Valant vs TherapyNotes: Psychiatry EHR vs Therapy EHR (2026)

Overview: Prescriber-First vs Therapist-First

Valant and TherapyNotes both serve the behavioral health market, but they were built for fundamentally different clinical workflows. Understanding which clinician type each platform prioritizes is the fastest way to determine which is right for your practice.

Valant was founded in 2005 in Seattle, Washington, with the explicit goal of building an EHR that works the way psychiatrists actually practice. The platform centers on medication management, e-prescribing (including EPCS for controlled substances), PDMP integration, and psychiatric-specific documentation templates. Valant also supports therapy documentation, but its architecture, workflow defaults, and feature investments clearly favor prescribers.

TherapyNotes launched in 2010 and quickly earned a loyal following among therapists, licensed professional counselors (LPCs), licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), and psychologists. Its strength lies in structured progress note templates, intuitive session scheduling, and a streamlined billing workflow that makes it easy for solo practitioners and small group practices to manage their own claims. TherapyNotes supports basic prescriber workflows, but it was not designed around them.

Both platforms are cloud-based, HIPAA-compliant, and ONC-certified. Both offer integrated billing, a patient portal, and telehealth. But the clinical DNA of each product is different, and that difference shows up in daily use.

Clinical Documentation

Clinical documentation is where the prescriber-vs-therapist divide becomes most apparent. Each platform has optimized its note templates and workflows for its core audience.

Valant Documentation

Valant provides psychiatric evaluation templates that capture chief complaint, history of present illness, psychiatric history, substance use history, medical history, mental status exam, and a medication reconciliation section all in a single structured flow. Progress notes for medication management visits are designed to be completed in under two minutes for a straightforward follow-up, with structured fields for current medications, side effects, lab results, and prescription changes.

Valant also includes therapy note templates (SOAP, DAP, and custom formats), but these feel secondary to the prescriber workflow. The treatment plan builder is functional and allows mapping to DSM-5 diagnoses, but it lacks the depth of guided goal-and-objective workflows found in therapy-first platforms.

TherapyNotes Documentation

TherapyNotes centers its documentation on therapy sessions. Its structured progress note format prompts clinicians to document the session type, presenting problems discussed, interventions used, client response, and plan for next session. The platform includes templates for individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, and group therapy. Each template is designed to meet insurance documentation requirements while remaining quick to complete.

Treatment plans in TherapyNotes follow a goals-objectives-interventions hierarchy with measurable criteria and target dates. The system prompts clinicians to review and update treatment plans at configurable intervals — a feature that helps practices stay compliant with payer requirements for treatment plan reviews.

TherapyNotes also includes intake assessment templates and discharge summary formats. For psychologists, it offers psychological testing note templates. However, psychiatric evaluation and medication management templates are limited compared to Valant.

Documentation Verdict

If your workflow revolves around medication management and psychiatric evaluations, Valant's documentation is purpose-built for that. If your workflow is therapy sessions with structured progress notes and treatment plans, TherapyNotes is the stronger choice. Neither platform is weak — they are simply optimized for different clinical roles.

E-Prescribing and EPCS

This is arguably the single biggest differentiator between these two platforms, and it is the primary reason many psychiatrists choose Valant.

Valant's E-Prescribing

Valant includes a fully integrated e-prescribing module powered by a Surescripts-certified connection. Prescribers can send prescriptions electronically to any pharmacy in the Surescripts network directly from within the patient chart. The system supports:

• EPCS (Electronic Prescribing for Controlled Substances) — Valant supports DEA-compliant EPCS, allowing psychiatrists to electronically prescribe Schedule II-V controlled substances. This is critical for psychiatry practices that frequently prescribe stimulants, benzodiazepines, and other controlled medications.
• PDMP integration — Valant integrates with state Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs), allowing prescribers to check a patient's controlled substance history without leaving the EHR. Many states now mandate PDMP checks before prescribing controlled substances, making this integration a workflow necessity.
• Medication interaction checking — The platform provides drug-drug and drug-allergy interaction alerts at the point of prescribing.
• Formulary checking — Prescribers can check whether a medication is on a patient's insurance formulary before sending the prescription, reducing pharmacy callbacks and prior authorization delays.
• Prescription renewal management — Valant handles electronic refill requests from pharmacies, allowing prescribers to approve, modify, or deny refill requests from within the system.

