If you’re a therapist, dietitian, or health pro who’s been using SimplePractice, you probably know the drill: it’s a solid EHR that checks a lot of boxes—scheduling, billing, SOAP notes, telehealth, all in one place.
But at some point, “solid” starts to feel… limiting.
Maybe the price is creeping up. Maybe the interface feels clunky. Or maybe you’re just tired of staring at the same dashboard and thinking, “There’s gotta be something better.”
Good news: there is.
This post breaks down the top SimplePractice alternatives, what they’re good at, who they’re best for, and how to make the switch without a migraine.
What does SimplePractice actually offer?
SimplePractice has earned its popularity for a reason. It’s got:
✔️ HIPAA-compliant scheduling
✔️ Built-in telehealth
✔️ Charting and templates
✔️ Billing and insurance features
✔️ Secure client portal
It’s especially attractive to solo and small group practices because it’s an all-in-one. But the one-size-fits-all approach? Not always a perfect fit.
That’s why it’s important to reflect on what you actually need. Not what your colleague’s cousin swears by. Not what the loudest person in the Facebook group recommends. What fits your practice and workflow?
And no, not all EHRs are the same…
If you’ve ever said, “Aren’t they all basically the same?”—I get it. On the surface, many EHRs check similar boxes.
But, there’s a huge difference between:
✖️ A clunky, slow dashboard vs. a clean, intuitive interface
✖️ Waiting 3 days for tech support vs. getting help in minutes
✖️ Features that actually fit your specialty vs. bloated tools you never touch
Just like you wouldn’t recommend the same exact nutrition plan or workout to every client, you shouldn’t pick an EHR without thinking about your needs, preferences, and goals.
What to consider before switching EHRs
Before you rage-quit SimplePractice or any EHR, pause. Take a breath. Then ask yourself the right questions—because a shiny new platform won’t fix everything if it doesn’t fit your workflow or your future plans.
Here’s what to think through:
✔️ Is it HIPAA-compliant?
This should be non-negotiable. If you’re storing PHI (protected health information), you legally have to use a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform. Some newer or “coach-friendly” tools look sleek but skip the security. Don’t fall for it. Your clients’ privacy—and your license—depend on this.
✔️ Is the interface user-friendly for you and your clients?
Sure, you’ll be the one logging in the most. But if your clients are confused by the portal, that’s a problem. The goal is smooth, simple, and intuitive—no PhD in tech required. Test both the backend and client-facing sides before you commit.
✔️ Does it scale as you grow (solo to group)?
Right now you might be flying solo, but what if you add a co-coach, assistant, or grow into a group practice next year? Make sure your EHR can handle user permissions, scheduling across providers, and group billing—before you have to duct tape a solution together.
✔️ Can it integrate with your website, Zoom, Stripe, etc.?
If you need to Frankenstein together six platforms to make it all work, hard pass. Your EHR should play nicely with your existing tools—whether that’s online payments, virtual sessions, automated reminders, or your booking flow on your website. Bonus points if it embeds cleanly and doesn’t look like it time-traveled from 2010.
✔️ How responsive is customer support?
The platform could be perfect—until something breaks. And if you’re stuck waiting 48 hours for a reply to a critical billing error? Nightmare fuel. Look for platforms with live chat, fast ticket response times, and a robust help center. Ask around or read reviews—support can make or break your experience.
✔️ Are you locked into a contract?
Some platforms offer month-to-month flexibility, while others rope you into long-term contracts (sometimes with sketchy cancellation clauses). Know what you’re signing. If you’re testing the waters, avoid anything that smells like commitment before the first date.
🔥 Pro tip: Make a checklist. Like, a literal Google Doc or Notes app list. Don’t just vibe it. This is your business backend we’re talking about—get clear on what’s a deal-breaker, what’s nice-to-have, and what’s “meh.” Then test 2–3 platforms and see what feels right.
If you’re ditching SimplePractice, avoid these rookie mistakes…
If you’re breaking up with SimplePractice (or thinking about it), I’m cheering you on—but let’s not swap one headache for another. Switching EHRs is like changing your gym routine. You don’t want to injure yourself going too hard, too fast.
Here are the biggest mistakes to avoid:
❌ Forgetting to export all your data first
Seriously—don’t skip this. Before you even touch the new platform, make sure you’ve exported all the essentials: client records, treatment notes, billing history, intake forms, documents, everything. Some systems make it easy, others… not so much. You don’t want to realize mid-switch that your SOAP notes are now locked in a digital dungeon.
❌ Not confirming HIPAA compliance on your new platform
Don’t assume. Just because it looks polished or “therapist-friendly” doesn’t mean it meets HIPAA standards. Make sure they offer a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) and have proper encryption in place. If the platform can’t tell you exactly how they handle PHI, that’s a red flag the size of Texas.
