CounSol.com Reviews

Pros

The ease of use across multiple devices has been extremely helpful during the pandemic. The features within the software are intuitive and solved many of the problems I was having using a paper chart. I also liked that the clearing house they use to submit claims has been established in the industry for a long time. The integrated payment options have been a great time saver.

Cons

At first there were a few issues were not working well for me and my practice. This wasn't a problem for the developers at Counsol.com. They have resolved the issues and added features that I asked for. Having an online system is great because the modifications are available right away!

Alternatives Considered

TherapyNotes, LLC, TherapyAppointment and TheraNest

Reasons for Choosing CounSol.com

I needed a better solution.

Reasons for Switching to CounSol.com

I found the ease of implementation and also the suburb customer service helped me choose Counsol.com over the other products.

Pros

The ease of on-boarding new patients with all the necessary forms and disclosures, including several customized assessments and forms which I rely on. Even my elderly patients have no issues accessing the portal and completing the necessary intake forms.
I also really appreciate the simplicity of submitting insurance claims and the seamless accounting for payments received.
Amazing customer service- inquiries are responded to by a real person super quickly. Most questions have been able to be answered by a quick email, but the customer service is also extremely accessible by phone.

Cons

The interface is slightly less "slick" thank competitors- but it is also very easy to read and navigate.

Alternatives Considered

TherapyNotes, LLC, Valant EHR Suite and SimplePractice

Reasons for Switching to CounSol.com

Ease of paperless on-boarding of new clients. Simplicity of submitting and tracking insurance claims. Seamless integration of credit-card processing. Ease of tracking, reviewing, and completing progress notes.

Pros

the journal option , and the format of the notes

Cons

the struggle of creating forms , when people are creating their charts often it will say that it is a duplicate only

Pros

*I really like the ability to customize my dashboard. When I log in to my account, I see what's needed and I don't see anything else.
*Scheduling sessions is a breeze after you get the hang of it.
*Their connection with Stripe helps with payments.
*The ability to send multiple reminders is nice (although anything over one is extra).
*I've had good customer service experiences and they were always friendly and helpful.

Cons

*Not having 2-way calendar integration is a killer. There have been multiple times I have scheduled clients over personal events because I can't have event times blocked off. Massive miss.
*Not having Zoom integration is also brutal. It adds multiple steps for me, which are not desirable. I get it; they want you to use their proprietary video software. I tried it, and 4 out of 5 clients had difficulty.
*Charging for a second and third email reminder is kind of ridiculous, in my opinion. This is a needed service, and it's extra no matter what plan you're on.
*If you add a service, you have to jump through a few hoops to get the scheduler to pick it up and allow you to schedule it. Too many hoops to jump through instead of it being streamlined.
*You have to manually add each service code into each service. This gets old. Allow a master code for the client and anytime it changes we can go in to manually change it.

Alternatives Considered

Carepatron

Reasons for Choosing CounSol.com

SimplePractice wasn't updating their service, customer service was mediocre, and they don't take ANY suggestions from the community to make updates. They wouldn't even let me schedule sessions in different time zones. It was bad for clients who were in a different time zone and some showed up late, or early, to sessions. But what really was bad is there is an entire community writing on the help desk website for them to make improvements and when I brought up the improvement of allowing us to schedule in the client's time zone the customer service person shared the owner shot that down and said no he wouldn't make that change to the site. Plus they charge an extra $20 or $30 just to have calendar integration!!!!

Switched From

SimplePractice

Reasons for Switching to CounSol.com

CarePatron was still in the rolling out features stage when I made the switch. I really liked the ability to custom-create forms and schedule clients with Zoom integration. It was only due to it being quasi complete is the reason for making the shift to CounSol. Their price point was amazing as well! I'd recommend them as a backup if CounSol doesn't work for someone.

