Mental Note AI vs TherapyNotes: Clinical Notes Comparison
Compare lightweight note generation with a full EHR and practice management platform. See pricing, scope, setup, and which fits your practice.
Quick Verdict
Choose Mental Note AI for AI note generation alone, in the browser or in Word: free plan (5 web-app scribe sessions a month), then Premium at $99/mo; HIPAA-compliant, with a BAA included on every plan. Choose TherapyNotes if you need a full EHR with scheduling and billing (around $69-79/mo, no free tier) and AI notes are secondary.
Last updated: June 2026
| Feature | Mental Note AI | TherapyNotes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | AI Note Generation Only | Full EHR + Practice Management |
| Platform | Web App + Optional Word Add-in | Web-Based EHR |
| Pricing | Free plan (5 web-app scribe sessions a month) + Premium at $99/month; BAA included on every plan | $69-$79/month (no free tier) |
| Free Tier | Yes (5 web-app scribe sessions a month, plus 2,000 AI-writing words a month in the Word add-in) | No |
| Client Scheduling | Not Included | Full Scheduling Suite |
| Billing & Invoicing | Not Included | Full Billing Suite |
| Insurance Claims | Not Included | Built-In Claims Management |
| Note Formats | 7 Formats (SOAP, DAP, BIRP, GIRP, PIRP, SIRP, PIE) | Customizable Templates |
| Data Storage | Encrypted + BAA | Cloud-Based EHR Storage |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes, with a BAA included on every plan | Yes (with BAA) |
| Free plan with a BAA | Yes. The free plan has no time limit and includes the BAA, which you accept in the app before your first session. | No free plan: every plan starts with a 30-day free trial. Its BAA applies through acceptance of its Terms of Service. |
| Best For | Solo, Notes Only | Groups, Full Practice Mgmt |
Scope: Notes vs Full EHR
Mental Note AI
Focused entirely on AI-powered clinical note generation. Record the session in the web app, or write session observations in the optional Word add-in, and Mental Note AI drafts professional notes. No scheduling, billing, or client management.
- Advantage: Laser-focused on one job: better notes faster.
- Best for: Solo practitioners using other tools for scheduling/billing.
TherapyNotes
Complete EHR platform with note generation, client scheduling, billing and invoicing, insurance claims management, client intake, and practice management. One central hub for all practice operations.
- Advantage: All practice management in one integrated system.
- Best for: Practices needing comprehensive EHR solution.
Practice Management Features
Mental Note AI
No built-in practice management. You manage scheduling elsewhere, billing elsewhere. Mental Note AI handles only note generation, in the web app or in Word.
- Advantage: Flexibility to use any scheduling/billing tool.
- Best for: Practices already established with other systems.
TherapyNotes
Complete suite: appointment scheduling, client reminders, billing management, insurance claim submission, payment processing, client intake forms, progress tracking. Integrated dashboard for all practice data.
- Advantage: No need for multiple subscriptions.
- Best for: Practices wanting all tools in one place.
Setup & Integration Complexity
Mental Note AI
Browser sign-up: create a free account, accept the BAA, and start with your next session. The Word add-in is optional. No complex configuration needed.
- Advantage: No EHR migration or complex configuration.
- Best for: Practitioners who want instant results.
TherapyNotes
2-4 weeks: Account setup, staff configuration, client database migration, scheduling setup, billing configuration, insurance credentialing. Requires careful planning and training.
- Advantage: Thorough setup ensures proper EHR configuration.
- Best for: Practices with time/resources for proper EHR implementation.
Pricing & Total Cost
Mental Note AI
- Free Tier: 5 web-app scribe sessions a month, plus 2,000 AI-writing words a month in the Word add-in
- Paid: $99/month or $990/year
- Note: Add cost of separate scheduling/billing tools
- Best for: Solo practitioners who want to start free.
TherapyNotes
- No Free Tier
- Pricing: $69-$79/month, plus $50 per additional clinician
- Includes: All EHR + practice management in price
- Best for: Practices wanting consolidated solution.
Data Privacy & Security
Mental Note AI
Encrypted, BAA-backed handling: Your data is encrypted and handled under a Business Associate Agreement.
- Advantage: Strong privacy protections for patient data.
- Best for: Practices that want a BAA on every plan.
TherapyNotes
Cloud-based EHR with encrypted storage. HIPAA-compliant with BAA available. Standard enterprise healthcare security. All data on TherapyNotes servers.
- Advantage: Standard HIPAA security with cloud backup.
- Best for: Practices comfortable with cloud-based EHR.
Who Should Choose Each Platform?
Choose Mental Note AI If You:
- Are a solo practitioner focused on notes only
- Already have scheduling and billing solutions
- Want to try AI notes at zero cost (free tier)
- Value strong privacy (encrypted, BAA-backed handling)
- Prefer simple, focused tools over complex platforms
- Use Microsoft Word for documentation
Choose TherapyNotes If You:
- Need a complete EHR solution
- Want scheduling, billing, and notes in one system
- Manage multiple staff members
- Need insurance claims management
- Want client intake and document management
- Prefer consolidated practice management
- Have time for proper EHR implementation (2-4 weeks)
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between Mental Note AI and TherapyNotes?
Mental Note AI is a lightweight web app, with an optional Word add-in, focused only on AI note generation. TherapyNotes is a full-featured EHR/practice management platform with scheduling, billing, client management, and note generation. Mental Note AI is best for solo practitioners wanting a simple note tool; TherapyNotes is best for practices needing complete practice management in one system.
Does TherapyNotes include client scheduling and billing?
Yes. TherapyNotes is a complete EHR with scheduling, billing, invoicing, insurance claims, and practice management features. Mental Note AI focuses only on note generation. If you need all practice management in one system, TherapyNotes is more comprehensive. If you only need note generation, Mental Note AI is lighter and simpler.
Which is more affordable for a solo practitioner?
Mental Note AI offers a free plan with 5 web-app scribe sessions a month, plus 2,000 AI-writing words a month in the Word add-in, then Premium at $99/month for unlimited generation. TherapyNotes starts at approximately $69-$79/month with no free tier. For solo practitioners trying AI notes first, Mental Note AI's free tier is more cost-effective. But if you need scheduling and billing too, TherapyNotes is more economical than buying multiple tools.
Can I use Mental Note AI with TherapyNotes?
Yes, indirectly. You can draft notes in the Mental Note AI web app or its Word add-in, then copy and paste them into TherapyNotes. However, this adds an extra step. TherapyNotes has its own built-in note generation, so most users just use TherapyNotes for both scheduling and notes.
Which should I choose if I only need notes, not practice management?
Mental Note AI. If you already have scheduling and billing handled elsewhere (or use another EHR), Mental Note AI is a simpler, lower-cost note generation tool. TherapyNotes requires commitment to their full platform even if you only need notes.
Explore Mental Note AI
Try Mental Note AI Free
Free plan: 5 web-app scribe sessions a month. Full access to all 7 note formats. No credit card required.
Try it freePrefer Microsoft Word? Get the free Word add-in. Installs from Microsoft AppSource.
Last updated March 20, 2026