TherapyNotes and SimplePractice are two electronic health records (EHR) systems that offer great value to any mental health practice. TherapyNotes delivers simple efficiency of the core features, and SimplePractice has a wealth of premium options available. Let’s dive into our experience testing these two EHRs and how they differ in features, cost, and value.
TherapyNotes Vs. SimplePractice – At a Glance
While TherapyNotes and SimplePractice ultimately offer very similar services to mental health practices, there are some differences in how they accomplish this. Overall both platforms have many of the features found on our list of the best mental health EHRs.
Some differences between SimplePractice and TherapyNotes are:
- SimplePractice offers slightly more customization and practice management features than TherapyNotes.
- SimplePractice’s pricing structure is more complicated than TherapyNotes’. Many features that TherapyNotes includes in its overall cost are separate and additional costs with SimplePractice
- TherapyNotes is a simpler system overall and is easier to use, but SimplePractice offers more solutions to help your practice grow.
TherapyNotes Vs. SimplePractice – Key Takeaways
| SimplePractice | TherapyNotes | |
| Monthly Cost | $29 - $99 | $49 - $59 |
| Free Trial? | Yes, 30 days | Yes, 30 days |
| Offers Telehealth Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Unlimited Clients on All Subscription Levels | Yes | Yes |
| Unlimited Sessions on All Subscription Levels | Yes | Yes |
| Cost per Additional Clinician | $59 monthly, must be on Plus Plan | $30 monthly |
| Insurance Billing Costs | $0.25 per claim | $0.14 per claim |
| Client Data Import | Yes, no cost | Yes, no cost |
| ePrescription Features | No | Yes, $65 monthly per prescriber |
| Estimated Annual Cost | $348 - $1,188+ | $588 - $1,188+ |
SimplePractice vs. TherapyNotes – Final Verdict
Overall, SimplePractice and TherapyNotes are great EHR platforms, but some key differences can help you decide which is right for you. TherapyNotes offers a simpler, but slightly more limited experience, whereas SimplePractice allows for more customization.
SimplePractice offers more features for practices looking to grow their practice and has more of the premium features you’d expect from the increased cost. Overall, if you are a solo practitioner who only needs the basics, TherapyNotes implements them incredibly well. However, for group practices, or those that need more advanced features and are willing to pay for them, SimplePractice may be the better choice.
Pros & Cons of SimplePractice
SimplePractice offers several useful features and benefits including a beautiful, modern interface, an intuitive scheduling and calendar system, and many additional features like Wiley Treatment Planner and a professional website builder. However, SimplePractice is relatively expensive compared to its competitors and has encountered many concerns over practice and client data privacy.
Pros & Cons of TherapyNotes
TherapyNotes is a high-quality EHR system that offers a free telehealth platform and an excellent user experience. While TherapyNotes is simple and easy to implement, it is lacking in customization features and data reporting.
SimplePractice Vs. TherapyNotes – Costs
SimplePractice offers a lot of premium features and functionality but at a premium price point. The pricing structure can get a bit confusing, and a number of extra features can lead you to have a more expensive EHR than you first envisioned. TherapyNotes, on the other hand, attempts to keep things simple and offers most of the core features under one price.
SimplePractice Cost
SimplePractice costs range from $29 – $99 monthly for solo practitioners, and these prices can increase depending on optional features. It is only possible to add additional staff members and clinicians at the most expensive subscription plan, and all of the extras can begin to raise the costs pretty quickly.
SimplePractice Costs
| Plan | Features | Cost |
| Starter Plan |
| $29 monthly |
| Essential Plan | All “Starter” features, plus:
| $69 monthly |
| Plus Plan | All “Essential” features, plus:
| $99 monthly |
| Additional Costs |
|
TherapyNotes Cost
TherapyNotes has a much more straightforward pricing structure than SimplePractice, and most of the costs are covered under the monthly price. It’s important to get an idea of how many insurance claims you plan on filing – however, claims are significantly cheaper than SimplePractice and there are fewer restrictions.
