SimplePractice vs TherapyNotes: how they compare
Short answer: Neither is better for every practice. Solo therapists who want a polished client portal and website tools often lean toward SimplePractice. Practices that care most about billing and documentation workflows often lean toward TherapyNotes. Run the same test in both: write a real note, submit a sample claim, export your data and compare the full cost for your team size.
SimplePractice and TherapyNotes are two of the most widely used EHRs for outpatient therapy. Both work well for many practices. The better choice depends on your size, billing needs and how you want clients to interact with your practice. Confirm current pricing and features on each vendor's site, since both change often.
For the full selection method, see How to choose a behavioral health EHR. If you run an IOP or PHP, see Best EHR for IOP and PHP programs.
How do SimplePractice and TherapyNotes differ?
| Area | SimplePractice | TherapyNotes |
|---|---|---|
| Positioning | All-in-one practice management with a client portal | Documentation and billing focused |
| Telehealth | Built in | Built in |
| Client experience | Polished portal, scheduling and forms | Functional portal |
| Billing depth | Insurance billing included | Strong billing tools |
| Prescribing | Paid ePrescribe add-on | Paid ePrescribe add-on, priced per prescriber |
| Marketing tools | Includes website and marketing options | Focused on clinical and billing work |
| Pricing | Starter, Essential and Plus plans; groups use Plus | Solo, Group and Enterprise plans priced per clinician |
Who may prefer each product?
- Solo therapists who want a modern portal and website tools often look at SimplePractice.
- Practices that want strong billing and documentation workflows often look at TherapyNotes.
- Psychiatry practices should test prescribing and controlled substance workflows in both, using demo questions that expose workflow gaps.
How should you test both?
- Set up a trial account.
- Create a client and book an appointment.
- Write a note using your real documentation style.
- Submit a sample claim and post a payment.
- Export your data to see what comes out.
What should you score?
- Time to write a note
- Time to submit a claim
- Client intake experience
- Support response time
- Total cost for your team size
How much do SimplePractice and TherapyNotes cost?
Both vendors publish list prices on their own pricing pages. These are the standard monthly prices we saw on October 17, 2026, before any introductory discount.
| Item | SimplePractice | TherapyNotes |
|---|---|---|
| Solo plans | Starter $49, Essential $79, Plus $99 a month | Solo $69 a month for one user |
| Group pricing | Plus at $99 for the first practitioner, $74 for each added practitioner; custom pricing at 6 or more | Group $79 for the first clinician, $50 for each added clinician; non-clinical staff free |
| ePrescribe | $49 a month plus $89 one-time setup | $65 a month per prescriber |
| Other listed add-ons | AI note tools (Care Aide, Note Taker) | Premium telehealth $15 a month per clinician; electronic claims 14 cents each |
| Free trial | 30 days | 30 days |
For a three-clinician group, list prices come to $247 a month on SimplePractice Plus ($99 plus two added practitioners at $74) and $179 a month on TherapyNotes Group ($79 plus two at $50). Claim fees, payment processing, e-prescribing and AI tools come on top, so price the full workflow you need. A wider look at published prices for solo and small-practice EHRs is on the way.
Frequently asked questions
How much does SimplePractice cost?
On October 17, 2026, SimplePractice listed Starter at $49, Essential at $79 and Plus at $99 a month, billed monthly, with $74 a month for each added practitioner on Plus. E-prescribing and AI note tools are paid add-ons.
Which is cheaper?
It depends on your size and add-ons. At list price, TherapyNotes Solo ($69) sits between SimplePractice Starter ($49) and Essential ($79), and its added clinicians cost less ($50 against $74). Compare the full plan you need, including claim and payment fees.
Can I switch later?
Yes, but plan for data export and migration.
Sources and check dates
Feature and pricing details change often. Confirm current plans, add-ons and prescribing options on each vendor's site before you decide. Start with the SimplePractice pricing page and the TherapyNotes pricing page. The comparison table is a starting point for your own sandbox test, not a ranking.
Prices and add-ons checked on both pricing pages October 17, 2026. Other vendor positioning last checked October 11, 2026.
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