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Getting started with the SimplePractice mobile app


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Getting started with the SimplePractice mobile app

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Getting started with the SimplePractice mobile app

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Jazmine
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The SimplePractice mobile app allows you to take your practice on the go. It's perfect for taking notes between appointments, processing credit card payments, sending Secure Messages to clients, and more.

Below, you'll find information on getting started with using the mobile app, as well as answers to frequently asked questions:

Devices supported by the mobile app

You can download the SimplePractice mobile app for free for iOS and Android. 

For iPhone: Use at least iOS 13.0.

For Android: Use at least Android 10.

SimplePractice supports the most recent releases of iOS and Android. Apple and Google don't support all devices in each software update, and will periodically discontinue support for older devices. Accordingly, SimplePractice also discontinues support for older devices. To guarantee that you have the best SimplePractice experience, we highly recommend that you purchase recent models of these devices.

If you aren't sure what iPhone device you currently own, please see Identify your iPhone Model.

Features available on the mobile app

The SimplePractice mobile app gives you access to many features that can help you with the day-to-day of your practice. However, there are some features that can only be accessed from the web version.

Here are the main differences:

 Feature

 Can do on both the mobile app
 & the SimplePractice web app

 Can only do on
 the SimplePractice web app

See all past progress notes

  

x

See progress notes from the past 30 days

x

  

See my personal calendar and update appointment statuses, with my own appointments and events

x

  

See my team's calendar

  

x

Write a note using the standard DAP or SOAP format and load previous notes

x

  

Write a note using a custom template

x

 

Add an administrative note

x

  

Send a Secure Message to a client

x

 

Send a Secure Message to a team member

x

 

Enable/disable your away message for Secure Messaging

 

x

Customize your away message for Secure Messaging

 

x

Schedule an appointment

x

  

Delete or edit a client’s appointment

x

  

Add a client’s credit card information

x

  

Add a client payment

x

  

Update a client’s contact information

x

  

Update a client’s billing information

x

  

Lock a progress note

x

  

Send an intake packet to a new client

x

  

Take a picture of a client’s insurance card

x

  

Upload an image of a client’s ID card to their file

 x 

 

Add or update a client's insurance information

 x

 

Dismiss reminders

 x  

Manually send appointment reminders

 x

 

Use AirPrint

 x

 

Use Privacy Mode

  

x

View completed intake forms

  

x

Add a chart note

  

x

Create a Diagnosis and Treatment Plan

  

x

Access your account settings

  

x

 

Security on the mobile app

You can expect the same level of security on the SimplePractice mobile app as on the web version. To learn more about all of the steps we take to ensure the security of your data, see SimplePractice Trust and Security.

We've also created a Security Checkup feature for the mobile app. The Security Checkup allows you to see how secure your mobile device is, and it provides additional details on how to improve your device security. This feature also identifies if your iOS and SimplePractice mobile apps are up to date.

The Security Checkup provides additional details on how to improve the security of your device based on: 

  • OS version
  • SimplePractice mobile app version
  • Touch ID/Face ID (iOS) or Fingerprint ID (Android)
  • Screen Lock
  • Jailbroken device (iOS) or Phone Security check (Android)

Here's an example of what you'll see if your iPhone is very secure:  

Here's an example of what you'll see if your iPhone's security needs improvement:  

Here's an example of what you'll see if your Android device's security needs improvement:  

Enabling and disabling push notifications

To enable or disable push notifications within the mobile app:

  • Open the SimplePractice mobile app
  • Tap the three stacked lines in the upper left corner
  • Select Settings
  • Select Push Notifications
  • Check or uncheck the notification types as needed

pushnotifications.simplepractice.mobileapp.png

iOS user guide

This video is a user guide for the mobile app on iPhones:

Android user guide

The functionality and experience of using the mobile app is similar on Android and iOS. If you're an Android user, we recommend that you watch the video in the iOS user guide section above. 

Creating new appointments on the mobile app

To create a new appointment on the mobile app: 

  • From the Calendar tab, tap the plus (+) button > Create appointment
  • Tap client and select a client 
    • If you want to add a new client, tap the plus (+) button, select what type of client you'd like to create (Adult, Couple, Minor) and enter the new client's information
  • Select the appointment Type, Location, and Clinician
  • Tap Time to select the date and time that you want to schedule the appointment for
    • Tap Repeat if you want to set this as a recurring appointment
  • Tap Alert if you want to receive a notification for this upcoming appointment
  • Tap Billing to adjust the Service Code, Total rate, and to Add Service
  • Tap Save (the check mark) at the upper right to save your new appointment

If you need to move your appointments around, hold and drag the appointment in the Day view:

dayview.simplepractice.mobileapp.png

Adding  payments on the mobile app

On the mobile app, you can add a payment from the Calendar or from the client’s Overview screen.

