SimplePractice for Clinicians Reviews

by Sllrkrsl

This is the most inconsistent EMR/EHR I have ever used. Input data and required steps for processing insurance, billing, etc different for each case, each service and inexplicably each appointment. Default settings don’t apply and then do apply. Invoices automatically populate and then don’t. Invoices link to payments and then don’t. Payments received then show up as not having been charged. Patients show bank account records that payments have been deducted from their accounts while the system shows that they weren’t charged. Not only confusing for all parties but jeopardizes business because patients
don’t understand what is happening. I have two owners/directors who consistently disagree about what is causing the problem and consistently provide contradictory guidance about what to do.

by Mocwc

The reason that I put one star is because the system is not at all supportive of a therapy practice that has multiple clinicians. In my practice we cross refer and share clients that have different specialties. Trying to address this in SP is so disappointing and frustrating for the client. A client can only access one clinician’s schedule and secure message. The only solution is to make a client have a new profile for every clinician in my practice? That’s a completely impractical and nonsensical thing to ask a client to maintain 2 or 3 logins and passwords because they see more than one clinician at my office.

Also, having parents and children being seen at my office is also a system nightmare, having to assign an email to a 5 year old child?

There has to be improvements made to your system for group practice and dealing with client profiles that are minors. I hope you are working on these fixes, otherwise we will have to find a more comprehensive system. So disappointed.

by Tenmoku13

SimplePractice is ok, you can do Telehealth via it and check your calendar. Nothing too special.

The company is under new ownership seems more focused on earning money than their customers’ experience using the product. They introduced a new pricing structure that manipulates users into having to pay a lot more to maintain the same features they are used to paying. As a solo practitioner I would have to pay $99 a month (a 40% increase) to maintain what I had prior. The price increase would add nothing I would want or use. Customers bought this issue up when they introduced the new plans and this app made it clear they were not listening to our concerns, told us it was better for our “journey,” and then censored voices that were not complimentary to them. They have since been focusing on a lot of bells and whistles (website, directory, etc) and not focusing on what they were known for- a solid EHR. There have been a lot of bugs lately which they are also glossing over. Choose a different EHR, one that respects their customers.

by Brychri

SimplePractice overall is great in concept. Unfortunately the video is not on par with zoom. I use an iPad Pro with keyboard to work. Sp supports landscape if you use a pc, and ironically used to support it on my iPhones and iPad, however a while back they ditched that and now only support portrait on iOS devices causing a significant loss of useable screen space. I don't like to squint. Also, as SimplePractice only truly supports iPhone, the other features, such as schedule present as iPhone screen and I have to either read side ways or turn my iPad to read...loosing my $300 Apple keyboard. I continue to use SP, because it is great at scheduling, notes, plans, and especially billing. However, I end up using Zoom as a second app just for the videos in landscape view. Sp could be the best app for my practice if they would just realize that most professionals are not conducting business from their phone, and that many professionals have traded in their full blown heavy laptops for iPad Pros. Such simple requests that they do not seem to catch onto.

by Somaticpsyche16

Agree with reviews that are less than stellar. Can’t change an invoice. So my records from Simply Practice can’t be sent to my CPA. Coaching doesn’t need the same insurance billing style and limited add ons. During a session client can choose 30 more minutes but SimplePractice has no “SIMPLE” process for changing the session invoice. It only offers “EDIT” client information. Any complaints get lengthy emails with more long winded videos to watch. Who has time for that?! Needs obvious and quick resolve on same page. Not user friendly. Apparently, product launched and the designers failed to pull potential non-IT trained clients in to observe if user friendly.

Contacted Stripe for these issues and was told I need to be a programmer to make it work the way I need it—programmer? Really? I’ve never needed to be a programmer with PayPal. Unreal.

Now to add—don’t depend on the little weather forecast. Today is a high of 23. The reminder says 66. Like so much of this program. It’s very unreliable. Now I have to download all of my input and reload into another company. Do your research.

by Oregon2424

If you are a member and refer a colleague to Simple Practice, both you and the colleague are suppose get a $50 credit if the colleague subscribes to SP. I was the colleague and subscribed and did not get the $50 credit. I contacted SP and they sent me a link to an information page (get use to this, there is no live customer support provided, you cannot call them for customer support, only email, and almost all responses are a link to a generic pre-written article you already had access to on the website). The article they sent me about the offer said that the credit would be given once I RENEW the subscription. I pointed out the discrepancy in wording and they simply disagreed. I was really surprised by their response. It seems like a good product so far so I thought they would at least say we will take a look at this potential issue. Instead, they denied there was a discrepancy in the wording. I opened SimplePractice today and the wording for the offer is still the same.
It’s too bad. Pretty good software but misleading advertising and unwilling to take customer concerns seriously. Also, consider the email only customer support in your decision.

