Best Scheduling Software for Therapists in 2026 — HIPAA-Compliant Options
Scheduling software for therapists must be HIPAA-compliant — the moment a client books a therapy appointment, that connection between their name and their mental health treatment is Protected Health Information. Here are the best options in 2026.
Calendly warning: standard plans are NOT HIPAA-compliant
Many therapists use standard Calendly to schedule therapy appointments — this is a HIPAA violation. Calendly only offers a BAA on their Enterprise plan, which costs significantly more. Use Acuity or SimplePractice instead.
SimplePractice
Full EHR with scheduling · $29–$99/mo
BAA: ✓ Included
Best for: Therapists who want scheduling integrated with notes, billing, and telehealth
- ✓Online booking with custom intake forms
- ✓Automated reminders (email + SMS)
- ✓Client self-scheduling portal
- ✓Syncs with Google Calendar
- ✓HIPAA-compliant — BAA included
- ✗Requires full EHR subscription
- ✗More than you need if you only want scheduling
Acuity Scheduling
Standalone scheduling · From $16/mo
BAA: ✓ BAA available on paid plans
Best for: Therapists who already have an EHR and just need better scheduling
- ✓Clean, easy setup
- ✓BAA available
- ✓Custom intake forms
- ✓Payment collection at booking
- ✓Embeds in your website
- ✗Does not replace an EHR
- ✗Need separate system for notes and billing
- ✗BAA not automatic — must request
Calendly
Standalone scheduling · Free / Standard $10/mo / Teams $16/mo
BAA: ⚠️ BAA only on Enterprise plan ($$$)
Best for: Non-PHI scheduling only — consultation calls, not therapy sessions
- ✓Very easy to use
- ✓Free plan available
- ✓Widely recognized by clients
- ✗BAA requires expensive Enterprise plan
- ✗Standard Calendly = NOT HIPAA-compliant for therapy
- ✗Not designed for healthcare
TherapyNotes
Full EHR with scheduling · From $49/mo
BAA: ✓ Included
Best for: Therapists who also need Wiley Treatment Planners
- ✓Integrated scheduling + EHR
- ✓BAA included
- ✓Automated reminders
- ✓Insurance billing included
- ✗Higher starting price
- ✗Older interface
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Get Your Practice 100% HIPAA Compliant in 2026
SimplePractice is the #1 HIPAA-compliant practice management platform built specifically for therapists. Includes secure messaging, telehealth, billing, and a signed BAA — everything you need to stay compliant and protect your clients.
Start Free Trial with SimplePractice →30-day free trial · No credit card required
Need HIPAA-compliant email only? See Hushmail for Healthcare →
FAQ — Scheduling Software for Therapists
Is Calendly HIPAA-compliant for therapy scheduling?
No — not on standard plans. Calendly only offers a HIPAA BAA on their Enterprise plan, which is designed for large organizations and costs significantly more. Most solo therapists and small practices should use Acuity Scheduling or SimplePractice instead.
Can I use Google Calendar for therapy appointments?
Google Calendar on a standard personal account is not HIPAA-compliant. Google Workspace Business accounts include a BAA, which covers Google Calendar. However, using Calendar alone does not replace an EHR — you still need a HIPAA-compliant system for notes and records.
What should HIPAA-compliant scheduling software include?
At minimum: a signed Business Associate Agreement, encryption in transit and at rest, access controls, and the ability to send HIPAA-compliant appointment reminders. Automated SMS reminders that include a client's name and the fact that they have a therapy appointment are PHI.