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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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The SimplePractice mobile app lets you take your practice on the go. It can be used 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 iOS and Android for free.

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.

For the best SimplePractice experience, we highly recommend that you use recent models of these devices.

Features available on the mobile app

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

Here are the main differences:

 Feature

Accessible on the mobile app and browser version

  Only on the browser version

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

  

Delete or refund a client's 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 SimplePractice mobile app to have the same level of security as our website. To learn more about how we ensure the security of your data, see SimplePractice Trust and Security.

We've created a Security Checkup feature for the mobile app. Through Security Checkup, you can see how secure your mobile device is, along with details on how to improve your device’s security.

To perform a security checkup: 

  • Open the SimplePractice mobile app
  • Tap the three stacked lines in the upper left corner
  • Select Settings
  • Tap Security Checkup

securitycheckup.simplepractice.mobileapp.png

The recommendations to improve your device’s security are based on:

  • Your device’s operating system version
  • The version of the SimplePractice mobile App
  • Touch ID/Face ID (iOS) or Fingerprint ID (Android) status
  • Screen Lock settings
  • Jailbroken device check (iOS) or Phone Security check (Android) status

If there’s an area of improvement for your device’s security, you can view the details  by tapping the arrow on the issue:

securitycheckupfailed.simplepractice.mobileapp.png

Enabling and disabling push notifications

Push notifications on your mobile device can notify you of important details about your practice, such as new appointment requests or Secure Messages. To enable or disable push notifications within the mobile app:

  • Open the SimplePractice mobile app
  • Tap the three stacked lines in the top left corner
  • Select Settings 
  • Tap Push Notifications
  • Toggle Appointment Alerts, New Message, and/or Appointment Requests Alerts on or off
  •  

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Creating new appointments on the mobile app

You can create a new client appointment on the mobile app. To do this: 

  • From the Calendar tab, tap + > Create appointment

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  • Tap Client and choose a client 
    • If you want to add a new client, tap +, select the Client Type(Adult, Minor, or Couple), and enter the new client's information
  • Select the appointment Location and Clinician
  • Tap Time Duration to select the appointment date, Start Time, and Duration
  • Tap Repeats if you want to set this as a recurring appointment
  • Tap Billing to adjust the Service Code, Total rate, and Modifiers
    • Select Add Service if you’d like to add an additional service to the appointment
  • Tap Alert if you want to receive a notification for this upcoming appointment
  • Select Save in the upper right corner to save your new appointment

To move an appointment to a new time, you can hold and drag the appointment in the Day view on the Calendar tab:

Adding  payments on the mobile app

You can add payments on the mobile app from the client’s Overview page or an appointment on the calendar. 

From the client’s Overview page

To navigate to a client’s Overview page: 

  • Tap the Clients tab at the bottom of the screen
  • Search for the client
  • Tap their name

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Note: The Billing & Insurance section of a client’s Overview page lists their balance, as well as all payments and invoices associated with their profile. Tap Client Balance or All Invoices to view any unpaid invoices.

To add a payment through the client’s Overview page:

  • Tap + > Add Payment

  • Select Edit to check which invoice(s) you want to add the payment to
    • Once you’ve selected the invoice(s), tap Save
  • To add a partial payment, tap Add Partial Payment under the relevant invoice and enter the amount 

  • Select Continue to Payment
  • Tap the payment method to update the payment method, if necessary
    • If the client has credit, you can toggle Client Credit on to apply it

clientcredit.simplepractice.mobileapp.png

  • Review the payment amount under Confirm Payment Amount
    • You can tap the payment amount to edit it, if necessary
    • If the payment is greater than the invoiced amount, there’ll be an Overpayment, which can be used as a credit for future charges
  • Tap Confirm payment

From the appointment

To add a payment for the appointment from the calendar:

  • Select the Calendar tab at the bottom of the screen
  • Tap on the appointment
    • If the appointment doesn’t have an invoice yet, tap Create Invoice and Add Payment
    • If the appointment does have an invoice, tap Add payment

  • Select Edit to check which invoice(s) you want to add the payment to
    • Once you’ve checked all invoice(s) to add the payment to, tap Save
  • To add a partial payment, tap Add Partial Payment under the relevant invoice