TherapyNotes E-Prescribing

TherapyNotes added e-prescribing capabilities to serve prescribers within therapy-focused practices (such as a psychiatrist or nurse practitioner working alongside therapists). The feature supports basic electronic prescribing through Surescripts, including EPCS for controlled substances. However, the e-prescribing module in TherapyNotes is a more recent addition and is less deeply integrated into the clinical workflow than Valant's. PDMP integration, for example, requires navigating to an external portal rather than being embedded in the prescribing workflow.

E-Prescribing Verdict

For psychiatrists and other prescribers who write dozens of prescriptions per day, Valant's deeply integrated e-prescribing with native PDMP access and formulary checking is a significant workflow advantage. TherapyNotes covers the basics, but its e-prescribing feels like an add-on rather than a core feature.

Measurement-Based Care and Outcomes

Measurement-based care (MBC) — the practice of routinely administering standardized assessments and using the scores to guide treatment decisions — is increasingly expected by payers and accrediting bodies. Both Valant and TherapyNotes support MBC, but their approaches differ.

Valant's Approach

Valant was an early advocate for measurement-based care in psychiatry. The platform includes a library of validated screening instruments such as the PHQ-9 (depression), GAD-7 (anxiety), PCL-5 (PTSD), AUDIT (alcohol use), MDQ (bipolar screening), and others. Patients can complete assessments through the patient portal before appointments, and scores are automatically calculated and trended over time in the patient's chart.

Valant provides outcome dashboards that display score trends across visits, making it easy for prescribers to see whether a patient's depression is responding to a medication change. This longitudinal view is one of Valant's most praised features among psychiatrists who practice evidence-based medication management.

TherapyNotes' Approach

TherapyNotes supports standardized assessments including the PHQ-9, GAD-7, and other common instruments. Clinicians can administer these during intake or at regular intervals. Scores are recorded in the patient chart and can be referenced in progress notes.

However, TherapyNotes' outcome tracking is less visual than Valant's. While scores are available, the platform does not emphasize longitudinal trending dashboards to the same degree. For therapists who primarily use assessments at intake and discharge rather than at every visit, this may be sufficient. But for practices committed to session-by-session outcome measurement, Valant's presentation is more actionable.

MBC Verdict

Valant has the edge in measurement-based care, particularly for practices that want to track symptom scores over time and use that data to inform prescribing decisions. TherapyNotes supports the core assessments but does not invest as heavily in outcome visualization.

Billing and Claims

Both Valant and TherapyNotes include integrated billing, and both handle the most common behavioral health CPT codes (90791, 90792, 90834, 90837, 90847, etc.). But their billing workflows are tuned for different practice sizes and levels of billing sophistication.

Valant Billing

Valant's billing module supports electronic claim submission, ERA (electronic remittance advice) posting, patient statements, and basic denial management workflows. The platform can auto-generate claims from completed notes, pulling the diagnosis codes, CPT codes, and modifiers from the encounter documentation. Valant also supports authorization tracking, which is important for practices that accept insurance plans requiring pre-authorization for psychiatric services.

Valant integrates with several clearinghouses for claim submission and offers a built-in accounts receivable dashboard. The billing module is capable but can feel complex for solo practitioners who are used to simpler systems. Some users report that the learning curve for Valant's billing is steeper than expected.

TherapyNotes Billing

TherapyNotes is widely praised for having one of the most user-friendly billing workflows in the behavioral health EHR market. The platform walks clinicians through claim creation step by step, with clear visual indicators for missing information, unbilled sessions, and claim status. Claims are generated directly from completed progress notes, and the system flags common errors before submission.

TherapyNotes supports electronic claim submission, ERA posting, patient invoicing, and credit card processing. The platform includes a built-in superbill generator and supports sliding-scale fee schedules. For solo practitioners and small practices that manage their own billing, TherapyNotes' straightforward interface reduces errors and training time.

One limitation: TherapyNotes' billing is optimized for outpatient therapy practices. It handles standard therapy and psychiatry CPT codes well but is less equipped for complex billing scenarios involving facility-based care, partial hospitalization programs, or bundled rates.

Billing Verdict

For solo practitioners and small therapy practices, TherapyNotes offers a simpler, more intuitive billing experience. For larger practices or those with more complex billing needs (multiple providers, authorization tracking, detailed A/R reporting), Valant provides more depth. Neither platform is a full revenue cycle management solution — practices with complex payer mixes may still benefit from a dedicated billing service or clearinghouse.

