Protecting your account with 2-step verification

2-step verification adds an extra layer of security to your SimplePractice account by requiring both your password and a unique verification code when you sign in. This helps prevent unauthorized access and protects your and your clients’ information.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• Setting up 2-step verification
• Using an authentication app (recommended)
• Using text message
• Turning off 2-step verification

Setting up 2-step verification

When enabled, 2-step verification requires a secondary verification step using a text message or an authentication app to help keep your account secure.

Using an authentication app provides the strongest and most reliable security. Many authentication apps work without cell service and can be used on multiple devices, such as a phone or tablet.

To enable 2-step verification for your account:

1. Navigate to Settings > Profile > Profile and security
2. Next to SimplePractice security, click Manage
3. Next to 2-step verification, click Set up

4. Enter your password
5. Choose how you want to receive your verification code:
   • Authentication app (recommended)
   • Text message

Tip: You can exit the setup process at any time by clicking Cancel in the top right corner.

Need help? If you’re having trouble setting up or using 2-step verification, see Troubleshooting 2-step verification.

Using an authentication app (recommended)

Follow the steps below to complete 2-step verification setup using an authentication app:

1. Download an authentication app on your mobile device
   • Google Authenticator, Duo, and Authy are commonly used options
2. Open the app and scan the QR code displayed in SimplePractice

3. Follow the prompts in the app to add your SimplePractice account
   • For detailed instructions, see:
     • Google Authenticator: Get verification codes with Google Authenticator
     • Duo: Third-Party Account Setup
     • Athy: Add a New Two Factor Authentication (2FA) Account Token in the Authy App
4. Click Next

5. Enter the code from your authentication app
6. Click Confirm
7. Click Done

Using text message

Follow the steps below to complete 2-step verification setup using text message:

1. If needed, click Edit to update your phone number
2. Click Next to receive a text message with your verification code
   • You’ll receive a confirmation text when you opt in to text message verification (message and data rates may apply)
3. Enter your verification code
   • If you didn’t receive a code, click Resend code

4. Click Confirm
5. Click Done

Important: Verification codes expire after 24 hours or if a new code is requested.

Turning off 2-step verification

2-step verification helps protect your account from unauthorized access. While we recommend keeping it enabled, you can turn it off from your Account page. To do this:

1. Navigate to Settings > Profile > Profile and security
2. Next to SimplePractice security, click Manage
3. Choose Turn off next to 2-step verification

4. Enter your password
5. Click Continue

You can reenable 2-step verification at any time by returning to Settings > Profile > Profile and security and click Set up next to 2-step verification.

Important: Opting out of text messages doesn't disable 2-step verification. If you’ve opted out and want to opt back in, see Can I opt back in to receive text messages if I accidentally opted out?