  • Select Continue to Payment
  • Tap the payment method to update the payment method, if necessary
    • If the client has credit, you can toggle Client Credit on to apply it

clientcredit.simplepractice.mobileapp.png

  • Review the payment amount under Confirm Payment Amount
    • You can tap the payment amount to edit it, if necessary
    • If the payment is greater than the invoiced amount, there’ll be an Overpayment, which can be used as a credit for future charges
  • Tap Confirm payment

Adjusting appointment fees on the mobile app

From the appointment page, you have the option of changing the fee for each appointment. To do this:

  • Select the Calendar tab 
  • Tap the appointment 
  • Select the pencil icon on the top right of the screen
  • Tap Billing

  • Tap Total rate
    • Tap Rate per unit if unit billing is enabled for the service
  • Enter the new fee and select Done
  • Tap Save

If the fee for an appointment with an existing invoice is increased, the option to Create invoice and add payment will reappear on the appointment page. Using this option will create a new invoice and payment for the additional amount.

If the fee for an appointment with an existing invoice is decreased, a new invoice reflecting the rate adjustment can’t be created on the mobile app. You can use the browser version of SimplePractice to create a new fee adjustment invoice.

Note: Copays for insurance appointments can only be edited through the browser version of SimplePractice. To learn more, see Copay/Coinsurance.

Troubleshooting on the mobile app

If you're experiencing issues while using the SimplePractice mobile app, we recommend trying these troubleshooting steps:

Clearing your cache and syncing with your account

These steps allow the mobile app to refresh and sync with existing data in your SimplePractice account.

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 mobile app

We recommend keeping your SimplePractice mobile app up to date for the best experience. 

To update the SimplePractice app for iPhone (iOS): 

  • Open the App store
  • Search for “SimplePractice for Clinicians”
  • Tap the Update button

 

Note:  If your SimplePractice app is already up to date, the button will show Open, rather than Update.

To update the SimplePractice app for Android:

  • Open the Google Play store
  • Search for “SimplePractice for Clinicians”
  • Select the SimplePractice for Clinicians app
  • Tap the Update button

Checking and updating your device/OS version

If you're experiencing technical difficulties while using the mobile app, check whether you have a compatible device and operating system (OS) version. Here are the minimum requirements for mobile devices:

Tip: To see whether your device is compatible with iOS 13, see iOS 13 and iPadOS are compatible with these devices. If you aren't sure what iPhone device you currently own, see Identify your iPhone Model.

Getting support

If you’re unable to resolve the issue after following the steps above, please reach out to our Customer Success team by navigating to SimplePractice using a web browser on your mobile device (e.g. Safari). In the web browser, click the ? icon and submit a help request.

calendar.simplepractice.mobileapp.png

Note: Live Chat is unavailable on the mobile app.

We recommend continuing to use the web browser to access SimplePractice while our Customer Success team is working with you.

Using SimplePractice on a tablet

If you're using an iPad or Android tablet, you have the option of accessing the browser 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 also 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 be applied in your app based on your device’s 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.

What should I do if the app is running slowly?

If your app is running slowly, here's what to try first:

  • Clear your app cache
    • Select the three stacked lines on the top left
    • Tap Settings
    • Select Clear Cache
  • Sync your app
    • Select the three stacked lines on the top left
    • Select Sync your account
  • Perform a security checkup
    • Tap Settings
    • Select Security Checkup to check if your SimplePractice app and iOS are up to date

Tip: We recommend following the steps above if the calendar isn't updating when a client cancels or a new appointment is created.

Additionally, you can check that:

If the problem persists, you can 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:

You can also check that:

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. You can re-download the app and sign in to your account again to continue accessing SimplePractice. 

Which calendar dates can I access on the mobile app?

When you’re using the calendar on the mobile app, you can access the previous month this year up to the current month next year. For example, if you’re currently viewing the calendar in June 2024, you can view all dates from May 2024 up to June 2025.

Note: Appointments, events, and out of office blocks outside the accessible date range can’t be viewed in the mobile app.

Can I see earlier progress notes on the app?

On the app, you'll only be able to see notes from the past 30 days. Notes older than 30 days can be viewed from the browser version of SimplePractice.