TherapyNotes Costs
| Plan | Features | Cost |
| Solo Plan | All features, except for premium add-ons listed below. | $49 monthly |
| Group Plan | All features, except for premium add-ons listed below. | Cost $49 monthly $69 monthly, plus $30 monthly per additional clinician |
| Additional Costs | Insurance Claim Filing - $0.14 each Appointment reminders - $0.14 each ePrescription features - $65 monthly per prescriber MIPS Reporting - $359 annually Full-Service Medical Billing - Variable |
SimplePractice Vs. TherapyNotes – Which Offers a Better Value?
Determining whether SimplePractice or TherapyNotes will bring the most value to your practice depends entirely on your needs. If you plan on sticking to the basics, you may be able to save a lot of ongoing costs by choosing TherapyNotes, however, some of SimplePractice’s optional features may be of value to you, even if they are costly.
During our review, we found that SimplePractice offers great value for practices that are focused on marketing or growing their practices, whereas TherapyNotes offers a better value for practices that would like to keep things simple and focus on the core features.
SimplePractice Vs. TherapyNotes – Key Features
Both SimplePractice and TherapyNotes have a lot to offer. Both offer the basic functionality you’d expect of an EHR or practice management system wrapped in a neat, HIPAA-compliant package. SimplePractice goes a step further with some of its optional features, however, TherapyNotes arguably executes some of the core functions more effectively than SimplePractice does.
Caseload & Practice Management
Both SimplePractice and TherapyNotes offer similar performance in managing caseloads, and both offer a dedicated portal for clients to manage their accounts. However, SimplePractice offers more in the way of practice management.
SimplePractice offers unique features like a professional website builder (at higher subscription plans or for an extra cost), as well as in-depth practice analysis and reporting. TherapyNotes allows you to add non-clinical staff, as long as you aren’t on the solo plan, whereas SimplePractice requires you to be on the most expensive plan, and requires an extra fee to add administrators.
Overall, TherapyNotes offers a simpler interface to accomplish tasks, whereas SimplePractice offers more customization and flexibility.
Forms, Intake, & Documentation
SimplePractice is the clear winner in terms of both depth and automation of documentation. Wiley Treatment Planner allows you to construct detailed notes and treatment plans quickly. While TherapyNotes lacks Wiley and more in-depth automation features, it still allows you to document client sessions efficiently and securely.
Both EHRs allow you to conduct intakes via the client portal, so clients are able to fill and sign their intake paperwork and complete diagnostic tools.
Scheduling & Calendar
Overall, SimplePractice and TherapyNotes both have easy-to-use and effective calendar and scheduling systems. SimplePractice’s calendar is more intuitive with a drag-and-drop session interface and offers more functions for automation.
Both EHRs have options for sending appointment reminders to clients automatically, however, with TherapyNotes this costs $0.14 per reminder. Appointment reminders are included with SimplePractice starting with the Essential Plan which costs $69 monthly.
Billing Features
SimplePractice and TherapyNotes both offer a robust assortment of features for billing insurance payors and individuals. TherapyNotes is adequate in managing any billing that would need to be completed, however, SimplePractice definitely has a more intuitive process that is easier to follow.
Telehealth & Other Features
Both TherapyNotes and SimplePractice offer telehealth platforms of comparable style and functionality. SimplePractice also offers access to a professional website builder and hosting of your website, as well as a free listing on the Monarch therapist directory. You can read our review of SimplePractice Website Builder to learn more about how you can build your web presence with SimplePractice.
Additionally, SimplePractice allows both clinicians and clients to access their accounts via standalone mobile apps, and SimplePractice also has Wiley Treatment Planner integrations available. While TherapyNotes lacks some of the above features, it does offer ePrescription features optionally, whereas SimplePractice does not.
Ease of Use
During our review, we found that, in most cases of daily use, TherapyNotes offers superior ease of use compared to SimplePractice. However, when it comes to certain features like insurance billing, SimplePractice is a bit easier to use.