by E Man 490

This EHR is very frustrating, because problems are addressed by email only. Trying to schedule with a live person is a process. When you have a question, you’re forced to submit a help ticket or email to schedule a call. I’ve scheduled calls and had the SP staff forget to call.
I’ve had the same 2 significant issues for over a year with no resolution. The SP staff sends pictures of what to do or a video link. If I had 30-60 minutes for every issue, that would work. I’m busy and don’t have that kind of time to invest in something that could be answered on a 5-10 minute call.
When I attempted to change EHRs, the new company couldn’t download my SP files, due to SP having such a difficult program. I was left with starting over and scanning hundreds of documents into a new EHR or staying with SP. Again, time is an issue.
I have more client issues with the portal and billing email process than any other problem related to my office. There’s been nothing “simple” for me about this EHR. I feel like I work for their company, when it should be the other way around. Needless to say, I’m very frustrated!!!

by 1aware1

I love having the option of taking notes directly into the note while I am in session! I got a new iPad and magic keyboard to do just that. However, when I installed the mobile version of Simple Practice, I could not find the progress note. I was very disappointed, but found my own work around. Purely by accident, I did Coe across how to do the progress note - yay! However, it is not as user friendly as the desktop version - or, perhaps I have just not yet discovered how to do this correctly, or with more options. This is not very intuitive. I also do not see a way to cancel appointments from the mobile app. This could all be my ignorance, but I’m generally able to figure out most software without issue. I do appreciate that I can use something on my hand held devices and can respond to client’s requests in a much more timely manner.

by Ming21

Overall SimplePractice has had steady improvement and had useful features often on par with the desktop version. However there were several issues which prevent me from eating g it higher.

My biggest issue is that each day I must set up SimplePractice security again. I have to log in, select Touch ID, set up a pin and then I can use Touch ID to log in - until the next day when I am forced to do it again. It is as if all my settings are erased each night. I use Touch ID with many apps from many different developers and this is the only app that behaves this way. I have commented on this before, but the response I received from simple practice was that this is a security feature. Their response made no sense and this has been an issue for about a year so perhaps my iPhone is special.

A second issue that occurs is that at times message are perpetually “syncing.” I have to log out and back in for them to stop syncing or sync correctly, however you want to look at it.

Finally, they tend to use some non-apple interface standards that can be a bit confusing at times. For example the calendar would be much better if it worked more like iCal.

Overall SimplePractice provides significant functionality, more than expected, and is a useful tool. I wish it was a bit less frustrating at times.

by SHC-TRG

I have had this EMR with this app for three years now. I learn more and more about the features that it has which helps me streamline and simplify my business So I can concentrate on my clients. I appreciate that Simple practice has continually made features of managing clients records easier and more simple. I am now using this program for telehealth counseling and I believe the cost is worth it for an extra $10 a month. The only complaint I have is that some of the auto reminder featuresCan be annoying and difficult to find in order to shut off even after clients stop working with me.

by Ylime65

I use SP to manage my practice and I find it to be very usable, although the layouts took me some getting used to. Now it works like a charm for me in doing paperless intakes, billing and scheduling. My main complaint is about the mobile app. The calendar function on the phone is not nearly as good as the desktop one. Since SP is eliminating the calendar sync from the first two pricing tiers, I was hoping I could just use their calendar function in lieu of my google calendar but that won’t be possible on SimplePractice because it doesn’t give a weekly view. Hoping they will change this functionality soon.

by Fletchap

Since using Simple Practice, my earnings have gone from minimal to substantial. In the past, I used a billing service that charged me 10% of all billed services, whether collected or not.
I am terrible at tracking authorizations and documentation. Simple practice has been a game changer in all of these areas. I am pleasantly stunned to find that I actually can earn some income from my work. I am also pleased that I know what documentation has been completed, and what has not and can customize how I document based on the requirements of the pay sources (SOAP, DAP, etc.). The drop down menu for mental status exams and pre populated CMS forms are incredibly convenient. I have added the APA cross cutting symptom measure as part of the intake packet that I send electronically to new clients.
Taken together, my practice is so much more organized and streamlined. The only drawback is the clunkiness of moving between menus and screens. I’m still not entirely clear about how to access some features. However, the help option nearly always provides the answer I need.
If you are not the most organized person in the world, and do not love filling out those insurance forms, this could be the solution for you.

by Thealoo3

SimplePractice is very convenient snd allows me to easily take pictures of documents and client artwork and add it to notes. Overall I love this program. However, my issue over the last year+ has been that the mobile app will show that I have notifications (it shows a number on the corner of SimplePractice icon) and when I go to check in the “reminders” tab, it either never shows me reminders or it shows old reminders that do not match the number of notifications and are NOT up to date (they’ll be weeks or months old).

How do I resolve this? My concern is that I am missing out on getting important up to date reminders from/for clients.

