what sets Simple Practice apart as the Best EHR for Small Practices

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by SimplePractice. All opinions expressed are my own.

If you've been going through an EHR research rabbit hole, trying to decide which platform you should settle on for your practice, this article is for you.

Here, I’ll walk you through the reasons of why SimplePractice is often considered the best EHR for small practices, and how it can help you work more efficiently, serve clients better, and simply reclaim your non-billable time.

I've done the research on this platform so you don't have to. Let's break it down.

Understanding the Need

For starters, whether you're a solo or a small group practice owner, you're probably wearing many other hats besides being a therapist. You're the administrator, the marketer, the biller, and sometimes even your own tech support. And that’s a lot to handle.

Switching between different systems to perform all these tasks is a not only inefficient, it can cost you in wasted time, and potential burnout and errors. That's why managing your practice within one system is crucial for keeping you organized.

Once you determine the ideal workflow for you practice – from booking to billing – you can examine which EHR platform fits your needs best.

What Does “Best EHR for Small Practices” Really Mean?

After reading dozens of therapists' comments online about their experience with EHR platforms, here's what "best" boils down to:

• Simplicity of navigation

• Practicality of tools (scheduling, billing, etc)

• Confidentiality

• Value (not just affordability but the best features for their buck)

SimplePractice has become a go-to for therapists because it understands the needs of small practices. It’s not a one-size-fits-all system; it’s designed with all the above criteria in mind. Moreover, the recent redesign of the platform, and the added AI features, make it a no-brainer as the best choice.

What Makes SimplePractice Convenient?

One of the first things you’ll notice with SimplePractice is how much of your workflow becomes automated. Client forms are paperless. Reminders go out on their own. Scheduling takes just a few clicks.

Here are just a few features that stand out:

• Digital intake and consent forms that allow you to keep client information safe and in one place.

• Automated appointment reminders that help you reduce no-shows.

• Integrated scheduling and calendar

• Secure client messaging

• All-in-one dashboard for notes, billing, and more

• A recently upgraded mobile app that helps you manage your practice from anywhere

This is just a short list of must-have features but it doesn't end here. You can explore additional features that support your day-to-day without adding more work.

How It Improves Your Clinical Documentation

Let’s talk about notes. As a Marketing Coach myself, I hate post-session note taking. And I'll bet that you feel the same way. It can be a time sink, especially if you're still writing them manually or trying to adapt to generic templates.

With Simple Practice AI Note Taker, you can save multiple hours per week of this tedious task. The Note Taker listens, transcribes, and drafts HIPAA-compliant therapy notes, saving you time (and a lot of headache). As always, you must review for accuracy before signing off.

What About Scheduling? It’s Seamless.

How many times did you have to deal with no-shows in your schedule? That in itself is a revenue drain on your practice. And if you're still going back-and-forth with clients about scheduling and reminders, you're racking up those non-billable hours.

With SimplePractice, clients can book directly into your calendar based on real-time availability. And because it’s all connected to your notes and billing, you don’t have to touch the data twice.

Key scheduling features include:

• Online booking for clients

• Color-coded calendars for easy navigation

• Automatic syncing with documentation and billing

• Shared calendars for teams

“I always tell people that before SimplePractice, my practice was held together with band-aids and dental floss.”

Billing Shouldn’t Be So Hard

Billing is often the most dreaded part of running a private practice. For lack of better options, many therapists are using instant payment apps that are not HIPAA-compliant thus putting themselves in danger of being fined.

But SimplePractice streamlines the entire process and makes sure that your billing remains accurate and compliant.

Here’s what you can do without leaving your dashboard:

• Set up automated payments

• Generate and send superbills

• Submit and track insurance claims

• Accept online payments securely

And most of all, it makes it easy on your clients to pay on time.

Offering Telehealth? You’re Covered

Clients expect virtual care now, and SimplePractice’s built-in telehealth solution simplifies that too. No extra apps, no confusing links. Just a secure, click-to-join video session.

You can launch your sessions directly from the calendar and even offer group therapy with up to 15 clients participating in one session.

Yes, It’s HIPAA-Compliant and Secure

Privacy isn’t optional. SimplePractice is built with compliance in mind. From secure messaging and encrypted video calls to two-factor authentication and automatic audit logs, you can rest easy knowing that your data (and your clients’ data) is protected.

Here’s how they handle compliance:

• End-to-end encryption

• Two-step login protection

• Secure payment processing

• Controlled access for your team

Planning to Grow? It Scales With You

Whether you're bringing on a co-therapist or building out a small team, SimplePractice grows with you so there's no need to switch software.

