Quick Overview
- 1#1: SimplePractice - All-in-one HIPAA-compliant platform for scheduling, telehealth, billing, and client management tailored for mental health professionals.
- 2#2: TherapyNotes - Cloud-based electronic health records software designed specifically for behavioral health practices with secure messaging and progress notes.
- 3#3: TheraPlatform - Integrated teletherapy and practice management software with video conferencing, EHR, billing, and client portals for counselors.
- 4#4: TheraNest - Mental health practice management tool offering scheduling, billing, reporting, and HIPAA-compliant telehealth features.
- 5#5: CounSol - Secure online counseling platform with video sessions, appointment scheduling, billing, and customizable intake forms.
- 6#6: Jane - Practice management software with online booking, charting, telehealth, and billing for therapists and counselors.
- 7#7: Practice Better - Wellness practice platform providing client portals, secure video, customizable forms, and billing for counseling services.
- 8#8: Doxy.me - Simple, free HIPAA-compliant telehealth video platform focused on secure online counseling sessions.
- 9#9: ICANotes - Mental health EHR with fast charting, e-prescribing, telehealth, and treatment planning for therapists.
- 10#10: Valant - Behavioral health EHR and practice management system with outcomes tracking, billing, and telepsychiatry capabilities.
We selected these tools by evaluating feature depth (scheduling, telehealth, billing, EHR integration), compliance (HIPAA and security standards), user-friendliness for mental health practitioners, and overall value, ensuring the top 10 meet the unique demands of modern counseling practices.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores key online counseling software tools, such as SimplePractice, TherapyNotes, TheraPlatform, TheraNest, CounSol, and more, to assist users in evaluating options for their practice. Readers will discover details on features, usability, and functionality, enabling them to choose a platform that aligns with their unique workflow and client management needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SimplePractice All-in-one HIPAA-compliant platform for scheduling, telehealth, billing, and client management tailored for mental health professionals. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | TherapyNotes Cloud-based electronic health records software designed specifically for behavioral health practices with secure messaging and progress notes. | specialized | 9.3/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | TheraPlatform Integrated teletherapy and practice management software with video conferencing, EHR, billing, and client portals for counselors. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | TheraNest Mental health practice management tool offering scheduling, billing, reporting, and HIPAA-compliant telehealth features. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 5 | CounSol Secure online counseling platform with video sessions, appointment scheduling, billing, and customizable intake forms. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 6 | Jane Practice management software with online booking, charting, telehealth, and billing for therapists and counselors. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 7 | Practice Better Wellness practice platform providing client portals, secure video, customizable forms, and billing for counseling services. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 8 | Doxy.me Simple, free HIPAA-compliant telehealth video platform focused on secure online counseling sessions. | other | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 9 | ICANotes Mental health EHR with fast charting, e-prescribing, telehealth, and treatment planning for therapists. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | Valant Behavioral health EHR and practice management system with outcomes tracking, billing, and telepsychiatry capabilities. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 |
All-in-one HIPAA-compliant platform for scheduling, telehealth, billing, and client management tailored for mental health professionals.
Cloud-based electronic health records software designed specifically for behavioral health practices with secure messaging and progress notes.
Integrated teletherapy and practice management software with video conferencing, EHR, billing, and client portals for counselors.
Mental health practice management tool offering scheduling, billing, reporting, and HIPAA-compliant telehealth features.
Secure online counseling platform with video sessions, appointment scheduling, billing, and customizable intake forms.
Practice management software with online booking, charting, telehealth, and billing for therapists and counselors.
Wellness practice platform providing client portals, secure video, customizable forms, and billing for counseling services.
Simple, free HIPAA-compliant telehealth video platform focused on secure online counseling sessions.
Mental health EHR with fast charting, e-prescribing, telehealth, and treatment planning for therapists.
Behavioral health EHR and practice management system with outcomes tracking, billing, and telepsychiatry capabilities.
