Ivy Pay: What You Need To Know (Complete Review)

When you run a private practice, getting paid shouldn’t be a headache—but choosing the right payment processor can be. With so many options like Stripe, PayPal, and ThriveCart, how do you know which one is truly built for therapists? If you’re looking for a platform that’s HIPAA-compliant and designed specifically for mental health professionals, Ivy Pay might be on your radar. But is it the best choice for your practice? In this review, I’ll share my honest experience with Ivy Pay—what works, what doesn’t, and whether it’s worth using in your business.

What is Ivy Pay?

Ivy Pay is a payment processing platform built specifically for therapists. Unlike general payment processors like PayPal or Square, Ivy Pay is designed to meet the needs of mental health professionals by ensuring HIPAA compliance and offering features that simplify billing and payments.

Is Ivy Pay Safe to Use?

Yes, Ivy Pay is safe to use. It is fully HIPAA-compliant, meaning it meets strict security and privacy regulations to protect client information. Payments are processed securely, ensuring confidentiality for both therapists and clients.

The Ivy Pay App At A Glance

Ivy Pay App Pros

✅ HIPAA-Compliant – Ensures client data security, meeting privacy regulations for mental health professionals. Related Post: What Is A BAA?
✅ Easy Setup – Quick onboarding process without unnecessary complications.
✅ User-Friendly for Clients – Clients can securely save their payment details for future sessions.
✅ Therapist-Specific Features – Designed for private practice, making billing more seamless.
✅ Transparent Fees – No hidden costs, with clear transaction pricing.
✅ Automatic Receipts – Sends receipts to clients after transactions.
✅ Reliable Deposits – Payments are deposited quickly, typically within 1-2 business days.

Ivy Pay App Cons

❌ Limited Payment Methods – Only accepts credit and debit cards, no ACH or bank transfers.
❌ No Custom Invoices – Lack of customization options for receipts and invoices.
❌ No Desktop Version – Entirely mobile-based, which may be inconvenient for some users.

Why should you listen to me?

I started using Ivy Pay after SimplePractice announced a price increase that made it impractical for my business. As I searched for alternatives, I kept hearing fantastic reviews about Ivy Pay, and one particular feature caught my attention—their offer of a $1,000 charge with zero processing fees for first-time users. That alone meant significant savings for my business, so I decided to give it a try.

Now, after two months of using Ivy Pay, I can confidently say that I’ve been enjoying the experience. Deposits are quick and seamless, landing in my bank account without any hassle. I also appreciate the added privacy—unlike payment processing within an EMR, Ivy Pay keeps financial transactions separate from clients’ medical records. This feels especially important when a third party, like a parent or family member, is covering the session cost.

I’ve been in the therapy business since 2020 and relied on SimplePractice for most of that time. Switching payment processors was a big decision, but so far, Ivy Pay has made the transition smooth and beneficial.

How Much Does Ivy Pay Take?

Ivy Pay charges a transaction fee, which is comparable to other payment processors. While specific rates may vary, there are no hidden fees, and pricing is transparent. at the time of writing this post (March 2025) my fee is 2.75% per charge in comparison to SimplePractice which is currently 3.15% = $0.30. Stripe at 2.7% + 5¢, and PayPal which varies from 2.29% + 0.09 USD all the way up to 4.99%+.

Can I Pass Credit Card Fees on to Clients?

Passing credit card fees to clients isn’t always straightforward. Some states have laws prohibiting it, while others require specific disclosures. Additionally, credit card processors may have their own rules about fee disclosures or require permission before you can pass the cost on. If you’re considering this option, check both state regulations and your credit card processor’s policies.

For insurance-based providers, it’s also important to review your insurance contracts, as many prohibit charging credit card fees on copays. Violating these terms could lead to compliance issues with your payer agreements.

