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 wins this matchup. Fresha is our overall Practice Management pick. Carepatron is our free Practice Management pick. Pick Shepherd if you need practice management.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, 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 want built by veterinarians, ensuring a deep understanding of practice workflows
TherapyNotes
The leading EHR/EMR for behavioral health practices.
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
| At a Glance | Shepherd | TherapyNotes |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Custom | Free Free plan |
Category | Practice Management EHR/EMR | EHR/EMR Practice Management |
Rating | 4.7/5 Capterra 4.6 · G2 5.0 58 reviews | 4.6/5 Capterra 4.7 · G2 4.4 1,069 reviews |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose Shepherd or TherapyNotes?
Choose Shepherd if
- You want built by veterinarians, ensuring a deep understanding of practice workflows
- You want significantly reduces missed charges, improving practice revenue
- You work in practice management, not EHR/EMR
Choose TherapyNotes if
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want comprehensive suite of tools for behavioral health
- You want streamlines administrative tasks
- You work in EHR/EMR, not practice management
In-Depth Analysis
Shepherd
Cloud-based practice management software built by vets, for vets, to streamline operations and enhance patient care.
Strengths
- Pro: Built by veterinarians, ensuring a deep understanding of practice workflows
- Pro: Significantly reduces missed charges, improving practice revenue
- Pro: AI tools (TranscribeAI, DiagnoseAI) streamline documentation and clinical decision-making
- Pro: Cloud-based accessibility allows for remote work and flexibility
- Pro: Automates many administrative tasks, freeing up staff time for patient care
Weaknesses
- Con: Specific pricing details are not publicly available, requiring a demo request
- Con: Requires an internet connection for cloud-based access
- Con: Transitioning from existing software or paper records may require initial effort
Key features
TherapyNotes
The leading EHR/EMR for behavioral health practices.
Strengths
- Pro: Comprehensive suite of tools for behavioral health
- Pro: Streamlines administrative tasks
- Pro: User-friendly interface
Weaknesses
- Con: The platform does not offer a free trial, requiring a subscription commitment to evaluate the full feature set.
- Con: The lowest-tier subscription plan is limited to a single user, which may not be cost-effective for small group practices.
- Con: 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
Key Takeaways
TherapyNotes
- Larger review base (1,069 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Shepherd
- Higher user rating: 4.7/5 vs 4.6/5
- Better fit for practice management
The Bottom Line
TherapyNotes wins this matchup. Fresha is our overall Practice Management pick. Carepatron is our free Practice Management pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shepherd or TherapyNotes better in 2026?
TherapyNotes wins this matchup. Fresha is our overall Practice Management pick. Carepatron is our free Practice Management pick. Pick Shepherd for practice management workflows (main strength: built by veterinarians, ensuring a deep understanding of practice workflows). Pick TherapyNotes for EHR/EMR workflows (main strength: comprehensive suite of tools for behavioral health).
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 pricing is on their site. TherapyNotes pricing is on their site.
What's the main difference between Shepherd and TherapyNotes?
Shepherd's main strength: built by veterinarians, ensuring a deep understanding of practice workflows. TherapyNotes's main strength: comprehensive suite of tools for behavioral health.