Quick Overview
- 1#1: ICANotes - Comprehensive EHR designed specifically for behavioral health with customizable psychiatry templates, E&M coding, and integrated billing.
- 2#2: Valant - Integrated behavioral health EHR and practice management platform optimized for outpatient psychiatry practices.
- 3#3: TherapyNotes - Secure cloud-based EHR tailored for mental health professionals with robust note-taking and scheduling features.
- 4#4: SimplePractice - All-in-one practice management and telehealth solution for therapists and psychiatrists with HIPAA-compliant charting.
- 5#5: TheraNest - Affordable practice management software with EHR capabilities for behavioral health providers.
- 6#6: Qualifacts - Enterprise-level EHR for behavioral health organizations supporting psychiatry workflows and outcome tracking.
- 7#7: Kareo - Billing-focused EHR platform with behavioral health features for independent psychiatry practices.
- 8#8: Practice Fusion - Free web-based EHR with psychiatry templates and charting tools for small practices.
- 9#9: Athenahealth - Cloud-based EHR suite with behavioral health modules for scalable psychiatry operations.
- 10#10: Epic - Comprehensive enterprise EHR with customizable psychiatry modules for large health systems.
We ranked these tools by evaluating key factors: robust psychiatry-specific features (e.g., E&M coding, outcome tracking), usability, data security (HIPAA compliance), and value, ensuring they cater to both small clinics and large health systems.
Comparison Table
This comparison table evaluates key features, usability, and practice fit of popular psychiatry EMR software, including ICANotes, Valant, TherapyNotes, SimplePractice, TheraNest, and more. Readers will gain insight into how each tool balances clinical documentation, billing support, and patient management to streamline workflows and meet diverse practice needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ICANotes Comprehensive EHR designed specifically for behavioral health with customizable psychiatry templates, E&M coding, and integrated billing. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 2 | Valant Integrated behavioral health EHR and practice management platform optimized for outpatient psychiatry practices. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | TherapyNotes Secure cloud-based EHR tailored for mental health professionals with robust note-taking and scheduling features. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 4 | SimplePractice All-in-one practice management and telehealth solution for therapists and psychiatrists with HIPAA-compliant charting. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | TheraNest Affordable practice management software with EHR capabilities for behavioral health providers. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 6 | Qualifacts Enterprise-level EHR for behavioral health organizations supporting psychiatry workflows and outcome tracking. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Kareo Billing-focused EHR platform with behavioral health features for independent psychiatry practices. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | Practice Fusion Free web-based EHR with psychiatry templates and charting tools for small practices. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 9 | Athenahealth Cloud-based EHR suite with behavioral health modules for scalable psychiatry operations. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | Epic Comprehensive enterprise EHR with customizable psychiatry modules for large health systems. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.2/10 |
Comprehensive EHR designed specifically for behavioral health with customizable psychiatry templates, E&M coding, and integrated billing.
Integrated behavioral health EHR and practice management platform optimized for outpatient psychiatry practices.
Secure cloud-based EHR tailored for mental health professionals with robust note-taking and scheduling features.
All-in-one practice management and telehealth solution for therapists and psychiatrists with HIPAA-compliant charting.
Affordable practice management software with EHR capabilities for behavioral health providers.
Enterprise-level EHR for behavioral health organizations supporting psychiatry workflows and outcome tracking.
Billing-focused EHR platform with behavioral health features for independent psychiatry practices.
Free web-based EHR with psychiatry templates and charting tools for small practices.
Cloud-based EHR suite with behavioral health modules for scalable psychiatry operations.
Comprehensive enterprise EHR with customizable psychiatry modules for large health systems.
ICANotes
specializedComprehensive EHR designed specifically for behavioral health with customizable psychiatry templates, E&M coding, and integrated billing.
