Shepherd vs TherapyNotes: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Shepherd and TherapyNotes comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: TherapyNotes is our overall pick for EHR/EMR workflows. Pick Shepherd if you need practice management.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Shepherd
Cloud-based practice management software built by vets, for vets, to streamline operations and enhance patient care.
Best for you if:
- • You need practice management features specifically
- • Cloud-based veterinary practice management system designed by vets.
- • Automates tasks like invoicing, medical records, and inventory to boost efficiency and revenue.
TherapyNotes
The leading EHR/EMR for behavioral health practices.
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need EHR/EMR features specifically
- • All-in-one EHR/EMR for behavioral health practices.
- • Integrates scheduling, notes, billing, and patient portals.
| At a Glance |  Shepherd |  TherapyNotes |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Custom | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Practice Management | EHR/EMR |
Rating | 4.8/5 | 4.6/5 |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose Shepherd or TherapyNotes?
Choose Shepherd if
Cloud-based practice management software built by vets, for vets, to streamline operations and enhance patient care.
- Built by veterinarians, ensuring a deep understanding of practice workflows
- Significantly reduces missed charges, improving practice revenue
- AI tools (TranscribeAI, DiagnoseAI) streamline documentation and clinical decision-making
- Your work is practice management-shaped, not EHR/EMR-shaped
Choose TherapyNotes if
The leading EHR/EMR for behavioral health practices.
- Comprehensive suite of tools for behavioral health
- Streamlines administrative tasks
- User-friendly interface
- You want a free tier before you commit
- Your work is EHR/EMR-shaped, not practice management-shaped
| Feature | Shepherd | TherapyNotes |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.8/5 79 reviews | ★4.6/5 828 reviews |
| Categories | Practice ManagementEHR/EMR | EHR/EMRPractice Management |
In-Depth Analysis
Shepherd
Cloud-based practice management software built by vets, for vets, to streamline operations and enhance patient care.
Strengths
- +Built by veterinarians, ensuring a deep understanding of practice workflows
- +Significantly reduces missed charges, improving practice revenue
- +AI tools (TranscribeAI, DiagnoseAI) streamline documentation and clinical decision-making
- +Cloud-based accessibility allows for remote work and flexibility
- +Automates many administrative tasks, freeing up staff time for patient care
Weaknesses
- -Specific pricing details are not publicly available, requiring a demo request
- -Requires an internet connection for cloud-based access
- -Transitioning from existing software or paper records may require initial effort
Key features
TherapyNotes
The leading EHR/EMR for behavioral health practices.
Strengths
- +Comprehensive suite of tools for behavioral health
- +Streamlines administrative tasks
- +User-friendly interface
Weaknesses
- -The platform does not offer a free trial, requiring a subscription commitment to evaluate the full feature set.
- -The lowest-tier subscription plan is limited to a single user, which may not be cost-effective for small group practices.
- -While offering a client portal, the extent of customization options for branding or specific practice needs within the portal is not explicitly detailed, potentially limiting personalization.
Key features
Pricing: Shepherd vs TherapyNotes
| Plan | Shepherd | TherapyNotes |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $10/month Basic |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $25/month Pro |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Shepherd pricing and TherapyNotes pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
TherapyNotes has a free tier. Shepherd is paid only.
Go with: TherapyNotes
Want the highest-rated option?
Shepherd: 4.8/5 (79 reviews). TherapyNotes: 4.6/5 (828 reviews).
Go with: Shepherd
Value user reviews?
Shepherd: 79 reviews (4.8/5). TherapyNotes: 828 reviews (4.6/5).
Go with: TherapyNotes
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Shepherd is paid. TherapyNotes is freemium. TherapyNotes lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Shepherd is a practice management tool. TherapyNotes is in EHR/EMR. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Shepherd is rated higher: 4.8/5 vs 4.6/5.
Key Takeaways
TherapyNotes
- Larger review base (828 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Shepherd
- Higher user rating: 4.8/5 vs 4.6/5
- Better fit for practice management
The Bottom Line
TherapyNotes is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shepherd or TherapyNotes better?
TherapyNotes is rated in our evaluation. Shepherd is paid and TherapyNotes is freemium.
What are Shepherd and TherapyNotes used for?
Shepherd: Cloud-based practice management software built by vets, for vets, to streamline operations and enhance patient care.. TherapyNotes: The leading EHR/EMR for behavioral health practices..
What does Shepherd cost vs TherapyNotes?
Shepherd is a paid tool. TherapyNotes is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.