SimplePractice
specializedAll-in-one HIPAA-compliant platform for scheduling, telehealth, billing, and client management tailored for mental health professionals.
Seamless integration of telehealth sessions with auto-generated superbills and insurance billing for effortless revenue cycle management
SimplePractice is a comprehensive EHR and practice management platform tailored for mental health professionals, including counselors and therapists. It provides secure telehealth video sessions, automated scheduling, customizable progress notes, billing with insurance claims submission, and a client portal for intake forms and payments. The software ensures HIPAA compliance while streamlining administrative workflows to enhance focus on client care.
Pros
- All-in-one platform covering telehealth, EHR, billing, and scheduling
- HIPAA-compliant with robust security and client portal
- Intuitive interface with mobile app support and excellent customer service
Cons
- Higher-tier plans required for advanced features like outcomes tracking
- Pricing can be steep for solo practitioners starting out
- Limited third-party integrations compared to some competitors
Best For
Mental health counselors and therapists running solo or small practices who need a secure, integrated solution for online sessions and administration.
Pricing
Essential ($29/mo), Professional ($59/mo), Enterprise ($99/mo); billed annually with a 30-day free trial.
TherapyNotes
specializedCloud-based electronic health records software designed specifically for behavioral health practices with secure messaging and progress notes.
Therapy-specific progress note templates with customizable fields and audit trails for compliance and efficiency
TherapyNotes is a comprehensive EHR and practice management software tailored for mental health professionals, including therapists, psychologists, and counselors. It provides tools for secure progress notes, appointment scheduling, billing and insurance claims, client portals, and integrated telehealth for online counseling sessions. The platform emphasizes HIPAA compliance, efficiency in documentation, and reducing administrative burdens to enhance focus on patient care.
Pros
- Specialized therapy note templates and treatment planners streamline documentation
- Robust telehealth integration with secure video and messaging
- Excellent HIPAA-compliant security and responsive customer support
Cons
- No free trial, only demos available
- Higher pricing for solo practitioners without volume discounts
- Limited third-party integrations compared to broader EHRs
Best For
Solo therapists or small-to-medium mental health group practices needing an all-in-one, therapy-specific platform with strong telehealth.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month for the first clinician (annual billing), $39/month per additional clinician; includes setup fees.
TheraPlatform
specializedIntegrated teletherapy and practice management software with video conferencing, EHR, billing, and client portals for counselors.
Vast built-in library of over 1,000 therapy activities, worksheets, and games for session planning and homework assignments
TheraPlatform is a comprehensive online counseling software tailored for mental health professionals, offering HIPAA-compliant telehealth video sessions, electronic health records (EHR), scheduling, and billing in one platform. It includes tools for progress notes, treatment plans, client portals, secure messaging, and a vast library of therapy worksheets and activities. Designed for solo practitioners to group practices, it streamlines administrative tasks while supporting virtual and in-person counseling.
Pros
- All-in-one platform with integrated telehealth, EHR, and billing
- Extensive library of customizable therapy activities and worksheets
- Strong HIPAA compliance and insurance claims processing
Cons
- Steeper learning curve due to feature density
- Pricing scales per user, which can add up for larger teams
- Limited mobile app functionality compared to web version
Best For
Small to medium-sized counseling practices seeking a robust, feature-rich solution for telehealth and practice management.
Pricing
Starts at $39/user/month (Essential), $69/user/month (Professional); Enterprise plans custom quoted.
TheraNest
specializedMental health practice management tool offering scheduling, billing, reporting, and HIPAA-compliant telehealth features.
Automated superbills and insurance claims scrubbing for efficient revenue cycle management
TheraNest is a cloud-based practice management software tailored for mental health professionals, offering tools for client scheduling, secure telehealth sessions, progress notes, and billing. It includes a client portal for self-scheduling, payments, and secure messaging, along with customizable forms and comprehensive reporting. Designed with HIPAA compliance in mind, it streamlines administrative tasks for therapists and counselors.