Pros

I really like that this EHR completely integrates my notation, billing, and even telehealth. I LOVE the client portal and the ability for others to self-schedule, which I intend on opening to all clients. Now that I'm familiar with the layout, I also really like the way it only takes a couple of clicks to get through the menus.

Cons

I do not like that you cannot create your own internal forms, or that doing so is quite difficult. For example, there is no ready-made Discharge form, and creating one was a bit on the tricky side. Also, it's quite difficult to pull more specialized reports. Reporting is not at all intuitive. One of the things that is quickly frustrating me is there is no way to mark if an appointment was a no-show. But I'm working around all that.

Pros

Very user friendly and simple to use. I shopped around quite a bit before I decided on Counsol. After reviewing other options, I went with Counsol because it was very user friendly and the pricing was fair

Cons

I wish there was a mobile app for which I could download from an app store (like when I am using it on an ipad, for example).

Alternatives Considered

TherapyNotes, LLC and Practice Fusion

Reasons for Switching to CounSol.com

Ease of use and the price was fair; and it allowed me to customize the EHR to my needs

Pros

The support is great from [sensitive content hidden]. The variety of options is the strong point.

Cons

video cannot expand to cover multiple locations. If a couple live in two different homes.

Alternatives Considered

TherapyNotes, LLC

Reasons for Switching to CounSol.com

,They had more options and had better customer service

Pros

It's features and customer service. [sensitive content hidden] is amazing.

Cons

I wish treatment plans were available for free and that I could have a group rate instead of paying per provider/

Alternatives Considered

SimplePractice

Reasons for Switching to CounSol.com

It was less expensive than the other products I considered.

Pros

A safe and secure space to conduct my notes, sessions, and communications with clients.

Cons

Sometimes online sessions are glitchy, and at times I wish there were more features (such as sharing screen or blending the background).

Pros

Counsol makes it very easy to create client forms and upload new client forms.

Cons

Improvement may be needed for option to conduct group therapy notes

Pros

Customer services tops. I always get a response within a few hours. All billing is done through Office Ally, which means that many claims are filed for free, unlike Simple Practice, which charges $.25 per claim, or Therapy Notes, which charges $.14 per claim. Counsol also doesn’t charge for appointment reminders.

Cons

Depending on what features you use, counsol could actually the same price or more expensive as other billing software, (if you’re not using insurance billing). Definitely compare prices closely before you choose a software.

Alternatives Considered

TherapyNotes, LLC, SimplePractice and TheraNest

Reasons for Switching to CounSol.com

The number one reason was that it was personally recommended to me by a friend. Also, at the time, Counsol was the most cost-effective option. However, it’s monthly price is actually the same price or more expensive than other EHRs.

Pros

I can't rave enough about all the ways in which this software has streamlined the work I do, allowing me to focus my energy where it's needed most - treating my clients! I never have to return calls for scheduling issues because Counsol handles all of that. Likewise, I never have to worry about getting consents signed and assessments completed because clients can easily access it from the platform.

Cons

It took me a bit of time to learn how to set up my designated hours and change such, but the customer service has been sensational - prompt, thorough, and will take suggestions for improvement.

Alternatives Considered

TheraNest

Reasons for Switching to CounSol.com

Counsol came highly recommended during my telemental health trainings, and I wanted a reliable platform to be able to securely and safely offer video sessions.

Pros

Counsol.com is a one-stop shop. I use it for every aspect of my practice management, from scheduling to billing, filing insurance claims and accepting credit cards, patient records, and video sessions. It is very easy to use, and when I do have the occasional question, I can usually find an answer in the user help section. If I can't, I know that if I send a request for help, it will come as fast as they can provide it and always within 24 hours. When I needed to add the video sessions to my account in response to the pandemic, they had me set up in less than a day.

Counsol.com is also VERY responsive to suggestions for improving the platform. In the time that I have been using it (about 6 years), they have increased functionality to include "sticky notes" for files and reminders of unfinished progress notes, converted from ICD9 to ICD10 seamlessly, and added Wiley Treatment Planners as an option, just to name a few of the improvements.

