SimplePractice Review (Jan 2023)

About SimplePractice

SimplePractice is a cloud-based practice management software designed for mental health professionals such as therapists, counselors, and social workers. It was founded in 2010 in Los Angeles, California, and has since grown to become a leading provider of practice management tools for the mental health industry.

One of the key features of SimplePractice is its user-friendly interface, which makes it easy for mental health professionals to manage their practice. The platform includes features such as appointment scheduling, billing, document storage, and client management, all of which are designed to streamline the administrative tasks associated with running a practice.

Another feature of SimplePractice is its robust reporting capabilities. The software allows users to easily track their revenue and expenses, as well as to generate reports on client demographics, appointment scheduling, and billing. This allows mental health professionals to gain valuable insights into the performance of their practice, which can help them to identify areas for improvement and make more informed decisions.

SimplePractice also offers a comprehensive client management system, which allows practitioners to track client information, progress notes, and other important details. This feature makes it easy for practitioners to keep track of their clients’ progress and to provide more personalized care.

In addition, SimplePractice has strong security and compliance features that protect client data and help practices stay compliant with HIPAA regulations. The software uses bank-level encryption to ensure that client data is kept secure, and it also includes a variety of compliance-related features such as automatic data backups and secure document storage.

Overall, SimplePractice is a powerful practice management tool that can help mental health professionals to streamline their practice, improve their client outcomes, and meet compliance requirements. With a user-friendly interface, robust reporting capabilities, and strong security features, it is an ideal choice for mental health professionals looking for a comprehensive practice management solution. The company currently has about 100 employees.

Who Uses it?

SimplePractice serves a wide range of industries including, but not limited to, private practice, group practice, and non-profit organizations.

Some examples of SimplePractice customers include:

1. A private practice therapist who uses the platform to manage appointments, billing, and client information.
2. A non-profit organization that provides counseling services to low-income individuals and uses SimplePractice to manage client information and billing.
3. A group practice of therapists and counselors who use the platform to schedule appointments and share client information among team members.
4. A school counselor who uses SimplePractice to manage appointments, track student progress, and generate reports for school administration.
5. A teletherapy provider who uses SimplePractice to manage client appointments and document storage remotely.

SimplePractice is used by a wide range of mental health professionals across the United States and other countries, and it is particularly popular among solo practitioners and small- to medium-sized practices.

How it can help your practice?

SimplePractice can help your business in several ways, including:

1. Streamlining practice management: SimplePractice offers a variety of tools to help you manage your practice more efficiently. Features such as appointment scheduling, billing, document storage, and client management are designed to help you streamline administrative tasks, saving you time and reducing the risk of errors.
2. Improving client outcomes: SimplePractice’s client management system allows you to track client information, progress notes, and other important details, which can help you to provide more personalized care and improve client outcomes.
3. Generating valuable insights: SimplePractice’s robust reporting capabilities allow you to easily track your revenue and expenses, as well as generate reports on client demographics, appointment scheduling, and billing. This information can help you to identify areas for improvement and make more informed decisions about your practice.
4. Compliance: SimplePractice offers a variety of features to help you stay compliant with regulations such as HIPAA. The software uses bank-level encryption to ensure that client data is kept secure, and it also includes compliance-related features such as automatic data backups and secure document storage.
5. Collaboration: SimplePractice allows you to share client information with other mental health professionals, this way you can collaborate with other professionals to give better care to your clients.
6. Teletherapy: SimplePractice also offers a built-in teletherapy platform that allows you to conduct therapy sessions online. This can be particularly useful for practitioners who want to offer virtual sessions, or for clients who live in remote areas or have mobility issues.

By using SimplePractice, you can streamline your practice management, improve client outcomes, generate valuable insights, and stay compliant with regulations. It can help you to focus on providing the best care possible to your clients while minimizing the time and effort you spend on administrative tasks.