❌ Failing to test what the client portal actually looks like
You know that moment when you visit a site and immediately think, “Nope, this is sketchy”? Your clients feel that too. Before committing, walk through the portal experience from a client’s POV. Can they book sessions easily? Fill out forms without getting lost? Access telehealth without five tech meltdowns? If not, keep looking.
❌ Not asking about onboarding, support, or training
Even the best tools can feel overwhelming at first. Does the new platform offer training? Live onboarding? A knowledge base that doesn’t look like it was written in 2002? Don’t wait until you’re knee-deep in support tickets—ask these questions before you migrate. Especially if you don’t have time to play tech detective while juggling client sessions.
👉 Bottom line?
You wouldn’t tell a client to change everything about their diet, exercise, and sleep habits overnight with zero plan or support. So don’t do that to yourself. Treat this transition like the strategic business move it is. Plan it. Test it. And make sure it’s setting you up for growth—not just another round of digital chaos.
The 7 Best Alternatives to SimplePractice
Here’s your cheat sheet. Some of these are affiliate links! Pick your vibe:
1. Ensora Health
Best for: Group practices on a budget
Pros: Affordable, good for multiple users, integrated billing
Cons: Interface isn’t as sleek
Price: Starts at $29/month
2. TherapyNotes
Best for: Detailed documentation lovers
Pros: Industry leader in note-taking and billing
Cons: Not the prettiest interface
Price: $59/month for solo
3. Jane App
Best for: Multidisciplinary practices (think PTs, RDs, and therapists)
Pros: Beautiful UI, strong booking and charting tools, handles multiple disciplines
Cons: Some U.S.-based insurance features are clunky
Price: $39/month for base plan
4. Sessions
Best for: Solo therapists who want simplicity
Pros: Clean, minimalist design; super easy for clients
Cons: Fewer bells and whistles
Price: $39/month
5. Tebra
Best for: Medical-model practices needing robust billing
Pros: Strong telehealth and e-prescribe features
Cons: Can feel overly “clinical” if you’re a coach or wellness provider
Price: Custom pricing (translation: not cheap $$$)
6. Healthie
Best for: Nutritionists, wellness pros, and integrative care
Pros: Built-in programs, food logging, supplement integration
Cons: Less ideal for traditional therapy practices
Price: Free for basic plan, paid plans from $45/month
7. Practice Better
Best for: Health coaches, dietitians, and functional medicine pros
Pros: Stellar client communication tools, program builder, mobile app, and integrations with Fullscript, Zoom, and your website
Cons: Pricing tiers can get confusing, and some advanced features are locked behind higher plans
Price: Free for solo with limited features; paid plans start at $25/month
Once you’ve made the switch to an EHR that actually fits your practice, things start to feel… lighter. You might notice smoother scheduling and billing workflows that don’t require three browser tabs and a prayer. Admin tasks suddenly take half the time (because toggling between six tools is no longer your part-time job). Clients start giving better feedback—not because you changed your entire process, but because everything’s easier to access, clearer, and more professional. And bonus? You’re no longer fighting with a clunky portal or apologizing for confusing tech.
Which brings me to an important (and often overlooked) piece of the puzzle: your website.
Your website + EHR = business bliss
Let’s not pretend your EHR is your whole online presence. It’s just one part of the system. Your website is what builds trust, gets you found online (hello, SEO!), and makes it easy for clients to book without sliding into your DMs at 10 p.m. So if you’re switching EHRs, it’s the perfect time to zoom out and ask: Is your EHR actually connected to your website in a strategic, streamlined way? Or is your “Book Now” button buried somewhere between three dropdown menus and a form that hasn’t worked since 2021?
Your site should clearly tell people what you do, who you help, and how to work with you—with zero friction. It should work with your EHR, not against it. Because the truth is, your EHR can’t do all the heavy lifting alone. And if your site is still just a placeholder or a glorified digital business card? It’s time for an upgrade. (Hint: I build websites that don’t just look good—they convert, connect to your tools, and actually grow your business.)
Your tools should support your workflow, not sabotage it. Let’s get everything working together so you can spend less time troubleshooting—and more time actually helping people.
Choose which EHR works for you
Your practice isn’t cookie-cutter. Your EHR shouldn’t be either.
Don’t settle for software that makes your day harder. Try a few free trials. Ask your peers. Make a checklist. And above all, choose what supports your workflow, your clients, and your sanity.
And hey—if your website is still stuck in 2018 and you’re trying to connect it to a brand new EHR? That’s a great sign it’s time for a refresh. I specialize in building health and wellness websites that connect seamlessly to your tools (yes, including your EHR) and convert visitors into actual paying clients.
Ready to let your website work as hard as you do? Let’s work together!