Cons

The only thing I'd like to see changed, currently, is a tweak to the video sessions so that they show how much time has elapsed, not just tell me when the session is "supposed" to end.

Alternatives Considered

TherapyNotes, LLC and SimplePractice

Reasons for Switching to CounSol.com

I chose Counsol.com because it was reasonably priced with a guarantee that my monthly bill would not increase unless I chose to add video sessions (an optional feature which I thought I might one day want, but didn't utilize until the pandemic) for the life of my account, I could access my files in perpetuity, and it was strongly recommended by a colleague who raved about their customer service (which I can also attest to - I love my account manager, [SENSITIVE CONTENT HIDDEN]).

Pros

Counsol is the most complete, user friendly and affordable EHR I found available, created for the therapist who is also does billing, instead of expecting you to have a separate billing dept. You can do everything, from clients filling out intake forms, scheduling, appt. reminders, video sessions, and it integrates with the billing invoices for easy submission. All the forms, notes, treatment plans and ability to upload any documents you need is right there for every client. Plus the cost is flat rate, no hidden extra fees for anything and will never go up.

Cons

Over the years, as I have found I needed something, the Counsol team has worked to add and integrate it to the program. For instance, now the client can upload insurance cards, and send attachments, but not yet their picture ID, so there is a little room for improvement. There is no app, but the site does work on phones, its's just not as smooth as it could be. The internal email is HIPAA compliant, but the client has to be logged in.

Pros

I appreciate that this software allows me to do all the many aspects of my business. As a mental health provider I also offer supervision, consultations, and trainings. This software allows me to consolidate all the aspects of my business into one platform.

Cons

Some of the features could use some updating. For example, when I click on a client and 1 area of the client, I have to go through the whole process again to locate another aspect of the client record (e.g. find the client, then find what I need). I'm sure there could be a more efficient way.

Alternatives Considered

SimplePractice and TheraNest

Reasons for Choosing CounSol.com

I could never get customer service on the phone and their system kept losing some of my records.

Switched From

TheraPlatform

Reasons for Switching to CounSol.com

The other two options I looked at did not allow for me to have other kinds of 'clients' (i.e. supervision, consultation) Their calendar were only set up for mental health patients.

Pros

I have been using CounSol.com for my private practice for over 4 years now and I have been very happy with their services and features it has to offer. The set up is easy and my account manager [SENSITIVE CONTENT HIDDEN] has been very responsive to my needs. Since last year I had to start offering counseling virtually, it was a huge relief that their platform is HIPPA Compliant and it was easy to add that feature on the account and yet kept my monthly operational costs reasonable. I use the scheduler daily to manage my practice with appointment reminders going out regularly, user friendly for most of my clients and good video connectivity. I would highly recommend it for your practice!

Cons

What I like the least about CounSol.com is that sometimes I have clients who have a challenge Logging Into the portal as it is not best supported on other browsers such as Firefox or Safari. Not everyone has Google Chrome browser, so for some clients it is inconvenient to have to switch to Chrome on their device to access the video session on the portal.

Alternatives Considered

TherapyNotes, LLC, SimplePractice and Doxy.me

Reasons for Choosing CounSol.com

CounSol.com was more affordable for all the features I needed to grow and maintain my private practice!

Switched From

TherapyNotes, LLC and SimplePractice

Reasons for Switching to CounSol.com

CounSol.com was more affordable for all the features I needed to grow and maintain my private practice! Using a HIPPA Complaint Virtual Portal to my clients was a very important feature it offers at an affordable price for my private practice!

Pros

Overall this has been a great product to help with the backend of my private practice in keeping track of income and number of sessions. It provides texts, emails and alerts for scheduling which is invaluable to keeping appointments full and it provides professional looking invoices for clients to use for out of pocket reimbursement. I also like that client credit cards are stored in the system for ease of payment.