SimplePractice Vs Competitors

SimplePractice is a popular practice management software for mental health professionals, but it is not the only option available. Here are five alternative practice management solutions and a comparison of their features, prices, vendor size, customer type, and cost of implementation:

1. TherapyNotes: This is a practice management software that offers similar features to SimplePractice, including appointment scheduling, billing, document storage, and client management. It also has a built-in teletherapy platform. Prices start at $39 per month, and implementation cost is minimal. The vendor size is smaller than SimplePractice and it mainly serves solo practitioners and small practices.
2. Practice Better: This is a practice management software that offers similar features to SimplePractice, including appointment scheduling, billing, document storage, and client management. It also has an integrated telehealth platform and a mobile app. Prices start at $39 per month, and implementation cost is minimal. The vendor size is smaller than SimplePractice and it mainly serves solo practitioners and small practices.
3. TheraNest: This is a practice management software that offers similar features to SimplePractice, including appointment scheduling, billing, document storage, and client management. It also has a built-in teletherapy platform. Prices start at $39 per month, and implementation cost is minimal. The vendor size is similar to SimplePractice and serves a wide range of mental health professionals, including solo practitioners and small to medium-sized practices.
4. Cliniko: This is a practice management software that offers similar features to SimplePractice, including appointment scheduling, billing, document storage, and client management. It does not have a built-in teletherapy platform. Prices start at $33 per month, and implementation cost is minimal. The vendor size is smaller than SimplePractice and serves a wide range of health professionals, including physiotherapists, chiropractors, and acupuncturists.
5. TherapyAppointment: This is a practice management software that offers similar features to SimplePractice, including appointment scheduling, billing, document storage, and client management. It also has a built-in teletherapy platform. Prices start at $29 per month, and implementation cost is minimal. The vendor size is smaller than SimplePractice and mainly serves solo practitioners and small practices.

SimplePractice Pricing in 2023

SimplePractice has three pricing plans: Starter, Essential, and Plus.

• Starter: This package is designed to help you with the basics of your medical practice and costs $29 per month.
• Essential: This package is designed to help simplify your existing medical practice and costs $69 per month.
• Plus: This pricing package costs $99 per month and is made to help expand your medical practice. However, if there is more than one clinician, it becomes a Group Practice, and the cost for this package increases and starts from $158 per month.

SimplePractice – Cost of Implementation

The cost to implement SimplePractice will vary depending on the specific needs of your practice. SimplePractice offers a free trial period, so you can test the platform before committing to a paid plan. Once you choose a paid plan, there is no additional cost to implement SimplePractice, as the platform is fully web-based and accessible through a web browser, so you don’t need to invest in any additional hardware or software.

The only costs that you may incur when implementing SimplePractice are those associated with migrating your existing data to the platform. SimplePractice does not offer any data migration services, but you can do it manually. If you need assistance with data migration, you can hire a third-party consultant or contact the SimplePractice support team for recommendations.

Another cost you may incur with SimplePractice is the cost of training and support. SimplePractice offers a variety of resources such as tutorials, videos, and webinars to help you get started with the platform. They also offer email and phone support during business hours, which can help you troubleshoot any issues you may encounter.

Overall, the cost of implementing SimplePractice is relatively low, and it is designed to be easy to use and set up. With no additional hardware or software required and minimal costs associated with data migration and training, SimplePractice can be a cost-effective solution for many mental health practices.

SimplePractice Pros

1. Robust reporting capabilities: SimplePractice offers a variety of reports that can help you gain valuable insights into the performance of your practice, which can help you to identify areas for improvement and make more informed decisions.
2. Comprehensive client management system: SimplePractice’s client management system allows you to track client information, progress notes, and other important details, which can help you to provide more personalized care and improve client outcomes.
3. Strong security and compliance features: SimplePractice offers a variety of features to help you stay compliant with regulations such as HIPAA, including bank-level encryption to ensure that client data is kept secure, and compliance-related features such as automatic data backups and secure document storage.

SimplePractice Cons

1. Limited integrations: SimplePractice has a limited number of integrations with other software, which may not be ideal for practices that rely on other tools.
2. Limited customization options: SimplePractice offers a limited number of customization options for certain features, which can be a limitation for practices that require more flexibility.
3. Higher cost than some competitors: SimplePractice’s pricing plans may be higher than some of its competitors, which can be a concern for practices on a tight budget.

