Breely vs SimplePractice vs Acuity: Which Scheduling Software is Best for Therapists?
If you’re trying to grow your therapy practice, online scheduling is a must. But finding a HIPAA-compliant scheduler that doesn’t break the bank can be a challenge.
I've tested many scheduling platforms and found some great solutions, but which scheduling software is best for therapists?
In this post, I’m going to compare my top recommended scheduling platforms for therapists: Breely, SimplePractice, and Acuity Scheduling.
While there are other solid options, like TherapyNotes, TheraNest, and Jane App, the three I’ll mention in this post represent the main categories most therapists are choosing between: affordable scheduling-focused (Breely), established scheduling with premium features (Acuity), and comprehensive practice management (SimplePractice).
Let me break down what I've learned so you can start booking clients.
Quick note before we dive in: No matter which platform you choose, make sure you're actually getting a signed Business Associate Agreement (BAA). Collecting client information without HIPAA compliance is a violation that could cost you.
1. Breely
My review: The best bang for your buck in HIPAA-compliant online scheduling.
Price: $7/month (seriously!)
Free Plan: 10 clients per month (HIPAA compliance on paid plans only)
Why we love it:
$7/month with full HIPAA-compliance is hard to beat. Plus, Breely was started by the founder of Acuity, so it has all the features you’d expect from a scheduling platform
What makes it special:
HIPAA compliance included (not an add-on)
Intake forms with conditional logic
E-signatures for consents and waivers
Waitlist management for when you're booked solid
Clean, modern interface
Integrates with Zoom, Google Meet, Square, and Stripe
The downsides:
It's newer (launched in 2024), so some features are still being rolled out
No direct integration with Squarespace (but can easily be embedded with a Code Block)
Not as many tutorial videos online yet
Best for: Solo therapists and small group practices who want professional scheduling without the premium price tag.
2. SimplePractice
My review: The best all-in-one practice management solution.
Price: $49-99/month
Free Trial: 30 days
Why some therapists love it:
SimplePractice isn't just scheduling software. It's a complete practice management system that happens to include scheduling. If you need more than just online scheduling, it can be worth the investment.
What makes it special:
Complete EHR/EMR system with treatment notes
Insurance billing and claims management
Built-in telehealth platform
Comprehensive reporting for practice analytics
Designed specifically for mental health professionals
The downsides:
Expensive if you only need scheduling ($588-1,188/year)
Can feel overwhelming if you don’t need the extra features
Best for: Established practices needing full practice management, especially those dealing with insurance billing and detailed documentation.
3. Acuity Scheduling
My review: A solid online scheduler with advanced features.
Price: $16-49/month (when paid annually)
Free Trial: 7 days
Why it's a popular choice:
Acuity has been around forever and has built a solid reputation. It's now owned by Squarespace, which makes it appealing if you have a Squarespace website. The platform is robust and handles complex scheduling scenarios well.
What makes it special:
Proven platform with extensive features
Seamless Squarespace integration
Advanced package and subscription billing
Multiple calendar management
Strong third-party integrations
The downsides:
2-7x more expensive than Breely
HIPAA compliance only available on Premium plans ($49/mo) and above
Might include more features than you’ll need
Best for: Established practices or wellness studios with complex scheduling needs who can justify paying premium prices for advanced features.
The side-by-side comparison:
| Feature | Breely | Acuity | SimplePractice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $7 | $16-49 | $49-99 |
| HIPAA Compliance | ✅ Included | ⚠️ Available on some plans | ✅ Included |
| Intake Forms | ✅ Advanced | ✅ Good | ✅ Healthcare-focused |
| E-Signatures | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Payment Processing | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Practice Management | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ Full EHR |
My recommendation for simple, HIPAA-compliant online scheduling: Breely
For many therapists, Breely is the obvious choice for online scheduling. Here's why:
The math is simple. Over three years, you'll spend $252 on Breely versus $1,764+ on SimplePractice or $576+ on Acuity.
It does what you actually need. Most therapists don't need 47 different calendar views or enterprise-level reporting. They need clients to book appointments easily, forms to collect intake information, and everything to be HIPAA compliant. Breely nails all of this.
The client experience is fantastic. It’s easy to navigate the scheduling page, which means fewer frustrated phone calls and smoother bookings.
It's built by someone who gets it. The founder created Acuity, so he knows what works and what doesn't. Breely feels like the best parts of Acuity without the clutter.
When to Choose the Others
Choose SimplePractice if:
You need comprehensive practice management beyond scheduling
Insurance billing is a major part of your practice
You want everything in one system
Choose Acuity if:
You have a Squarespace website and want native integration
You need advanced scheduling features like complex packages or classes
HIPAA compliance isn't your primary concern
Getting Started
Ready to stop overpaying for scheduling? Here's what I recommend:
Try Breely's free plan: Test the scheduler before going all-in.
Upgrade for HIPAA-Compliance: $7/month gets you safe, ethical scheduling.
If Breely doesn't meet your needs: Consider SimplePractice or Acuity.
The Bottom Line
You no longer have to choose between HIPAA compliance and affordability, or between professional features and simplicity.
At $7/month with full HIPAA compliance, Breely proves that great scheduling software doesn't need to cost a fortune. While SimplePractice and Acuity have their place for specific needs, Breely hits the sweet spot for many therapy practices.
Ready to try scheduling software that actually makes sense for therapists? Start your free Breely trial today and see why therapists are making the switch to professional scheduling without the premium price tag.
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means that we may earn a commission if you purchase a product or service from our link (at no extra cost to you). We only recommend products or services that we know to be of high quality, whether an affiliate partnership is in place or not.