Point-and-click progress notes that auto-populate structured, billable documentation in seconds, unique to psychiatry workflows
ICANotes is a cloud-based EMR software tailored specifically for behavioral health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, offering streamlined documentation for progress notes, treatment plans, and psychiatric evaluations. It features intuitive point-and-click templates that accelerate note completion while ensuring compliance with HIPAA and ONC certification standards. The platform integrates scheduling, billing, telehealth, and E&M coding assistance, making it a comprehensive solution for psychiatry practices.
Pros
- Highly specialized psychiatry templates with point-and-click interface for rapid, structured documentation
- Seamless integration of telehealth, billing, and E&M coding tools
- Robust security and compliance features tailored for behavioral health
Cons
- Pricing can be higher for smaller practices
- Limited customization options compared to general EMRs
- Steeper learning curve for non-behavioral health users
Best For
Ideal for psychiatry practices and behavioral health providers seeking a specialized, efficient EMR with psychiatry-focused workflows.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting around $125 per provider per month, with tiers based on users and features; includes all-in-one billing and support.
Valant
specializedIntegrated behavioral health EHR and practice management platform optimized for outpatient psychiatry practices.
Psychotropic Medication Assistant for intelligent e-prescribing and drug interaction checks tailored to psychiatric medications
Valant is a cloud-based EHR/EMR software tailored for behavioral health practices, including psychiatry, offering specialized tools for clinical documentation, medication management, and outcomes tracking. It integrates scheduling, billing, telehealth, and e-prescribing to streamline workflows specific to mental health providers. With HIPAA-compliant features and psychiatry-specific templates, it supports comprehensive patient care from intake to ongoing treatment monitoring.
Pros
- Psychiatry-specific tools like Psychotropic Medication Assistant and outcomes measurement with standardized scales
- Robust integrated billing and revenue cycle management optimized for mental health CPT codes
- Seamless telehealth and patient portal for enhanced engagement and compliance
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced customization and reporting
- Pricing can be high for solo or small practices
- Limited interoperability with non-behavioral health systems
Best For
Mid-sized psychiatry and behavioral health practices seeking specialized EMR tools for medication management and outcomes tracking.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing starting at around $199 per provider/month, with additional implementation and training fees.
TherapyNotes
specializedSecure cloud-based EHR tailored for mental health professionals with robust note-taking and scheduling features.
Customizable progress note templates with auto-populating DSM-5 criteria and treatment goals, designed specifically for behavioral health documentation speed and compliance.
TherapyNotes is a cloud-based EHR and practice management platform tailored for behavioral health professionals, including psychiatrists, offering tools for progress notes, treatment planning, scheduling, billing, and telehealth. It supports psychiatry-specific features like e-prescribing, medication management, and DSM-5 aligned documentation templates to streamline clinical workflows. The software emphasizes HIPAA compliance, security, and efficiency for solo and group practices.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick note-taking templates optimized for therapy and psychiatry sessions
- Excellent customer support with live chat and phone assistance
- Robust e-prescribing and medication tracking integrated seamlessly
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to enterprise EMRs
- No native mobile app for full clinician access on the go
- Pricing can add up for larger practices with additional module fees
Best For
Solo psychiatrists or small to medium behavioral health practices seeking a user-friendly, all-in-one EMR without complex setup.
Pricing
$59 per user per month (billed annually) or $69 monthly; e-prescribing adds $30/month for the first prescriber.
SimplePractice
specializedAll-in-one practice management and telehealth solution for therapists and psychiatrists with HIPAA-compliant charting.
Built-in outcome measurement tools for tracking patient progress and supporting evidence-based psychiatric care
SimplePractice is a cloud-based EHR and practice management platform tailored for mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, offering tools for scheduling, billing, secure messaging, and telehealth. It provides customizable progress notes, treatment plans, and outcome tracking to support psychiatric documentation and care coordination. The software emphasizes HIPAA compliance and a user-friendly interface to streamline workflows for solo or small practices.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick setup and minimal training needed
- Seamless integration of telehealth, billing, and client portal
- Strong HIPAA compliance and excellent customer support
Cons
- Pricing increases significantly with advanced features and add-ons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics for complex psychiatric data
- Less customizable for highly specialized psychiatry workflows compared to enterprise EMRs
Best For
Solo psychiatrists or small psychiatry practices looking for an all-in-one, easy-to-use EMR with strong telehealth capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $29/user/month (Essentials plan); $69-$99/user/month for higher tiers; additional fees for claims ($0.09-$6/claim) and e-prescribing.
