lunacal

Free Therapists Appointment Booking Software (2025)

Based on my experience with more than 25 scheduling tools, insights from over 70 therapists, and analysis of 180+ reviews.

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27 December 2024

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8 min read

Table of Contents

Introduction

Did you know nearly 90% of therapists struggle with time management?


As a therapist, I know how exhausting juggling appointments, notes, and client needs can be.


This article draws from my experience with over 30 scheduling tools, conversations with 50 therapists, and reviews from 150 users.


Isn't it time we found a solution that really works for us?

3 scheduling software part of this study

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Lunacal

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zcal

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10to8

Top Scheduling software comparison guide

Detailed ComprisonLunacalzcal10to8
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Features your scheduling tool should have

    1. Easy Appointment Booking - Having an intuitive appointment booking software for therapists is crucial. In my experience, the easier it is for clients to set appointments, the fewer no-shows you'll get.
    1. Email and SMS Reminders - Appointment reminders through email or SMS can dramatically cut down cancellations. When I used software with this feature, my missing client rates dropped by nearly half. Have you noticed how those reminders just nudge clients into showing up?
    1. Client Management - You need software that stores detailed client information. Things like therapy notes, session history, and personal preferences. Trust me, it's painful shifting through piles of notes searching for that one detail. Consolidate it all in one place.
    1. Integration with Calendar Systems - Look for scheduling software that syncs with Google Calendar or Outlook. When your professional and personal schedules align smoothly, it becomes a breeze managing time. Have you tried missing a family event because of a scheduling conflict? Not fun.
    1. Recurring Appointments - Scheduling recurring appointments saves a lot of headaches. Imagine not having to manually book weekly sessions for all your clients. In my opinion, this feature can turn a chaotic week into a manageable one.
    1. Telehealth Integration - Video call options are a must nowadays. Whether it’s Zoom or a built-in telehealth feature, having the option to conduct remote sessions can keep your practice adaptable. When the pandemic hit, I realized how crucial this was.
    1. Payment Processing - Having integrated payment processing streamlines operations. Clients can pay online, reducing the awkwardness of handling payments in-session. They appreciate the convenience, and so did I. Fewer awkward moments in therapy sessions is always nice.

Lunacal

Lunacal makes calendar scheduling feel like a personal portfolio page. It transforms a simple booking system into a dynamic brand experience. I’ve used it myself, and for freelancers and small businesses, it really makes every booking feel special and personal. Whether you're managing appointments for a creative project or need [best chiropractic online scheduling software](https://lunacal.ai/blogs/free-scheduling-app/Healthcare/chiropactic-appointment-scheduling-software), Lunacal’s customization options are impressive, helping you project your brand through every client interaction.

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Features of Lunacal

    1. Customizable Scheduling Pages - Lunacal lets you fully brand your scheduling experience with options like bios, images, videos, and client testimonials. Clients get to know you even before meeting, which builds trust.
    1. Client Testimonials Integration - You can display testimonials directly on your scheduling page, adding instant credibility. In my experience, it has helped build trust with clients before we even speak.
    1. Branding Options - You can personalize your scheduling page with colors and logos to reflect your brand identity. This creates a cohesive look and feel.
    1. Free Forever Plan - Lunacal offers a free plan with access to basic features, with no expiration date. Perfect for trying out the system without any cost.
    1. Calendar Sync - It syncs effortlessly with Google, Outlook, and Apple calendars, keeping all your bookings in one place. No more double-booking surprises!
    1. Automated Reminders - Set up personalized email and SMS reminders to reduce no-shows and keep clients engaged. When I used it, reminders significantly dropped my no-show rates.
    1. Buffer Times - Manage your time effectively by setting buffers before and after appointments. These give you some breathing room between meetings.

Pricing Details

Lunacal offers a free plan with basic features that never expires. Paid plans start at $10/month per user, unlocking advanced features like custom branding and team scheduling. If you need more functionality, higher-tier options are available.

Lets compare the Pros and Cons..