How To Use SimplePractice

SimplePractice is a user-friendly practice management software that offers a variety of features to help you streamline your practice and improve client outcomes. In this tutorial, we will go over some of the key features of SimplePractice and show you how to use them.

1. Appointment scheduling: To schedule an appointment, log in to your SimplePractice account and click on the “Appointments” tab. You will see a calendar view of your schedule. To schedule a new appointment, click on the day and time you want to schedule the appointment, and then fill out the appointment details. Once you have filled out all the details, click “Save” to schedule the appointment.
2. Client management: To manage your clients, log in to your SimplePractice account and click on the “Clients” tab. Here, you can view a list of your clients, add new clients, and edit existing client information. To add a new client, click on the “New Client” button, and then fill out the client’s information. To edit a client’s information, click on the client’s name and then make the necessary changes.
3. Document storage: To store and access documents, log in to your SimplePractice account and click on the “Documents” tab. Here, you can upload, view, and download documents. To upload a document, click on the “Upload” button, select the document from your computer, and then click “Open.” To view a document, click on the document’s name. To download a document, click on the document’s name and then select “Download.”
4. Billing: To manage your billing, log in to your SimplePractice account and click on the “Billing” tab. Here, you can view a list of your invoices, add new invoices, and edit existing invoices. To add a new invoice, click on the “New Invoice” button, and then fill out the invoice details. To edit an invoice, click on the invoice’s number and then make the necessary changes.
5. Telehealth: To start a telehealth session, log in to your SimplePractice account and click on the “Appointments” tab. Find the appointment that you want to start the telehealth session for and click on the “Start Session” button, it will redirect you to the telehealth platform where you can start your session.

These are some of the key features of SimplePractice, and by following these instructions, you should be able to use them with ease. SimplePractice offers a variety of resources such as tutorials, videos, and webinars to help you get started with the platform. They also offer email and phone support during business hours, which can help you troubleshoot any issues you may encounter.

How it Integrates with Other Software

SimplePractice has a number of integration capabilities with other healthcare technologies to help streamline your practice and improve client outcomes. Some examples of integrations include:

1. Telehealth Platforms: SimplePractice has built-in telehealth capabilities and also integrates with other telehealth platforms like Zoom, Doxy.me, and Google Meet.
2. Electronic Health Records (EHRs): SimplePractice integrates with a number of EHRs such as TheraNest, TherapyNotes, and Practice Fusion to allow for the seamless sharing of client information and progress notes.
3. Payment Processing: SimplePractice integrates with payment processing platforms such as Stripe and Square to allow for easy payment processing and automatic billing.
4. Accounting Software: SimplePractice integrates with accounting software such as Xero and QuickBooks to allow for easy tracking of revenue and expenses.
5. Marketing Automation: SimplePractice can be integrated with marketing automation platforms like MailChimp, Drip, and ConvertKit to help you automate your marketing efforts and stay in touch with your clients.
6. Telephony: SimplePractice also integrates with telephony platforms like Twilio, Plivo, and others, allowing you to make and receive calls from within the platform.

These integrations allow you to easily manage your practice and interact with clients without needing to switch between different platforms. It’s important to note that not all integrations are available on all plans, and some integrations may require additional setup or cost. It’s important to check the availability of the integrations that you need before subscribing to a plan.

Free Alternatives to SimplePractice

TherapyNotes and Practice Better are two popular free alternatives to SimplePractice. Both offer a range of features similar to those found in SimplePractice, including client scheduling, electronic billing, and secure messaging.

TherapyNotes offers a free plan that includes appointment scheduling, progress notes, and treatment plans. It also has a range of integrations with other software, such as video conferencing tools and electronic health record systems. Additionally, it offers a range of security measures to protect patient data, including encrypted data storage and automatic backups.

Practice Better is another free option that includes client scheduling, progress notes, and e-claims billing. It also offers a range of features specifically designed for teletherapy, such as virtual waiting rooms and integrated video conferencing. Additionally, it includes a library of pre-written treatment plans and assessments to help practitioners get started quickly.

