Completely Independent EHR Resource
Is SimplePractice worth it in 2026?
Our honest verdict: It's the most polished EHR on the market, but the 2026 price hikes have therapists looking for alternatives. Get the full breakdown here.
Trending Independent Research
The Honest Colleague approach.
We are independent experts. We don't take commissions from SimplePractice. We've spent thousands of hours testing EHRs so you don't have to. Our goal is to help you save time and money while keeping your practice HIPAA compliant.
Actual SimplePractice capability analysis.
The Upside (Pros)
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Intuitive Client Portal
Arguably the best in the industry. High conversion rates for new intake paperwork.
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Robust Mobile App
Actually functional. Allows you to write notes and check billing on the go safely.
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Auto-Pay Features
Streamlines the most painful part of practice management—getting paid on time.
The Downside (Cons)
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2026 Pricing Structure
Base plans have increased by 25% since 2024. Most useful features are now add-ons.
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Customer Support Lag
Transitioned heavily to chat-bots and delayed email responses for non-enterprise tiers.
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Limited Insurance Reporting
Standard reports lack the granularity required for complex multi-provider practices.
SimplePractice vs The Field.
| Feature | SimplePractice | TherapyNotes | Jane App |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price (2026) | $39 / mo* | $49 / mo | $79 / mo |
| Interface Usability | Excellent (A+) | Good (B) | Excellent (A) |
| Telehealth Integration | Paid Add-on | Included | Included |
| Insurance Billing | Best-in-class | Very Robust | Solid |
*Starting price often doubles once essential features like Telehealth and Scheduling are added.
Mastering your workflow.
Our step-by-step documentation for therapists navigating the SimplePractice ecosystem.
Billing Setup
A complete walkthrough on setting up Stripe, processing credit cards, and avoiding common errors.
Insurance Claims
How to manage ERA/EOB files and troubleshoot rejected claims without hours on the phone.
Switching EHRs
Thinking of leaving? Our guide on exporting client data and transitioning your clinical records safely.
Experiences from real specialists.
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"I've been with SimplePractice for 5 years. The 2026 pricing almost pushed me out, but their client portal is still miles ahead of everyone else. I stay for the automation, but my profit margins are feeling the squeeze."
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"We switched to Jane App last month. SimplePractice was great for solo, but for a group of 10, the per-practitioner cost became unmanageable in 2026. The data export was easier than I expected though."
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"For someone who hates tech, SimplePractice is a lifesaver. Yes, it's expensive, but not having to worry about HIPAA security or portal setup is worth the $99/mo for me."
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"SimplePractice feels a bit overkill for a coach. I'm exploring Practice Better as an alternative. It has more of the community features I actually need without the EHR heavy-lifting."
Common SimplePractice Questions
No. SimplePractice offers a 30-day free trial, but no permanent free tier exists. Their lowest "Starter" tier is currently $39/mo, which is limited to 10 clients.
Yes, for the Starter and Essential tiers, HIPAA-compliant Telehealth is often an additional $15/mo add-on. It is included in the Plus tier ($99/mo).
SimplePractice allows for a "Bulk Export" of client data, but notes are exported as individual PDFs. Importing these into another EHR requires manual work or a paid migration service. It typically takes 2-4 weeks to fully transition a medium-sized practice.
SimplePractice powers the "Monarch" directory, but it does not have a direct two-way sync with Psychology Today's scheduling system beyond standard calendar links.
Is SimplePractice Right for You?
Based on our 2026 practice analysis:
Ideal For
Solo clinicians who want a "set it and forget it" workflow and have the budget.Avoid If
You have a large group practice or need complex reporting for multiple state insurance.Best Alternative
TherapyNotes for insurance-heavy practices; Jane App for multidisciplinary clinics.Independence Guarantee
Penwickerton does not accept payment for reviews. If we recommend a platform, it is because it passed our rigorous 50-point usability test.
Still undecided?
Download our 2026 EHR Comparison Spreadsheet for free. No email required—we just want to help.