With digital tools becoming increasingly popular in the medical domain, mental healthcare providers , too, are now leaning towards electronic medical records (EMR) software solutions. These tools offer efficient features that help providers stay on top of their administrative and operational tasks, and devote more time to their patients. Some of the features are e-prescriptions, patient data collection, secured messaging, appointment reminders, and HIPAA-certified telehealth solutions, which improve patient experience and quality of care.

Features to look for while choosing a psychiatry EMR
Some of the best EMR systems for psychologists are often all-in-one solutions that can be used by both a single healthcare provider and a group of practitioners.

Clinical notes and templates
To maximize the benefits of a mental health EMR, ensure that it is capable of digitally writing and storing all clinical and counseling session notes in a system compliant with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) guidelines. T he system also needs to have several online templates for tasks like intake assessments, treatment plans, and patient contracts. Some premium systems provide customizable and HIPAA-compliant electronic clinical notes capability along with libraries containing prewritten treatment goals, progress notes, and objectives.

Client portal
Today, patients prefer to manage and take control of tasks such as scheduling appointments, filling out intake forms, and viewing accounts and invoices independently without having to email or call the reception at the clinic . So, while looking for an EMR system, it is best to choose one that makes it easier to offer these features to patients.

Easy customizations
One of the most overlooked features in EMR software is customizability according to specific needs. This is the only feature that makes it a comprehensive, all-in-one solution. Some systems may miss certain key features and may come at a high price tag for add-ons. So, look for s oftware that has customizable functions, such as clinical note templates and scheduling tools. Any additional features should be available as optional add-ons. This way, it is possible for one to pay for the required features without spending money on unnecessary specifications.

Telehealth capability
In recent years, healthcare providers, including mental health professionals, have increasingly recognized the importance of providing telehealth services. But offering this service demands reliable and secure software solutions. So, when looking for the best EMR software for mental health practices, selecting a solution that offers an integrated telehealth option compliant with HIPAA regulations is crucial. This integrated feature should enable seamless scheduling and conducting of telehealth sessions directly on the EMR platform, eliminating the need for separate downloads or logins.

Secure messaging
For a clinical behavioral and mental health practice, 1-on-1 therapy is the primary service offered to patients. Yet, having a secure messaging feature in place can reduce the time spent on tasks such as sending referrals or responding to patient queries. A comprehensive EMR system has this feature, which works like a simple and convenient alternative to emails, texts, and phone calls.

Scheduling tools
An effective EMR system needs scheduling tools to reduce double bookings and missed appointments. When comparing multiple EMR options, check for features such as staff availability tracking, automated reminders, and room assignment.

Billing and insurance
Most clinics spend a lot of time and resources on billing and insurance. An EMR system should be able to take over these tasks quickly and efficiently, letting the staff do other important work. So, while choosing an EMR software, check whether it has all the financial features that meet the clinic’s billing and insurance needs. These features not only automatically collate and create billing and insurance data but also allow patients to receive and pay their bills electronically.

24/7 remote access
Several leading EMR options for psychologists provide high flexibility for managing and expanding clinical practices. This is achievable through their 24/7 remote access capabilities, which enable the smooth operation of practices across several locations using a single platform.

Flexible customer support
Any software solution can experience breakdowns or disruptions. During these times, a quick and efficient customer support system can greatly impact the user experience. So, when choosing EMR software, ensure that customer support is accessible and seamless.

Cost of mental health EMR software
Typically, the price of psychiatry EMR software can vary widely, ranging from as low as a hundred dollars to thousands of dollars, depending on the type of software implemented. For instance, several low-cost EMR options are available approximately from $80 to $100 per provider every month. On the other hand, traditional on-premise EMR solutions require a software licensing fee that runs between $1,500 and $5,000. And the total cost can go up to $10,000 when factoring in hardware installation and employee training costs. Similarly, larger enterprise-level systems commonly used in hospitals come at even higher price points. But, for more cost-effective options, cloud or web-based EMRs are available at a lower cost than others.

Top 5 EMR systems for behavioral health

• TheraNest
• Athenahealth
• TherapyNotes
• EClinicalWorks
• Valant