How to decide between an EHR vs. practice management software
We’ll help you navigate the differences and determine which one is best for your practice.
Skip to main content
Talk to a practice consultant 
Headway vs. BetterHelp: Which is best for your practice?
Headway vs. Alma: Which is best for your practice?
Starting a practice
How to choose an EHR system
Learn more about the most important features of EHR systems and how they can help support you as you support your clients.
Electronic health records can be a useful tool for managing your therapy practice — but an EHR can also be a significant investment of time and money. As with any investment, taking time to identify your goals and carefully consider your options works to help minimize risk and ensure the maximum return.
It can be challenging to figure out the best system for your practice, especially with all the EHR options available. Below, learn more about the most important features of EHR systems and how they can help support you as you support your clients.
What is an EHR?
An electronic health record (EHR) is a digital system designed to help healthcare providers manage client records, treatment plans, progress notes, billing, and scheduling. EHRs replace traditional paper records, offering a more efficient, secure, and organized way to handle client information.
Features to look for in an EHR for therapists
Every practice is different — so depending on your unique needs, what you look for in an EHR may differ from another therapist. That said, certain EHR features can be useful across the board, and identifying those can help you narrow down your options. Below are some EHR features to consider when you’re searching for a new system.
Documentation tools
EHRs generally include documentation features. The best EHRs include the ability to document in line with your practice, including customizable templates. For example, your EHR may include client intake questionnaires, assessments, and various kinds of notes (such as SOAP and DAP notes) that you can customize to meet your practice standards.
Progress tracking
The ability to view client information over time — for example, changes in standardized assessments (like the PHQ-9 and GAD-7) — can help you ensure you’re on track toward your clients’ treatment goals so you can adjust treatment plans as needed.
Privacy and confidentiality settings
Maintaining client privacy is key in any therapy practice. In addition to basic HIPAA-compliant confidentiality settings, you should have the ability to control who can and can’t access client records in your practice — for example, determining whether and which administrative staff can access information about your clients.
Client portal
A client portal allows you to easily send clients information, such as practice policies and educational materials. You can also use a portal to receive information from clients, either through standardized assessments or via intake forms and secure messaging.
Integration of other tools
Some EHRs come equipped with additional tools to support your practice, such as secure telehealth platforms. If you’re a prescribing provider, consider an EHR with prescription capabilities as well.
Billing and claims integration
Look for an EHR that allows you to seamlessly document client information and bill insurance payers according to the diagnoses and treatments included in your documentation.
Appointment scheduling system
Within your EHR, you should be able to schedule appointments or allow clients to self-schedule. The ability to include different types of appointments, such as recurring appointments, can also be useful for schedule management.
The best EHR software for therapists
Luckily, many EHRs incorporate features to support therapy practices. As you search for the best EHR for you, consider features that will help your practice meet its goals along with factors like ease of implementation and use, as well as its pricing structure. Some of the most commonly used EHRs for therapists include:
- Headway
- SimplePractice
- TheraNest
- TherapyNotes
- Jane App
- Tebra (formerly Kareo)
- Valant
Along with taking care of billing and ensuring you get paid on time, Headway offers EHR features that help streamline your practice. Consolidating to one system for billing and documentation can save you valuable time and energy, so you can focus more on what matters most: supporting your clients on their mental health journeys.
Use Headway’s EHR features — at no cost to you.
Headway makes working with insurance easy and profitable by taking on all of the administrative burden. With our updated provider portal, Headway provides all of the helpful features of an EHR, plus tools for credentialing and billing insurance, to help you guide your client journey from day one and beyond.
Starting a practice
How to decide between an EHR vs. practice management software
Headway vs. BetterHelp: Which is best for your practice?
Whether you’re a seasoned provider or just starting your practice, our analysis provides transparency so you can make the decision that works best for you.
Headway vs. Alma: Which is best for your practice?
Whether you’re a seasoned provider or just starting your practice, our analysis provides transparency so you can make the decision that works best for you.