CounSol.com reviews

Glad I switched

Opmerkingen: My overall experience after signing up for the software has been very good. The only hiccup I have had doesn't have to do with Counsol.com but instead with the individual insurance companies. I have received excellent support from my customer service representative at Counsol.com

Pluspunten:

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.

Minpunten:

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!

This is my practice!

Opmerkingen: I've enjoyed all things about Counsol. I can trust it's as secure it can be. It's easy to use for myself, my interns, and my clients.

Pluspunten:

I'm a virtual therapist. I have to use all the integrated features. It seems they've thought of everything, from scheduling, meeting in a secure chat room, billing, and note keeping. My clients feel secure meeting with me in this program. They can easily pay for their sessions, keep a secure journal, access worksheets I upliad for them and send me encrypted messages if they choose.

Minpunten:

I wish I could command a sync of the calendar to my external Google calendar. I have to wait for that to happen and sometimes I need it sooner.

it has been very beneficial

Opmerkingen: It has exceeded expectations.

Pluspunten:

I love the scheduler and the additional features you can pay to access when it is convenient for you with no pressure

Minpunten:

setting up billing was a bit challenging.

Love CounSol... would never go back to Simple Practice

Pluspunten:

One of the best things about simple practice is how you get an account manager assigned to you. My account manager is always quick to respond and offers other suggestions on how to set features up on your business profile. If I need a form added, I just send him an email and he loads the form within hours. CounSol is also very user friendly and offers so many options in specializing according to your business's individual needs.

Minpunten:

I would say the ability to set invoices to like net15 or net30.

10+ Years with CounSol

Pluspunten:

I have been with CounSol since 2012, and have never regretted the decision. Their products are al la carte, and their referral program can't be beat! I have had the same account manager since joining CounSol, and he has always been helpful and responsive. The company is also locally based to me (Central FL), which is a nice bonus.

Minpunten:

Other platforms don't integrate with them as well because they are a smaller, less known company.

Good product

Opmerkingen: Overall, I'm very pleased and I plan to use it for many years to come.

Pluspunten:

Counsol makes a lot of things quite easy. There are ways to customize just about everything and there are a lot of things that are already in there for you, like forms and templates. Their customer support has been very responsive and my experiences with getting the help I need have been extremely positive.

Minpunten:

Sometimes it is quite confusing (particularly at first). And sometimes one cannot understand certain features, particularly around insurance billing. It would actually be nice if it wasn't a third party doing the insurance billing because that also complicates matters and makes it more expensive.

Love It!

Opmerkingen: Excellent! I have used several billing applications over the past 15 years, all of which offered some very useful tools. CounSol offers me all of the support I need to manage my practice in an affordable package.

Pluspunten:

CounSol makes the challenging administrative tasks of billing, record keeping, etc that therapists in private practice hate, very manageable. I have had the same patient, knowledgeable and responsive client support person ([sensitive content hidden]) since beginning to use the program, which has been immensely helpful!

Minpunten:

Nothing other than the learning curve involved in implementing any new application.

Affordable software that meets my needs

Opmerkingen: Once I got the hang of it, I have found it much expert to navigate and stay on top of my tasks and billing. I really like it quite a bit. I am also really happy with [sensitive content hidden] who has answered endless questions in a very timely and thorough manner.

Pluspunten:

Organized wellCustomer serviceEasy to customize

Minpunten:

Less intuitive than some other programsTelehealth video connection can be difficult if both users do not have very good wifi

Excellent EHR Provides Ease of Use and Critical Options

Opmerkingen: Overall, I am am so pleased I got Counsol.com when I did. I encourage getting it early when opening a practice, so everything is streamlined.

Pluspunten:

I enjoy Counsol.com having a good section for progress notes, appointment scheduling ease and appointment reminders to clients; ability to do telehealth sessions that are encrypted, and also to store vital documents, so they do not take up room in my office. The price is reasonable, and it is always working, so I can work.

Minpunten:

Sometimes the video sessions can be challenging if there are issues with either client's or my electronics being compatible with the standards required.

CounSol review

Pluspunten:

I chose CounSol over other highly rated EMR/EHRs due to the ability to speak to a support person who helped load customized intake forms into my system! I also chose CounSol over others because of the ease of navigation of the User Guide and how thorough it is. I was able to set-up my system relying on this guide including uploading treatment worksheets for each progress note session where this was applicable.

Minpunten:

Some of the major Mental Health treatment approaches are missing from the listed interventions list on the progress note template such as IFS (Internal Family Systems) or Sensorimotor and there is no fillable "other" button to add these in. I incorporate this in my intervention note section.

