Compare / SimplePractice
A SimplePractice alternative for private session notes
SimplePractice runs a whole practice. AfterSession only does session notes, on your iPhone and iPad. Here is an honest look at which one fits you.
Last reviewed:
SimplePractice is practice-management software: scheduling, client management, invoices and payments, insurance billing tools, telehealth and a client portal, all tied to a SimplePractice account. If you run your practice on it, it does a lot.
AfterSession is much narrower. It is a notes app for therapists and coaches that keeps everything on your iPhone or iPad, with no account and no cloud. It does not try to replace an EHR. This page is for clinicians wondering whether they need the whole platform, or just a good place to write notes.
Who each one is best for
SimplePractice is the better fit if…
- You bill insurance and want claims tools in the same system as your notes.
- You want scheduling, invoicing and client payments handled in one place.
- Your clients use a portal, or you run telehealth sessions through your notes software.
- You work in a group practice with several clinicians on one account.
AfterSession is the better fit if…
- You are a solo therapist, counselor or coach who mainly needs structured session notes.
- You do not bill insurance, or you handle billing elsewhere.
- You prefer your notes to live only on your own device, with no account to create.
- You want a lower monthly cost and a simpler app.
Side by side
| Feature | AfterSession | SimplePractice |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Session notes app | Practice-management platform |
| Platforms | iPhone and iPad (iOS 26 or later) | iPhone and iPad app (iOS / iPadOS 17.3 or later) |
| Account required | No | Yes, the app requires a SimplePractice account |
| Where your notes live | Only on your device. No account, no cloud, no tracking. Face ID / Touch ID lock. | In your SimplePractice account |
| Note templates | 9 built in: Simple, CBT, Coaching, SOAP, DAP, BIRP, Intake, Supervision, EMDR | Write and review session notes in the app |
| AI note generation | No | Optional Note Taker add-on that generates progress notes with AI |
| Insurance billing | No | Insurance Navigator add-on, $1.79 per claim after 30 free days |
| Scheduling, invoices, payments | No | Yes |
| Client portal, telehealth | No | Yes, through separate SimplePractice apps |
| Price | Free for up to 3 clients. Pro: $9.99/month or $79.99/year (14-day free trial on the yearly plan). | Starter $49, Essential $79, Plus $99 per month (standard monthly prices); free trial |
What you gain by switching to AfterSession
- Your notes stay on your device. Nothing to sync, no account, nothing stored on someone else's server.
- A much lower cost if notes are all you need from the software.
- Faster note writing: open the app, pick a template, write.
- Works without an internet connection.
What you give up
- Insurance billing, invoices, payments and scheduling. You would need another tool for these.
- Client portal and telehealth.
- Access from a web browser and automatic sync between devices. AfterSession moves data between devices only through manual backup and restore.
- Group-practice features. AfterSession is built for one clinician.
Frequently asked questions
Can AfterSession replace SimplePractice?
Only if you use SimplePractice mainly for notes. AfterSession has no scheduling, billing, insurance claims, client portal or telehealth. Many clinicians who need those keep an EHR; AfterSession suits those who do not.
Can I import my SimplePractice notes into AfterSession?
No. There is no importer. You would start fresh in AfterSession, and keep your existing records where they are for as long as your retention obligations require.
Is AfterSession HIPAA compliant?
AfterSession stores everything locally on your device with iOS file encryption and does not send your notes to any server. You remain responsible for securing your device and the files you choose to export.
SimplePractice is a trademark of its respective owner. AfterSession is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by SimplePractice. Competitor details come from their public website and App Store listing as of the review date and may have changed since.