SimplePractice EMR: What You Need To Know (Complete Review)

Starting a private practice can be intimidating as there are so many decisions to make.

I am here to hopefully give you some insight into at least one of those questions by giving you a deep dive into SimplePractice, the record system I have been using for years.

SimplePractice At A Glance

SimplePractice Pros

SimplePractice Cons

Why should you listen to me?

I have been using SimplePractice for almost three years now. When I first started, there was only one pricing plan at $69/month, which included telehealth, customized documentation forms and templates, and client appointment reminders. They have plenty of pre-written templates available, but I preferred to create my own and was able to do so with ease.

When I took maternity leave, I downgraded to the starter plan to save money. During my leave, I used SimplePractice as a cloud storage service for my medical records. When I returned to work, I decided to stay on the SimplePractice lower-tier basic plan as I was still able to benefit from the platform without the extra options.

Yay, saving money!!

I found I could create and use my own documentation templates and copy them into my notes, rather than relying on SimplePractice’s custom templates. Below is a list of the templates I have created and imported into SimplePractice. If you want to learn more about the templates I use, click here.

I didn’t need the telehealth option on the basic plan because I already have Alma, so I considered dropping SimplePractice altogether to use Alma. Unfortunately, at this time, Alma does not have the capabilities to upload documents, nor does it have an option to download documents should you leave the platform for any reason. For now, I am sticking with SimplePractice because it provides the features currently unavailable in Alma.

If you are interested in a comprehensive review of Alma, click here.

My original templates, forms, and notes are all still stored in SimplePractice if I choose to upgrade back to a higher-tier plan in the future. This has been incredibly helpful, as it allows me to access important information while keeping costs down.

Access Medical Record From Anywhere

I have found SimplePractice to be a great tool for both my own business and past 1099 work. One of the best features is its accessibility from anywhere; since it uses cloud storage, I can easily access my account from any desktop, phone, or tablet. This is incredibly convenient and has made managing my clients much easier and more efficient.

I am no longer locked in my office writing notes if the weather is bad or I need to go home early. If I answer a work call outside the office, I can quickly log it in the mobile app so documentation is completed in real time. The system also tracks when and where the account is accessed (and, if multiple users, by whom), a HIPAA requirement, especially when items are added to or changed in the medical record.

Ability to Upload and Download Documents with Ease

The primary reason I have kept SimplePractice rather than using the include EMR in Alma or Headway (affiliate link) (or even using G-Suite) is that I have unlimited access to uploads and downloads on the platform. To my knowledge, there is no size limit to the amount of information that can be stored in a file. There is also a section for me to store business documents, keeping all my business information in one secure place. For me, it brings great peace of mind knowing that all information is stored in a single, password-protected location.

This comes in exceptionally handy when I am logging client interaction outside of sessions (ie, texts, emails, phone calls) and homework assignments. If a client brings their previous medical records, I can easily upload them to the platform.

If a client is discharged, I can easily archive their record so it remains in the system without cluttering my workspace. If they return, I can un-archive them with a click of a button.

Additionally, if a client requests a copy of their medical record, I can easily retrieve the requested information (either the entire record or selected portions) and email it the same day. This ability to download medical records is exceptionally helpful for care coordination and for backing up records, as it is legally required to retain records for 7 years post-discharge.

Screening Tools Available

The SimplePractice Library has TONS of screening tools available for digital use, which I find tremendously helpful. Below are screenshots of some of the tools they offer.

SimplePractice Pricing

Note that if you are new to SimplePractice, they have a generous trial period (30 days) where you can test out the program for free. Cancel any time, or keep using it at the plan of your choice after your trial ends. SimplePractice offers three programs: Starter, Essential, and Plus.

*NOTE: SimplePractice, like any business, has the right to change its pricing and offers at will, so please be sure to look at the SimplePractice website for the most up-to-date information on pricing and plan offers.