Cons

As I am using this to manage my entire practice, I think it would be beneficial to have a more robust reporting options with regard to the financial features. It would be nice to be able to print out sales by month, quarter or year. If there is this mechanism in place already, I have not found it.
It would also be helpful to have a smart feature when typing notes into the system that autocorrects. It is frustrating to be typing a word in and the system does not recognize it to give suggestions for the correct way to spell the word.
When client's credit card expires, it is a pain that a new card has to be keyed into the system, that a simple expiration change can not be done instead, as most keep the same credit card number.

Alternatives Considered

TherapyNotes, LLC and SimplePractice

Reasons for Switching to CounSol.com

I was testing CounSol.com in March of 2020 because it had an online tele-health feature when covid hit. Because everything switched to remote, I was ready to meet with clients online because the feature was already a part of the program. So I decided to stick with CounSol.com and feel it has been a good decision for my company.

Pros

For someone who runs their own practice by themselves, this has made my job so much easier!!! It's like having a secretary without having one and has given me my free time back to actually enjoy my days off. The clients being able to schedule themselves and connecting my ERA's and Square one accounts is amazing. In just a few short clicks of the mouse, all my payments are registered, it's fantastic. As well as the clients being able to access the portal and enter all their own information makes setting up new clients so much easier!

Cons

Nothing, except I wish I would have started with this program versus having to transfer all my clients two years into my practice.

Alternatives Considered

SimplePractice

Reasons for Choosing CounSol.com

Therabill was not user friendly for appointments, scheduling, paperwork etc. and it was also way overpriced for not being user friendly and somewhat archaic.

Switched From

Therabill

Reasons for Switching to CounSol.com

Customer Service was way better with Counsol.com and I like the ease of use better with Counsol.com

Pros

CounSol is cheaper than Simple Practice. Having an account manager is so helpful! Whenever we have a question or need to upload a new file, we send it to him, and he gets it done within hours. What I love the most is the ability to customize forms, assessments, and files. The organization ability within CounSol also makes it easy to find files and forms. Also, the client portal through CounSol is also easy to navigate and helpful for client's to retrieve forms and documents.

Cons

I don't have many cons—it's hard to think of them. But one that pops up is offering more formatting options depending on the form being completed. Another is offering the ability to rearrange folders more simply, rather than having to move them up or down one at a time.

Alternatives Considered

TherapyNotes, LLC, SimplePractice and TheraNest

Reasons for Choosing CounSol.com

Cost first and foremost. And the inability to customize forms the way I want to.

Switched From

SimplePractice

Reasons for Switching to CounSol.com

The cost and customization tools. And getting an account manager was an added bonus.

Pros

The system tells you when you are going to double book! My manager. [sensitive content hidden] is amazing support and very responsive.

Cons

Would like to see forms added PHQ-9, and other free screenings/scales for anxiety, depression, and Edinburg Postnatal Depression scale. The price.

Alternatives Considered

Valant EHR Suite and TherapyAppointment

Reasons for Choosing CounSol.com

Didn't like double booking. I can't remember its been a while.

Switched From

TherapyNotes, LLC

Reasons for Switching to CounSol.com

I liked the Appointments and notes. Wiley

Pros

I really like the integration with Office Ally and Square, which makes billing and taking payments easy. I also find it really simple to write notes and schedule, and I appreciate having everything in one place (client portal, records, payments, billing, etc.). Also the customer service is excellent. My account manager is always very responsive and easy to work with.

Cons

I do wish there was more ability to customize some of the options to my practice, like notes and supervisor reviews. I also wish that the client portal would allow for simpler options for sending forms to clients. It can be a little complex having to make your own "internal forms" and figure out how to make them work for a group practice.

Alternatives Considered

TherapyNotes, LLC, SimplePractice, TheraNest and IntakeQ

Reasons for Switching to CounSol.com

Cost, ease of integrating billing and client portal, customer service has been really helpful.

