SimplePractice Website Builder is a straightforward, no-fuss solution for therapists who need a professional, HIPAA-compliant website. Bundled with SimplePractice’s EHR ($49+ monthly), it seamlessly integrates with scheduling and client management. I tested it firsthand, and while it keeps things simple with a structured layout and minimal customization, it’s quick to set up and does exactly what it promises—making it a great choice for those who just need an easy, integrated website.
SimplePractice At a Glance
Cost: $49 – $99+ monthly
HIPAA-Compliant: Yes
SEO Features: Limited
Pre-generated Mental Health Content: No
Pros & Cons
- Very easy to use
- Integrates well with the SimplePractice EHR
- 30-day free trial; includes access to EHR features
- Must be a SimplePractice subscriber to access
- Limited SEO features
- Not a lot of customization options
- No templates to choose from; every website is basically the same
Preview SimplePractice
Building a professional website as a therapist can feel overwhelming, but SimplePractice’s built-in website builder makes the process particularly easy. Designed specifically for mental health professionals, it eliminates unnecessary complexity while integrating seamlessly with the SimplePractice EHR.
I put SimplePractice’s website builder to the test while I was reviewing SimplePractice’s EHR features and found it to be one of the most user-friendly and fastest options available—perfect for therapists who want a quick, no-fuss website that they can easily share with clients. The platform takes care of hosting, security, and essential website tools, allowing you to focus on what matters: connecting with your clients. It’s included in SimplePractice’s Essential plan ($49 monthly) and available in the 30-day free trial.
Review our scoring criteria for website builders here.
Review our complete editorial policies here.
Detailed Review of SimplePractice Website Builder
SimplePractice Website Builder is designed to take the hassle out of creating a professional, HIPAA-compliant website for your practice. It’s built specifically for therapists, removing the need for technical know-how while integrating seamlessly with the SimplePractice EHR. At $49 monthly and up, it includes hosting, client scheduling tools, and a ready-made layout that makes setup fast and frustration-free—in addition to all the EHR features.
Tech Specs
Here are some key facts about what SimplePractice Website Builder has to offer:
Free Version | No |
Set-Up Cost | None |
Monthly Cost | $49+ monthly |
Site Ownership | Owned by SimplePractice Website Builder, but transferrable |
Blogging Tool | No |
Email Tools | Yes |
Basic Image Editing | No |
SSL Certificate | Yes |
Hosting Included | Yes |
Custom Domain Support | Yes (but must be purchased separately) |
Mobile Responsive | Yes |
Integrations | SimplePractice EHR, Monarch Directory |
SEO Customization | Limited (basic descriptions/page titles only) |
How Easy Is It to Use?
Setting up a website with SimplePractice Website Builder is refreshingly straightforward compared to some web builders. Designed specifically for therapists, it strips away unnecessary complications and technical hurdles, making it possible to launch a fully functional website in as little as 15 minutes—no coding or design experience required.
Unlike traditional website builders that include eCommerce tools or complex design options—features therapy websites rarely need—SimplePractice focuses on what matters most to mental health professionals: scheduling, client communication, and practice visibility.
Here’s the step-by-step setup process:
- Set Up Your Practice in the EHR – During onboarding, you’ll configure your practice settings, add clients, and set up staff roles. (15-30 minutes, depending on the size of your practice)
- Enable Your Professional Website – In your account settings, toggle on the website option. If you’re not on the correct pricing plan, you’ll see an option to upgrade. (2 minutes)
- Customize Your Website – Use the setup wizard to select design preferences, colors, and key sections like services and contact details. (10 minutes)
- Publish & Go Live – Once you’ve finalized your details, publish your website and start sharing it with clients.
Design Customization
True to the name, SimplePractice Website Builder keeps things simple—every website follows the same basic layout, with just a few customization options. Instead of choosing from multiple templates, you’ll select a general theme: casual, playful, or modern. These themes don’t alter the site’s structure but do tweak fonts, image shapes, and certain styling details.
Beyond that, you can customize colors with an easy-to-use system that ensures everything remains professional and visually cohesive. The process is totally unintimidating—you won’t need any design experience to make the site look polished.
When setting up your site, you’ll choose which sections to include, such as:
- Services Offered
- Client Testimonials
- Practice Location & Contact Info
- Practice Highlights (Telehealth, Insurance, Etc.)
- Client Portal & Appointment Requests
From there, it’s just a matter of fine-tuning the details—adding your bio, swapping out images from a preset library, uploading a logo or headshots, and specifying your areas of expertise and services offered. While the platform doesn’t offer much creative freedom, it does make launching a clean, professional-looking website incredibly easy.
Website Integrations
SimplePractice Website Builder includes seamless integrations that make it easy for clients to engage with your practice and for you to manage incoming requests.
On the client’s side, contact forms can be added to the website, allowing prospective clients to reach out directly. A client portal login button is also built-in, giving existing clients a simple way to access paperwork, billing, and appointment information—all in a HIPAA-compliant environment.