Starter Plan

• Telehealth (unlimited sessions, waiting rooms, screen‑sharing, whiteboard)
• Online appointment requests
• Professional website & Monarch directory
• Intake form templates — basic (DAP, SOAP, Simple Progress Note/Treatment Plan)
• Insurance billing: create/download CMS‑1500 claim forms with $0.50/claim e‑filing
• Telehealth appointment reminders only (no in-person reminders)
  

Essential Plan

Includes all Starter features, plus:

• Secure Messaging (HIPAA‑compliant)
• Appointment reminders (text, email, voice) — full coverage
• Online appointment requests, Professional website & Monarch (shared with Starter)
• Calendar sync with Google/Outlook (basic)
• Advanced calendar filters & client waitlist
• Customizable note templates (progress, documents, treatment plans)
• Wiley Treatment Planners
• Logo on forms, administrative notes, other documents (e‑signatures)
• Analytics dashboard
• Insurance billing: 10 included e‑claims per month, then $0.35+/claim; manual status checks $0.15 each

Plus Plan

Includes all Essential features, plus:

• Unlimited Secure Messaging (internal & client/clinician)
• Client announcements (practice‑wide)
• Team member support: add unlimited non‑clinicians; clinicians/practice managers at extra rates
• Group appointments (up to 15 clients, in‑person & telehealth)
• Appointment request widget for external websites
• Advanced calendar sync, out‑of‑office scheduling, color coding
• Automatic insurance status checks & 35 included e‑claims; then $0.25+/claim
• Full documents/templates/tools, analytics access for team, client waitlist

SimplePractice Competitors

Who is SimplePractice right for?

• Private Practice Owners (group and individual)
• Clinical Supervisors to track supervisee sessions
• Health and Wellness Professionals who own their own business– SimplePractice is not exclusive to mental health and can be used by many different types of providers

Who should avoid SimplePractice?

• Small practice owners who are seeing 5 or fewer clients a month (at that small of a case load you are better off saving money by using Headway, Alma, or G-Suite)
• Those unsure how long they will continue to be in practice or plan on leaving the field in the next year (saving money by using Headway, Alma, or G-Suite)

Conclusion

Like any program, it has its pros and cons. In my opinion, SimplePractice is comprehensive, accessible, and well worth the price for the convenience it gives me in running my own business. My plan of choice is the starter plan, as I only need it for documentation and cloud storage.

Money-Saving Tip: Use the basic version of SimplePractice and customize it with your own templates from my downloadable Google Doc templates, created and used by an active therapist.

My website is hosted through LyricalHost and WordPress, so I do not need the website in the Essential or Plus plans. I manually use Google for appointment reminders, a telehealth platform (with Google Meet), and Psychology Today as my telehealth backup.

I also purchased the 2-3 physical Wiley treatment planners for my specific populations and saved money that way instead of upgrading to the plus plan (full list of Wiley treatment planners below for your reference)

• The Family Therapy Treatment Planner
• The Complete Adult Psychotherapy Treatment Planner
• The Adolescent Psychotherapy Treatment Planner
• The Addiction Treatment Planner
• The Child Psychotherapy Treatment Planner
• The Couples Psychotherapy Treatment Planner
• The Parenting Skills Treatment Planner
• The Severe and Persistent Mental Illness Treatment Planner
• The Crisis Counseling and Traumatic Events Treatment Planner
• The Co-Occurring Disorders Treatment Planner
• The Family Therapy Treatment Planner
• The Group Therapy Treatment Planner
• The Social Work and Human Services Treatment Planner
• The Suicide and Homicide Risk Assessment and Prevention Treatment Planner
• The Veterans and Active Duty Military Psychotherapy Treatment Planner
• The Juvenile Justice and Residential Care Treatment Planner

Looking to save money on Telehealth? Use Psychology Today Sessions, Google Meet (if purchased the G-Suite professional plan), or Alma’s included professional Zoom account.