The A-List: Top 18 Behavioral Health EHR Systems In Practice Of 2024
10 Best Behavioral Health EHR Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 18 tools reviewed.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
Running a chiropractic practice isn't without its challenges—juggling patient records, scheduling, billing, and paperwork. It's a lot. But the good news is, it doesn't have to stay that way.
Enter chiropractic EHR software—a tool that understands your pain points and works to solve them. It streamlines processes, neatly organizes data, and patient records, and ultimately, saves you time for what's crucial—patient care.
Using my experience, I've sifted through the noise and pulled together top EHR options that address these challenges head-on. I'm confident that exploring these will help you find a tool that fits your practice like a glove.
Need expert help selecting the right tool?
With one-on-one help, we guide you to your top software options. Narrow down your software search & make a confident choice.
What Is Behavioral Health EHR?
Behavioral health EHR is a specialized electronic health record system designed to meet the unique needs of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and social workers. It’s used for documenting and managing patient health information, streamlining practice management, and facilitating seamless patient-provider communication.
It often includes features specific to the field such as therapy notes, treatment plans, and integration with pharmacies for managing prescriptions. The primary goal of such software is to improve patient care, reduce paperwork, enhance data accuracy, and ensure compliance with regulations in the behavioral health sector.
Best Behavioral Health EHR Summary
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Athenahealth | Pricing upon request | Website |
| EHR Your Way | From $40/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| RXNT | From $110/month/provider | Website |
| DrChrono | From $199/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| ClinicTracker | From $20/user/month | Website |
| Kareo Clinical | From $160/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Osmind | From $50/user/month | Website |
| NextGen Office | From $199/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Foothold | Pricing upon request | Website |
| TherapyNotes | From $59/user/month | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareBest Behavioral Health EHR Reviews
Athenahealth offers a cloud-based healthcare platform called athenaOne, which integrates various software and services to enhance clinical effectiveness, patient experience, and financial performance. The platform includes features such as Electronic Health Records (EHR), Revenue Cycle Management (RCM), and patient engagement tools,
Why I Picked Athenahealth:
The platform allows for a holistic approach to patient care by integrating both physical and mental health information into one accessible system. This centralized access enables clinicians to spend less time on administrative tasks and more time interacting with patients, therefore improving the quality of care. The platform also supports various functionalities such as appointment management, billing, clinical workflow, and patient portals.
Standout features and integrations:
Standout features include revenue cycle management, communication and care tools for patient engagement, an easy-to-read summary of patient records, automated reminders, and mobile accessibility. Integrations include NextPatient, DocResponse, Yosi Health, Secondwave, Recovery Plus, TSI, VaxCare, Fullscript, QueueDr, and CallMyDoc.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Broad range of integrations with other healthcare systems and devices
- Robust patient engagement tools
- Cloud-based system for remote access
Cons:
- Learning curve for new users
- Data migration can be time-consuming
EHR Your Way is a behavioral health EMR software that places high emphasis on customization and flexibility, adapting to the unique needs of its users, providing health practitioners with a customizable and user-friendly mental health EHR software for their medical practice.
It offers a vast array of features and functionalities that can be tailored to fit different practice styles, enhancing the overall user experience.
Why I Picked EHR Your Way:
I chose EHR Your Way for its unrivaled commitment to flexibility. It stands apart in its ability to conform to individual practice needs, rather than requiring users to adjust their workflow to the software. I believe it's best for user customization and flexibility due to its range of customizable features that can enhance any practice’s workflow.
Standout features and integrations:
EHR Your Way offers robust features such as voice dictation, document management, and appointment scheduling. Additionally, it integrates seamlessly with popular billing platforms and practice management software, providing a cohesive experience across the entire practice.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integration with popular platforms
- Comprehensive feature set
- High level of customization
Cons:
- Learning curve for non-tech savvy users
- Customer support response times could be improved
- User interface could be more intuitive
RXNT provides an EHR solution that caters to both mental and behavioral health practices of all sizes, delivering adaptable and scalable electronic medical records (EMR) software for mental health practitioners and healthcare providers.
Its versatile system is adaptable, making it a valuable resource for practices ranging from solo practitioners to large health organizations.
Why I Picked RXNT:
The flexibility and scalability of RXNT caught my attention. It stands out due to its ability to accommodate both small solo practices and large healthcare organizations without compromising functionality. This makes it the best choice for mental and behavioral health practices of all sizes.
