SimplePractice vs TheraNest

Overview

SimplePractice and TheraNest represent two different philosophies in mental health practice management software. While both aim to be all-in-one solutions, their pricing models and feature priorities set them apart in meaningful ways.

SimplePractice, based in Santa Monica, California, has become known for its polished, consumer-grade interface and comprehensive feature set. It uses traditional per-provider pricing and includes telehealth in all plans.

TheraNest (now part of Ensora Health, formerly Therapy Brands) takes a unique approach with its client-based pricing model. Founded in 2013 in Birmingham, Alabama, it charges based on active clients rather than the number of providers, making it particularly attractive for larger group practices.

Pricing Comparison

The pricing structures couldn’t be more different, making cost comparisons highly dependent on your practice configuration.

SimplePractice Pricing (2025)

• Starter: $49/month – Basic features
• Essential: $79/month – Growing practices
• Plus: $99/month – Full features, group practices
• Additional Clinician: $59/month
• Practice Manager: $39/month

TheraNest Pricing (Client-Based Model)

• Up to 30 clients: $41-42/month
• 30-39 clients: ~$50/month
• 40-49 clients: ~$60/month
• 50-79 clients: ~$75/month
• 80+ clients: $98+/month
• Telehealth: $12-25/month per therapist (add-on)
• 15% discount for annual billing

Critical Difference: TheraNest does NOT charge per provider. A 20-clinician practice on SimplePractice Plus would pay approximately $1,400/month, while TheraNest charges based only on active clients. For larger group practices with stable caseloads, this can mean thousands in annual savings.

Key Feature Differences

Where SimplePractice Excels

• Built-in Telehealth: Included in all plans (TheraNest charges extra)
• Modern Interface: Polished, intuitive design with minimal learning curve
• Mobile Apps: Full-featured dedicated apps for iOS and Android
• Template Library: Extensive preloaded SOAP, DAP, and other templates
• Marketing Tools: Website builder and therapist directory
• Insurance Claims: 10-35 free claims/month depending on plan

Where TheraNest Excels

• Dynamic Form Builder: Create unlimited custom note templates and workflows
• Client-Based Pricing: No per-provider fees, unlimited clinicians
• Managed Billing Services: Option to outsource your entire billing process
• Wiley Practice Planners: Integration for faster documentation ($25/month)
• Flexibility: More customization options for specialized workflows
• Client Portal: Robust self-service for scheduling and billing

User Sentiment

SimplePractice users praise the intuitive interface and all-in-one convenience, but recent price increases (69% on the basic plan) and customer service concerns have affected satisfaction. The 2025 pricing changes have driven some long-time users to explore alternatives.

TheraNest receives positive feedback for its flexibility and customization options, with an 87% user satisfaction rate. However, users note a steeper learning curve and some have reported quality issues following the Therapy Brands acquisition and rebranding to Ensora Mental Health. The mobile app is also less capable than the desktop version.

Who Should Choose Which

Choose SimplePractice If You:

• Want a polished, ready-to-use system with minimal setup
• Value built-in telehealth without add-on costs
• Are a solo practitioner or very small practice
• Prefer included insurance claim submissions
• Need strong mobile app functionality
• Want marketing tools to grow your practice

Choose TheraNest If You:

• Have a growing or large group practice (5+ clinicians)
• Need extensive customization capabilities
• Want to pay based on caseload, not clinicians
• Are cost-conscious with a stable client base
• Want the option to outsource billing entirely
• Need flexibility in documentation and workflows