About 15 years ago I worked for a mental health clinic.
This service called PRP was just getting started. It stands for Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services (Program).
Since 2008, Baltimore's healthcare scene has exploded. Over the last decade—100+ new private practices and mental health clinics popping up everywhere.
But here's what nobody talks about: most of them are failing quietly.
Not because these doctors and therapists aren't qualified. They've got the credentials, the licenses, the nice offices with kids' corners in the lobby.
They just don't have patients or they have low quality service.
So when I found Robin Clayton on LinkedIn—founder of PD360, a company that launches healthcare businesses from the ground up—I knew I had to get her perspective. I wanted to understand what separates the practices that thrive from the ones that fold in year one.
She didn't hold back.
BTW, the company I worked for is still thriving.
Here's the recap:
Episode Information
Built Different Podcast: The Healthcare Business Blueprint with Robin Clayton
In this episode, I sit down with Robin Clayton—founder and CEO of PD360, healthcare business consultant who's helped practices launch across multiple states, and straight-shooter who'll tell you exactly what you're doing wrong—to talk about launching profitable healthcare businesses, the mistakes that kill practices before they start, and why your credentials don't matter if you can't fill a waiting room.
Highlights
Robin never planned to work in healthcare—she fell into it by accident after doing backend operations for a personal injury firm so well that a chiropractor asked her to help launch their behavioral health practice. Now she's built an entire business helping healthcare entrepreneurs across the U.S.
The biggest misconception healthcare professionals have: thinking patients will line up the moment they get licensed. Reality? You need to build relationships in your community before you open doors—hit the YMCA, libraries, community centers, and show people you exist.
If you're trying to do everything yourself in your healthcare business, you're not saving money—you're losing it. Robin's rule: You can write off what you spend on your business. Outsourcing isn't an expense, it's an investment that frees you up to actually make money.
The Maryland healthcare landscape has specific opportunities: RSAs (residential service agencies) and assisted living facilities are the easiest to establish. Behavioral health is the most profitable if you can scale. Recovery residences offer cash flow without heavy insurance reliance.
Robin's launching a healthcare business cohort in 2025—not an information dump, but a hands-on program where you work on your business step-by-step with guidance. Her philosophy: "You can't fail because we're with you hand in hand the entire way."
Watch the full episode here:
Curated by Q
Something to read: I’m still reading the Lifestyle Playbook. The author actually added prompts to help you build a lifestyle business. I highly recommend 👍🏾
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