Standout features and integrations:
With RXNT, you'll get comprehensive features such as e-prescribing, patient scheduling, and customizable charting. Furthermore, its integration capabilities include billing systems, practice management software, and it's ONC-certified, which assures compliance with health information technology standards.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- ONC-certified integrations
- Offers extensive features
- Suits practices of all sizes
Cons:
- Billing annually may not suit all practices
- Customer support could be better
- Interface may take time to master
DrChrono is a fully integrated Electronic Health Record (EHR), practice management, medical billing, and revenue cycle management platform. Its design for use on tablets and mobile devices makes it unique, providing a convenient and efficient solution for healthcare practitioners on the go.
Why I Picked DrChrono:
I selected DrChrono because of its robust mobile capabilities. This tool stands out due to its design for use on iPads, iPhones and the web, enabling healthcare professionals to manage their practice efficiently, no matter where they are. In comparison to other tools, DrChrono's mobile-first approach makes it the best choice for practitioners seeking mobility and convenience.
Standout features and integrations:
DrChrono has numerous noteworthy features, including customizable medical forms, photo and document management, and a patient check-in app. The platform integrates with an extensive list of medical labs and pharmacies, allowing for swift and effective coordination of patient care.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive list of integrations
- Customizable medical forms
- Exceptional mobile capabilities
Cons:
- The user interface could be more intuitive
- Might require training to effectively use all features
- Higher starting price than some competitors
Best for mental health practitioner collaboration in the mental health field
ClinicTracker is an Electronic Health Record (EHR) software that is tailored for behavioral, mental health, and substance abuse agencies. It provides a unique collaboration platform, allowing mental health professionals to connect, share insights, and work together efficiently.
Why I Picked ClinicTracker:
I chose ClinicTracker due to its emphasis on fostering collaboration among mental health workers. This software stands out because it not only streamlines administrative tasks but also promotes teamwork within the practice. I determined it to be the best for mental health worker collaboration because of its seamless coordination functionalities and its dedicated platform for sharing insights.
Standout features and integrations:
ClinicTracker offers various standout features such as automated compliance alerts, advanced billing options, and a unique messaging system for easy communication. It integrates with numerous other software solutions, including billing platforms, telehealth services, and patient portals, to provide a comprehensive healthcare management solution.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- Integration with various software solutions
- Advanced collaboration features
Cons:
- Requires time to fully understand all features
- Setup process might be complex for some
- User interface could be more intuitive
Kareo Clinical is an EHR platform tailored for small practices and focuses on simplifying the process of patient engagement, providing seamless patient engagement solutions for mental health practitioners and small healthcare providers.
It combines all the essential elements of patient care, from scheduling appointments to billing, with a strong emphasis on communication and engagement.
Why I Picked Kareo Clinical:
I selected Kareo Clinical for its exceptional ability to foster patient engagement. What sets it apart from the rest is its focus on simplicity and the patient experience, making it a crucial tool for small practices that prioritize patient interaction. Its feature set convinced me that it is the 'Best for seamless patient engagement' due to its effective communication tools that allow practices to reach out to patients easily.
Standout features and integrations:
Kareo Clinical offers a suite of features that include e-prescribing, patient portals, and secure messaging. Its patient engagement module allows practitioners to send appointment reminders, follow-ups, and educational materials directly to the patient's inbox. It integrates with several leading platforms including Kareo Billing, which offers an efficient solution for billing and revenue cycle management.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Good integration with Kareo's billing platform
- Simplified user interface
- Emphasis on patient engagement
Cons:
- Limited third-party integrations
- No free trial available
- Higher starting price point
Osmind is a mental health practice management software that targets psychiatric practices offering innovative treatments. The platform focuses on providing specialized support for practices that deploy novel approaches in their patient care, making it unique in its target demographic.
Why I Picked Osmind:
I picked Osmind for this list due to its distinct emphasis on supporting practices that offer innovative treatments. This kind of specialization is a rarity in mental health EHRs, giving Osmind a significant edge. Its tailored approach makes it the best choice for psychiatric practices that are at the forefront of innovative mental health treatment strategies.