Pros
- Robust billing and insurance claims automation
- HIPAA-compliant telehealth and client portal
- Customizable therapy notes and forms
Cons
- Limited integrations with other tools
- No native mobile app for therapists
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Solo practitioners and small to medium-sized mental health practices needing an affordable all-in-one solution for scheduling, billing, and telehealth.
Pricing
Starts at $39/month for solo practitioners (billed annually), with group plans from $49-$69 per user/month; 21-day free trial available.
CounSol
specializedSecure online counseling platform with video sessions, appointment scheduling, billing, and customizable intake forms.
Automated insurance billing and claims submission with built-in superbills, simplifying reimbursement for therapists
CounSol is a specialized practice management software tailored for therapists and counselors, providing tools for scheduling appointments, secure telehealth video sessions, and client communication via a dedicated portal. It includes EHR features for compliant documentation, automated billing with insurance claims support, and reporting analytics to streamline administrative tasks. Designed with mental health professionals in mind, it ensures HIPAA compliance while focusing on simplicity for solo or small practices.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with minimal learning curve
- Robust telehealth and client portal for seamless virtual sessions
- Strong billing tools including insurance claims and superbills
Cons
- Higher-tier features locked behind premium plans
- Limited third-party integrations compared to larger EHRs
- Mobile app lacks some desktop functionalities
Best For
Solo therapists or small counseling practices seeking an affordable, all-in-one HIPAA-compliant platform for teletherapy and admin tasks.
Pricing
Starts at $49.50/month per provider (Essentials), $69.50/month (Pro), $99.50/month (Premium); annual discounts available, no per-client fees.
Jane
specializedPractice management software with online booking, charting, telehealth, and billing for therapists and counselors.
Embedded telehealth with real-time charting, allowing therapists to take notes directly during video sessions without app-switching.
Jane (jane.app) is a comprehensive practice management platform designed for health and wellness practitioners, including counselors and therapists, offering tools for online counseling. It provides secure telehealth video sessions, customizable SOAP notes and charting, client intake forms, scheduling, billing, and a self-serve client portal. With a focus on streamlining workflows, it enables practitioners to conduct virtual sessions seamlessly while maintaining HIPAA/PIPEDA-compliant records.
Pros
- Intuitive, modern interface that's easy to navigate
- Seamless integration of telehealth, charting, and billing
- Responsive customer support with live chat and training resources
Cons
- Pricing is per-provider, which adds up for larger practices
- Fewer third-party integrations compared to enterprise competitors
- Primarily optimized for Canadian regulations and billing
Best For
Solo or small counseling practices needing an all-in-one, user-friendly solution for virtual sessions and administrative tasks.
Pricing
Starts at $74 CAD/month per provider (Starter plan); higher tiers up to $179 CAD/month with advanced features; no free trial but demo available.
Practice Better
specializedWellness practice platform providing client portals, secure video, customizable forms, and billing for counseling services.
The self-serve client portal that allows clients to complete intakes, pay bills, and track goals independently
Practice Better is a comprehensive practice management platform tailored for health and wellness professionals, including online counselors and therapists. It offers HIPAA-compliant telehealth, scheduling, secure client messaging, customizable charting, billing, and insurance claims processing. The software also includes a robust client portal for self-service intake forms, payments, and progress tracking, streamlining administrative tasks for virtual counseling practices.
Pros
- HIPAA-compliant telehealth with integrated video and secure messaging
- Intuitive client portal for forms, payments, and homework tracking
- Customizable charting templates and automated billing/insurance support
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for teams or advanced features
- Steeper learning curve for charting customization
- Limited free plan; most features require paid tiers
Best For
Solo therapists or small counseling practices needing an all-in-one HIPAA-compliant solution for telehealth and client management.
