TherapyNotes and SimplePractice are the two most recommended practice management platforms for behavioral health. Both handle notes, scheduling, billing, and a client portal — but they make different trade-offs. This TherapyNotes vs SimplePractice comparison breaks down where each wins in 2026.
Quick Comparison
| TherapyNotes | SimplePractice | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $49/mo (solo) | $29/mo (Starter) |
| Realistic price (insurance billing) | $49/mo | $69/mo (Essential) |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Telehealth | Included | Plus plan ($99) |
| Clinical notes | Behavioral-health templates | Customizable templates |
| Group practice | Strong | Plus plan |
| Best for | Insurance-heavy therapy practices | Solo practitioners wanting polish |
Pricing
On paper, SimplePractice looks cheaper at $29/month — but that Starter tier lacks insurance billing and reminders. Once you move to the Essential plan ($69) most therapists actually need, TherapyNotes’ flat $49 solo plan undercuts it.
TherapyNotes also bundles telehealth at every tier, while SimplePractice gates video behind its Plus plan ($99). If you do virtual sessions, that gap matters.
Compare the tiers directly: TherapyNotes pricing vs SimplePractice pricing.
Clinical Documentation
This is TherapyNotes’ home turf. Its note templates are built around behavioral-health standards — intake assessments, psychotherapy progress notes, and treatment plans that map to insurance requirements. Many clinicians find the structured templates speed up documentation.
SimplePractice offers customizable note templates that are flexible across disciplines (therapy, nutrition, coaching). They’re cleaner-looking but less opinionated about clinical structure.
Winner: TherapyNotes for pure mental-health documentation.
Billing & Insurance
Both handle electronic claims and superbills. TherapyNotes has a reputation for reliable claim management and built-in clearinghouse workflows. SimplePractice’s billing is solid and arguably easier to learn for non-billers.
Winner: Tie — TherapyNotes for power, SimplePractice for simplicity.
Ease of Use & Client Experience
SimplePractice wins on polish. Its client portal, online booking, and mobile experience feel more modern, which matters when clients interact with it directly. TherapyNotes is functional and fast but looks more utilitarian.
Winner: SimplePractice.
Telehealth
TherapyNotes includes telehealth across plans. SimplePractice restricts it to Plus. If virtual sessions are core to your practice, TherapyNotes delivers it for less.
Winner: TherapyNotes.
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose TherapyNotes if: you’re a therapist or group practice that bills insurance, wants behavioral-health-specific notes, and needs telehealth without paying for the top tier.
- Choose SimplePractice if: you value a polished client experience, run a solo or multi-discipline wellness practice, and want the smoothest onboarding.
Still deciding? See the best TherapyNotes alternatives or our roundup of the best therapy practice management software.
Bottom Line
TherapyNotes is the better value for insurance-billing behavioral-health practices thanks to its $49 solo plan and bundled telehealth. SimplePractice wins on client-facing polish and flexibility across disciplines but gets pricier once you need insurance billing and video.
Compare both side by side → TherapyNotes vs SimplePractice.