I do not want to have to use the desktop version every time- it defeats the purpose of having the mobile app!

by SunWaker

SimplePractice makes it so much easier to run my practice and stay on top of things with minimal hassle. Since I don’t have a lot of storage room in my office for files, it saves a lot of space by keeping records electronically. It also helps me to communicate securely with clients, and automates reminding them of appointments, some billing, etc. I wish it had a few more features (e.g., allowing separate numeric and verbal descriptor fields for electronic form/questionnaire answers so SimplePractice could score measures on its own), and I wish I could send weekly copies of a single measure to clients and also customize the look of my client portal more (add my logo, rearrange visual location of things) but overall it’s great.

by Eve@CC

My review is for the desktop option as I don’t use SimplePractice . I started with the desktop version a year ago. Have been pleased with the program offerings and customer service. Only recently have I had the equipment to use an app. Due to familiarity of the desktop view and SimplePractice not being as robust as the desktop version, I continue to sign into my this app account. Customer service is responsive and follows up to see if you are satisfied. Lots of options to learn program features, such as blogs, customer user posts, videos, or weekly webinar events. Simple Practice is part of my team, not just my electronic health records program.

by Ikemikez

I just started a new psychology practice. This is a very nerve-racking venture, however, this app has made it about as easy as it can get.

This was recommended to me by a colleague. When I first signed up, it looked somewhat daunting. As I started entering in my information, it became easier and easier. I have been using it actively for two days, therefore, I have not received any payments yet. If I actually receive a check from insurance, I’ll be floored because this app seems to take care of all interaction with insurance companies. I highly recommend using this as my clients have been really impressed with it as well.

by SeniorTraveler

I love the new dynamic type feature. Sometimes I do find myself writing my notes from within SimplePractice . It's much easier to do now that I can set the type size. Thank you, this app, for your continual improvements to the program and to SimplePractice. I use SimplePractice all the time when I'm away from my computer. I can see my schedule, enter client payments and write my notes. I value the additional password protection feature. I can set my client appointments to show in iCal with only initials. The support from the developers is incredible and they are constantly updating features. I highly recommend SimplePractice if you use this app as your practice management software.

by Bells Of Boo

In my opinion, Simple Practice is a fantastic practice management system. SimplePractice is an added benefit, and wouldn’t be the only way to work with this highly capable system.

I recently shifted from keeping all of my files, records, schedules, etc. on paper. It took a couple weekends to get fully up to speed. But wow!! It’s completely worth the investment of time. Because the program can do so much, it’s important to view all the tutorials to get fully acquainted.

The system is set up with several checks and reminders regarding billing claims, notes, etc. In just a few weeks of using it, I’ve found a few claims I would’ve missed in my previous way of record keeping. So already it’s saving me money.

In under two minutes following a session, I can dictate a note, bill and log a copay, and file a claim. Incredibly simple.

I’m really having fun with this program. I feel as if I hired an entire administrative staff! Also, the design is aesthetically pleasing, elegant, and beautiful.

My clients love the reminders, the ease of scheduling, and the access to invoices through the portal. Several people have complimented the ease of the portal experience. And I love that we no longer play phone tag; It saves time and creates a more fluid scheduling experience.

I can’t say enough. I really love Simple Practice. Thank you!

by Kirkland Counselor

I like Simple Practice’s layout. I also like the calendar feature & case notes; as well as the ability to audio dictate. I don’t like that I can’t call in and talk to a representative for support. I am an audio learner & really need the ability to speak to a live person. I also feel more supported having live support. I also don’t like that you have to scroll through the times on the scheduling system. It would be great to punch in the time. If these two features were available, I think it would be pretty close to perfect.

by CarolineV LMSW

I have been using Simple Practice for over a year without any significant issues. Since the most recent update, SimplePractice has been freezing. After SimplePractice freezes, it will not open. If I turn my phone off and then back on, SimplePractice still will not open. The only way to get SimplePractice to open again is to uninstall/reinstall SimplePractice which is incredibly frustrating and impractical to have to do while I am face to face with a client. I am having to uninstall/reinstall SimplePractice every other time I use it which is unacceptable. This issue started happening this week after installing the most recent update. If this issue continues, I will consider switching to a new EHR.
Update:
Since updating SimplePractice , it is working well. I also appreciate the increased functionality of SimplePractice such as the ability to approve appointments.

by Goarock

They will bombard you with several emails a day to get you to pay for a subscription. I guess their product can’t speak for itself and they need to employ hard sell tactics. There’s no unsubscribing to the countless emails and they asked me to provide government ID! I had to contact iTunes and anti-spam government officials to try to have them stop harassing me. Hoping they stop. Worst company on APP store ever!!!

Recently got a reply to this review saying you can unsubscribe with the unsubscribe option at the footer. If only!!!! That’s my issue there’s no unsubscribe button anywhere. And... I have to give government ID to unsubscribe to a trial date product I didn’t yet sign up for. They David I need to show IS due to banking info. I never added my banking info... scary!!!! I can not unsubscribe. I’m SIMPLY stuck with them for lifetime of emails.