To add a payment on the Calendar homepage:

  • Tap the appointment you’d like to add a payment to
  • Tap Add Payment
  • Tap Edit to change which invoice(s) you want to add the payment to
  • If you need to add a partial payment:
    • Tap Add Partial Payment next to the relevant invoice
    • Enter the amount
    • Tap Done
  • Tap Continue to Payment
  • Select the payment method
    • If the client has credit, you may select to use Client Credit
  • Review Confirm Payment Amount
    • If you’d like to reduce the payment amount, tap Invoices on the top left to edit the Invoice amount
    • If you’d like to add additional payment, edit the payment amount
  • Tap Confirm Payment

To add a payment on the client’s Overview screen:

  • Tap + > Add Payment
  • Tap Edit to change which invoice(s) you want to add the payment to
  • If you need to add a partial payment:
    • Tap Add Partial Payment next to the relevant invoice
    • Enter the amount
    • Tap Done
  • Tap Continue to Payment
  • Select the payment method
    • If the client has credit, you may select to use Client Credit
  • Review Confirm Payment Amount
    • If you’d like to reduce the payment amount, tap Invoices on the top left to edit the Invoice amounts
    • If you’d like to add additional payment, edit the payment amount
  • Tap Confirm Payment

Note: There's no way to refund or delete a client payment via the mobile app.

Troubleshooting on the mobile app

If you're experiencing issues while using the SimplePractice mobile app, we recommend that you try some of these common troubleshooting steps to make sure that your app runs smoothly: 

Clearing your cache

Clearing your cache allows your mobile app to refresh and sync existing data in your SimplePractice account. Doing this won't permanently erase anything.

To clear your cache:

  • Tap the three stacked lines on the left side
  • Tap Settings > Clear Cache

To sync your account: 

  • Tap the three stacked lines on the left side
  • Select Sync your account

Note: Load times will vary depending on your network connection and how much data you have in SimplePractice.

Updating your SimplePractice app

Always make sure that your SimplePractice mobile app is updated so that you can have the best user experience. For instructions on how to update your app, see the videos below: 

Updating the SimplePractice app (iOS):

 

Updating the SimplePractice app (Android):

 

Checking and updating your device/OS version

If you're experiencing technical difficulties while using the mobile app, you should also check that you have a compatible device and OS version. Here are the minimum requirements for mobile devices: 

Here are video instructions on finding and updating your OS version (iOS):

 

Here are video instructions on finding and updating your OS version (Android):

Getting support

If you’re unable to resolve the issue after following the steps above, you can submit a help request. While our Customer Success team is working with you, we recommend using the web browser within your mobile device to access your SimplePractice account.

Using SimplePractice on a tablet

If you're using an iPad or Android tablet, you have the option of accessing the web version of SimplePractice from your browser or downloading the SimplePractice mobile app.

To create a shortcut that'll help you quickly navigate to the SimplePractice sign-in page on your tablet, follow the instructions below:

  • On an iPad:
    • Open Safari and go to the SimplePractice sign-in page 
    • Create a shortcut by tapping the Share icon in the upper left corner of Safari
    • Tap Add to Home Screen
  • On an Android tablet: 
    • Open your browser and go to the SimplePractice sign-in page 
    • Select the menu button 
      • On most Android devices, this is the three dots at the top of your screen
    • Tap the star symbol
    • Select the folder where you want to save this bookmark and tap Save
    • Tap the menu button again and choose Bookmarks
    • Locate the SimplePractice bookmark you just created and press and hold to display a new menu
    • Tap Add to Home Screen 

You'll see a SimplePractice shortcut on the home screen of your iPad or tablet alongside your other apps. If you tap this shortcut, you'll be directed immediately to the SimplePractice sign-in page.

You can download the SimplePractice mobile app through your iPad's App Store or the Google Play Store on your Android tablet. Keep in mind that the mobile app was designed for a smartphone, so the functionality and experience will be the same on a tablet as it is on a phone. There is currently no iPad or tablet version of the SimplePractice mobile app.

Tip: The Telehealth by SimplePractice mobile app is compatible with tablets and iPads. 

FAQs

Below, you'll find the answers to frequently asked questions about the SimplePractice mobile app: 

Can I use Dark Mode?

The SimplePractice mobile app is available in Dark Mode on both iOS and Android. This will automatically reflect in your app based on your device settings.

Can I create couple clients and appointments on the mobile app?

Yes, see Creating and managing couples on the mobile app to learn how.

Why is the app so slow?

If you're app is running slow, here's what to try first:

  • Clear the app cache
    • Select the three stacked lines on the left side
    • Tap Settings and select Clear Cache
  • Sync your app
    • Tap Settings, then select Sync
  • Perform a Security Checkup
    • Tap Settings, then select Security Checkup to check if your SimplePractice app and iOS are up to date

Here are some other things to check:

If the problem persists, please submit a help request.

What can I do if the calendar isn't updating when a client cancels?

Here's what to try first to fix this issue:

  • Manually synchronize the latest changes:
    • Select the three stacked lines on the left side
    • Tap Sync your account
  • Clear the app cache
    • Select the three stacked lines on the left side
    • Tap Settings, then select Clear Cache
  • Check if your app and iOS are up to date
    • Tap Settings, then select Security Checkup

Here are some other things to check:

If the problem persists, please submit a help request.