An Alternative Approach

Here is what I do personally in my business…..Instead of passing the fee directly to clients, consider raising your session rate by $5 or $10. I find clients to be be more accepting of a slightly higher rate rather than seeing an itemized credit card fee. While this approach won’t work for insurance contracts, regularly requesting rate increases from insurers or leaving low-paying panels when possible can help balance your revenue. For more information on recording credit card fees and whether they are tax-deductible, check out this FB post: https://www.facebook.com/groups/simpleprofit/permalink/2996820143908592

Does Ivy Pay Send Receipts?

Yes, Ivy Pay provides receipts for transactions although on the clinician side it is more if a notification of payment vs a detailed invoice. I am notified via text as well as in the app the name of the client, reference number, date of transaction, and total payment processed. Per Ivy Pay Clients receive a confirmation when they make a payment, which helps maintain clear records. I have not seen the client side of the portal myself so I can not confirm or deny how this looks on their end.

What Are the Alternatives to Ivy Pay?

If Ivy Pay doesn’t meet your needs, there are several alternative payment processors to consider, including Stripe, Square, PayPal, and SimplePractice. Each platform offers different features, such as ACH transfers and customizable invoices. I previously used SimplePractice (which connects to Stripe) for its convenience and had a positive experience, but the credit card processing fees were significantly higher. For out-of-network providers, some therapists turn to Mentaya or Thrizer to help process out-of-network claims.

Should You Use an EHR-Integrated Payment Processor?

When selecting a credit card processor, you have the option to choose one that integrates with your Electronic Health Record (EHR) system or a standalone processor. Consider factors such as transaction fees, whether you or the client will be entering the payment information, and whether multiple cards can be stored on file. If you switch payment processors, be sure to update your payment policies accordingly. Additionally, if you handle credit card details manually—such as writing them down or storing them with client paperwork—have clear procedures in place to protect that information.

How Do I Contact Ivy Pay?

To contact Ivy Pay, you’ll need to fill out a form through their mobile app. The form guides you through a few questions, such as your identity and the nature of your inquiry. They also provide a Frequently Asked Questions section, which allows you to find answers instantly if your issue is common. In my experience, Ivy Pay’s support team typically responds within 24 to 48 hours, and they have always been helpful and courteous. You can also reach out to them on their website using the footer tab.

What Makes IvyPay HIPAA Compliant?

Ivy Pay ensures HIPAA compliance by providing a signed Business Associate Agreement (BAA), which guarantees that your clients’ payment information is handled securely. You can review a copy of their BAA here: Ivy Pay Business Associate Agreement. Once you connect to their direct deposit system, you’ll receive a signed copy for your records. I made sure to do this before seeing any clients, and I received my signed copy instantly.

Do Payments Need to Be HIPAA-Compliant?

While payments themselves are not required to be HIPAA-compliant, many credit card processors offer a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) to ensure additional protections for client Protected Health Information (PHI). As a provider, you’re still responsible for safeguarding PHI beyond the payment transaction itself.

For example, platforms like Zelle record client names in the transaction description, which then appear on your bank statements. This could become an issue if you apply for a loan or mortgage, as some lenders may require you to disclose your full client list if names cannot be removed or redacted from statements. Additionally, if you use accounting software, Zelle transactions will display client names in your records, and most accounting platforms are not designed to meet HIPAA compliance standards.

Use my referral code ALET627 and get $1,000 in free charges gifted to your account.

Is Ivy Pay Legit?

For the skeptics out there….Yes, Ivy Pay is a legitimate payment processor specifically designed for therapists. I have used it and have gotten paid from it. No scam, just results. Its big selling point is that it is HIPAA compliance making it a trusted choice in the industry.

How Do I Change My Credit Card on Ivy Pay?

Clients can update their payment information directly through the secure payment link sent by their therapist. If further assistance is needed, Ivy Pay’s support team can provide guidance.

What Does Ivy Pay Show Up as on a Bank Statement?