Patient Portal and Intake

Patient portals are now table stakes for behavioral health EHRs. Both platforms offer portals, but they differ in scope and configurability.

Valant's Patient Portal

Valant's patient portal (branded as MYIO) allows patients to complete intake paperwork, fill out screening assessments (PHQ-9, GAD-7, etc.), view upcoming appointments, send secure messages, and make payments. The portal is a key part of Valant's measurement-based care workflow — practices can configure assessments to be sent automatically before each appointment, and the scores flow directly into the patient chart.

MYIO also supports electronic consent forms and custom intake questionnaires. The portal experience is clean and mobile-friendly. Valant has invested significantly in the portal as a pre-visit data collection tool, which saves clinician time during appointments.

TherapyNotes' Patient Portal

TherapyNotes' patient portal (called TheraBook) provides appointment request functionality, intake form completion, secure messaging, and online payment processing. Patients can complete demographic information, insurance details, and custom intake forms before their first visit.

TheraBook integrates with TherapyNotes' scheduling system, allowing patients to request appointments based on available time slots. The portal is straightforward and easy for patients to navigate, which reduces front desk phone calls and manual data entry.

TherapyNotes also offers a separate online booking page (Scheduling Widget) that practices can embed on their website, allowing prospective patients to request appointments without needing to call the office.

Portal Verdict

Both portals are functional and well-designed. Valant's portal has an edge for practices that rely on pre-visit assessments as part of a measurement-based care workflow. TherapyNotes' portal and scheduling widget combination is particularly strong for therapy practices that want to streamline new patient acquisition and intake.

Pricing

Pricing is a significant differentiator between these two platforms, especially for solo practitioners and small practices.

Valant Pricing

Valant's pricing is not publicly listed in full detail but is generally reported in the range of $100 to $300+ per provider per month, depending on the features included and practice size. E-prescribing and EPCS typically require an additional per-provider fee. Implementation and training may also carry one-time costs. Valant positions itself as a premium product for psychiatry and behavioral health practices, and its pricing reflects that positioning.

Valant does not offer a free tier or a trial period that is widely advertised. Prospective buyers typically go through a sales demo process to receive a quote tailored to their practice size and needs.

TherapyNotes Pricing

TherapyNotes publishes transparent pricing on its website. As of 2026, the base plan starts at approximately $69 per month for a solo practitioner, with additional clinicians at roughly $39 per month each. There is also a higher-tier plan around $79/month that includes additional features. TherapyNotes offers a free 30-day trial with no credit card required, which is one of the reasons it is so popular among solo therapists exploring EHR options for the first time.

E-prescribing is available as an add-on at an additional monthly cost. Credit card processing and claim submission are built into the base price, though clearinghouse fees may apply.

Pricing Verdict

TherapyNotes is significantly more affordable, especially for solo practitioners and small practices. Valant's higher price point is justified for psychiatry practices that need robust e-prescribing, PDMP integration, and outcome tracking — but cost-conscious therapy practices will find TherapyNotes to be better value.

Who Should Choose Valant

Valant is the stronger choice for practices where prescribing is a core part of the clinical workflow. Specifically, Valant is well-suited for:

• Psychiatrists in solo or group practice who need integrated EPCS, PDMP access, and medication management documentation.
• Psychiatric nurse practitioners and physician assistants working in behavioral health settings where controlled substance prescribing is routine.
• Multi-disciplinary behavioral health practices that employ both prescribers and therapists, where the prescriber workflow is a primary consideration in EHR selection.
• Practices committed to measurement-based care that want longitudinal outcome tracking with visual dashboards to inform treatment decisions.
• Medium-to-large group practices that need robust authorization tracking, provider-level reporting, and structured clinical workflows.

Valant is less ideal for solo therapists on a budget, practices that do not prescribe, or practices that prioritize simplicity and low cost over clinical depth.

Who Should Choose TherapyNotes

TherapyNotes is the stronger choice for therapy-focused practices where documentation, scheduling, and billing simplicity are the top priorities. TherapyNotes is well-suited for:

• Licensed therapists (LPCs, LMFTs, LCSWs) in solo practice who want an affordable, easy-to-learn EHR with structured note templates.
• Psychologists who need therapy documentation and psychological testing note support.
• Counseling group practices with multiple therapists who need straightforward scheduling, billing, and note completion tracking.
• Practices that self-bill and want an intuitive claims workflow that reduces errors without requiring a dedicated billing specialist.
• New practices that want to get up and running quickly with a free trial and transparent pricing.

