Mental Note AI vs SimplePractice AI Notes

Compare lightweight note generation with a full practice management EHR. See pricing, platforms, features, and which fits your workflow.

Feature Mental Note AI SimplePractice
Primary Purpose AI Note Generation Only Full EHR + Practice Management (with AI Notes)
Platform Microsoft Word Add-in Web-Based EHR
Pricing Free tier + $99/month unlimited $29-$99/month (estimated)
Free Tier Yes (2,000 words/month) Limited (basic plan only)
AI Notes Feature Entire Product One Feature in EHR
Client Scheduling Not Included Full Scheduling
Billing & Invoicing Not Included Complete Suite
Insurance Claims Not Included Built-In
Workflow Integration Inside Microsoft Word Web-Based (Separate from Word)
Data Storage Zero Retention (On-Device) Cloud-Based
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes (with BAA)
Best For Solo, Notes + Word Workflow Groups/Solos, Full Platform

Note Generation Feature

Mental Note AI

Entire product dedicated to AI-powered note generation. You write session observations in Word, and AI refines them into structured clinical notes. Available in 6 formats (SOAP, DAP, BIRP, SIRP, GIRP, PIE).

  • Advantage: Specialized, single-purpose tool for better notes.
  • Best for: Practitioners focusing primarily on improving note quality and speed.

SimplePractice

AI Notes is one feature within their comprehensive EHR platform. You create notes inside SimplePractice and use AI features there. Available as part of paid EHR subscription only.

  • Advantage: Integrated with all other practice operations in one place.
  • Best for: Practices wanting notes integrated with scheduling/billing.

Platform & Workflow

Mental Note AI

Integrates directly into Microsoft Word. Works inside the app you already use for documentation. No app switching for note generation. Then copy finished notes to your EHR.

  • Advantage: Stays in familiar Word environment.
  • Best for: Practitioners with strong Word-based workflows.

SimplePractice

Web-based EHR platform. You log into SimplePractice, access client records, scheduling, billing, and notes all in one place. AI Notes features are built into their note-taking interface.

  • Advantage: Single app for all practice functions.
  • Best for: Practices wanting everything in one web-based system.

Practice Management Features

Mental Note AI

No practice management features. Only generates notes. You handle scheduling, billing, client management separately, likely in SimplePractice or another EHR.

  • Advantage: Microsoft Word add-in — copy/paste notes into any EHR or practice management system.
  • Best for: Practices already using other systems.

SimplePractice

Full suite: appointment scheduling, client reminders, billing and invoicing, insurance claim submission, payment processing, client intake, wait lists, progress notes tracking, and comprehensive reporting.

  • Advantage: All practice needs in one integrated system.
  • Best for: Practices wanting centralized management.

Pricing & Cost Model

Mental Note AI

  • Free Tier: 2,000 words/month
  • Paid Plans: $99/month or $990/year
  • Can combine with SimplePractice: Use both for notes + full EHR
  • Best for: Budget-conscious solo practices.

SimplePractice

  • Basic Plan: Starting around $29/month
  • Professional Plans: $49-$99/month (estimated)
  • Includes: All features in price (no separate note tool needed)
  • Best for: Practices wanting all-in-one solution.

Flexibility & Integration

Mental Note AI

Flexible. Works independently. You can use it with SimplePractice, Therapy Notes, ICANotes, or any other EHR. Just generate notes in Word and copy them into your chosen EHR.

  • Advantage: Not locked into one EHR.
  • Best for: Practitioners wanting freedom to switch EHRs.

SimplePractice

Integrated ecosystem. Everything is built into SimplePractice. Limited flexibility to swap components. You use SimplePractice for scheduling, billing, and notes as one unit.

  • Advantage: Seamless integration across all features.
  • Best for: Practitioners committed to SimplePractice ecosystem.

Data Privacy & Security

Mental Note AI

Zero data retention: Notes stay on your device in Word. Patient data never sent to servers. Strictest privacy available.

  • Advantage: Maximum privacy for sensitive patient data.
  • Best for: Practices prioritizing zero cloud storage.

SimplePractice

Cloud-based EHR with encrypted storage. HIPAA-compliant with BAA available. Standard healthcare security for all data stored on their servers.

  • Advantage: Secure cloud backup of all practice data.
  • Best for: Practices comfortable with cloud-based EHR.

Who Should Choose Each Platform?

Choose Mental Note AI If You:

  • Already use SimplePractice or another EHR
  • Want to improve just note quality without changing EHR
  • Are a solo practitioner on a tight budget
  • Want a free tier to test AI notes first
  • Prefer text-based workflow in Microsoft Word
  • Want zero data retention and maximum privacy
  • Want flexibility to switch EHRs later

Choose SimplePractice If You:

  • Need scheduling, billing, AND notes in one system
  • Want AI notes integrated with your full EHR
  • Are setting up a new practice from scratch
  • Prefer one platform for all practice functions
  • Are comfortable with cloud-based EHR
  • Want comprehensive practice management suite
  • Value integrated client records and reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Mental Note AI and SimplePractice?

Mental Note AI is a Word add-in focused only on AI note generation. SimplePractice is a full EHR/practice management platform with scheduling, billing, notes, and client management. SimplePractice AI Notes is one feature within their broader EHR. Mental Note AI is best for solo practitioners who only need better notes; SimplePractice is best for practices needing an all-in-one platform.

Can I use SimplePractice's AI Notes feature without subscribing to their full EHR?

No. AI Notes is a feature within SimplePractice's EHR platform, not available as a standalone product. You must subscribe to SimplePractice to use AI Notes. Mental Note AI is available independently for note generation only, making it more flexible if you already have scheduling/billing elsewhere.

Which is cheaper for a solo therapist who only needs notes?

Mental Note AI. Free tier with 2,000 words/month, then $99/month. SimplePractice starts at $29/month minimum but requires their full EHR subscription. If you only need notes and use another system for scheduling, Mental Note AI's free tier is significantly cheaper.

Does SimplePractice's AI Notes work inside their app?

Yes. SimplePractice AI Notes is built into their web-based EHR. You log into SimplePractice, create a note, and use AI features within their platform. Mental Note AI works inside Microsoft Word. SimplePractice is a separate app; Mental Note AI integrates with your existing Word workflow.

Which is better if I need scheduling AND notes?

SimplePractice, because both features are integrated in one EHR platform. Switching between apps is minimal. Mental Note AI would require you to use Word for notes, then copy them into SimplePractice for scheduling/billing, which creates extra steps.

Explore Mental Note AI

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Try Mental Note AI Free

2,000 words per month on the free tier. Full access to all 6 note formats. No credit card required.

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Last updated March 20, 2026