“If you are looking to take your current practice to new heights and achieve lifestyle balance in doing so, this is the program for you.”
Hear more about our Mastermind program, directly from us.
About Us
A Dual Perspective, Built for Every Practice
“We’re driven to help owners build solid group practices – while actually enjoying the process.”
For over a decade, Ken and Ernie have coached countless practice owners to expand their vision, overcome obstacles, and achieve sustainable growth.
We’re not just coaches — we’re long-time group practice owners ourselves. We’ve built thriving practices, all while navigating the onslaught of challenges that come with business ownership.
We know what it takes to create something that lasts – even during tough times.
Together, we combine decades of real-world ownership, with a passion for helping others succeed. We bring vision, strategy, and compassion to every coaching relationship.
Together, we also bring a dual perspective: Ernie’s thriving fee-for-service practice and Ken’s flourishing insurance-based practice. This allows us to guide practice owners confidently, no matter which model they choose.
“We help owners get beyond financial struggles – and bring their dream practice to life.”
Our Approach
Our coaching is not only grounded in practical strategies that have stood the test of time – but in hard-earned wisdom.
Confident growth emerges from nurturing deep roots. Our approach to group practice development is built on the firm foundation of reliable and repeatable business systems. Personal development of owners is essential. We’ve experienced this up close in our own practices and in the practices we’ve helped grow across North America.
What drives us is seeing owners build businesses that not only prosper themselves, but also expand their support for their teams, clients, and communities.
Ken & Ernie
Get To Know Us
Meet the Coaches
Ernie Schmidt
LCSW
Founder & Owner, Palo Alto Therapy
Ernie is the founder and owner of Palo Alto Therapy, a thriving fee-for-service group practice in the heart of Silicon Valley. His dedicated team includes 30 therapists, executive leadership, and administrative employees across three locations in Palo Alto, San Jose, and Menlo Park. Ernie is a business-strategy aficionado, enthusiastic about passing along the time-tested fundamentals of success.
Ken Urie
LMHC
Owner & Executive Director, Mill Creek Family Services
Ken is the owner and executive director of Mill Creek Family Services, a flourishing insurance-based group practice with two locations in the Pacific Northwest. His robust team includes 40+ therapists, clinical and operational leadership, and a top-notch administrative support staff. Ken is especially passionate about supporting his leadership team, and creating an extraordinary workplace experience for his valued employees.
Our Roots in Group Practice Success
Ernie and Ken founded GPS — their signature membership program — together with their long-time mentor and dear friend, Joe Bavonese, PhD, who they both name as their greatest teacher and guide.
Joe was a nationally recognized business coach with Uncommon Practices and an early pioneer of group practice. He was also the CEO of The Relationship Institute with three Michigan locations. Joe led the way for hundreds of owners across North America on their journeys to building successful practices. His genuine encouragement and deep belief in others was a centerpiece of his coaching.
He was a regular presenter at national conferences, including the American Psychological Association, California Psychological Association, and Psychotherapy Networker. He was a gifted writer and contributor to Psychotherapy Networker, where his ground-breaking articles on the business of group practice inspired many — including Ken and Ernie — on their own business and life journeys.
Joe passed away in 2023, but his influence and vision live on in Group Practice Success, and the many lives he touched along the way. Joe shaped the values and strategies we continue to share today.
“Creating something incredible out of nothing is one of the greatest things you will ever do.” ~ Joe Bavonese, PhD
What Others Say About the GPS Experience
“I now have 3 locations of my center with 20 clinicians, and we’re on track to do over a million dollars in gross sales this year. I truly have to say that I never could have achieved this type of growth so quickly without the GPS team’s help…I can’t say enough how much they’ve helped me grow my practice.”
Owner, Charleston Counseling Center