What is SimplePractice

SimplePractice is a cloud-based electronic health record (EHR) and practice management system designed for therapists, counselors, and other health and wellness professionals. It centralizes client notes, billing, scheduling, telehealth, and client communications in a single interface that is built to meet HIPAA security requirements.

Compared with other mental-health-focused EHRs such as TherapyNotes, Jane, and CounSol.com, SimplePractice places additional emphasis on built-in telehealth, automated intake and online booking, and payer credentialing support. TherapyNotes is often cited for deep note-taking workflows and billing features, Jane focuses on simple scheduling and clinic workflows, and CounSol.com emphasizes secure messaging and client portal customization.

SimplePractice does well at combining front-office workflows with clinical documentation, which suits independent clinicians and small group practices that need a single vendor to handle telehealth, client intake, and claims. The platform is particularly appropriate for solo practitioners and small clinics that require HIPAA-compliant telehealth and integrated client-facing tools.

How SimplePractice Works

The platform runs in the browser and via mobile apps so clinicians and administrative staff can access client records, schedules, and billing tools from multiple devices. Users create client records, complete digital intake forms, and attach insurance details; those records are then available when documenting sessions or submitting claims.

Scheduling is calendar-driven with online booking and automated appointment reminders; when a client books online the system can automatically create the client record and route intake forms. Telehealth sessions launch from the client record or appointment entry, letting clinicians join video calls without a separate account for each client.

Billing workflows let users create superbills, submit electronic claims, and collect credit card payments through integrated processors; the system tracks claims status and client balances so administrative users can manage receivables and follow up on denials. SimplePractice also offers a credentialing assistance program that helps clinicians get paneled with payers when they sign up, reducing an administrative barrier for insurance billing.

SimplePractice features

SimplePractice bundles clinical documentation, scheduling, billing, telehealth, and client communication tools into a single platform. Core capabilities include a template library for clinical notes, integrated telehealth, online intake and booking, claims management, and a client portal. The vendor has also highlighted credentialing assistance and payer enrollment as part of the onboarding experience.

The platform includes several powerful capabilities:

Telehealth

SimplePractice provides an integrated, HIPAA-compliant video service that launches directly from the appointment or client record. Sessions use secure links and include features like session waiting rooms and the ability to share documents, which reduces the need for third-party video tools and keeps clinical workflows in a single place.

Clinical documentation and template library

Clinicians can create, save, and reuse customizable note templates for intake, progress notes, treatment plans, and discharge summaries. The template library speeds documentation, supports different clinical styles, and helps teams enforce consistent record-keeping across providers.

Scheduling and online booking

The calendar supports multiple clinicians, locations, appointment types, and recurring sessions, with online booking that lets clients request or confirm appointments. Automated reminders via email and text reduce no-shows and free administrative time on scheduling tasks.

Billing and claims management

SimplePractice supports insurance billing workflows including claim creation, electronic submission, tracking, and payment posting. The system produces superbills and can integrate with payment processors so clients can pay balances online from the client portal.

Client portal and secure messaging

Clients access intake forms, appointment confirmations, telehealth links, and payment pages through a secure portal. Secure messaging between clinician and client keeps communications in the platform and helps maintain record integrity for clinical and administrative references.

Intake forms and online paperwork

Digital intake and consent forms can be assigned and completed before the first appointment, with completed documents stored in the client chart. The process reduces front-desk paperwork and ensures required consents and authorizations are captured ahead of sessions.

Credentialing assistance

SimplePractice offers a credentialing program that helps users get paneled with payers during onboarding, which can simplify the process of becoming an in-network provider. This reduces administrative load for clinicians who plan to bill insurance.

With these features, SimplePractice aims to reduce the number of separate vendors clinicians need, keeping scheduling, documentation, telehealth, and billing workflows within one system.

SimplePractice pricing

SimplePractice uses a subscription pricing model tailored to individual clinicians and group practices, with multiple plan levels and optional add-ons. For the most accurate, up-to-date subscription tiers and any promotional offers, check the SimplePractice homepage for current pricing and plan details.

What is SimplePractice Used For?

Independent therapists and small group practices commonly use SimplePractice to manage the full client lifecycle from intake to billing. The platform is used to schedule appointments, run telehealth sessions, collect payments, document clinical encounters, and maintain client communications in a HIPAA-compliant environment.

Beyond individual clinicians, small clinics and multi-provider practices use SimplePractice to centralize administrative workflows, coordinate schedules across providers, and share standardized note templates. Practices that bill insurance benefit from the credentialing support and claims management features to streamline payer interactions.