If I delete the app, will I lose all my data?

No, when you delete the app, no data or information will be lost.

Can I see earlier progress notes on the app?

With the app, you'll only be able to see notes for the past 30 days. Notes older than 30 days can only be viewed from the SimplePractice website.

Note: Chart notes are only available in the SimplePractice web app.

Can Billers, Schedulers, Supervisors, and Practice Managers use the app?

No, the app is intended for clinicians only.

Can I upload insurance member ID cards on the app?

Yes, you can take a picture with your mobile device and upload it to your client's file.

To upload a photo of the client's insurance card onto their file, navigate to their client Overview page. Under Billing & Insurance, select No Insurance on File > Add Insurance Card > Front of card > Take Photo. You can also take and upload a photo of the back of the card. This will allow you to take a photo through the mobile app and upload it directly onto the client's file, without saving the image on your device so that it's HIPAA compliant. 

Can I add or update a client's insurance information on the mobile app?

Yes, you can add or update insurance information directly through the app. To do so:

  • Navigate to the client's Overview page
  • Under Billing & Insurance, select No Insurance on File
  • Enter the client's insurance information
  • Select Save

If you already have insurance information saved for a client and you want to update it:

  • Navigate to the client's Overview page
  • Navigate to the Billing & Insurance tab
  • Tap Edit (pencil icon on Android)
  • Select Save

Can I use a stylus to write notes on the app?

You can use a stylus to write notes using a Google Handwriting Input, an Apple Pencil, or any other third-party keyboard.

Important: In order to protect your privacy, please make sure your third-party keyboards don't have full access to your data.

To check what level of access your keyboard has on iOS, follow these steps:

  • Navigate to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards > [Name of keyboard]
  • Allow Full Access should be switched off
    • Unfortunately, there is no way to determine how third-party keyboard uses your input data

To use an Apple Pencil to hand-write notes on a tablet, your device must be updated to the latest version. With Apple Pencil, you can handwrite your notes into the text box, and your device will transcribe the note into a text formatting.

Can I dictate notes into the mobile app?

The SimplePractice mobile app does not have an integration with the iOS or Android dictation feature. We don't recommend that customers use any software that processes HIPAA-sensitive information without signing a BAA with the software company first.

What happens to my schedule when I'm traveling?

You have the option to select a default time zone for your mobile app. You can either lock your practice location time zone for mobile app use, or you can turn this feature off so that the mobile app matches your device settings.

You can navigate to your mobile app Settings to select your Practice time zone or the Device time zone.

Note: To learn more about setting your practice time zone, see Setting your practice time zone.

Can I print invoices on the iPhone app with AirPrint?

AirPrint allows you to wirelessly print invoices directly from your iPhone to an AirPrint enabled printer. Here's how:

  • Open the Invoice you want to print in your mobile app
  • Tap the three dots in the upper right corner
  • Tap Print
  • Choose the number of copies and which pages you want to print
  • Tap Print in the upper right corner 

Note: For more information on AirPrint, see About AirPrint.

Can I use the iOS Live Text feature on the iPhone app?

The native iOS Live Text feature is available for use within the SimplePractice mobile app. With iOS 15 and later or iPadOS 15.5 and later, you can use your camera to scan or take a photo of handwritten notes and convert them to type within any text field in the app . If you’re a clinician who prefers to hand-write notes during a session, this can help you get those notes into SimplePractice. For more information on Live Text, see: Copy and translate text from photos on your iPhone or iPad.

Important: By using the native iOS Live Text feature, you recognize that you’re responsible for complying with all applicable privacy and data protection laws.

Enabling and disabling Live Text

To enable Live Text on your iPhone or iPad:

  • Open Settings
  • Select General > Language & Region
  • Toggle Live Text on

livetext.simplepractice.mobile.png

Turning Live Text on will enable a toggle for Show Detected Text at Settings > Camera. To enable this feature, navigate to Settings > Camera and toggle on Show Detected Text.

showdetectedtext.simplepractice.mobile.png

Note: Live Text turned off will prevent you from seeing Show Detected Text under Settings > Camera. Live Text turned on and Show Detected Text toggled off will disable the Live Text feature altogether.

Copying text in a photo or image

To copy text in a photo or image:

  • Open Photos app
  • Select a photo
  • Touch and hold a word or group of words
  • Move the grab points to adjust the selection as needed

pasted.simplepractice.mobile.png

  • Select Copy
    • To select all of the text in the photo, tap Select All

After copying the text, you can paste it in your SimplePractice account.

SP.simplepractice.progressnote.png

Important: Copied text isn’t stored in your phone or anywhere on or offline. Copied text is deleted as soon as new text is copied.

Is the away message for Secure Messaging feature available on the mobile app?

You can only toggle and customize your away message for Secure Messaging from the web version of SimplePractice. However, if your away message for Secure Messaging is enabled in the web version of your account, a banner will appear in the Messages tab in the mobile app to notify you of this.

awaymessagetoclientsbanner.simplepracticemobileapp.messages.png

Note: To learn more about the away message feature, see Setting an away message on Secure Messaging.

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