Both TherapyNotes and Practice Better have paid plans that offer additional features, such as appointment reminders, document storage, and reports. However, their free plans are a great option for practitioners looking for a cost-effective solution.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a free alternative to SimplePractice, TherapyNotes and Practice Better are both great options that offer a range of similar features. They both have a range of features that can help you manage your practice, including appointment scheduling, progress notes, and electronic billing, as well as some additional features that are designed for teletherapy. Ultimately, the best option will depend on your specific needs, so it is worth exploring both options and comparing their features to determine which one is the best fit for you.

Alternative for Small Practice

SimplePractice is a practice management software designed for mental health and wellness professionals. Here are the alternative options for small businesses that may also be suitable:

1. TherapyNotes: This is another practice management software that is specifically designed for mental health professionals. It offers features such as scheduling, billing, and note-taking. The main difference between TherapyNotes and SimplePractice is that TherapyNotes offers a built-in telehealth platform, whereas SimplePractice does not.
2. Acuity Scheduling: This software is geared towards businesses that need to schedule appointments, such as salons, spas, and fitness studios. It includes features such as appointment scheduling, client management, and automated appointment reminders. The main difference between Acuity Scheduling and SimplePractice is that Acuity Scheduling is more focused on appointment scheduling and less focused on practice management for healthcare providers.

These alternatives are suitable for small businesses because they are designed for specific industries and offer a range of features that can help streamline operations and improve efficiency. They are all user-friendly and offer plans that are customizable to the needs of small businesses. Additionally, all of them offer a free trial, which allows small businesses to test the software before committing to a paid subscription.

Alternative for Large Practice

Here are three alternative options for large businesses that may also be suitable:

1. Cerner: Cerner is a large, well-established EHR (electronic health record) company that provides practice management software for healthcare providers of all sizes. Cerner’s software is highly customizable and can be tailored to the specific needs of a large business. The main difference between Cerner and SimplePractice is that Cerner is a much larger and more complex software, with a wider range of features and capabilities. This makes it more suitable for large businesses that have many different types of healthcare providers and need a more comprehensive solution.
2. Athenahealth: Athenahealth is another EHR company that provides practice management software for healthcare providers of all sizes. It includes features such as appointment scheduling, billing, and note-taking. The main difference between Athenahealth and SimplePractice is that Athenahealth has a more robust set of features for tracking patient outcomes and has a strong focus on population health management and revenue cycle management, which can be useful for large businesses.
3. NextGen Healthcare: NextGen Healthcare is a provider of EHR and practice management software for healthcare organizations of all sizes. It offers features such as appointment scheduling, billing, and note-taking. The main difference between NextGen Healthcare and SimplePractice is that NextGen Healthcare’s software is designed to integrate with other healthcare systems, such as lab systems and pharmacies, which can be helpful for large businesses with multiple locations.

These alternatives are suitable for large businesses because they are more robust and comprehensive than SimplePractice and can handle the complexity and scalability required by large businesses. They also offer a strong set of features for tracking patient outcomes, population health management, and revenue cycle management which can help large businesses to streamline their operations, improve efficiency, and increase revenue. Additionally, all of them offer a range of pricing options and can be customized to meet the specific needs of the large business.

Some Surprising Facts About SimplePractice

1. SimplePractice is one of the fastest-growing practice management software companies in the mental health and wellness industry.
2. It has a user-friendly and intuitive interface that makes it easy for practitioners to manage their practice.
3. SimplePractice offers a wide range of features including appointment scheduling, electronic claims submission, and a client portal that allows clients to access their records and communicate with their practitioner.
4. The company also offers a mobile app that enables practitioners to access their practice from anywhere.
5. SimplePractice is also HIPAA-compliant, which means that it meets strict standards for protecting sensitive patient information.
6. It has a large library of pre-written notes and treatment plans that practitioners can customize to fit the needs of their clients.
7. SimplePractice also offers integrations with other popular software such as Zoom, Stripe, and Google Calendar, which makes it easy to manage different aspects of your practice in one place.
8. SimplePractice has a large community of users and a dedicated customer support team to help users with any questions or issues they may have.