I've tried the rest and this is still the best

Opmerkingen: My overall experience has been great. The customer service has been outstanding and very responsive.

Pluspunten:

I am able to take homework assignments and create forms for the clients to fill out right on the portal and not have to print out or download unless they want to. Billing is simple and easy. Clients can schedule their own appointments on thru the portal. The video sessions have been free of glitches most of the time and considering myself and most of my clients are in very rural areas that has been good. Intakes, treatment agreements, consent, privacy policies, etc able to be filled out and signed on client portal. client's report paying through client portal is easy and they are able to do it the day of their appointment before session. One price for unlimited reminders, active clients, claims, etc.

Minpunten:

I do wish there was an app for myself and the clients but I am hopeful that will happen in the future.

Everything I Need

Opmerkingen: It has been FABULOUS!

Pluspunten:

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.

Minpunten:

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.

Excellent software for Private Practice of all sizes

Opmerkingen: I'm more efficient in my communication due to secure emailing capabilities. I don't wrestle with scheduling questions/needs because the software is intuitive and allows people to address these things independently. I feel more connected to clients through their ability to compose and share journal entries between sessions. I have zero worries about being HIPAA compliant for video sessions. Further, I can easily access all the information I need from anywhere.

Pluspunten:

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.

Minpunten:

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.

User Friendly!

Opmerkingen: CounSol.com is very practical and convenient for everyday use for your counseling practice. It helps with your billing, scheduling, notes, online video HIPPA Compliant Portal Services all at an affordable price!

Pluspunten:

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!

Minpunten:

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.

One of the BEST!

Opmerkingen: Would still be with them if we didn't need E-prescribe. We brought in a nurse practitioner and needed to be able to document this information. I love them and would recommend any new start up company to try their services!

Pluspunten:

User friendly interface; client portal easy to use; video capabilities; email and text reminders are standard not extra; staff and biller use is standard; contract is month-to-month and so many other good features! They provide more than one merchant servicer. We used Square and we had no problems. The success coach is amazing always available to assist.

Minpunten:

Billing piece can be a little tricky but not too much that they won't help you with it. You will learn a lot about billing using their system.

Great product for bililng but not so great for clinicians

Opmerkingen: It has its pluses but the minuses tend to outweigh its good points. I am still on the fence as to whether this was a good move. Only time will tell.

Pluspunten:

Its ability to protect client data but allowing us to invoice, send claims, use telehealth, communicate electronically, and chat. Great for getting documents signed and completed. Great for creating new clients as the system is user friendly (outside of very small font).

Minpunten:

It is made for one type of bill... outpatient therapy sessions (90832,90835, 90837). Things like, crisis, client contact, groups, case management, peer support specialists, and prescribers, are no billable due to the documents that are tied to invoices/ claims. It also allows you to bill without regard as to whether the appointment actually happened or not. No need for notes or documents, just make an appointment and send in the bill. The calendar is very clunky and hard to use. The font is extremely small with no way to make it bigger. There is no ability to do groups/ couples treatment unless everyone is piled up under the same webcam (so much for 6 feet). It is very difficult to make appointments. There is no way to edit an appointment after it has been made either... it has to be canceled. There is an overlord of your account who has to help you do most everything.

Tammy's Review of CounSol.com

Pluspunten:

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.

Minpunten:

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.

Great EHR system!

Opmerkingen: I have had a great experience with Counsol! I have used them for over a year while I started my practice in the pandemic. They've made it really easy to start a practice.

Pluspunten:

I really like the customized scheduling features in this software. It makes it easy to keep my boundaries in place for scheduling which can be hard to do on my own. There is a spot to put how long of a break you want between sessions, what types of sessions you want to do on which days (for example, you can see new clients only on Mondays), and you can assign default session types to each client. I also really love their quick and thorough customer service!

Minpunten:

I wish there were more ways that Counsol was inclusive to different communities. They have made some efforts but there is room to grow. For example, having a place to write in gender rather than pick from options. I also wish they could improve the video software. It works well but is lacking basic features that Google Meets and Zoom provide.

