Choosing the best telehealth platform for your therapy practice
Choosing the best telehealth platform for your therapy practice is a crucial decision, as it impacts the quality of your service, client experience, and compliance with legal requirements like HIPAA. Here’s a list of some of the best telehealth platforms designed specifically for mental health professionals, along with key features to help you decide which one is right for your practice:
1. SimplePractice
Best for: All-in-one practice management and telehealth.
Key Features:
HIPAA-compliant video sessions.
Integrated scheduling, billing, and electronic health records (EHR).
Customizable client intake forms.
Client portal for secure communication and document sharing.
Insurance billing integration.
Pros:
Complete practice management system.
Easy to use for both therapists and clients.
Mobile app for on-the-go access.
Cons:
Can be costly for small practices.
May require training to get familiar with all features.
Cost: Starts at $29/month (basic), $69/month (with telehealth).
2. TheraNest
Best for: Medium to large practices needing extensive administrative tools.
Key Features:
HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform.
Scheduling, billing, and progress notes.
Integrated EHR and client management tools.
Client self-scheduling options.
Option for group therapy telehealth sessions.
Pros:
Affordable plans with telehealth included.
Great for group practices and clinics.
Offers free trial.
Cons:
Interface can feel outdated compared to newer platforms.
Lacks advanced marketing tools.
Cost: Starts at $39/month (includes telehealth).
3. Doxy.me
Best for: Therapists seeking a simple, free, and easy-to-use platform.
Key Features:
HIPAA-compliant video conferencing.
Unlimited sessions even in the free version.
No downloads or installations needed (web-based).
Waiting room feature where clients wait until you start the session.
Customizable waiting room with client instructions.
Pros:
Free version available.
Easy to use for both therapists and clients.
No app required; it works through a web browser.
Cons:
Limited features in the free version.
Not a full practice management system (no billing or scheduling).
Cost: Free version available; Premium starts at $35/month.
4. Zoom for Healthcare
Best for: Large practices or therapists who need reliable, high-quality video.
Key Features:
HIPAA-compliant telehealth version of Zoom.
High-quality video and audio.
Supports group therapy sessions and webinars.
Secure and encrypted meetings.
Pros:
Familiar interface for both clients and therapists.
Great for large group sessions or workshops.
Excellent video quality, even with lower bandwidth.
Cons:
More expensive compared to other telehealth platforms.
Not specifically built for mental health practices (lacks EHR or billing tools).
Cost: Starts at $200/month for the healthcare version.
5. TherapyNotes
Best for: Comprehensive practice management with top-notch note-taking and telehealth integration.
Key Features:
HIPAA-compliant video sessions.
Fully integrated EHR, billing, scheduling, and note-taking system.
Secure client portal for sharing documents.
Insurance billing features.
Automated appointment reminders via phone, email, and text.
Pros:
Excellent note-taking and documentation features.
Easy integration of telehealth into the workflow.
Includes credit card payment processing.
Cons:
Learning curve for new users.
Higher pricing for small practices.
Cost: Starts at $49/month for solo practitioners, with telehealth included.
6. VSee
Best for: Practices that prioritize low bandwidth video calls.
Key Features:
HIPAA-compliant video conferencing.
Works well in low-bandwidth environments.
Ability to share screens and files during sessions.
Customizable waiting room with branding options.
Telehealth kits for hardware integration (e.g., blood pressure monitors).
Pros:
Excellent video quality in low internet speed areas.
Easy to set up for therapists and clients.
Offers free version with limited features.
Cons:
Lacks robust practice management features (scheduling, billing).
Less popular, so fewer integration options with third-party apps.
Cost: Free version available; paid plans start at $49/month.
7. Psychotherapy.net Telehealth
Best for: Therapists seeking a therapy-specific telehealth platform.
Key Features:
HIPAA-compliant video sessions.
Built specifically for mental health professionals.
Secure messaging and file sharing.
Appointment scheduling and payment processing integration.
Pros:
Easy to use, therapy-specific interface.
Provides additional resources like therapy videos for training.
Simple setup for private practices.
Cons:
Higher cost compared to other platforms.
Lacks some advanced management tools for larger practices.
Cost: Pricing available upon request.
8. eVisit
Best for: Larger practices with a need for custom workflows and robust telehealth management.
Key Features:
HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform.
Customizable patient workflows (e.g., intake, discharge).
Group and individual therapy sessions.
Integrates with EHRs, billing, and other practice management systems.
Mobile app for iOS and Android.
Pros:
Comprehensive, customizable platform.
Great for larger practices and clinics.
High-quality video and secure communication.
Cons:
Higher price point.
Better suited for large practices, not solo therapists.
Cost: Custom pricing based on practice size and needs.
Conclusion
The best telehealth platform for your therapy practice depends on your specific needs—whether you're looking for a simple, no-frills video conferencing tool or a complete practice management solution. If you're just starting out, Doxy.me or VSee might be great cost-effective options. For those looking for a comprehensive system, SimplePractice, TheraNest, or TherapyNotes offer all-in-one solutions that combine telehealth with scheduling, billing, and documentation.
Before making a final decision, it’s wise to take advantage of free trials or demos to see which platform best aligns with your practice's goals and workflow.