Ultimately, the question of ease of use comes down to how you are using the platform, what features you use most, and your personal preferences. In this case, it might be worth starting a trial of both platforms to see what works best for you.
TherapyNotes vs. SimplePractice – Which Is Right for You?
SimplePractice is a great choice for practices that are looking to expand their practice and ensure that it will grow seamlessly with premium, automated features. TherapyNotes is excellent for solo practitioners or those looking to stick to the basics in a simple and intuitive way.
Some questions you should consider before deciding on an EHR platform:
- What are the essential features your practice needs?
- What is your budget?
- How many clients are on your caseload?
- Do you have multiple practitioners? What about administrative staff?
- Do you conduct sessions remotely or in person?
- Will you be billing insurance? How much experience do you have with this?
- Do you need to build a website for your practice?
Who Is SimplePractice Right For?
SimplePractice has enough customization and automated features to ensure minimal manual work, with great features to help you market and grow your business. Combined with the host of premium features that are available, SimplePractice is an attractive option for many.
Practices that Want to Eliminate Extra Work
SimplePractice’s intuitive systems for documentation, scheduling, and intake remove the need for things like paper forms and manually entering data line by line. Intake is automated through the client portal system, and clinical and administrative documentation is remarkably easy to use with automations that help eliminate extra work for you and your staff.
To learn more about SimplePractice, read our comprehensive review of SimplePractice.
Practices that Want to Grow Their Business
Practices that subscribe to the Essential plan or higher get access to a custom business website builder, a listing on SimplePractice’s Monarch therapist directory, and a very nice business analytics dashboard. These integrations will help a practice to gain an audience and give you the data you need to make informed business decisions.
Who Is TherapyNotes Right For?
TherapyNotes is a great choice for those who run small or solo practices or even those who are new to running a practice, and the subscription-included telehealth allows you to get started seeing clients remotely, without unexpected fees.
Solo Practitioners or Those New to Running A Practice
Possibly the biggest draw of TherapyNotes is its user-friendly accessibility and setup. Even those completely fresh to running a practice should be able to get up and running quickly with minimal support. If you do run into trouble, TherapyNotes’ support team is able to efficiently handle any needs.
Telehealth Practices
Another hugely important aspect of TherapyNotes is that access to telehealth is included in the base subscription cost. With the streamlined user interface and intuitive client portal features, operating a remote or telehealth practice would be well supported by TherapyNotes. The telehealth platform allows for up to 16 participants, so running remote group therapy sessions would be a breeze.
For a deeper look, read our detailed TherapyNotes review.
Who Should Look for Alternatives to TherapyNotes & SimplePractice?
While SimplePractice and TherapyNotes are great for many, some will find their practice is better served elsewhere.
Those Looking for the Most Advanced Documentation Features
TherapyAppointment offers the most advanced documentation features out of any mental health EHR. If you’re looking to take automation and documentation features to the next level, TherapyAppointment is your best bet.
Read more about TherapyAppointment in our detailed TherapyAppointment review.
Remote Practices That Need Unique Telehealth Features
TheraPlatform has the most unique and comprehensive telehealth platform out of any mental health EHR we’ve reviewed. It allows you to share resources, collaborate with clients on a whiteboard, and even play therapy-related games. If you plan on conducting a lot of telehealth sessions, particularly with kids, TheraPlatform is a great option.
Read our TheraPlatform review to learn more.
FAQ
What’s the Best Mental Health EHR?
The best EHR for your practice depends on a lot of factors, and every practice is different. For more information, take a look at our deep dive into the best mental health EHRs.
Are SimplePractice and TherapyNotes HIPAA-Compliant?
Yes. Like any good mental health EHR, SimplePractice and TherapyNotes are both HIPAA-Compliant.
Does TherapyNotes Offer Telehealth?
Yes. TherapyNotes offers access to a comprehensive telehealth platform with all of its plans.
How Many Therapists Use SimplePractice?
According to SimplePractice’s pricing page, over 169,000 therapists use SimplePractice to manage their practices worldwide.
