reducing hours if needed | Still pay full rent | Pay only for days used |
Factor | Traditional Commercial Lease | Coworking Model (Inspire Wellness) |
---|---|---|
PROFESSIONAL | ||
Professional image | "My own practice" | "Part of wellness community" |
Privacy/confidentiality | Complete control | Shared space protocols |
Branding opportunity | Full customization | Consistent facility brand |
Colleague interaction | Isolated unless intentional | Built-in community |
LIFESTYLE | ||
Commute required | Every workday | Only in-person client days |
Work-from-home option | Separate for virtual only | Integrated into model |
Time managing facility | High (vendor relationships) | None (managed for you) |
5.2 Decision-Making Questions
Answer these to clarify which model fits your needs:
1. What percentage of your clients do you prefer to see in-person vs. virtually?
2. How important is having "your own space" to your professional identity?
3. How comfortable are you with financial risk during growth transitions?
4. Do you value community with other practitioners, or prefer autonomy?
5. How hands-on do you want to be with facility management?
6. What's your timeline for potential scaling?
5.3 Your Office Model Recommendation
Based on your answers, which model better fits your situation?
Choose Traditional Lease if you:
- Need 80%+ in-person capacity
- Value having "your own space" as core to identity
- Have 6+ months reserves and high financial comfort
- Want complete control over space customization
- Are confident in sustained high volume
- Prefer working independently
Choose Coworking Model if you:
- Blend 30-70% in-person with virtual sessions
- Value flexibility and lower financial risk
- Appreciate community with other professionals
- Want minimal facility management responsibility
- Are testing growth or uncertain about volume
- Prefer adaptable models
Your Decision:
Next Steps:
If choosing traditional lease:
If choosing coworking:
SECTION 6: Next Steps & Resources
You've completed the assessment. You now have clarity on your financial, operational, and leadership readiness. Here's how to move forward.
6.1 Your Overall Readiness Profile
Section | Your Score | Status |
---|---|---|
Financial Readiness | / 100 | Ready Nearly Ready Building |
Operational Readiness | / 100 | Ready Nearly Ready Building |
Leadership Readiness | / 100 | Ready Nearly Ready Building |
TOTAL READINESS | / 300 |
Overall Assessment:
- 240-300: You're ready to scale now or within 3-6 months. Move forward with confidence using Track A timeline.
- 180-239: You're nearly ready. Strengthen your 1-2 lowest-scoring areas over the next 6 months using Track B timeline, then reassess.
- Below 180: You're in foundation-building mode. Focus on strengthening your practice for 6-12 months using Track C timeline before reconsidering scaling.
Your Lowest-Scoring Section:
This is your highest-priority focus area.
6.2 Your Top 3 Action Items
Based on your assessment, what are the 3 most important actions to take in the next 30 days?
1.
2.
3.
6.3 Questions That Remain
What do you still feel uncertain about after completing this assessment?
These questions are valuable. They indicate where you need support, information, or consultation.
