Mental Note AI vs Upheal: Clinical Notes Comparison
Compare text-based note generation with session recording. See pricing, input methods, setup, and which is better for your workflow.
| Feature | Mental Note AI | Upheal |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Input | Text (Post-Session Notes) | Session Recording (Audio) |
| Platform | Microsoft Word Add-in | Web + Mobile App |
| Pricing | Free tier + $99/month unlimited | $49-$149/month (no free tier) |
| Free Tier | Yes (2,000 words/month) | No |
| Client Consent Required | No (Text-Based) | Yes (Recording) |
| Recording Setup | Not Needed | Required (Microphone, Consent) |
| Note Formats | 6 Formats (SOAP, DAP, BIRP, SIRP, GIRP, PIE) | AI-Generated (Single Format) |
| Data Retention | Zero (On-Device) | Cloud-Based |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes (with BAA) |
| Best For | Text Workflow, Solo Practitioners | Session Recording, Transcription |
Input Method: Text vs Recording
Mental Note AI
You write session notes in Word using your own words and observations. Mental Note AI structures and refines what you write, but the input is entirely text-based and under your control.
- Advantage: No recording technology, client consent, or microphone setup needed.
- Best for: Practitioners with existing text documentation habits.
Upheal
Records therapy sessions with client consent, transcribes audio to text, and generates notes from the transcript. Designed to capture complete session content automatically.
- Advantage: Captures complete session without manual note-taking during session.
- Best for: Practitioners wanting full session documentation via recording.
Client Consent & Privacy Considerations
Mental Note AI
No recording means no consent form requirements for documentation. Client data never sent to servers. Notes stay in Word. Zero data retention model.
- Advantage: Simplest consent/privacy requirements.
- Best for: Practices wanting minimal recording/consent overhead.
Upheal
Recording requires explicit client consent documented in agreements. Audio stored on encrypted cloud servers. HIPAA-compliant with BAA, but involves more privacy documentation.
- Advantage: Standard HIPAA compliance for session recording.
- Best for: Practices with existing recording consent processes.
Workflow & Platform
Mental Note AI
Integrates directly into Microsoft Word. After sessions, you type your notes and Mental Note AI helps structure them. Stays within your existing documentation app.
- Advantage: Works in the tool you already use.
- Best for: Word-based documentation workflows.
Upheal
Dedicated web and mobile app. Records during session, transcribes, generates notes. Separate application requiring session context switching.
- Advantage: Integrated recording and transcription in one platform.
- Best for: Practitioners wanting end-to-end recording platform.
Pricing & Cost
Mental Note AI
- Free Tier: 2,000 words/month with full features
- Paid Plans: $99/month or $990/year
- Best for: Solo practitioners trying AI documentation; cost-conscious practices.
Upheal
- No Free Tier
- Pricing: $49-$149/month (estimated)
- Best for: Practices ready to invest in recording-based solution.
Note Format & Flexibility
Mental Note AI
6 note formats: SOAP, DAP, BIRP, SIRP, GIRP, PIE. You choose your format and Mental Note AI generates notes in that structure.
- Advantage: Choice of standard mental health formats.
- Best for: Practitioners needing specific note structures.
Upheal
AI-generated note format based on session transcription. Less format flexibility; notes are auto-generated from transcript.
- Advantage: Minimal manual formatting needed.
- Best for: Practitioners wanting automated note generation.
Who Should Choose Each Platform?
Choose Mental Note AI If You:
- Already write notes in Microsoft Word
- Don't want to set up recording equipment or consent forms
- Prefer text-based documentation workflow
- Want the lowest barrier to entry (free tier available)
- Are a solo practitioner or small group
- Value zero data retention and maximum privacy
- Need flexibility to choose note formats (SOAP, DAP, BIRP, etc.)
Choose Upheal If You:
- Want to record entire therapy sessions
- Prefer automatic transcription instead of manual note-taking
- Have a practice with client recording consent already established
- Want complete session capture for documentation and quality assurance
- Are ready to invest in a recording-based platform
- Prefer not to manually write session notes
- Want notes generated automatically from session audio
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between Mental Note AI and Upheal?
Mental Note AI generates notes from text input you write yourself—no recording needed. You type session details into Word and AI refines them. Upheal is a session recording and transcription tool that captures audio during therapy and auto-generates notes. Mental Note AI is best for practitioners who prefer text-based workflow; Upheal is best for those wanting automatic audio capture.
Does Upheal require client consent for recording?
Yes. Upheal requires explicit client consent to record sessions, which must be documented in your consent forms. Mental Note AI requires no recording or client consent—you simply type notes as usual. This is a key difference if client consent is a concern for your practice.
Which is more cost-effective?
Mental Note AI offers a free tier with 2,000 words/month. Paid plans are $99/month or $990/year. Upheal starts at approximately $49-$149/month with no free option. For solo practitioners testing AI documentation, Mental Note AI's free tier is more cost-effective.
Can I use Upheal without recording every session?
Upheal is designed around session recording as its primary input method. While you can use other inputs, the platform's core value is capturing audio. If you want documentation without recording, Mental Note AI's text-based approach is more aligned with your needs.
What if I don't want to record sessions?
Mental Note AI is the better choice. It works entirely with text input—you write session notes as usual and Mental Note AI helps refine and structure them. No recording technology needed, no client consent for recording required, and no microphone setup.
Explore Mental Note AI
Try Mental Note AI Free
2,000 words per month on the free tier. Full access to all 6 note formats. No credit card required.
Try for Free in WordLast updated March 20, 2026