Standout features and integrations:
Osmind provides robust features, including a streamlined workflow, integrated patient portal, and built-in telehealth capabilities. Moreover, the platform's integration with other tools such as billing software, labs, pharmacies, and insurance systems further enhances its usefulness.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong integration with external services
- Comprehensive feature set tailored for psychiatric services
- Focused on innovative treatment practices
Cons:
- User interface might require a learning curve for some users
- Higher starting price compared to other EHRs
- May be too specialized for general mental health practices
NextGen Office is a comprehensive EHR solution that excels in offering integrated clinical and financial management tools, providing a holistic practice management solution for mental health practitioners and healthcare providers.
Catering to diverse healthcare specialties, including behavioral health, it combines practice management, patient engagement, and revenue cycle management seamlessly.
Why I Picked NextGen Office:
NextGen Office caught my attention because of its comprehensive solution manual that merges clinical and financial management effortlessly. Its integration of these aspects makes this a unique choice and offers a holistic approach to practice management. I determined it as 'Best for integrated clinical and financial solutions' due to its ability to handle the entire practice's operations, minimizing the need for separate solutions.
Standout features and integrations:
NextGen Office provides a range of features from e-prescribing, patient portal, and appointment scheduling, to financial analytics and reports. The standout aspect is its complete financial suite that includes eligibility checks, billing, and revenue cycle management. Furthermore, it integrates thoroughly with many laboratory systems, pharmacies, and hospitals.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Good interoperability with other systems
- Comprehensive feature set
- Integrated financial management
Cons:
- No free trial available
- Costlier than some alternatives
- Steep learning curve
Foothold is a dedicated EHR for mental health services offering a wide array of features with an emphasis on detailed reporting, facilitating comprehensive clinical documentation and assessments for mental health providers in inpatient and outpatient settings.
Its goal is to provide a platform that streamlines the workflows of mental health professionals and aids decision-making with comprehensive data analytics.
Why I Picked Foothold:
Foothold made it onto my list due to its robust reporting capability, specifically designed for mental health services. It stands out by providing extensive data analytics, helping professionals understand their practice’s dynamics and make informed decisions. Therefore, I named it 'Best for mental health services with robust reporting'.
Standout features and integrations:
Foothold offers features like appointment scheduling, treatment planning, case management, and notably robust reporting capabilities that provide detailed insights. Its integration capabilities extend to platforms like Medicaid and Medicare, further simplifying billing and compliance.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integrates with Medicaid and Medicare
- Robust reporting features
- Tailored for mental health services
Cons:
- Limited third-party integrations
- Might be overwhelming for small practices
- Pricing not transparent
TherapyNotes is a robust EHR platform that integrates scheduling, notes, billing, and more into one cohesive system, providing comprehensive practice management for mental health practitioners and private practices.
It’s engineered specifically for the needs of therapists, counselors, and other behavioral health professionals who desire an all-in-one solution for practice management.
Why I Picked TherapyNotes:
I chose TherapyNotes because it provides an extensive suite of features that consolidate various tasks within a single system. Its reputation for a user-friendly interface and reliable customer service also resonated strongly. I concluded that it's 'Best for comprehensive practice management' due to its capacity to manage a practice end-to-end, right from appointments to billing, making it a convenient choice for healthcare professionals.
Standout features and integrations:
TherapyNotes is feature-rich, offering a handy client portal, customizable forms, electronic claims, and even to-do lists for optimum organization. One standout feature is its workflow management, a real game-changer for clinicians who need to stay on top of daily tasks.
When it comes to integration, TherapyNotes has it covered, with credit card processing, Electronic Remittance Advice (ERAs), e-prescribing, and a smooth link with Google Calendar. Trust me, it's a comprehensive tool worth exploring for its potential to streamline your work.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Reliable customer service
- User-friendly interface
- Comprehensive practice management
Cons:
- Limited third-party integrations
- No customizable templates
- Lacks a free version
Other Behavioral Health EHR Tools
While the following Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems for behavioral health didn’t make it into our top 10, they still have significant value and are certainly worth exploring further:
- Therap Services
For a comprehensive system for mental health services
- Procentive
For integrated EHR and billing solution
- Luminello
Good for psychiatrists and therapists requiring a streamlined EHR
- CarePaths
Good for teletherapy and online practice management
- Exym
Good for behavioral health providers seeking comprehensive management tools
- Virgin Pulse
Good for promoting employee wellness and engagement
- ChartLogic EHR
Good for mental and behavioral health specialists needing a tailored EHR
- Augmedix
Good for reducing administrative burden through automation
How I Picked The Best Behavioral Health EHR
In the pursuit of the perfect mental health practice management software, encompassing both EMR systems and mental health EHR software, I've rigorously tested over 20 diverse tools. My evaluation of each was driven by a set of criteria that I consider vital for an effective mental health practice management solution.
These criteria prioritize core functionality, key features, and user-friendliness. More specifically, they include aspects such as EMR software capabilities, assessments, progress notes, and overall ease of use. Below, I have provided a deeper insight into each of these evaluation parameters.
Core Functionality:
- Patient scheduling: Enable efficient appointment scheduling and management for mental health practitioners and healthcare providers.
- Electronic health records (EHR): Maintain digital records of patient health information.
- Billing and insurance claims: Manage invoicing and handle insurance claims efficiently.
- Teletherapy capabilities: Provide the option for remote therapy sessions.
- Reporting: Generate comprehensive reports on practice metrics.
Key Features:
- Integration with other systems: The software should have the ability to effortlessly integrate with existing tools, such as calendar apps, billing systems, and patient portals.
- Compliance: The platform needs to be HIPAA compliant to ensure patient data privacy and security.
- Customization: Flexibility to tailor workflows, templates, and reports according to individual practice needs.
- Patient Portal: A dedicated space for patients to schedule appointments, access teletherapy, and view their health information.
Usability:
- Intuitive design: Mental health professionals and healthcare providers need a system that's straightforward and easy to navigate, minimizing the learning curve, like a mobile app for example.
- Efficient onboarding: The provider should offer resources such as training materials, webinars, or dedicated support to help new users get started with the tool.
- Responsive customer support: This is particularly important in healthcare, where any delay or miscommunication can have significant impacts.
- Mobile accessibility: As professionals often need to access patient information on the go, the software should have a functional mobile interface.
Behavioral Health EHR (FAQs)
What are the benefits of using behavioral health EHR tools?
Behavioral health EHR software tools offer several advantages for healthcare professionals. They streamline administrative tasks like appointment scheduling and billing, thus saving time. They provide an organized system for maintaining electronic health records, making it easier to track patient progress.
Additionally, they facilitate teletherapy sessions, crucial in the current pandemic scenario. Most of these tools offer customizable templates and workflows to suit individual practice needs.
Furthermore, they typically feature patient portals where clients can manage their appointments, access telemedicine, and review their health information, improving the overall patient experience.
How much do behavioral health EHR tools cost?
Pricing for behavioral health EHR tools can vary widely based on factors like the number of users, specific features, and the scale of the practice. Costs can range anywhere from $20 per user per month to over $200.
What are the pricing models for these tools?
Many behavioral health EHR tools employ a subscription-based pricing model. This typically means a monthly or annual fee per user. In some cases, providers may offer tiered pricing, where different levels of service and feature access come with different prices. Other providers may follow a quote-based pricing model where the cost is determined on a case-by-case basis depending on the specific needs of the practice.
What is the typical range of pricing for these tools?
The majority of behavioral health EHR tools tend to fall in the range of $50 to $150 per user per month.
Which is the cheapest and most expensive software?
Among the options reviewed, Luminello is the most affordable starting at $29/user/month, while athenaOne sits on the pricier end with costs starting from $140/user/month.
Are there any free options available?
Free options for behavioral health EHR tools are rare due to the complex functionality these systems require. However, some providers may offer limited free trials or free basic versions of their tool with options to upgrade for access to more comprehensive features.
Summary
Navigating the cloud-based EHR landscape can seem daunting, but a clear understanding of the crucial factors can greatly streamline your decision-making process. We aim to illuminate the unique selling points of various tools, considering factors like core functionality, key features, usability, and pricing for mental health practitioners and healthcare providers and provide a guide for key criteria when selecting an EHR, and answer common questions regarding the advantages and costs of cloud-based EHRs.
Key takeaways:
- Assess your needs first. Before selecting a behavioral health EHR, it's important to clearly define what you need from the system. This includes the scale of your practice, the complexity of the services you offer, and the type of patient experience you aim to provide.
- Consider usability and support. EHR systems can be complex. Ensure the tool you select is user-friendly, easy to onboard, and the provider offers robust customer support for any issues that may arise.
- Budget appropriately. Pricing for these tools can vary widely. Understanding your budget constraints and comparing the cost and benefits of different systems can help you find an EHR that delivers value for money while meeting your specific needs.
What Do You Think?
If you're using a system that you believe should be on this list, please feel free to share your experiences and suggestions. We value your input and are always interested in exploring and evaluating new tools in the healthcare technology field.