On the backend, everything integrates directly with the SimplePractice EHR. Clients can request appointments through your website, and their information is automatically imported into the system, eliminating the need for manual data entry. This creates an entirely frictionless workflow, helping therapists spend less time on admin work and more time focusing on clients.
SEO Tools
Search engine optimization (SEO) is one of the weakest areas of SimplePractice Website Builder. Unlike platforms like Wix or WordPress, which offer more robust tools for optimizing content, metadata, and performance, SimplePractice keeps SEO minimal.
At present, users can edit page titles and meta descriptions, but that’s about it. There are no options for custom page URLs, keyword optimization, or structured data enhancements—key features that are typically used to improve search rankings.
SimplePractice claims that built-in SEO optimization eliminates the need for manual adjustments. However, SEO is rarely a one-size-fits-all solution, and practices operating in competitive areas may find it difficult to rank well with such limited control. If search visibility is a priority, a more flexible website builder may be a better choice.
Marketing
A SimplePractice subscription includes a listing in the Monarch Directory, SimplePractice’s proprietary therapist directory aimed at helping clinicians attract new clients. While this built-in marketing feature is convenient, it’s important to note that Monarch is relatively new and doesn’t yet have the same level of traffic as more established therapist directories.
Beyond the directory listing, SimplePractice does not provide additional marketing tools such as blog support, SEO coaching, or built-in ad management. If your practice relies on strong online visibility, you’ll likely need to supplement your marketing efforts with external tools or directories.
If you’re looking for additional ways to boost your online presence, you can also join Choosing Therapy’s directory at no cost.
Domains & Hosting
SimplePractice Website Builder includes hosting and a free basic domain, ensuring your website stays live 24/7 without requiring any manual setup. If you don’t have your own domain, SimplePractice will generate a generic one for you that can be customized based on availability. However, if you prefer a truly custom domain, you’ll need to purchase it separately from a domain registrar like Google Domains or Namecheap and then connect it to your SimplePractice website.
All hosting and security updates are managed by SimplePractice, so you won’t need to worry about server maintenance or technical configurations.
Cost & Pricing Plans
SimplePractice Website Builder is bundled with SimplePractice’s EHR subscriptions at all price plans, starting at $49 per month.
Starter Plan – $49 monthly
Best for solo practitioners who need basic EHR functionality. It includes the following features:
- Core EHR system (unlimited clients and sessions)
- Client portal for document sharing and scheduling
- Telehealth
- Online appointment requests
- Professional website builder
- Monarch Directory listing
- Electronic insurance claims ($0.50 per claim)
- Manual insurance status checks ($0.25 per check)
- Credit card processing (added fee)
Essential Plan – $79 monthly
Essential Plan:
- Everything in Starter Plan, plus:
- Customizable notes & assessments
- Client messaging
- Calendar sync & advanced filters
- Client waitlist management
- Group appointments & group telehealth ($20 add-on)
- Wiley Treatment Planners (previously a $15 add-on)
- 10 free electronic insurance claims per month ($0.35 per additional claim)
- Manual insurance status checks ($0.15 per check)
Plus Plan – $99 monthly
- Everything in Essential, plus:
- Group telehealth
- Automatic insurance status checks
- Premium support phone line
- Advanced calendar sync
- Unlimited free manual insurance status checks
Visit our full review of SimplePractice for more details on pricing.
Alternatives & Competitors
SimplePractice Website Builder is a great option for therapists who already use the SimplePractice EHR and just need a simple professional website. However, if you’re looking for more customization, built-in marketing tools, or a hands-off approach to website design, other options may be a better fit.
Brighter Vision - Better for a Hands-Off Approach
Cost: $99 – $359 monthly+; $100 set-up fee
HIPAA-Compliant: Yes
SEO Features: Moderate
Pre-generated Mental Health Content: Yes
Brighter Vision isn’t just a website builder—it’s a full-service branding and marketing solution for therapists. Unlike SimplePractice, which focuses on ease and integration with its EHR, Brighter Vision offers a much more hands-on approach to creating a professional online presence. Their team builds your website for you, incorporating custom branding, pre-written content, and even SEO optimization to help you get found by potential clients.
Beyond the website itself, which is much more deeply customizable than one built with SimplePractice, Brighter Vision also includes extras like Social Genie, a tool that helps you manage and automate social media marketing, and optional add-ons like HIPAA-compliant email and forms through Hushmail. If you’re looking for a polished, fully managed website with marketing tools baked in, Brighter Vision is a solid choice—but it does come at a significantly higher price. Plans start at $99 monthly with a $100 setup fee, and additional services like paid advertising management cost extra.
SimplePractice Website Builder is the better option if you want a fast, integrated solution with no extra hassle. But if you’re focused on building a strong brand with a more customized and SEO-friendly website, Brighter Vision is worth considering.
Learn more about my experience with it in my full Brighter Vision review.
