When choose which billing and practice management software is right for your practice, you’ll likely come across two of the top-selling platforms on the market: SimplePractice and TherapyNotes.
Both have a ton of valuable features, but it really boils down to gauging fit for your professional needs. That’s why we put together this side-by-side comparison of SimplePractice and TherapyNotes – so you can assess which one is right for you!
SimplePractice vs. TherapyNotes: Features
At a glance, it may be helpful to note that SimplePractice has these key features, and TherapyNotes (at the time of writing) does not:
- Customizable intake forms
- Customizable note templates
- Video tele-health platform
- Secure messaging
- Mobile app (for both iOS and Android)
SimplePractice vs. TherapyNotes: Cost
Upon initial consideration, SimplePractice and TherapyNotes don't differ that much in pricing. The main difference lies in regards to credit card processing fees.
- If you have low credit card usage, SimplePractice will come out cheaper – because Therapy Notes has a flat monthly rate ($10/mo).
- At high credit card usage, Therapy Notes is cheaper, because SimplePractice has a higher per-transaction cost.
Let’s consider a few scenarios to see how that might play out.
In Scenario 1, you’re seeing 25 clients per week, all of whom pay through their insurance. Here’s what your true monthly cost would be for each platform.
In Scenario 2, you’re seeing 25 clients per week at a rate of $150 per session. Your clients are half insurance-based, and half private pay, but all are paying their fees with a credit card.
Here’s what your true monthly cost would be for each platform:
In Scenario 3, you’re seeing 25 clients per week, all of whom are private pay at a rate of $150 per session, and all use a credit card to pay their fee.
Here’s what your true monthly cost would be for each platform:
In Scenario 4, you’re seeing 25 clients per week, all of whom pay the $150 fee in cash.
Here’s what your true monthly cost would be for each platform:
Note: These scenarios are for solo private practice, and don’t factor in group practice rates.
SimplePractice vs. TherapyNotes: How to decide which one is right for you
Here’s how you can decide between the two platforms:
1. Do you want customizable intake forms and note templates?
If yes, choose SimplePractice. Therapy Notes does not offer customizable intake forms or note templates.
If no, move onto the next step.
2. Do you want tele-therapy and secure messaging?
If yes, choose SimplePractice. (At the time of writing, TherapyNotes doesn't provide either.)
If you don't care for these, or can supplement them with other tools, move on to the next step.
3. Do you care a lot about aesthetics?
If yes, choose SimplePractice. Users widely report that SimplePractice has a nice design and user interface.
If no, or if cost considerations might trump your love of aesthetics, move onto next step.
4. Do most of your clients pay by credit card?
If yes, choose TherapyNotes – they are cheaper for high credit card transaction volume and frequency.
If no, choose Simple Practice – they are cheaper for low credit card transaction volume and frequency.
Not entirely sure which billing and practice management platform you need? Check out the survey we conducted of 100 therapists in the Zencare community. We rounded up honest, firsthand insight on cost, ease of use, and overall experiences with different platforms!
And if you’re starting or looking to grow your private practice, and want to be part of a supportive community of vetted providers, join the Zencare therapist network.
You can ask questions via our active email listserv, build a professional online presence, and receive referrals for clients who are a great fit your practice! Schedule a free call with our Therapist Success Team today to learn more.
This is part of our series on the best billing and practice management software. For further reading, visit our reviews of TherapyNotes, TheraNest, Office Ally, and SimplePractice. We also have a guide to choosing the right therapy billing + practice management platform for you.