6.4 Recommended Tools & Resources
Practice Management Software:
- SimplePractice (comprehensive EHR, scheduling, billing)
- Counsol (comprehensive EHR, scheduling, billing)
- TherapyNotes (clinical focus with good documentation)
Accounting & Financial:
- QuickBooks Online (industry standard for small businesses)
- Heard (accounting service specifically for therapists)
- Profit First (book and system for financial management)
Business Development:
- SCORE Lancaster (free mentoring for small businesses)
- Pennsylvania Psychological Association (networking, continuing education)
- Practice of the Practice Podcast (Joe Sanok—scaling therapy practices)
Coworking Space:
- Inspire Wellness Collective, Lancaster County (if pursuing coworking model)
Legal/HR:
- Employment attorney for contract review and HR setup
- Alma (credentialing support for adding clinicians)
- Headway (insurance credentialing and billing support)
Community & Support:
- Private practice Facebook groups (search "Pennsylvania therapist private practice")
- Therapy practice consultants (if needing individualized guidance)
6.5 When to Seek Professional Guidance
Consider consulting with a business advisor, practice consultant, or coach if:
- Your scores are inconsistent (e.g., financially ready but operationally weak)
- You feel stuck despite knowing what needs to change
- You're ready to hire but uncertain about employment structure
- You're experiencing internal resistance or fear despite external readiness
- You want someone to review your numbers and plans objectively
- You need accountability to follow through on action items
6.6 Alternative Growth Models to Consider
Scaling isn't the only path to growth. If this assessment revealed that traditional scaling doesn't align with your strengths, values, or desires, consider these alternatives:
Optimize Your Solo Practice:
- Raise your session rates by 15-25%
- Reduce admin time through better systems
- Work fewer hours for the same or higher income
- Focus on depth with fewer clients rather than volume
Develop Group Programs:
- Therapy groups (DBT skills, anxiety management, trauma recovery)
- Workshops and seminars in your specialty
- Generate revenue without 1:1 time commitment
Create Passive Income:
- Online courses for clients or other therapists
- Digital resources (workbooks, guided meditations)
- Consultation or supervision for newer clinicians
Strategic Partnerships:
- Join an existing group practice as a W-2 employee
- Form referral partnerships without formal business structure
- Collaborate on projects without practice ownership
Staying Solo, Sustainably:
- Accept that solo practice is your calling
- Build a practice that serves you well without expansion
- Focus on work-life balance and longevity
There is no single "right" path. What matters is alignment between your model and your values, strengths, and desired lifestyle.
Closing Reflection
You've invested significant time in this assessment. That investment reflects your commitment to building something sustainable—not just busy, but truly sustainable.
Here's what I hope you take from this process:
Clarity is more valuable than speed.
Whether you're ready to scale now, nearly ready, or building your foundation, you have information that will help you move forward with intention rather than pressure.
Readiness isn't binary.
You don't flip from "not ready" to "ready" overnight. Growth happens in stages. Honor where you are.
Scaling isn't the only measure of success.
Some of the most fulfilled practitioners I know have chosen to stay solo, optimize their model, and build practices that serve them well without expansion. Success is alignment, not size.
You don't have to do this alone.
If this assessment revealed gaps, confusion, or competing priorities, that's not failure—that's information. Seek support where you need it.
Final Questions
What's one insight you gained from this assessment?
What's one belief about scaling that shifted for you?
What feels most exciting about your next phase—whether that's scaling, strengthening, or optimizing?
What feels most daunting?
Who will you reach out to for support as you move forward?
Let's Talk About Your Next Steps
If you've completed this assessment and want to discuss what you're finding—or if you're ready for support as you scale, strengthen, or optimize your practice—I'd be glad to help.
I offer practice growth consultations for wellness professionals navigating transitions like:
- Deciding whether to scale or optimize your solo model
- Building operational systems that support growth
- Developing your leadership capacity
- Making strategic decisions about office space and structure
- Creating realistic timelines that honor both ambition and sustainability
These aren't sales consultations. They're strategy sessions designed to help you move forward with clarity.
If that would be valuable, you can schedule a consultation:
30 Minute Free Consultation
With clarity and care,
Reni Weixler, CPC, LPC
Certified Professional Coach | Licensed Professional Counselor
Co-Founder, Inspire Wellness Collective
Weixler Consulting | Weixler Counseling
About the Author
Reni Weixler, CPC, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Professional Coach, and consultant specializing in practice growth and leadership development. As co-founder of Inspire Wellness Collective in Lancaster County, she brings firsthand operational knowledge of how flexible office models support sustainable practice scaling. Through Weixler Consulting and Weixler Counseling, she helps wellness professionals build practices that align with their values and goals.
"Growth doesn't require you to abandon what's working.
It requires you to build structure that can hold more of it."
It requires you to build structure that can hold more of it."