Simplifies my practice

Opmerkingen: Switching to counsol has made managing my private practice much easier. Customer support has been very responsive and the developers have implemented many of my suggested changes. The other development changes that have been made have all been imprints improvements and made this a very flexible and robust system. The free initial setup input all of my client intake forms, and then I was able to go into those forms and improve them in order to take advantage of the technology. I have also copied and modified those forms for individual clients, as needed. Modification and customization is very easy and intuitive for me. These features were much better than some of the very expensive systems I encountered during my search. My clients love the ease-of-use, and that we don't need to spend time on forms or payment during our sessions. They also love receiving appointment reminders (which I send out on their cancelation cutoff day). Some of my clients enjoy using the journaling feature, which allows them to choose whether or not they share an entry with me. I mainly use the system for scheduling, billing, and collecting client intake documents. The integrated scheduling and billing features have been major accounting time savers for me, and having secure credit card storage in the system means that I don't have to worry about billing clients, and I have a way to confirm appointments with credit cards (especially virtual sessions), as well as charge clients for late cancelation, according to my cancelation policy. I still take notes on paper, as I prefer not to be typing during my clinical sessions. However, in order to keep client files as required by law yet manage paper in my office, I have been scanning and uploading closed client files to CounSol as attachments, and then shredding the paper. One downside was that one of the main features I hoped to use when selecting a system was the video chat feature. I have not found that to be reliable. It might be because of my Windows 8 operating system or drivers, but the customer support for that feature was lacking. I have been a user for over 3 years now, so perhaps that has improved along with the other features. Other than that, the system is perfect for me and a major time, money and space saver. I can't imagine life without it now. Thank you!

Pluspunten:

Ease of use, flexibility, support.

Minpunten:

Video chat feature and support needs improvement

Does really well in some areas but is lacking in others

Opmerkingen: Overall, CounSol is not an inferior product, however it has not met my needs in the way I have been looking for and I am considering switching. They have been able to change small features for me (adding time zone to text reminders, for example), but the other features I really need are not in the works to be added, and it's making the process of documentation and managing my practice more complicated than I would prefer.

Pluspunten:

The support is superb, as you are assigned your own account rep when you create your account, and I don't think I have ever waited longer than a few hours for a response. I love that the client portal is customizable, and that CounSol offers custom templates. The color coding on the calendar is also great.

Minpunten:

I wish the custom forms had more customization. There's no ability to change font size, make bullet points, or format the text in many ways. The question types are good but there are a few that are missing, as well as a few options within the question types that are available (box opening up when 'other' is selected, for example.) There is no way to add two separate people with separate emails to the client portal, making it difficult to work with minors that have divorced parents/guardians. I wish the appointment reminders were customizable. The platform in general is easy to use once you get the hang of it, but there is definitely a learning curve involved.

HIPAA Compliant video platform with EHR and personal customer support!

Opmerkingen: It has everything I need for a small practice- I could even do my billing through it but I have a long-standing relationship with my biller and will try to keep her until I retire because I'm sentimental like that. It does let me invoice directly and get paid through the site. Some of my clients have had difficulty using the platform for video counseling and journaling, but this is usually easy to resolve or related to their hardware/ wifi. The only reason I give 4 stars for customer support is that tech support is not 24/7 and video counseling can be after hours. Clients cannot access tech support directly due to confidentiality. I love the scheduling feature because it allows you to schedule recurring appointments with versatility to the client's needs, and allows options for updates on all recurrences when changes are made. I have asked for a document to share with clients for troubleshooting. Jonathan has been very helpful with translating my forms into easy-to-complete web forms for my clients, and very responsive to my questions and requests. I hope in the future CounSol will offer additional or premium options like uploads for Qliq (or a phone app with HIPAA compliant texting), rating scales offered to the client upon each login for sessions (You can do this now but have to have them created, and assign for each session), and an option that does allow you to print notes using less paper in the event hard copies are required. It's a great EHR for a solo mental health practitioner, and the price is affordable with quality service.

Pluspunten:

Built-in video, HIPAA-compliant w BAA, Jonathan (personal assigned CSR), Ability to customize forms and share with clients, upload attachments and save to a specific client.

Minpunten:

When I have to print, the forms use way too much paper even double sided. Clients can't call customer service if they are having trouble connecting, leaving it to me to do troubleshooting, which is tough afterhours. It doesn't happen often, but I would like more troubleshooting resources available for the client. I also don't understand the full fee/ copay thing- are they charged for both? Is it the negotiated rate for their insurance company or my full rate? I just want them to be able to pay their copay online because I don't currently use the platform for billing.

Counsol is the most flexible of all the private practice platforms I tested.