TheraNest
specializedAffordable practice management software with EHR capabilities for behavioral health providers.
Unlimited clients and insurance claims in all pricing tiers
TheraNest is a cloud-based EHR and practice management software designed for mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, offering tools for scheduling, billing, clinical notes, telehealth, and client portals. It supports psychiatry workflows with customizable progress notes, treatment plans, and basic medication tracking. The platform emphasizes HIPAA compliance and ease of use for small to medium practices.
Pros
- Affordable per-user pricing with unlimited clients and claims
- Intuitive interface and quick setup
- Robust billing tools with clearinghouse integration
Cons
- No native e-prescribing (requires third-party integration)
- Limited advanced psychiatry-specific templates and assessments
- Reporting features lack depth for larger practices
Best For
Small to mid-sized psychiatry practices needing a cost-effective, straightforward EMR without advanced customization.
Pricing
Starts at $39/user/month (Simple), $49/user/month (Complete), $59/user/month (Advanced); unlimited clients, claims, and free data migration.
Qualifacts
enterpriseEnterprise-level EHR for behavioral health organizations supporting psychiatry workflows and outcome tracking.
Advanced outcomes management module with automated, psychiatry-focused assessment tools and real-time progress dashboards
Qualifacts offers cloud-based EHR/EMR software tailored for behavioral health and psychiatry practices, including tools for clinical documentation, treatment planning, e-prescribing, and outcomes measurement. It supports various care models such as outpatient, residential, and crisis services with features like scheduling, billing, telehealth, and compliance reporting. The platform emphasizes data-driven insights for psychiatry-specific needs like medication management and progress tracking using standardized assessments.
Pros
- Specialized behavioral health templates and psychiatry-specific tools like automated PHQ-9 and GAD-7 assessments
- Strong revenue cycle management with high clean claims rates
- Robust telehealth integration and mobile access for clinicians
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive customization options
- Pricing is quote-based and can be costly for small practices
- Customer support response times vary, especially during peak periods
Best For
Medium to large psychiatry and behavioral health organizations needing comprehensive outcomes tracking and enterprise-level compliance.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $100-$300 per user/month depending on modules and practice size, with implementation fees.
Kareo
specializedBilling-focused EHR platform with behavioral health features for independent psychiatry practices.
Advanced revenue cycle management that automates claims scrubbing and denial management tailored for behavioral health reimbursements
Kareo is a cloud-based platform offering integrated EHR, practice management, and revenue cycle management solutions designed for independent medical practices, including psychiatry. It provides psychiatry-specific templates, e-prescribing for psychotropic medications, telehealth capabilities, and automated billing to streamline documentation and reimbursement processes. Psychiatry practices appreciate its focus on behavioral health workflows while handling administrative burdens efficiently.
Pros
- Robust revenue cycle management with high claim acceptance rates
- Psychiatry-specific note templates and e-prescribing integration
- Built-in telehealth for remote behavioral health sessions
Cons
- User interface feels dated and less intuitive for complex psych notes
- Customer support can be inconsistent during peak times
- Pricing structure is complex with additional per-claim fees
Best For
Small to mid-sized psychiatry practices prioritizing billing efficiency and revenue optimization over highly specialized therapy tools.
Pricing
Starts at around $140/provider/month for EHR + PM, plus 4-7% of collections for billing services and setup fees.
Practice Fusion
specializedFree web-based EHR with psychiatry templates and charting tools for small practices.