You can assign roles, manage permissions, share calendars, and even support multiple office locations, all without switching platforms.

See how group practices use it to stay organized and collaborative.

Now, Let’s talk about website building

Most solo therapists I work with overlook their most powerful asset — website. More specifically, how that website connects to their practice operations. SimplePractice includes a professional website builder that’s not just easy but also functional.

If you don't have the time or the budget to hire a fancy website designer, Simple Practice allows you to build a website quickly, using their pre-designed templates. The templates are built for quick access to relevant information about your practice, optimized for fast scheduling, and practice management.

No more waiting on a designer. No more clunky third-party tools. Just a streamlined, modern site that actually helps you get booked.

Is It Worth the Cost?

SimplePractice isn’t free. But when it comes to the value it provides with its multiple features, it's well worth the cost. With the money you save on additional subscriptions for teletherapy, HIPAA-compliant client communication, and website building, the value is self evident.

In essence, you’re not paying for software. You’re investing in:

• Time saved

• Income earned

• Admin stress avoided

• And if you’re scaling up, it’s a no-brainer.

And if you're still not sure about it, you can start with a FREE trial here.

OK, BUT What About Setup?

Transitioning to a new system can feel like a headache. But SimplePractice does a good job making it manageable. You’ll get guided setup, tutorials, and real human support if you need it.

Here’s how to ease the transition:

• Start with a demo or trial account

• Import client data in batches

• Customize one template at a time

• Ask support for help when stuck

What Other Therapists Are Saying

Therapists across the country share real stories about their experience using Simple Practice.

Dr. Lisa Harderbeck said, “I’ve been so impressed with the updates SimplePractice has rolled out. They actually listen to their customers, and implement features that are useful to us as clinicians.”

And Adrien Paczosa shared, “I always tell people that before SimplePractice, my practice was held together with band-aids and dental floss.”

But What Should You Watch Out For?

Even great systems have their quirks. Some users mention:

• Occasional glitches with video sessions

• Initial complexity in billing setup

• Automation that needs double-checking

Thankfully, SimplePractice offers responsive customer support, a rich knowledge base, and guided onboarding to help you navigate these issues. No matter what plan you're on, their team is accessible and ready to walk you through solutions and troubleshoot.

Can an EHR Work Like a CRM?

The answer is, it depends on what you need. EHRs like SimplePractice include some light CRM-style features:

• You can manage client contact info and session history

• Set reminders and track attendance

• Send secure messages and intake forms

But unlike traditional CRMs, they’re built for privacy and compliance, not marketing. However, with Simple Practice you can even do some marketing tasks like:

• Build your website

• List your practice on Therapy Finder clinician directory

• Send and receive referrals within the EHR's database

  
  

That's a great place to start, even without hiring a marketing team

Conclusion: A Better Way to Run Your Practice

If you've read this far, you're probably agreeing about why I chose Simple Practice as the best EHR option. Besides streamlining the management of your practice, it can help you reclaim your time, streamline your work, and even grow your practice with confidence.

Ready to simplify your practice? Start your FREE trial of SimplePractice today.

FAQ: Choosing the Best EHR for Small Practices

What makes SimplePractice better than other EHRs for small practices?

SimplePractice is designed specifically for mental health professionals in solo and small group practices. It stands out for its intuitive interface, HIPAA-compliant features, integrated telehealth, and automation tools that save you time on admin work.

Is SimplePractice HIPAA-compliant?

Yes. SimplePractice meets all HIPAA requirements, including encrypted communication, secure data storage, two-factor authentication, and audit logs.

How much does SimplePractice cost?

Pricing depends on your plan and number of users. While not the cheapest option, it replaces multiple tools: billing software, telehealth platforms, scheduling tools, and even a website builder, making it a strong value.

Can I use SimplePractice to manage a small group practice?

Absolutely. You can assign roles, manage permissions, and track productivity across team members. It’s built to scale with your practice.

Can I build a website with SimplePractice?

Yes. The website builder includes professional templates, scheduling integration, and mobile responsiveness, no coding or designer needed.

Does SimplePractice offer customer support?

Yes. You’ll have access to live chat, email support, help articles, and onboarding tools. Many users praise their responsiveness and helpfulness.

What happens if I want to switch from another EHR?

SimplePractice offers onboarding support, data import options, and setup tools to make your transition smooth. You can even start with a free trial before committing.

Can SimplePractice help me market my practice?

While it’s not a full CRM, SimplePractice offers features like website creation, Therapy Finder directory listings, and internal referral tools that support basic marketing and visibility.