Pros and cons of SimplePractice

Pros

• Integrated telehealth: The video service is built into the clinician workflow so there is no need to manage separate telehealth accounts or third-party video links, which simplifies remote care delivery.
• Comprehensive front-office tools: Scheduling, online booking, intake forms, and automated reminders combine to reduce administrative overhead and improve client experience from first contact to follow-up.
• Credentialing support during onboarding: The option to receive assistance getting paneled with payers reduces an administrative barrier to insurance billing and helps clinicians start reimbursement workflows sooner.
• Secure client portal and messaging: Clients can complete paperwork, join telehealth visits, and access invoices securely, which helps keep all client interactions and records consolidated.

Cons

• Pricing transparency for groups: Some practices find it hard to compare total cost across plans and add-ons without contacting sales, making budgeting for larger practices less straightforward.
• Reporting depth: Advanced reporting and analytics are available but may not be as extensive as dedicated revenue cycle management platforms, which can limit complex financial analysis for larger clinics.

Does SimplePractice Offer a Free Trial?

SimplePractice offers a 30-day free trial with no credit card required. The trial gives access to core EHR and practice management features so clinicians can evaluate scheduling, documentation, telehealth, and billing workflows before committing to a subscription.

SimplePractice API and Integrations

SimplePractice provides integration options that connect calendars, payment processing, and client communications to typical front-desk workflows. Common connections include calendar sync and credit-card processing so appointment and payment data flow between systems.

For developers and partners, SimplePractice offers partner integrations and documentation; consult the SimplePractice site for the latest on API access and available integration endpoints and guides. Explore SimplePractice’s integration resources for details on supported connectors and developer access.

10 SimplePractice alternatives

Paid alternatives to SimplePractice

• TherapyNotes — A notes-first EHR focused on behavioral health with integrated scheduling and billing that many clinicians choose for detailed documentation workflows.
• Jane — Clinic management and scheduling software popular with allied health and wellness practices for its booking and point-of-sale features.
• CounSol.com — A client portal and practice management system with strong secure messaging and client-facing customization options.
• WebPT — Physical therapy-focused EHR with specialty billing and documentation workflows for rehab clinics and therapy practices.
• Kareo — Practice management and billing platform aimed at small practices with a focus on medical billing and claims support.
• TheraPlatform — Behavioral health EHR with telehealth and practice management tools tailored to mental health clinicians.
• Counsyl — Practice management tool designed for private practices with scheduling, billing, and secure client communications.

Open source alternatives to SimplePractice

• OpenEMR — A widely used open-source electronic medical record that provides scheduling, billing, and clinical charting for organizations that want to self-host and customize their EHR.
• OpenMRS — A flexible medical record system often used in larger deployments and global health settings that can be adapted for clinical workflows with customization.
• GNU Health — A free health and hospital information system that integrates clinical, administrative, and public health functionality for organizations willing to self-host and configure the platform.

Frequently asked questions about SimplePractice

What does SimplePractice do for therapists?

SimplePractice provides therapists with EHR, scheduling, telehealth, billing, and a secure client portal. It centralizes documentation and front-office tools so therapists can manage clinical and administrative tasks in one platform.

Does SimplePractice offer credentialing assistance?

Yes, SimplePractice offers credentialing support during onboarding. New users can receive help getting paneled with payers which eases the process of becoming an in-network provider.

Can SimplePractice handle insurance billing?

SimplePractice supports insurance claims and superbill creation. The platform helps submit electronic claims, track claim status, and post payments, although some practices pair it with dedicated billing services for complex revenue-cycle needs.

Does SimplePractice include telehealth functionality?

Yes, SimplePractice includes built-in HIPAA-compliant telehealth. Clinicians can launch video sessions from the client chart or appointment entry without using third-party video platforms.

Is SimplePractice suitable for group practices?

SimplePractice is suitable for solo clinicians and small to mid-size group practices. It supports multiple providers, shared scheduling, and centralized admin workflows, though very large organizations may require more extensive enterprise reporting and integrations.

Final Verdict: SimplePractice

SimplePractice is a practical option for clinicians who want an all-in-one HIPAA-compliant EHR that combines telehealth, documentation, scheduling, and basic billing in a single application. Its integrated telehealth and credentialing assistance reduce initial setup friction for solo practitioners and small group practices that need a straightforward onboarding path.

Compared to TherapyNotes, SimplePractice leans more toward integrated telehealth and client-facing workflows while TherapyNotes emphasizes detailed clinical notes and billing depth; both are subscription services designed for behavioral health practices, but they differ in workflow focus and feature emphasis. For clinicians prioritizing built-in video visits and streamlined onboarding with payer enrollment, SimplePractice is a strong choice; clinics that need the deepest note-taking and billing feature set may prefer TherapyNotes instead.

For current subscription tiers and plan options, review the SimplePractice homepage and contact sales for quotes tailored to your practice size and required add-ons.