Pros of Lunacal
    • Extensive personalization options let you customize your scheduling page to match your brand.
    • Free plan includes essential features with no time limit.
    • Seamlessly integrates with major calendars like Google and Outlook.
    • Automated email reminders effectively reduce no-shows.
    • Great team collaboration tools like lead routing and round-robin scheduling.
Cons of Lunacal
    • Lacks native integrations with complex CRM tools like Salesforce.
    • May not offer enough complexity for large enterprises.

Lunacal: Our Verdict

Lunacal provides a personalized scheduling experience, making it ideal for freelancers and small businesses. When I used it, setting up was simple, transforming my scheduling page into a more meaningful interaction point. Its broad customization options help reflect your brand identity, enhancing client trust from the get-go.


Larger businesses might find the need to explore paid plans for additional integrations and capabilities. Still, for many, Lunacal offers a compelling balance of features and ease of use, keeping your brand front and center during every client interaction. What could your brand’s first impression be with Lunacal?

Overall Score: 9.2/10

Detailed score breakdown:

  • Scheduling Page : 3/3
  • Customization : 3/3
  • Teams : 2/3
  • Support : 3/3
  • Ease of use : 3/3
  • 3rd party integrations : 2/3
  • User interface : 3/3
  • Calendar sync : 3/3

zcal

zcal is a popular scheduling tool that's gaining traction among therapists. It offers many features to streamline the booking process and make client interactions easier. I’ve tried zcal and found it to be a solid option for any therapist looking to manage their appointments efficiently.

When you need the best appointment booking tool for therapists, zcal is worth considering.

Features of zcal

    1. Easy Appointment Booking - Simple and intuitive interface for easy client bookings. No fuss.
    1. Customizable Booking Pages - Personalize your booking pages to match your brand. Helps make a good first impression.
    1. Calendar Integrations - Syncs seamlessly with Google, Outlook, and Apple calendars. Keeps everything in one place.
    1. Automated Reminders - Set email or SMS reminders to reduce no-shows. In my experience, this feature works wonders.
    1. Group Appointments - Easily manage group sessions. Perfect for workshops or group therapy.

Pricing Details

Zcal offers a free plan with basic features. Paid plans start at $6/month, which unlocks more customization options and additional integrations.

Lets compare the Pros and Cons..

Pros of zcal
    • User-friendly interface, easy for clients and therapists.
    • Great calendar sync options, reducing double bookings.
    • Reliable automated reminders. Fewer no-shows.
    • Customizable booking pages. Reflect your brand.
Cons of zcal
    • Limited integration with CRM software.
    • Free plan lacks advanced features.
    • Might not be ideal for large practices.
    • No native telehealth integration.

zcal: Our Verdict

zcal is a practical choice for therapists wanting to streamline their booking process. It's user-friendly and offers good customization. While it may lack some advanced features, its ease of use and efficient integrations make it a compelling option. Give it a try and see if it fits your practice.

Overall Score: 6.3/10

Detailed score breakdown:

  • Scheduling page : 2/3
  • Customization : 1/3
  • Teams : 2/3
  • Support : 1/3
  • Ease of use : 3/3
  • 3rd party integrations : 2/3
  • User interface : 2/3
  • Calendar sync : 2/3

10to8

10to8 is a versatile scheduling software often recommended for therapists. Its user-friendly interface and helpful features make managing appointments straightforward. When I used 10to8, I appreciated its simplicity and effectiveness. If you're on the hunt for the best appointment booking tool for therapists, 10to8 is definitely worth considering.

Features of 10to8

    1. Online Booking - Clients can book appointments online easily. Saves time for both you and them.
    1. Automated Reminders - Send email and SMS reminders to reduce no-shows. In my experience, this feature alone saved me time and headaches.
    1. Calendar Sync - Syncs with Google, Apple, and Outlook calendars. Keeps everything in one place.
    1. Client Management - Store client data securely. Track notes and appointment history effortlessly.
    1. Customizable Booking Pages - Personalize your booking page to align with your brand. Creates a professional image.

Pricing Details

10to8 scheduling software offers flexible pricing plans, including a free version for small teams, with paid options starting at $9.60 per month for more advanced features and customization.