Pluspunten:

One of the main selling points for me was the client portal. All the other ones that had portals required that the clinician approve the appointment request, with no other option. Why? I don't need more steps in my already busy schedule. And my clients, like any customer, want simple confirmations for their busy schedule instead of waiting to hear back so they can then make other adjustments for their schedule. I'm not a big fan of two steps when one does the job. My clients REALLY like being able to schedule this way and not have to play phone tag with me, nor wait for a confirmation. Flexibility and customization is a big selling point for me with Counsol. I don't bill insurance and I don't use the OMR feature--I still go old school paper charts. While most may not need this option, with Counsol I can still use it fully for robust scheduling, billing, and payment processing without having to enter progress notes and treatment plans--most of the other ones i tested required that you also use it for notes. That for me would've caused additional steps to enter notes when I already have a paper record. Again, less = better, and flexible customization = better. Customer support has always been VERY responsive, personal, and helpful. Overall, what I liked most is that Counsol is the most flexible of all the private practice platforms I tested, and I tested at least 10 of the most popular.

Minpunten:

Concerns: Many actions give the option to select if you want to send info about that action to the client. I would like to be able to change the default setting for the whole system to "do not send to client" rather than having to select that option each time. Again, less steps = better. Wish could print billing statements that fit in #9 double window billing envelope--which is pretty standard billing practice. I've been told that is not an option, and while yes I can email statements that's not how my practice functions. So, when I mail invoices to third party payers (for me mostly clergy as I don't work with insurances at all), I have to print out the invoice AND an additional piece of paper with my return address and the recipients address formatted for that type of envelope. Again, this is a standard envelope that any program that includes billing uses. I would love to have that feature added. Minor concern: The interface isn't as polished/slick as some of the others out there. I think some more in-depth exploration there with users would be valuable.

I'm Staying with Counsol

Opmerkingen: It's the perfect application to run my practice. It always performs perfectly, was customizable to perfectly match my needs without compromise. My clients have no problems accessing their portal, sending secure messages, using the secure journaling feature, and making payments. Using Counsol lets me focus on caring for my clients and not wrestling with a software application!

Pluspunten:

My favorite feature of Counsol.com is the attentive, knowledgeable, available and helpful customer service with this product. I'm fortunate enough to have an assigned Support Manager who makes it his priority for me to be productive with this software. This is in stark contrast to other software vendors that send you to FAQs, ChatBots, or Knowledge Bases directories to hunt down your answers. My favorite technical feature is the availability of FORMS for use with my clients. No other software has the depth/breadth and ease of use for form creation and use.

Minpunten:

The interface and client experience with the portal is dated with its look and functionality. The online session functionality is not supported for clinicians that are not located in the United States.

Excellent Product!

Pluspunten:

I use the telehealth platform and it’s fantastic- never an issue. I love that after a session, the credit card gets billed automatically, the invoice gets automatically noted as paid and if you chose, sent out. (All of that is optional too but included in the monthly price which is worth every penny, in my opinion.). I also use them for notes and forms clients sign right on the platform (both which you can customize, and for an additional fee Wiley planners are available), email (confidential), sending of claims with the click of ONE button (you have them filled out as you want via a template when you set up the client and can change this of course). Their customer service is GREAT and they help you along with questions-most often the DAY you call/email. You are assigned one person too, which I like. There are so many other great features- clients have a confidential journal they can, if they choose, share with you, folders for handouts you may want to put in the system for them to access, online scheduling if you choose, w email/text reminders as an option, -- it goes on and on. Can you tell I’m a fan? Tax season becomes a breeze too!

Minpunten:

Billing is complicated , so much so I can’t even say in what areas specifically

Great business asset!

Pluspunten:

While I have been using parts of Counsol.com's features for many years, when the Covid-19 was coming at us like a train, I had to completely change my approach to providing my clients the support services they needed. I was able to pack up my practice, move out of my town office and reconstitute my practice at home, LITERALLY OVERNIGHT. Paper systems that I had had in place for 20 years had to be replaced with electronic systems. New paperwork had to be uploaded overnight for clients to sign. The only things that didn't change were me and the dog in the office. Without Counsol.com's multiple features and amazing support staff, I could not have provided uninterrupted services to my clients. WELL DONE COUNSOL.COM!

Minpunten:

The change in accounting programs was the most challenging and nerve-wracking part. Nobody likes to have uncertainty about their finances, especially when it involves keeping track of insurance submissions, adopting a whole new payment system, and a change in software that you have to master quickly. While Counsol.com's system and my brain were clearly on different pages, the support staff was SO PATIENT and HELPFUL and RESPONSIVE to my pleas for help and easily untangled several issues that resulted from my insufficient understanding of how to use the accounting software. It would be helpful to have training videos on how to use the accounting features.