Updated 30 March 2026
SimplePractice vs TherapyNotes
The two dominant practice management platforms for therapists. SimplePractice wins on design and client experience. TherapyNotes wins on price, clinical note depth, and simplicity. For most solo therapists, TherapyNotes at $49/month is the better value.
SimplePractice
$69
/month (Essential plan)
Modern UI, superior client portal, better mobile app
TherapyNotes
$49
/month (all features included)
$20/mo cheaper, better clinical notes, no tiers
Feature Comparison
| Feature | SimplePractice | TherapyNotes |
|---|---|---|
| Solo clinician price | $69/mo (Essential) | $49/mo |
| 5-clinician group price | $255/mo | $245/mo |
| 10-clinician group price | $450/mo | $490/mo |
| Pricing model | Tiered plans + per-clinician add-on | Flat $49/clinician, all features |
| Telehealth | Built-in (Essential+) | Built-in (all plans) |
| Client portal | Plus plan only ($99/mo) | Included on all plans |
| Clinical note templates | Good, customizable | Excellent, Wiley Treatment Planners |
| User interface | Modern, polished, intuitive | Functional, clinical-focused |
| Mobile app | Excellent, full-featured | Basic, limited functionality |
| Intake form customization | Highly customizable | Limited customization |
| Insurance billing | Essential+ plans ($0.25/claim) | All plans (included) |
| Payment processing | Stripe (2.95% + $0.30) | Integrated (2.95% + $0.30) |
| Calendar sync | Google, iCal | Google, Outlook, iCal |
| Directory listings | Psychology Today integration | Limited integrations |
| Document storage | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Secure messaging | Essential+ plans | All plans |
Clinical Notes: The Biggest Differentiator
TherapyNotes integrates Wiley Treatment Planners, the industry standard for treatment planning documentation. This gives therapists access to evidence-based treatment plan templates for virtually every diagnosis, with goals, objectives, and interventions pre-written and customizable.
SimplePractice Notes
- Customizable note templates (DAP, SOAP, free-form)
- Template library from the SimplePractice community
- Good for therapists who prefer a flexible documentation style
- Adequate for most private practice documentation needs
- Treatment plan templates available but less comprehensive
TherapyNotes Notes
- Wiley Treatment Planners integration (gold standard)
- Evidence-based templates for every DSM-5 diagnosis
- Pre-written goals, objectives, and interventions
- Superior for insurance documentation requirements
- Better for therapists who prioritize clinical documentation depth
If your insurance contracts require detailed treatment plans with specific measurable objectives, TherapyNotes is the stronger choice. If you prefer a more flexible, less structured approach to documentation, SimplePractice gives you more freedom.
The Pricing Philosophy Difference
SimplePractice: Tiered Model
Three tiers with features gated behind higher plans. Starter ($29) is severely limited. Essential ($69) is the realistic minimum. Plus ($99) unlocks the client portal and group practice support. This model maximizes average revenue per user but frustrates some therapists who feel nickel-and-dimed.
TherapyNotes: Flat Rate
One price, all features: $49 per clinician per month. No tiers, no feature gating, no surprises. Every clinician gets telehealth, insurance billing, client portal, secure messaging, and clinical notes. This simplicity builds trust with clinicians who dislike complex pricing structures.
The Verdict
Choose SimplePractice if:
You value a modern, polished user experience. You want the best client-facing portal and intake form customization. You rely heavily on your mobile phone for practice management. You list on Psychology Today and want directory integration. The $20/month premium is worth it for the UX improvement.
Choose TherapyNotes if:
You prioritize clinical documentation quality. You want the simplest, most transparent pricing. You accept insurance and need excellent claim management. You want all features included without tier confusion. You are cost-conscious and $20/month matters in your practice budget.