CounSol provides EHR services to mental health professionals in private or group practices. It’s a cloud-based practice management solution that manages electronic medical records (EMR), including client notes, insurance claims, appointments, and invoicing. It is HIPAA compliant and best suited for solitary practitioners.
Users can set up a client web portal where patients can read communications from their clinics, book appointments, pay bills, and keep a patient log. Clients can also interact with their practitioners via online video and chat sessions. They can also get appointment reminders by email, text message, or phone recording.
Clients can also fill out online customizable client forms, practice conditions, and insurance agreements at CounSol.com. In addition, billing and invoicing applications may be integrated with Stripe, Braintree, BluePay, Forte, Payscape, and Authorize. Users may also sync their icalendar with the calendar feature to assist them in managing their schedules.
CounSol makes sure that all these features are geared towards psychiatric EHR and counseling practices. However, the only way to determine whether or not they succeed in this task is by looking at CounSol reviews.
CounSol Reviews
On top of helping us figure out whether a service or product delivers on the promises, it made to customers. User reviews also help us better manage expectations. In addition, if we’re dead set on buying a particular product, user reviews make us aware of quirks, drawbacks, and potential problems that we’ll have to face with the product.
With that said, I’ve taken the liberty of adding a few CounSol user reviews and short commentaries proceeding each.
“Small-Group Private Practice LIFESAVER”
“Overall, I intend to stick with CounSol. It enables me to run a paperless practice and automates tasks that save me time and money, such as self-scheduling and appointment reminders. In addition, my customers like the site and find it reasonably simple to use. Although it is adjustable, it is not the most visually appealing item. However, I haven’t received any complaints about it.”
Pros:
“Almost everything about CounSol appeals to me! I utilized it as a single practitioner and have continued to use it as my business has expanded into a group practice. What I enjoy: Electronic intake forms, in addition to all other forms, FULLY customizable forms with progress comments, client self-scheduling/client portal, online payments, calendar synchronization with a phone, secure messaging for employees, and clients, quick claim submission, and ERA reconciliation. In addition, CounSol provides excellent customer service!
Monthly payment reports are often accurate, and I highly appreciate appointment reminders through text, email, and phone. Lastly, I also like that they don’t charge extra for features; they’re included in the package you choose!”
Cons:
“I’ve been with CounSol long enough to see them expand, including adopting ideas I made for the EHR. There are a few things I still dislike: the interface itself is not as attractive as some of the others available, there can be a lot of button clicking at times (this has improved), my staff reports that it is not straightforward to use, the way the payment report screen handles refunds and lastly, the use of Office Ally as a clearinghouse, however, due to modifications made by Office Ally, not CounSol. They don’t have an app, and I’m not a fan of the mobile view – There is no monthly all clinician view calendar, but there is a weekly one that shows just scheduled appointments and no vacancies.”
- Jessica, Indy Child Therapist
One of the significant users who pick CounSol is the fully customizable forms. Moreover, the patient portal provides complete functionality, but it’s not as visually appealing as other offerings.
As for the calendar, your iCalendar can be integrated with CounSol.
“Lots of positives and can be a much better product with a few changes.”
“My notes are getting done faster since it’s easier to complete them. However, I’ve discovered that, while it’s cheaper and has certain features that are better than my old product, it’s not as professional and doesn’t have as many resources for measurements that I would use as an LCSW.”
Pros:
“The invoicing function, the calendar’s simplicity of use, and birthday emails.”
Cons:
“The intake measurements are not included in the first intake note. Unlike the other system I tested, this does not provide a professional-looking intake note. You can’t make a brief formal remark regarding a phone call or missed sessions, and you can’t record it if you void the invoice. I can’t send attachments in an email using this site that I don’t want all clients to see. The billing feature pages are quite perplexing and may be extremely daunting. The available measures are restricted, and I don’t want to enter and/or construct them, nor do I want to provide particular measurements to certain clients. With this product, it’s as though one size fits everyone.”
– Rachel from Rachel W Blogg, LCSW, PA
CounSol software prides itself on its customizability. However, some users do wish for greater control over their notetaking. Since the software is web-based, CounSol could add this functionality over the air, but it is improbable since this would require a significant overhaul.
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CounSol Pricing and Demos
CounSol does not offer a free version. However, a free trial is available. The base package starts at $45 a month, and the most expensive one will set you back at around $70 a month.
Demos are readily available and can be accessed before signing up.
Final Words about CounSol
CounSol does what it’s supposed; to provide a specialty EHR solution for psychiatric practices. With features tailor-made and integrated in a way that suits psychiatrists and mental health clinicians. Pricing is very attractive and way more economical than legacy EHR’s.
However, users have complaints, not program-breaking ones but enough to raise suspicion. User’s want more from their EHR and PM solutions, and at this price point, CounSol provides more than what’s expected. If you go for CounSol be aware that even though everything will work, the price will be reflected in performance.