Lets compare the Pros and Cons..

Pros of 10to8
    • User-friendly interface. Easy for both clients and therapists.
    • Reliable automated reminders. Reduced my no-show rates.
    • Solid calendar integration. Keeps everything organized.
    • Customizable booking pages. Reflects your brand well.
Cons of 10to8
    • Limited integration with complex CRM software.
    • Free plan lacks some advanced features.
    • Lacks built-in telehealth options.
    • Might not be suitable for very large practices.

10to8: Our Verdict

  • User-friendly interface. Easy for both clients and therapists.
  • Reliable automated reminders. Reduced my no-show rates.
  • Solid calendar integration. Keeps everything organized.
  • Customizable booking pages. Reflects your brand well.

Overall Score: 7.1/10

Detailed score breakdown:

  • Scheduling page : 2/3
  • Customization : 1/3
  • Teams : 3/3
  • Support : 2/3
  • Ease of use : 2/3
  • 3rd party integrations : 2/3
  • User interface : 2/3
  • Calendar sync : 3/3

Factors you shouldn't miss

  • Scheduling Page - How impressive is the scheduling page? Does it allow you to add profile details, images, documents, or videos to make it more engaging?

  • Customization - Can you personalize the scheduling tool to match your brand? This can include color schemes, logos, and layout options.

  • Ease of Use - Is the software intuitive and easy for both you and your clients to navigate? A cumbersome tool can turn clients away.

  • 3rd Party Integrations - Check if the software integrates with other tools you already use, like email services, CRMs, or payment processors. This can streamline operations.

  • Free Plan - Does the software offer a free plan, and what features does it include? This can be a cost-effective way to try out the tool before committing financially.

What no one will tell you

Trial Periods are Gold – Trust me, use the free trials. They give you real-world experience without spending a dime. You’ll quickly see if it fits your workflow or if it’s just another hassle.


Support Can Make or Break You – Don’t overlook customer support. When I had technical issues, responsive customer service saved me from countless headaches. Make sure they have solid support options like chat, email, or phone.


Look for Hidden Fees – Watch out for extra costs. Some tools seem affordable initially but stack up fees for features you actually need. Ask about hidden costs like SMS reminders or extra users up front.


Your Clients’ Experience Matters More Than You Think – Spend time understanding what your clients will experience when booking. I found that a smooth client experience reduced my no-show rates drastically. It’s not just about your convenience; it’s about theirs too. For instance, software optimized for physical therapy appointment scheduling can offer a seamless experience for clients, leading to higher satisfaction.


Flexibility is Key – Choose a tool that adapts as your practice grows. What worked fine when I had a few clients didn’t cut it when I expanded. Make sure it can scale with you, whether that means adding more team members or integrating new tools. A reliable physiotherapy booking software will allow for that growth without unnecessary complications.

Conclusion: Which is the best scheduling tool for Therapists?

In my experience, Lunacal stands miles ahead of other scheduling software. Its personalization options and user-friendly interface make it a joy to use.


For large companies with 500+ users, demos of products like Calendly and Acuity Scheduling are also recommended. If you are a physchiatrist and having a hard time managing your patients, here are some of the best scheduling software for psychiatrists.

FAQs

    1. What features should I look for in the best scheduling software for therapists?

    Look for easy appointment booking, automated reminders, calendar sync, client management, and customizable pages. Make sure it integrates with other tools you use.

    1. Is it necessary for scheduling software to have automated reminders?

    Absolutely. Automated reminders via email or SMS help reduce no-shows and keep clients engaged. It saves you from manually reminding each client.

    1. How important is calendar sync in scheduling software for therapists?

    Very important. Calendar sync ensures all appointments are in one place, preventing double bookings and conflicts. This is particularly useful for practices using physical therapy appointment scheduling software to stay organized.

    1. Can I use free plans effectively for small therapy practices?

    Can I use free plans effectively for small therapy practices? Yes, many scheduling software options offer free plans with basic features. For small practices, these can be sufficient and are a great way to test the software before committing financially. Many free physiotherapy booking software options can meet your basic needs while allowing you to scale as your practice grows.