Squarespace Scheduling vs Dedicated Booking Tools: What's Better for Therapists?

TL;DR

• Squarespace Scheduling = Acuity Scheduling (Squarespace bought Acuity).
• Convenience: It's integrated. No extra account needed.
• Limitations: Not therapy-specific. Privacy features require configuration.
• Alternative: OnlyCaly for privacy-focused booking with easy website embed.
• Best Approach: Dedicated tool embedded on Squarespace site.

Many therapists use Squarespace for their websites. It's easy, looks professional, and includes scheduling.

But is using Squarespace's built-in scheduling the right choice—or should you use a dedicated booking tool and embed it?

Let's break it down.

What Is Squarespace Scheduling?

When Squarespace acquired Acuity Scheduling in 2019, they integrated Acuity into the Squarespace platform as "Squarespace Scheduling."

So when you see "Squarespace Scheduling," you're essentially using Acuity.

What's Included

Squarespace Scheduling is included with Business plans and above:

• Online booking
• Calendar sync (Google, Outlook, iCloud)
• Appointment types
• Reminder emails
• Basic intake forms
• Stripe/Square/PayPal integration

It's a solid scheduling tool—because it's Acuity under the hood.

The Case for Squarespace Scheduling

1. Already Included

If you're paying for Squarespace Business or Commerce, scheduling is part of the package. No additional monthly fee.

2. Seamless Integration

The booking page lives on your Squarespace site. Matching fonts, colors, navigation. No iframe or external link needed.

3. One Dashboard

Manage website content and appointments in the same admin area. Less context-switching.

4. Good Enough for Basics

For straightforward appointment booking without special requirements, it works.

The Case Against (For Therapists)

1. Not Therapy-Specific

Squarespace Scheduling was designed for general business appointments: consultations, photo shoots, coaching calls. Mental health wasn't a focus.

Missing:

• Default discreet calendar titles
• Therapy-specific intake templates
• HIPAA-focused design

You can configure some of this, but it's work.

2. Privacy Requires Configuration

Calendar invitations show your service names by default. If you name your service "Couples Therapy Session," that's what shows in the client's calendar.

OnlyCaly: Neutral titles by default Squarespace/Acuity: Manual configuration needed

3. Limited Free Tier

If you're not on Business/Commerce plans, scheduling is a paid add-on. Standalone Acuity starts at $16/month.

Dedicated tools like OnlyCaly have free tiers that may cover basic needs.

4. Not Portable

Your booking link is tied to your Squarespace site. If you ever switch website platforms, your booking link breaks.

Dedicated tools live independently. Your link stays the same regardless of website changes.

5. Email from Squarespace

Confirmation and reminder emails come from Squarespace domain. This may look less professional than emails from your own domain or a healthcare-specific tool.

Comparison Table

The Better Approach

For most therapists, the best setup is:

Dedicated Tool + Website Embed

1. Use a therapy-focused scheduler like OnlyCaly
2. Embed on your Squarespace site using their embed blocks
3. Direct links still work even outside your website

This gives you:

• Privacy features out of the box
• Portable booking link
• Professional embed on your site
• Flexibility if you change website platforms

How to Embed OnlyCaly on Squarespace

1. Copy your OnlyCaly booking page URL
2. In Squarespace, add an "Embed" block where you want booking
3. Paste the embed code (or use button link to full page)
4. Style to match your site

Most dedicated tools offer similar embed options.

When Squarespace Scheduling Makes Sense

Use built-in Squarespace Scheduling if:

• You're already on Squarespace Business/Commerce
• Your needs are basic (no privacy concerns)
• You want zero external tools
• You're not therapy-specific (coaching, consulting)

When to Use a Dedicated Tool

Use a dedicated booking tool if:

• Privacy features matter
• You want therapy-specific workflows
• You might change website platforms
• You want a free option with good features
• You want control over your booking link

Migrating from Squarespace Scheduling

If you've been using Squarespace Scheduling and want to switch:

1. Export Data

Download your appointment history and client list from Acuity/Squarespace.

2. Set Up New Tool

Create your OnlyCaly (or other) account. Recreate service types and settings.

3. Update Website

Replace embedded Squarespace Scheduling with your new tool's embed.

4. Redirect Old Links

If anyone has your old Squarespace booking link, set up a redirect or update everywhere.

5. Notify Existing Clients

"I've upgraded my booking system. New link: [link]"

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use both?

Technically yes, but confusing. You'd have two calendars, two confirmation systems. Pick one.

Is Squarespace Scheduling HIPAA compliant?

Acuity (which powers it) offers HIPAA compliance on their $45/month Powerhouse plan. Standard Squarespace Scheduling doesn't include a BAA.

What if I'm not on Squarespace?

Then this comparison doesn't apply directly. Use a dedicated scheduling tool that embeds on any website.

Is OnlyCaly easier to embed than competitors?

Most modern scheduling tools offer easy embed codes. OnlyCaly's is particularly simple—copy URL, paste in embed block.

The Bottom Line

Squarespace Scheduling (Acuity) is a capable tool. If you're already paying for Squarespace Business and have basic needs, using it makes sense.

But for therapists who need privacy features, therapy-specific workflows, or want independence from their website platform—a dedicated tool is worth the extra step.

Convenience: Squarespace Scheduling Privacy and flexibility: OnlyCaly or standalone Acuity

The embed takes 5 minutes. The peace of mind lasts forever.

Try OnlyCaly Free →