Free e-prescribing with no per-prescription fees, ideal for high-volume psych med management
Practice Fusion is a cloud-based electronic health record (EHR) platform offering charting, e-prescribing, scheduling, and billing tools primarily for small to mid-sized practices. It supports customizable templates that can be adapted for psychiatry notes, medication management, and patient tracking. While not specialized for behavioral health, its free model and ease of use make it accessible for general psychiatric workflows.
Pros
- Completely free core EHR features with no subscription fees
- Intuitive web-based interface accessible from any device
- Integrated e-prescribing with Surescripts for psychotropic medications
Cons
- Limited built-in psychiatry-specific tools like DSM-5 integration or therapy outcome tracking
- Custom templates required for specialized psych workflows
- History of data security concerns and average customer support
Best For
Solo psychiatry practitioners or small clinics needing a cost-free, straightforward EMR for basic documentation and prescribing.
Pricing
Free for core features; optional paid add-ons for advanced billing or integrations starting at $149/month.
Athenahealth
enterpriseCloud-based EHR suite with behavioral health modules for scalable psychiatry operations.
AI-driven revenue cycle intelligence that automates denial management and optimizes reimbursements for psychiatric CPT codes
Athenahealth is a comprehensive cloud-based EHR and practice management platform designed for ambulatory practices, including psychiatry, offering electronic health records, scheduling, billing, and patient engagement tools. For psychiatric use, it includes customizable templates for therapy notes, treatment plans, DSM-5 integration, e-prescribing for controlled substances, and telehealth capabilities. It emphasizes revenue cycle management to streamline claims for behavioral health services.
Pros
- Strong revenue cycle management with high clean claims rates for complex psych billing
- Robust interoperability and population health analytics for psychiatric outcome tracking
- Integrated telehealth and patient portal supporting virtual therapy sessions
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to cluttered interface
- High cost with limited transparency in pricing
- Less specialized psychiatry templates compared to dedicated behavioral health EMRs
Best For
Mid-sized psychiatry practices seeking an all-in-one EHR with superior billing automation and scalability.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $300-$500 per provider/month including RCM services; additional fees for premium modules.
Epic
enterpriseComprehensive enterprise EHR with customizable psychiatry modules for large health systems.
Cosmos platform, leveraging the world's largest de-identified clinical dataset for psychiatry research, benchmarking, and predictive analytics.
Epic is an enterprise-grade electronic health record (EHR) system widely used in large hospitals and health systems, offering robust psychiatry modules for clinical documentation, medication management, and behavioral health tracking. It supports psychiatry-specific templates, flowsheets for symptom monitoring (e.g., PHQ-9, GAD-7), e-prescribing with controlled substances, and telepsychiatry integration. While highly scalable and interoperable, it requires extensive customization and is best suited for complex, high-volume environments rather than small psychiatry practices.
Pros
- Exceptional interoperability via Care Everywhere for sharing psychiatry records across systems
- Advanced analytics and population health tools tailored for behavioral health outcomes
- Highly customizable psychiatry workflows, including SmartForms and order sets
Cons
- Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation (often 1-2 years)
- Prohibitively expensive for small or solo psychiatry practices
- Overly complex interface not optimized for streamlined mental health documentation
Best For
Large psychiatry departments or academic medical centers within integrated health systems requiring enterprise-scale EMR capabilities.
Pricing
Custom pricing with no public tiers; typically $500K+ upfront implementation plus $100-$300 per user/month ongoing, scaling to millions for large deployments.
Conclusion
The top three psychiatry EMR tools—ICANotes, Valant, and TherapyNotes—stand out as exceptional choices, each tailored to address unique practice needs. ICANotes leads as the top pick, offering robust, behavior-specific features like customizable templates and integrated billing, making it ideal for comprehensive care. Valant and TherapyNotes follow closely, with Valant excelling in integrated outpatient management and TherapyNotes impressing with secure, intuitive charting and scheduling, ensuring strong alternatives for diverse workflows.
Elevate your psychiatric practice by exploring ICANotes, the top-ranked solution, to experience its specialized tools firsthand and streamline your care operations.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