Pros & Cons
- Web designers guide you through the entire process
- Pre-generated mental health resources
- Variety of customization options
- Features for SEO and social media
- Mandatory $100 setup fee
- Monthly cost is more expensive than competitors
- Can take up to a month to get your website fully up and running
- No free trial
Wix - Better for Deep Customization
Cost: Free – $159+ monthly
HIPAA-Compliant: No
SEO Features: Extensive
Pre-generated Mental Health Content: No
Wix is one of the most popular DIY website builders on the market, offering an impressive level of customization, a truly massive library of templates, and a user-friendly drag-and-drop editor. Unlike SimplePractice Website Builder, which is designed specifically for therapists and integrates seamlessly with its EHR, Wix is a general-purpose builder that gives you much more control over your website’s look, feel, and functionality.
If you want total creative freedom, Wix is hard to beat. You can choose from hundreds of templates, tweak layouts, add animations, and even integrate third-party apps for scheduling, blogging, and SEO optimization. However, this level of flexibility comes with a tradeoff: setup takes longer, and there’s no built-in connection to an EHR. You’ll need to manually link your client portal, appointment booking, and intake forms, which can add complexity. Also, consider that a website created through Wix will not be HIPAA-compliant, so you’ll need to be careful about handling client data.
Cost-wise, Wix is more affordable if you only need a basic website. A free version is available (with Wix branding), and paid plans start at $16/month. But when you compare it to SimplePractice, which bundles both a website and a fully featured EHR for $49/month, Wix lacks the all-in-one simplicity that many therapists may prefer.
Learn more about my experience in my complete Wix review.
Pros & Cons
- Starting cost is lower than many competitors
- Intuitive, drag-and-drop interface
- Fast setup; can get a website created in an afternoon
- Built for general use; not therapist-specific
- Website will not be HIPAA-compliant
- No pre-generated mental health content
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SimplePractice Website Builder HIPAA-Compliant?
Yes. SimplePractice Website Builder is fully HIPAA-compliant and HITRUST CSF Certified, ensuring client data is secure.
Is SimplePractice Website Builder Free to Use?
No, SimplePractice Website Builder is only available with a paid subscription to SimplePractice EHR. There is no free version. It’s included with the Essential Plan and up, starting at $69 monthly.
What Type of Service Is SimplePractice Website Builder?
SimplePractice Website Builder is a self-service website builder that allows you to create a website for your practice that is directly integrated with the SimplePractice EHR.
How Easy Is it to Get Set Up with SimplePractice Website Builder?
SimplePractice Website Builder is very easy to get started with. If you already have an account with SimplePractice, simply navigate into the settings menu to get started building your website. If you are a new customer, you can head over to the SimplePractice website to get your free trial started.
What Security and Safety Features Does SimplePractice Website Builder Offer?
SimplePractice Website Builder is fully HIPAA-compliant and HITRUST CSF Certified. This ensures that visitors to your website will be entirely protected and their personal information is not at risk.
Does SimplePractice Website Builder Offer Help and Support?
All support for SimplePractice Website Builder is handled through the general SimplePractice support site. It has technical support, but no support for helping you design your website.
Does SimplePractice Website Builder Have E-Commerce Features?
No. SimplePractice Website Builder does not offer e-commerce features.
What is Web Hosting?
Web hosting, in layperson’s terms, is the process of making your website’s data available and accessible to the internet. Web hosting companies provide the storage needed on a physical server, which you would then rent to store your website’s data.1
What is a Domain Name?
Domain names are human-readable addresses for any given web server accessible on the internet.2 This address corresponds to a computer’s IP address which your web browser will use to access the page you’d like to view. Domain names are a way to make these IP addresses easier to read for humans.
What is SEO?
SEO stands for search engine optimization. It is the process of optimizing a website to be more visible on the results page of a search engine like Google or DuckDuckGo.3
ChoosingTherapy.com strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.
-
Techopedia. (2011). Web hosting. Techopedia. Retrieved from: https://www.techopedia.com/definition/2542/web-host
-
Mozilla. (2023). What is a domain name? MDN Web Docs. Retrieved from: https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Learn/Common_questions/Web_mechanics/What_is_a_domain_name
-
Mozilla. (2023). SEO. MDN Web Docs Glossary. Retrieved from: https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Glossary/SEO
We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.
Author: Matthew Church, M.S. (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Melissa Boudin, PsyD. (No change)
Primary Changes: Updated pricing details from $29-$99 monthly to $49-$99 monthly, and updated all pricing information based on recent updates.
Author: Matthew Church, M.S. (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Melissa Boudin, PsyD. (No change)
Primary Changes: Fact-checked and reviewed all information; updated where necessary to improve factual accuracy and readability. Improved clarity and readability throughout article.
Author: Matthew Church, M.S. (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Melissa Boudin, PsyD. (No change)
Primary Changes: Added summary block and star rating breakdown
Author: Matthew Church, M.S.
Medical Reviewer: Melissa Boudin, PsyD.
Your Voice Matters
Leave your own reviews!
Have you used an online therapy company? Have you tried an online psychiatry service? Do you use a meditation or mindfulness app? We’d love to hear about your experience!
We want to hear about the companies you love and the companies you wish you never used.
Leave your feedback for our editors.
Share your feedback on this article with ChoosingTherapy.com’s editors. If there’s something we missed or something we could improve on, we’d love to hear it.
Our writers and editors love compliments, too. :)