Pricing
Starts at $25/user/month (Essential plan billed annually), with Pro at $49/user/month and enterprise custom pricing; 14-day free trial.
Doxy.me
otherSimple, free HIPAA-compliant telehealth video platform focused on secure online counseling sessions.
Instant, no-download video rooms with built-in HIPAA compliance and zero patient account requirements
Doxy.me is a HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform designed for secure video conferencing, primarily targeting healthcare providers like therapists and counselors. It enables quick creation of custom meeting rooms accessible via a simple link, requiring no downloads or accounts for patients. The platform supports features like screen sharing, file transfer, virtual whiteboards, and secure messaging, making it suitable for online counseling sessions.
Pros
- HIPAA and HITRUST compliant out-of-the-box for secure counseling sessions
- Extremely simple setup with no apps or accounts needed for patients
- Generous free plan for solo practitioners
Cons
- Limited integrations for scheduling, billing, or full EHR functionality
- Basic customization options and reporting tools
- Paid plans required for advanced features like multi-room management
Best For
Solo therapists or small counseling practices seeking a straightforward, secure video platform without complex setup.
Pricing
Free plan available indefinitely; Professional plan at $35/user/month; Clinic plans start at $50/user/month with volume discounts.
ICANotes
specializedMental health EHR with fast charting, e-prescribing, telehealth, and treatment planning for therapists.
Buttonized charting system that enables the fastest progress notes in the industry, often completed in 2-5 minutes
ICANotes is a cloud-based electronic health record (EHR) platform designed specifically for behavioral health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors. It streamlines clinical documentation with customizable templates, progress notes, treatment plans, and integrated e-prescribing. The software also supports scheduling, billing, telehealth integration, and HIPAA-compliant features to manage mental health practices efficiently.
Pros
- Ultra-fast charting with buttonized templates for notes in under 5 minutes
- Comprehensive behavioral health tools including e-prescribing and treatment planning
- Integrated telehealth, billing, and scheduling for streamlined workflows
Cons
- Pricing can be expensive for solo practitioners or small practices
- Limited video platform capabilities compared to dedicated telehealth tools
- Some users report occasional customer support delays
Best For
Psychiatrists and therapists in behavioral health practices needing an all-in-one EHR with quick documentation and telehealth support.
Pricing
Starts at around $3 per user per day (minimum $299/month for solo providers), with tiered plans scaling by users and features; custom quotes available.
Valant
enterpriseBehavioral health EHR and practice management system with outcomes tracking, billing, and telepsychiatry capabilities.
Behavioral Health Outcomes Module for tracking patient progress with standardized assessments
Valant is a comprehensive cloud-based EHR and practice management platform tailored for behavioral health providers, including psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors. It supports online counseling through integrated telehealth, secure video sessions, scheduling, clinical documentation, and patient portals. The software emphasizes HIPAA compliance, billing automation, and outcome tracking to streamline mental health practice operations.
Pros
- Specialized behavioral health tools like outcome measures and treatment planning
- Strong integrated billing and revenue cycle management
- Reliable telehealth with mobile access and e-prescribing
Cons
- Higher cost structure with custom quotes
- Steeper learning curve for full customization
- Limited free trial and demo flexibility
Best For
Mid-sized behavioral health practices needing robust EHR, billing, and telehealth in one platform.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $300-$600 per provider/month plus setup fees and add-ons.
Conclusion
After reviewing the 10 tools, it's evident that online counseling software caters to diverse professional needs, with the top three leading in functionality and user experience. SimplePractice emerged as the clear winner, offering an all-in-one, HIPAA-compliant platform that streamlines scheduling, telehealth, billing, and client management. TherapyNotes and TheraPlatform follow closely as robust alternatives, each excelling in specific areas like EHR and integrated teletherapy.
To elevate your practice, start with the top-ranked SimplePractice—its comprehensive features make it a standout choice for mental health professionals seeking efficiency and support.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison