10 Best Therapy Software Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 23 tools reviewed.
As a mental healthcare provider myself, I've witnessed first-hand the massive shift from paper to digital. With therapy software, I was able to make my practices completely paperless, enhancing data collection, streamlining processes in group practices, and making referrals a breeze. This software is particularly beneficial to social workers as it simplifies tasks that used to take hours.
In one sentence, therapy software is a digital tool that revolutionizes how to manage and deliver mental healthcare. The key benefit is that it saves us time, reduces administrative load, and allows us to focus more on patients. This tool directly addresses the pain points many of us have experienced, such as lost patient data, confusing scheduling, and inefficient communication systems.
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Best Therapy Software Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top therapy software selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for electronic health record management | Not available | From $45/user/month | Website | |
| 2 | Best for small practices with its efficient features | Not available | From $25/user/month | Website | |
| 3 | Best for comprehensive practice management | Not available | From $59/user/month | Website | |
| 4 | Best for user-friendly documentation and note-taking | 21-day free trial available | From $38/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 5 | Best for streamlined billing and invoicing | Not available | From $39/user/month | Website | |
| 6 | Best for intuitive client management | Not available | From $20/user/month | Website | |
| 7 | Best for integrated customer relationship management | Not available | From $50/user/month | Website | |
| 8 | Best for scalability in large practices | Not available | Pricing upon request. | Website | |
| 9 | Best for customizability and variety of features | Not available | From $34.95/user/month | Website | |
| 10 | Best for flexible scheduling and appointment reminders | Not available | From $24.95/user/month | Website |
Best Therapy Software Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best therapy software that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.
Valant is a specialized therapy software that excels in managing electronic health records (EHR). Given the increasing importance of digital health documentation, Valant's adept handling of EHR puts it at the forefront of this domain.
Why I Picked Valant: After careful comparison, I selected Valant for its excellence in EHR management. Its ability to provide a comprehensive, secure, and user-friendly EHR system truly distinguishes it from other platforms. Therefore, for therapists and practices who place a high value on effective health record management, Valant is undoubtedly the best choice.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Valant's EHR system stands out, with its secure and well-structured design that simplifies record-keeping. Beyond EHR, Valant also provides practice management features such as appointment scheduling, billing, and reporting.
Valant further complements these features with integrations such as payment gateways, insurance verification, and telehealth platforms, creating a versatile tool for any therapy practice.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive feature set
- Versatile integrations
- Exceptional EHR management
Cons:
- Potential learning curve for some users due to feature depth
- Lack of a free trial or tier
- Pricing is not readily transparent
Noterro is a therapy management tool designed to streamline processes for small practices. The software offers efficient features that handle everything from billing to client communication in an easy-to-use interface.
Why I Picked Noterro: I chose Noterro due to its focus on efficiency, making it a great fit for small practices that need to optimize their operations. Its integrated suite of features caters to the unique needs of smaller operations, delivering exactly what's necessary without overwhelming users with complex functionalities. That's why Noterro stands out as the best for small practices.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Noterro boasts a range of features including online booking, invoicing, client notes, and reminders. It also allows for SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan) notes, which is invaluable in a therapy context.
Noterro integrates well with popular payment processors and accounting software, making it an all-in-one solution for small practices.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Wide range of features ideal for small practices
- Affordable and straightforward pricing
Cons:
- No free tier or trial offered
- Limited customizability
- Lacks some advanced features found in other tools
TherapyNotes is a cloud-based mental health practice management solution that covers various areas, including scheduling, to-do lists, notes, billing, and electronic health records. It offers a comprehensive solution that can streamline and automate the management of a mental health practice.
Why I Picked TherapyNotes: TherapyNotes was selected for this list because it provides a well-rounded solution for managing all aspects of a mental health practice. It stood out to me in terms of its comprehensive features and ease of use.
I judged it to be the best comprehensive practice management tool due to its wide range of capabilities, from billing to patient communication.
Standout Features & Integrations:
TherapyNotes offers an array of features, including appointment scheduling, treatment planning, note templates, intake forms, progress notes, and document management. It has a patient portal for secure messaging and appointment requests, which sets it apart. It also integrates well with other tools and services like ERAs, credit card processing, and Google Calendar.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Patient portal for secure messaging and appointment requests
- Integration with various other tools and services
- Comprehensive suite of features
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- Learning curve due to the comprehensive nature of the tool
- May be expensive for smaller practices
TheraNest is a HIPAA-compliant comprehensive practice management software designed specifically for mental health professionals. It stands out for its user-friendly documentation and note-taking features, offering streamlined ways to record, store, and access client information.
Why I Picked TheraNest: In evaluating several tools, I chose TheraNest primarily because of its user-friendly interface for documentation and note-taking. It offers an excellent balance of simplicity and functionality in this area, standing out among the competition. Its note-taking feature, in particular, was judged to be the best fit for practices that require extensive and efficient documentation.
Standout Features & Integrations:
TheraNest includes useful features such as appointment reminders, billing, and electronic health record (EHR) management. Its standout feature, however, is its easy-to-use note-taking and documentation system. The software can also integrate with various other tools, including calendar apps, billing software, and EHR systems, enabling a well-coordinated workflow.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Seamless integration with other tools
- Robust set of features including appointment reminders and EHR
- User-friendly documentation and note-taking
Cons:
- The interface might be overwhelming for some users due to the numerous features
- May include features not needed by smaller practices
- Slightly expensive starting price
Luminello is an EHR platform designed with a focus on mental health professionals. Besides its robust electronic medical record (EMR) functionality, it stands out for its streamlined billing and invoicing features, which cater especially well to practices that require efficient financial management.
Why I Picked Luminello: I chose Luminello because of its exceptional billing and invoicing capabilities. In my judgment, it offers a straightforward and organized approach to financial management, a standout feature that sets it apart. Given these merits, it becomes evident why Luminello is the ideal choice for practices needing a streamlined approach to billing and invoicing.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Luminello's key features include charting, e-prescribing, telepsychiatry, and of course, comprehensive billing, electronic claims, and invoicing. Its billing functionality incorporates insurance, private pay, and sliding scale options, which contribute to its flexibility and ease of use.
Luminello integrates well with credit card processing systems and accounting software like QuickBooks, making the transition to digital billing smoother for practices.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Robust integration with accounting software
- Multiple payment methods supported
- Excellent billing and invoicing functionality
Cons:
- Targeted more toward mental health professionals, may not suit other healthcare practices
- Potential extra costs for premium features
- Higher starting price point than some competitors
TherapyZen is a comprehensive therapy management software that simplifies the intricate aspects of therapy practices. Its intuitive interface and robust functionalities help to streamline client management, reinforcing its position as the best tool for this task.
Why I Picked TherapyZen: I chose TherapyZen because of its user-friendly design and impressive client management features. In contrast to some software that can be overwhelming, TherapyZen's intuitive design makes navigating through different tasks an effortless process.
Additionally, its client management functionalities are comprehensive and well-structured, making it an excellent choice for therapists aiming to optimize their client-related processes.
Standout Features & Integrations:
TherapyZen offers a variety of standout features, such as its comprehensive client profiles, intuitive scheduling system, and secure telehealth capabilities. It also comes with an effective billing system and detailed reporting tools, which simplify the administrative aspect of therapy practices.
For integrations, TherapyZen seamlessly works with platforms like Google Calendar and Stripe, enhancing the overall functionality and versatility of the software.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- Comprehensive client management features
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- No permanent free tier after the trial period
- Lack of advanced customization options
- Limited integrations
BestNotes is a comprehensive EHR and CRM solution that caters specifically to behavioral health and addiction treatment. It integrates customer relationship management with electronic health records, making it an ideal tool for practices that require a blend of patient care and business management.
Why I Picked BestNotes: In my quest for a tool that balanced medical record management with customer relationship management, BestNotes was a clear standout. Not many platforms offer a seamless blend of EHR and CRM, which is where BestNotes carves out its niche. I selected it as the best for integrated CRM because it skillfully addresses both the business and clinical needs of a practice.
Standout Features & Integrations:
BestNotes offers an impressive array of features including appointment scheduling, billing, telehealth, and of course, CRM. Its CRM feature is particularly robust, allowing for comprehensive real-time tracking of customer interactions. In terms of integrations, BestNotes partners with labs, billing services, and other health IT vendors, facilitating smooth data exchange.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Wide variety of integrations
- Good array of features including telehealth
- Strong focus on integrated CRM
Cons:
- Limited customizability
- Significant one-time setup fee
- Higher starting price point
Oracle Cerner is a well-established name in the world of healthcare technology. It offers robust electronic health record solutions, designed with an emphasis on scalability, making it particularly suitable for large-scale practices that require extensive data management capabilities.
Why I Picked Oracle Cerner: Selecting Oracle Cerner was based on its ability to support and facilitate the expansion of large practices. I found that it stands out in its focus on scalability - a feature not all EHR tools emphasize. It's clear that Oracle Cerner is built to handle the high demands of extensive data management in large healthcare establishments, which is why I pegged it as the best for scalability in large practices.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Key features of Oracle Cerner include comprehensive clinical management, patient engagement tools, and powerful data analytics. These functionalities, especially robust data analytics, contribute to its scalability. Oracle Cerner also integrates well with other software systems, including billing and appointment scheduling tools, aiding in seamless information flow.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Powerful data analytics
- Comprehensive clinical management
- Robust scalability for large practices
Cons:
- Setup can be time-consuming
- Might be overly complex for small practices
- Pricing information is not transparent
CounSol is a robust therapy management software that offers a wide array of customizable features to optimize the daily operations of your practice. The wealth of options offered makes CounSol an ideal solution for therapists seeking customizability and diverse functionalities in one platform.
Why I Picked CounSol: In my judgment, CounSol's breadth of features and adaptability set it apart. I chose it due to its extensive customizability, which allows users to tailor the platform to their specific practice needs. Additionally, it offers a rich assortment of features which cements its position as the best for customizability and variety.
Standout Features & Integrations:
CounSol offers key features such as appointment scheduling, billing, and HIPAA compliance secure video sessions, alongside a client portal that enables easy communication and information sharing. It also shines with its custom forms and templates that can be tailored to private practice needs.
For integrations, CounSol works well with platforms like PayPal and Stripe for payment processing, ensuring a smooth transaction experience.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Convenient payment processing integrations
- Wide array of features
- High level of customizability
Cons:
- Interface can feel overwhelming due to the range of options
- Lacks a free plan beyond the trial period
- Higher starting price compared to some competitors
My Clients Plus is a healthcare practice management system that offers a comprehensive suite of tools. It excels particularly in its scheduling features, making it a top choice for those needing flexibility and reliability in scheduling appointments and sending reminders.
Why I Picked My Clients Plus: In my comparison, I selected My Clients Plus for its impressive flexibility in scheduling and efficient appointment reminder system to avoid no-shows and cancellations. This software stands out for its intuitive and adaptable scheduling interface, which can greatly enhance practice management.
The tool's exceptional scheduling capabilities justified my choice of it being the best for flexible scheduling and appointment reminders.
Standout Features & Integrations:
My Clients Plus has robust features including electronic billing, detailed reporting, and most notably, an excellent scheduling system that can handle individual and group sessions, and send automated reminders.
This software integrates seamlessly with other systems like electronic health records (EHRs), and insurance billing software, ensuring that different aspects of a practice can communicate efficiently.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Seamless integrations with other systems
- Comprehensive feature set including EHR and billing
- Strong scheduling and appointment reminder system
Cons:
- The user interface may seem outdated compared to some competitors
- Steeper learning curve due to a feature-rich interface
- Higher starting price compared to some alternatives
Other Therapy Software
Here are some additional therapy software options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- TherapyAppointment
For telehealth functionalities
- SimplePractice
For its robust client portal
- AdvancedMD
Good for integrated medical office software suite
- DrChrono
Good for customizable EHR solutions
- Mend
Good for telemedicine and patient engagement features
- PracticeSpace
Good for secure practice management and online therapy
- athenaOne
Good for cloud-based comprehensive healthcare management
- Owl Practice
Good for Canadian therapists with PHIPA-compliant requirements
- Quenza
Good for expanding e-therapy services with client engagement tools
- TheraPlatform
Good for telehealth video conferencing and practice management
- eTherapyPro
Good for easy access to licensed online therapists
- OnCall Health
Good for virtual care platform focused on security
- Brighter Vision
Good for professional website design for therapists
Therapy Software Selection Criteria
When selecting the best therapy software to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like data security and ease of use. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Manage client records
- Schedule appointments
- Process billing and payments
- Facilitate teletherapy sessions
- Maintain secure communication
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Customizable treatment plans
- Automated appointment reminders
- Integrated progress tracking
- Multi-language support
- Advanced analytics and reporting
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive navigation
- Simple interface design
- Minimal learning curve
- Responsive design for mobile use
- Accessibility features
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Access to templates for setup
- Webinars for new users
- Chatbot support during onboarding
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- 24/7 availability
- Multiple support channels
- Response time efficiency
- Knowledgeable support staff
- Access to a comprehensive help center
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing
- Features included in basic plans
- No hidden fees
- Discounts for annual billing
- Free trials or demos
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- User satisfaction ratings
- Feedback on reliability
- Comments on ease of use
- Reports on customer service experience
- Mention of any frequent issues
How to Choose Therapy Software
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:
| Factor | What to Consider |
|---|---|
| Scalability | Will the software grow with your practice? Consider if it can handle more clients or therapists without a performance drop or increased costs. |
| Integrations | Does it connect with your existing tools like billing systems or calendar apps? Check for native integrations to avoid manual work or third-party connectors. |
| Customizability | Can you tailor the software to fit your workflows? Look for options to adjust fields, forms, or dashboards to match your specific needs. |
| Ease of use | Is the interface intuitive? Test it with a few team members to ensure it's easy to navigate and reduces learning time. |
| Implementation and onboarding | How long will it take to get started? Assess the setup process, available resources, and how quickly your team can begin using the software effectively. |
| Cost | Are there hidden fees or extra costs for necessary features? Compare plans and ensure the pricing aligns with your budget and expected return on investment. |
| Security safeguards | Does the software meet your data protection needs? Check for encryption, user authentication measures, and compliance with data regulations like HIPAA. |
| Support availability | When can you reach support if issues arise? Consider if there's 24/7 support and multiple contact methods, like chat and phone, to suit your needs. |
What Is Therapy Software?
Therapy software is a digital tool designed to assist mental health professionals in managing their practice. Therapists, counselors, and psychologists typically use these tools to organize client information, schedule appointments, and facilitate communication. Appointment scheduling, secure client records, and billing capabilities help with efficient practice management and improved client care. Overall, these tools enhance the ability of professionals to focus on delivering quality therapy.
Features
When selecting therapy software, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Appointment scheduling: Allows you to easily book and manage client sessions, reducing administrative burdens.
- Secure client records: Ensures client data is protected and complies with regulations, such as HIPAA, for confidentiality.
- Billing capabilities: Streamlines payment processing and invoicing, making financial management more efficient.
- Teletherapy integration: Provides a platform for conducting virtual sessions, expanding accessibility for clients.
- Customizable treatment plans: Lets you tailor therapy plans to individual client needs, enhancing personalized care.
- Progress tracking: Enables you to monitor and document client progress over time, supporting better therapeutic outcomes.
- Automated reminders: Sends notifications to clients and therapists about upcoming sessions, reducing no-shows.
- Multi-language support: Accommodates diverse client bases by offering interfaces in various languages.
- Analytics and reporting: Offers insights into practice performance and client data, aiding in informed decision-making.
- User-friendly interface: Ensures ease of use for therapists and staff, minimizing training time and maximizing efficiency.
Benefits
Implementing therapy software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Improved efficiency: Automation of scheduling and billing reduces administrative tasks, freeing up time for client care.
- Enhanced client management: Secure records and progress tracking help maintain organized and accessible client information.
- Increased accessibility: Teletherapy integration allows you to reach clients who can't attend in-person sessions.
- Better compliance: Built-in security measures ensure adherence to data protection regulations, safeguarding client privacy.
- Personalized care: Customizable treatment plans let you tailor therapies to individual client needs, improving outcomes.
- Reduced no-shows: Automated reminders help ensure clients attend their appointments, minimizing missed sessions.
- Data-driven decisions: Analytics and reporting provide insights that aid in making informed choices for practice growth.
Costs & Pricing
Selecting therapy software requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in therapy software solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Therapy Software
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | $0 | Basic scheduling, client notes, and limited support. |
| Personal Plan | $5-$25/user/month | Appointment reminders, secure client records, and email support. |
| Business Plan | $30-$60/user/month | Teletherapy integration, billing capabilities, and customizable treatment plans. |
| Enterprise Plan | $70-$100/user/month | Advanced analytics, multi-language support, and dedicated account management. |
Therapy Software FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about therapy software:
Can you migrate data if switching therapy software?
Yes, most platforms support data exports, but the process can vary. Some tools charge extra or limit what you can export. Before switching, ask how your client records, notes, and billing history will transfer. It’s best to do a test run before you commit to a full migration.
What happens if the software goes down during a session?
Some tools have backup procedures or allow for quick switching to another platform. If that’s a concern, ask vendors about their downtime policy and uptime guarantees. You should also have a basic plan in place—like switching to phone if video fails. It’s smart to test these things before they’re needed.
Is therapy software HIPAA-compliant?
Most reputable therapy software is HIPAA-compliant, but it’s always good to confirm. Look for tools that offer a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) and encrypt data at rest and in transit. Don’t assume compliance—ask before signing up. Your team’s privacy practices also matter, not just the software’s.
How does therapy software support telehealth?
Many platforms have built-in video tools designed for therapy sessions. They often include features like waiting rooms, session timers, and secure links for clients. Some let you schedule and launch sessions from the same dashboard where you manage notes and billing. Make sure the video quality and reliability work for your setup.
What’s Next:
If you're in the process of researching therapy software, connect with a SoftwareSelect advisor for free recommendations.
You fill out a form and have a quick chat where they get into the specifics of your needs. Then you'll get a shortlist of software to review. They'll even support you through the entire buying process, including price negotiations.
