SimplePractice vs TherapyNotes (2026 Comparison)

As a therapist, I’ve used both TherapyNotes and SimplePractice for many hours, and each offers unique benefits to mental health professionals. SimplePractice gets praise for its user-friendly interface and customizable options, while TherapyNotes focuses on efficiency and many core functionalities. But which is better? In this guide, I’ll compare SimplePractice and TherapyNotes to help you decide which is best for your practice!

Pros & Cons Of SimplePractice

In my experience, SimplePractice shines with its simple design that makes it super easy to navigate. I love how you can customize forms and templates to suit your needs, which is critical if you’re running a practice with multiple clinicians. SimplePractice also supports telehealth services, making virtual appointments seamless.

I also really appreciate the mobile app, which allows managing appointments and notes on the go.

The biggest downside is the cost. While it offers premium features, the cost adds up quickly, especially for multiple practitioners. Another point to consider is the learning curve. Though designed to be user-friendly, it can take some time to get familiar with all the features.

Pros & Cons Of TherapyNotes

TherapyNotes impressed me with its efficiency and streamlined processes. The platform simplifies managing patient records, scheduling, and billing in one place. I find the note templates particularly helpful for saving time during my sessions so you don’t have to write quite as much.

Another aspect I admire is their customer support, which has been responsive and helpful whenever I’ve had questions.

However, TherapyNotes does not have as many customizable options compared to SimplePractice. While it meets the basic needs of most practices, if you’re looking for a more tailored experience, you might find it lacking. It also has a more aged look, that doesn’t impact the functionality – but it’s not my favorite.

If you’re looking for a new EHR, check out these top EHRs for mental health practices!

SimplePractice vs. TherapyNotes – Key Features

Caseload & Practice Management

Both platforms offer robust practice management capabilities. TherapyNotes shines with its emphasis on detailed treatment plans and structured progress notes, making it ideal for those who prefer a comprehensive approach to documentation.

SimplePractice, however, excels in ease of use. Its intuitive interface is favored by users who aren’t tech-savvy. It provides a client portal that enhances patient communication and engagement, which is something I find incredibly useful for maintaining smooth interactions with clients.

Forms, Intake, & Documentation

When it comes to forms and documentation, TherapyNotes offers a wide range of customizable note templates that can be tailored to specific needs. This flexibility means you can create intake forms that truly reflect individual client journeys, which I love.

SimplePractice offers a seamless way to manage all kinds of documentation including intake notes and ongoing treatment planning. The platform’s ability to create customizable templates is a game-changer for ensuring compliance and consistency.

Overall, they offer much of the same functionality, but I think the SimplePractice offers a more modern, easy to use interface.

Scheduling & Calendar

SimplePractice provides a robust scheduling system with online booking options. I appreciate the automated reminders that help reduce no-shows and keep my schedule organized. It even integrates smoothly with calendar applications, offering real-time updates to a single calendar making it easy to know your schedule.

TherapyNotes offers a more manual approach but emphasizes detail. Its appointment scheduling features also include specific appointment reminders, which is crucial when managing a scalable practice.

Billing Features

Billing features are a crucial aspect, and SimplePractice offers a comprehensive set of tools to help you manage payments and insurance billing. It supports online payments, billing reminders, and detailed financial reports that make it easy to keep tabs on every aspect of my practice’s financial health.

TherapyNotes includes basic billing functionalities with accurate claims processing and direct insurance payouts. While not as extensive as SimplePractice, it provides essential billing features that ensure transactions are smooth and error-free, making it particularly suitable for insurance-heavy practices.

Telehealth & Other Features

In the age of telemedicine, both platforms offer telehealth solutions. SimplePractice focuses on video sessions with HIPAA compliance, which includes secure messaging capabilities, pivotal for maintaining client confidentiality.

TherapyNotes integrates telehealth features seamlessly into its existing system, allowing for straightforward video consultations.

I found both platforms extremely reliable, secure, and easy to use.

SimplePractice vs. TherapyNotes – Costs

When you compare costs, you’ll find that SimplePractice and TherapyNotes have different pricing models suited to individual needs.

• TherapyNotes charges on a monthly subscription basis, starting at $59/month for single users and going up based on group sizes and additional features. Additional staff cost $40 per month.
• SimplePractice starts at $29 per month but can be as high as $99 per month for all of the features. It’s worth noting that the $29 per month plan does not include telehealth. For group practices, the cost for additional staff if $59 per month per clinician.

TherapyNotes vs. SimplePractice – Ease Of Use

When I tested TherapyNotes, I found it to be robust but initially a bit tricky to navigate. The interface is comprehensive, which is great for those who enjoy depth, but it may take a little getting used to. It has a more dated look and feel, which isn’t my favorite – but it doesn’t impact the functionality of the software.

SimplePractice is a much different experience. Its user-friendly interface stood out right from the start. Everything felt intuitive, even for someone like me who’s not particularly tech-savvy. It made managing everything a bit smoother without having to spend time learning.

Having access to mobile apps is critical these days. SimplePractice’s app is well-designed and mirrors the simplicity of its desktop version. TherapyNotes offers mobile access as well, but in my experience, it wasn’t quite as seamless.

Overall, both platforms offer distinctive user experiences, but my personal preference leaned slightly towards SimplePractice for its simplicity and better user navigation.

Who Is SimplePractice Right For?

When it comes to choosing the right EHR system, SimplePractice is a perfect fit for those in mental health who want all of the features and functionalities to manage their practice.

As a mental health provider, I found SimplePractice particularly useful for its robust features, including client record management, scheduling, and billing. The platform’s intuitive interface makes it easy to stay organized, reducing stress and freeing up time to focus on what matters most—helping clients.

For those managing group practices, SimplePractice offers even more advantages. Its ability to streamline administrative workflows, such as onboarding new clients and managing multiple schedules, makes it an invaluable resource. The customizable templates are a standout feature, saving significant time while ensuring documentation remains consistent and professional.

Who Is TherapyNotes Right For?

TherapyNotes is an excellent fit for behavioral health professionals seeking a streamlined, efficient way to manage their practices. Designed with mental health providers in mind, it simplifies the complex demands of maintaining patient records, scheduling, and documentation, making it an invaluable tool for busy practices.

This platform is ideal for psychologists, therapists, counselors, and social workers who prioritize compliance and client confidentiality. With its HIPAA-compliant design, TherapyNotes ensures the secure handling of sensitive client information, providing peace of mind for practitioners who manage private and protected health data.

Whether you’re a solo practitioner or part of a larger team, TherapyNotes offers features tailored to meet the unique needs of mental health providers. Its user-friendly interface and robust functionality make it a go-to solution for professionals focused on delivering high-quality care while staying organized and efficient.

Closing Thoughts

So which is better? Overall, I’d recommend SimplePractice if you’re looking for a robust EHR with all of the bells and whistles to manage your practice.

If you’re worried about cost and you don’t mind a more dated look and feel, I’d recommend TherapyNotes. It provides much of the same functionality to help you manage your practice at a lower cost.

It’s hard to go wrong with either platform, but I would give the nod to SimplePractice because of the more user friendly UI and advanced capabilities.