SimplePractice vs TherapyNotes: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between SimplePractice and TherapyNotes comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: SimplePractice wins this matchup. Carepatron is our overall EHR/EMR pick. Carepatron is our free EHR/EMR pick. Pick TherapyNotes if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
SimplePractice
EHR software to streamline practice management for health and wellness professionals.
Best for you if:
- • You want streamlines administrative tasks, freeing up time for client care
- • You want offers free credentialing support to help practitioners get paneled with payers
TherapyNotes
The leading EHR/EMR for behavioral health practices.
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
- • You want comprehensive suite of tools for behavioral health
- • You want streamlines administrative tasks
| At a Glance | SimplePractice | TherapyNotes |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $15/moStarter | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | EHR/EMR | EHR/EMR |
Rating | 4.1/5 | 4.6/5 |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose SimplePractice or TherapyNotes?
Choose SimplePractice if
EHR software to streamline practice management for health and wellness professionals.
- You want streamlines administrative tasks, freeing up time for client care
- You want offers free credentialing support to help practitioners get paneled with payers
Choose TherapyNotes if
The leading EHR/EMR for behavioral health practices.
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want comprehensive suite of tools for behavioral health
- You want streamlines administrative tasks
| Feature | SimplePractice | TherapyNotes |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.1/5 129 reviews | ★4.6/5 1,069 reviews |
| Categories | EHR/EMRPractice Management | EHR/EMRPractice Management |
In-Depth Analysis
SimplePractice
EHR software to streamline practice management for health and wellness professionals.
SimplePractice's pricing starts deceptively low with the Starter tier at $15/month for 12 months, but jumps to $49/month afterward, which is still reasonable for limited use.
Watch out
Starter tier price increases from $15 to $49 after 12 months.
Strengths
- +Streamlines administrative tasks, freeing up time for client care.
- +Offers free credentialing support to help practitioners get paneled with payers.
- +Provides integrated telehealth for flexible session delivery.
- +HIPAA-compliant to ensure patient data security.
- +Supports various health and wellness specialties with tailored features.
Weaknesses
- -The Starter plan has a limit of 5 appointments per month, which may be restrictive for growing practices.
- -Pricing for additional clinicians in the Plus plan is an extra cost per clinician.
Key features
TherapyNotes
The leading EHR/EMR for behavioral health practices.
Strengths
- +Comprehensive suite of tools for behavioral health
- +Streamlines administrative tasks
- +User-friendly interface
Weaknesses
- -The platform does not offer a free trial, requiring a subscription commitment to evaluate the full feature set.
- -The lowest-tier subscription plan is limited to a single user, which may not be cost-effective for small group practices.
- -While offering a client portal, the extent of customization options for branding or specific practice needs within the portal is not explicitly detailed, potentially limiting personalization.
Key features
Pricing: SimplePractice vs TherapyNotes
| Plan | SimplePractice | TherapyNotes |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $15/month for 12 months then $49/month Starter | N/A |
| Tier 2 | Starting at $69/month Essential | N/A |
| Tier 3 | Starting at $99/month Plus | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on SimplePractice pricing and TherapyNotes pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
TherapyNotes has a free tier. SimplePractice is paid only.
Go with: TherapyNotes
Want the highest-rated option?
SimplePractice: 4.1/5 (129 reviews). TherapyNotes: 4.6/5 (1,069 reviews).
Go with: TherapyNotes
Value user reviews?
SimplePractice: 129 reviews (4.1/5). TherapyNotes: 1,069 reviews (4.6/5).
Go with: TherapyNotes
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
SimplePractice is paid. TherapyNotes is freemium. TherapyNotes lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are ehr/emr tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
TherapyNotes is rated higher: 4.6/5 vs 4.1/5.
Key Takeaways
SimplePractice
- Our pick for this comparison
TherapyNotes
- Has a free tier
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 4.1/5
- Larger review base (1,069 reviews)
The Bottom Line
SimplePractice wins this matchup. Carepatron is our overall EHR/EMR pick. Carepatron is our free EHR/EMR pick. TherapyNotes has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SimplePractice or TherapyNotes better?
SimplePractice is rated in our evaluation. SimplePractice is paid and TherapyNotes is freemium.
What are SimplePractice and TherapyNotes used for?
SimplePractice: EHR software to streamline practice management for health and wellness professionals.. TherapyNotes: The leading EHR/EMR for behavioral health practices..
What does SimplePractice cost vs TherapyNotes?
SimplePractice is a paid tool. TherapyNotes is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.