Pros

Covers all aspects of practice management including scheduling, documentation, and billing. It's a HIPAA-compliant interface that includes secure video sessions (for a small additional monthly charge). A secure client portal is included, allowing clients to manage their own sessions, pay their bills, and send secure messages to you. It's possible to upload and/or create your own forms/assessment measures within the software and specify which clients receive them and when. You can share session notes with clients securely. Clients can journal within the system and choose to share it with you. It also includes your own referral page at counselorlisting.com at no additional charge. Session reminders via text, email, and/or recorded telephone message are included at no charge. Insurance billing is built into the software to make it easier to submit claims and increase your revenue. Session notes include check boxes and drop-down menus, which speed documentation time. You are assigned a customer service representative, who I have found to be *excellent* in helping me learn the software and troubleshoot difficulties. You can potentially reduce your monthly bill to nothing ($0/month!) by using referral code GMCSCU when you enroll and then referring others to their software.

Cons

If you're new to setting up EHR software, the learning curve can be pretty steep. There are so many things to set up and so much that the software can do that it feels pretty overwhelming initially, to be honest. Documentation is generally pretty comprehensive and my customer service representative have been able to help me through this, though. The interface isn't immediately intuitive and can feel somewhat clunky. Despite excellent functionality, the icon choices are (in my opinion) a bit cheesy in appearance. Initial setup of banking, insurance panels, credit card processing takes some time. Setting up forms for clients to complete is a nice option, but is somewhat laborious. Formatting options are limited. Not currently possible to have forms scored automatically. Very few preconfigured assessment tools included.

Pros

I evaluated several EHR options when I started my solo therapy practice. I decided to give CounSol a trial, and I was hooked within a day. The customer service literally can't be beat. Upon my first phone call, I was assigned an IT representative, whom I can reach *directly* via e-mail or phone. No phone trees. No voicemail. No waiting. He helped me set up the system exactly the way I wanted it, including customizing forms and other components. He has responded promptly to questions, helped me fix mistakes I've made, and passed along suggestions to the development team -- ALL of which were implemented within days. CounSol was wonderful when I began using it, and it keeps getting better all the time. It has all the features I need, and more. I've recommended CounSol to colleagues, and every one of them is glad to be using this system. Of all the options out there, CounSol is the most comprehensive, versatile and customizable. And beyond all of that, the personalized IT service literally can't be beat. I'll never switch!!

Cons

Because CounSol is so comprehensive, there was a bit of a learning curve at the beginning and it felt somewhat overwhelming. However, my IT rep walked me through every step at the beginning and responded immediately to questions (no matter how trivial!) as I learned the system. I've never experienced customer service like I have with CounSol. That alone is worth every penny. Moreover, the development team continues to make CounSol increasingly user-friendly and intuitive as time goes on. I really love this system.

Pros

All of the features (my clients love it, too). I can make announcements about dates I am out of office or reminders on the log-in page so clients can all be made aware of changes, etc.

Cons

Not all of the features are available in the mobile version (but I just click "full site" and I can access them easily that way.

Pros

I love that I can do so much with Counsol, and the features continue to evolve. I am going into my 5th year with them and it has made my life so much simpler. I am not only able to have client complete the paperwork beforehand, but they an schedule and get reminders for their appointments, too.

One feature that I especially love is the ability to add handouts and other helpful info inside the portal. I have recorded relaxation mp3s, designed sheets to help them work through thoughts, handouts to help with grief, and relationship assessments. I have them organized into folders, and then I can assign certain folders to appear for the clients. Then, in our sessions, I can show them how to use those tools when they are outside of session, and they find them to use again and again.

I have my own representative who contacts me whenever I have a question. He is fast and helpful.

Cons

I wish that the video feature worked on phones instead of just laptops. It's also best when both parties use earbuds or headphones to help with echoing.