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

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

No, the app is only intended for clinicians. Team members without other roles won’t be able to sign in to the app. 

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 add a client’s insurance information:

  • Select the Clients tab and tap on the client’s name
  • Under Billing & Insurance, tap + Add Insurance

  • Enter the client's insurance information
  • Select Save

To update insurance information that already exists for a client:

  • Select the Clients tab and tap on the client’s name
  • Tap the pencil icon at the top right
  • Select the Billing & Insurance tab
  • Tap the existing insurance information you want to edit

  • After making changes, tap the back arrow to save

Note: For more information, see Setting up insurance billing for your clients.

Can I upload insurance member ID cards on the app?

Yes, you can take a picture of the insurance card through the mobile app and upload it directly onto the client's file. This is a HIPAA compliant method of uploading the member ID card, as it won’t save the image on your device.

To upload an insurance card: 

  • Select the Clients tab and tap on the client’s name
  • Under Billing & Insurance, tap + Add insurance 

  • Tap Add Insurance Card > Front of card
    • Select whether to take a photo, choose it from your phone’s photo library, or import it from your phone’s files
  • If needed, repeat the step above to take and upload a photo of the back of the card
  • On this page, you can also enter the the client’s Insurance Payer and Member ID information for claim filing

 

If the client already has insurance information on file, but no insurance card photo, you can add a photo by following these steps:

  • Select the Clients tab and tap on the client’s name
  • Tap the pencil icon at the top right
  • Select the Billing & Insurance tab
  • Tap the name of the insurance payer you’re adding the card for
  • Select Add Insurance Card > Front of card
    • Select whether to take a photo, choose it from your phone’s photo library, or import it from your phone’s files
  • If needed, repeat the step above to take and upload a photo of the back of the card

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

You can use a stylus to write notes using Google Handwriting Input, an Apple Pencil, or any other third-party keyboard. For more information about the Google Handwriting Input, see Handwrite on your keyboard.

Important: In order to protect your privacy, please make sure the third-party keyboard you use doesn't have full access to your data.

To check what level of access your keyboard has on iOS:

  • Navigate to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards > [Name of keyboard]
  • Allow Full Access should be switched off
    • If you choose to use a third-party app, we recommend confirming how the app uses your data

To use an Apple Pencil to handwrite 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 text formatting.

Can I dictate notes into the mobile app?

The SimplePractice mobile app isn’t designed to integrate with iOS or Android dictation features. While you may be able to use these features with the app, we don’t recommend using any software that processes PHI without first verifying it’s HIPAA compliant and signing a BAA with the software company.

What happens to my schedule when I'm traveling?

You have the option to keep your practice’s set time zone applied in your mobile app, even when you’re traveling with your device to a different time zone.

To do this: 

  • Tap the three stacked lines in the upper left corner
  • Select Settings
  • Turn on Stay in Practice Time Zone

Alternatively, when you turn this feature off, the app will match your device’s 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?

You can wirelessly print invoices directly from your iPhone to an AirPrint enabled printer. To do this:

  • Navigate to the invoice by tapping on the appointment, and then selecting the invoice
  • Tap the share icon at the bottom left

  • Tap Print
  • Choose the number of copies and which pages you want to print
  • Tap Print in the upper right 

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

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

With iOS 15, iPadOS 15.5, or later, you can use your camera to scan or take a photo of handwritten notes, then copy them to type within any text field in the SimplePractice mobile app. 

If you’re a clinician who prefers to handwrite notes during a session, this can help you enter 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 in Settings > Camera. To enable this feature, navigate to Settings > Camera and toggle on Show Detected Text.

showdetectedtext.simplepractice.mobile.png

Note: When Live Text is turned off, the Show Detected Text option won’t appear under Settings > Camera. Both Live Text and Show Detected Text will need to be toggled on to enable this feature.

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

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.

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Important: Copied text isn’t stored anywhere, and will be deleted as soon as any new text is copied.

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

You can only enable, disable, and customize your away message for Secure Messaging on the browser version of SimplePractice. However, if your away message for Secure Messaging is enabled in the browser version of your account, a banner will appear in the Messages tab of 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.

Still have questions?

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