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 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 of $69/month and it included telehealth, customized documentation forms and templates, as well as client appointment reminders. They have plenty of pre written templates available, however I preferred to create my own and was able to do so with ease.

When I left for maternity leave, I downgraded to the basic plan in order to save money during my absence. 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 that I was able to create and utilize my own documentation templates and copy them into my notes instead of relying on the custom templates provided by SimplePractice. A list of the templates I have created and import into SimplePractice are listed below. 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 all together in order to just use Alma. Unfortunately at this time, Alma does not have the capabilities to upload documents nor do they have an option to download documents should you leave the platform for any reason. For now I am sticking with SimplePractice as it allows me access to necessary features that are currently unavailable on Alma.

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

My original created templets, 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 at the moment.

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. Of if I answer a work call outside of the office, I can quickly log it using the mobile app so that documentation is done in real time. The system also keeps track of when and where the account is accessed (and by who if multiple users) which is a HIPPA requirement, especially if things are added or changed in the medical record.

Ability to Upload and Download Documents with Ease

The primary reason I have kept SimplePractice vs using the include EMR in Alma or Headway (or even using G-Suite) is the fact that I have unlimited access to uploads and downloads from 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 so that all of my business information is in one secure place. For me, it brings great peace of mind knowing that all information is stored in one place that is password protected.

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

If a client is discharged I can easily archive their record so that it stays within the system but is not crowding my workspace. If they return, I can un-archive them with a click of a button.

Additionally, if a client request a copy of their own medical record, I am easily able to gather whatever information is requested (either the entire record or select portions) and email them same day. This ability to download medical records is exceptionally helpful for coordination of care as well as when I backup records as it is legally required to hold 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 just some of the tools they have available.

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 you choice after your trial ends. SimplePractice offers three programs, Basic, Essential and Plus.

Basic Plan is $29/month

• Unlimited clients
• Paperless intakes
• Client portal
• Progress notes
• Diagnosis and treatment plans
• Automated invoicing and billing
• Credit card processing (Stripe)
• Live customer support
• Mobile app
• Telehealth NOT INCLUDED–if you want telehealth included add $15/month

Essential Plan is $69/month

• Unlimited clients
• Telehealth included
• Paperless intakes
• Client portal
• Progress notes
• Diagnosis and treatment plans
• Automated invoicing and billing
• Credit card processing
• Live customer support
• Mobile app
• Customizable notes and assessments
• Appointment reminders
• Secure client messaging
• Monarch directory (their version of Psychology Today)
• Professional website (can be a savings if you don’t already have one)
• Analytics dashboard
• If billing insurance: Insurance claim filing (starting at $.25/claim). 10 claims are included/month with the plan
• Wiley Treatment Planner can be added for an additional $15/month

Plus Plan starts at $99/month

• Unlimited clients
• Telehealth included
• Paperless intakes
• Client portal
• Progress notes
• Diagnosis and treatment plans
• Automated invoicing and billing
• Credit card processing
• Live customer support
• Mobile app
• Customizable notes and assessments
• Appointment reminders
• Secure client messaging
• Monarch directory
• Professional website
• Analytics dashboard
• If billing insurance: Insurance claim filing (starting at $.25/claim). 35 claims are included/month with the plan
• Wiley Treatment Planner included
• Appointment request widget
• Advanced calendar filters
• Add team members
• Add practice managers ($39/mo per person)
• Add clinicians ($59/mo per person)

SimplePractice Competitors

Who is SimplePractice right for?

• Private Practice Owners (group and individual)
• Clinical Supervisors to track supervisee sessions
• Health and Wellness Professionals whom 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 less 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, however 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 basic plan as I only need it for documentation and cloud storage.

Money Saving Tip: Use the basic version of SimplePractice and customize with your own templates

My website is hosted though BlueHost and WordPress so I do not need the website in the Essential or Plus plans. I use Alma for appointment reminders and a telehealth platform (it has Zoom) and Psychology Today/Google Meet as my telehealth backup. I also purchased the 2-3 physical Wiley treatment planners to 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.