SimplePractice for Solo Therapists:
Honest Cost Guide for 2026
You are paying $79/month (or reconsidering whether to). Here is an honest breakdown of whether SimplePractice is worth it for your solo practice, what plan you actually need, and what alternatives exist.
Your True Monthly Cost as a Solo Therapist
Insurance-billing therapist (Essential)
Annual: ~$1,236-1,356/yr
Cash-pay therapist (Essential)
Annual: ~$1,188-1,368/yr
When SimplePractice Is Worth It for Solo Therapists
- ✓ You value the client portal and intake form experience
- ✓ You want Psychology Today directory integration
- ✓ You see 15+ clients/week and the UX saves 30+ minutes/week
- ✓ Telehealth is your primary mode of service delivery
- ✓ Client impressions of your digital experience matter for referrals
- ✓ You are switching from a worse EHR and the UX improvement is meaningful
When SimplePractice Might Not Be Worth It
- ✓ You are cash-pay only with minimal admin needs (TherapyNotes at $49/mo saves $360/yr)
- ✓ You are just starting out and cannot yet justify the cost (use the 30-day trial first)
- ✓ You are primarily in-person and the digital client experience is low priority
- ✓ You need Wiley Treatment Planner (TherapyNotes integrates this natively)
Plan Recommendation by Solo Therapist Type
| Your situation | Recommended plan | Monthly cost |
|---|---|---|
| Cash-pay, in-person only | Starter $49 | $49/mo |
| Cash-pay, needs telehealth | Essential $79 | $79-100/mo |
| Insurance billing, telehealth | Essential $79 | $100-115/mo |
| Want client portal/website too | Plus $99 | $99-120/mo |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SimplePractice worth it for a solo therapist?
For most solo therapists who need telehealth and insurance billing, yes. At $100-120/month all-in on Essential, it provides a complete, polished EHR. If you are cash-pay only and cost is the primary driver, TherapyNotes at $49/mo is worth considering.
What plan do most solo therapists need?
Essential at $79/month covers the features nearly every licensed therapist in private practice needs: telehealth, insurance billing, secure messaging, and treatment plans. Starter lacks too much. Plus adds group features most solo therapists do not use.
How much does SimplePractice cost per year for a solo therapist?
On Essential with typical usage: $1,200-1,440/year all-in. Cash-pay therapists (no clearinghouse) pay closer to $1,200/year. Insurance-heavy therapists may pay $1,400+ depending on claim volume and card processing.