Per Ivy Pay transactions typically appear on bank statements under a name associated with the therapist’s practice, ensuring clarity for clients. I cannot confirm or deny this as I have not seen my clients bank statement.

Does Ivy Pay Send 1099s?

Per the IvyPay app there is a section where you can “retrieve IRS Form 1099-K” at this time I have not used this feature so will not be able to comment further. As always it is the responsibility of the therapist to track income and handle tax reporting accordingly.

Is Ivy Pay Free?

Ivy Pay is free to set up, but it charges transaction fees for each payment processed. If you are a new user, you can get credit card fees waived for your first $1,000 payments when you use a referral code. Feel free to take advantage of this deal using my referral code: ALET627.

How Long Does Ivy Pay Take to Deposit?

Deposits from Ivy Pay typically take 1-2 business days to process, depending on the bank’s processing time. When I did my first transaction it took roughly 48 hours.

Step-by-Step Breakdown: How Does the Ivy Pay App Work?

1. Sign Up & Set Up Your Account

• Download the Ivy Pay app (has both Android and Apple uses. I personally am and Android user).
• Complete the registration process by providing basic information about your practice.
• Link your bank account for direct deposit.
• Once set up, you’ll receive a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) to ensure HIPAA compliance.

2. Send a Payment Request

• Open the Ivy Pay app and select the option to send a payment request.
• Enter the client’s phone number (Ivy Pay sends a secure text message).
• Input the amount to be charged for the session.
• Send the request, and the client will receive a secure payment link.

3. Client Enters Payment Information

• The client clicks the link and enters their card details.
• They have the option to save their card for future payments, making subsequent transactions seamless.

4. Payment Processing & Deposit

• Once the client submits payment, funds are processed securely.
• Deposits are typically made within 1–2 business days.

5. Managing Transactions & Receipts

• You can view transaction history in the app.
• If needed, clients can receive receipts for their payments.
• Ivy Pay automatically stores card information for returning clients, reducing friction for future payments.

Ivy Pay provides an easy and private way to handle payments while keeping billing separate from your EMR, which adds an extra layer of client confidentiality. For resources on documentation help, be sure to check out my post: Expert Resources for Mastering Clinical Documentation Like a Pro

Who is Ivy Pay right for?

• Therapists & Counselors in mental health (i.e.. Phd, PsyD, LCSW, LPC, LMFT, LCADC)
• Psychologist, Psychiatrists and APN’s who conduct psychotherapy sessions
• Seasoned private practice owners
• Group practice owners
• Newly licensed clinicians who are thinking about the idea of private practice and want to “try it out” before investing in their business
• New private practice owners with no specific niche
• “Generalists” -therapist who consider themselves to be a Jack-of-All-Trades and enjoy working with a variety of individuals
• Trauma providers
• EMDR Providers
• Couples Counselors
• The full time parent with a license to practice mental health– Ivy Pay being a free resource allows you to make money even if you are only seeing 1-2 clients.

Ivy Pay is a great choice for therapists who want help with billing, but it’s only one part of running a successful practice. For those who want to attract high-quality clients and build a sustainable, thriving practice, investing in marketing coaching can make all the difference. Check out my coaching program tailored specifically for therapists here.

Who should avoid Ivy Pay?

One of the primary benefits of this app is the ease it is to use on your smart phone, if you are of a certain age (hi Mom and Dad) and/or HATE technology– specifically smart phones, this is not for you. I also imagine if you have a fully in person business that using your own bookkeeping for cash is always best to avoid the credit card fees, so if you are cash (literally) only and do not use credit card at all then there is no need for Ivy Pay.

Final Thoughts: Is Ivy Pay Worth It?

Overall, Ivy Pay is a fantastic option for therapists who want a secure, HIPAA-compliant, and hassle-free payment processor. While it has some limitations, its therapist-specific features make it stand out. If you’re looking for a simple way to manage payments in your private practice, Ivy Pay is definitely worth considering.