TherapyNotes is less ideal for practices where prescribing is a major workflow, where PDMP integration is needed at the point of care, or where advanced outcome trending dashboards are a priority.

Important Note: Neither Platform Is Designed for Substance Use Disorder Treatment

If your practice provides substance use disorder (SUD) treatment — whether outpatient, intensive outpatient (IOP), partial hospitalization (PHP), or residential — neither Valant nor TherapyNotes is purpose-built for your needs. SUD treatment programs have unique requirements including:

• 42 CFR Part 2 compliance for substance use disorder record confidentiality
• ASAM level-of-care assessments and census management
• Group therapy scheduling and documentation at a facility level
• Bed management and residential tracking
• State substance abuse reporting requirements (TEDS, etc.)

For SUD and addiction treatment workflows, consider a purpose-built platform like AZZLY Rize, which was designed specifically for behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment centers. You can also explore our full behavioral health EHR comparison for a broader view of vendors that serve this market segment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can TherapyNotes handle e-prescribing for a psychiatrist in a therapy practice?

Yes, TherapyNotes does support e-prescribing including EPCS for controlled substances. If you have a single prescriber in an otherwise therapy-focused practice, TherapyNotes can accommodate that workflow. However, if prescribing is the dominant clinical activity — as in a standalone psychiatry practice — Valant's deeper e-prescribing integration (particularly native PDMP access and formulary checking) will provide a more efficient experience.

Which platform is better for telehealth?

Both Valant and TherapyNotes offer integrated telehealth (video sessions conducted within the platform). TherapyNotes' telehealth is built directly into the scheduling and note workflow, making it seamless for therapy sessions. Valant also includes telehealth functionality. For most practices, telehealth quality is comparable between the two — the deciding factor should be the clinical documentation and prescribing features, not telehealth alone.

Do either Valant or TherapyNotes support group therapy documentation?

TherapyNotes has specific group therapy note templates that allow clinicians to document a shared group session while adding individualized notes for each participant. Valant supports group notes as well, though the workflow is more oriented toward individual medication management encounters. For practices that conduct significant group therapy, TherapyNotes' group documentation workflow is more mature.

Can I migrate data from one platform to the other?

Both vendors offer data migration assistance, but the scope and cost vary. Migrating from any EHR typically involves exporting patient demographics, documents, and clinical records — a process that can take weeks to months depending on practice size. Neither platform offers a one-click import from the other. If you are considering switching, request a detailed migration plan and timeline during the sales process and clarify which data types will and will not transfer.

Is either platform suitable for a large multi-site behavioral health organization?

Both Valant and TherapyNotes are primarily designed for small-to-medium behavioral health practices. Valant scales better for mid-size multi-provider groups, particularly those with mixed prescriber and therapist staff. However, large multi-site organizations (20+ providers, multiple locations, complex payer contracts) may outgrow both platforms and should evaluate enterprise-grade solutions such as Netsmart, Oracle Health, or NextGen. See our behavioral health EHR comparison for the full landscape.

Verdict: Valant vs TherapyNotes

The choice between Valant and TherapyNotes ultimately comes down to what kind of clinician you are and what your practice workflow looks like day to day.

Choose Valant if you are a psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse practitioner, or prescriber-heavy behavioral health practice. Valant's integrated EPCS, native PDMP access, medication management documentation, and measurement-based care dashboards are purpose-built for prescriber workflows. The higher price point is justified by the clinical depth you get in return.

Choose TherapyNotes if you are a therapist, counselor, social worker, or psychologist running a therapy-focused practice. TherapyNotes offers the best combination of structured therapy documentation, intuitive billing, transparent pricing, and ease of use in the behavioral health EHR market. Its free trial and low per-provider cost make it especially attractive for solo practitioners and new practices.

For multi-disciplinary practices with both prescribers and therapists, the decision is harder. If the prescribers drive the EHR requirements (which is common, since prescribing workflows have more regulatory complexity), lean toward Valant. If the therapists outnumber the prescribers and simplicity is the priority, TherapyNotes may be the better fit — with the understanding that your prescribers may find the e-prescribing workflow less polished.

And if your practice treats substance use disorders, neither of these platforms is the right answer. Explore AZZLY Rize or review our full behavioral health EHR comparison for platforms designed around SUD treatment workflows.