ClinikEHR vs Alma 2026: Complete Comparison for Therapists

Quick Answer: ClinikEHR vs Alma

These are different types of platforms. Alma is a membership and insurance billing platform, while ClinikEHR is a complete practice management and EHR system. They serve different needs and can work together.

Choose ClinikEHR if you need:

• ✅ Complete EHR with AI clinical notes
• ✅ Appointment scheduling and calendar
• ✅ Unlimited telehealth platform
• ✅ E-prescribing and E-Lab (LabCorp integration)
• ✅ Client portal and intake forms
• ✅ Full practice management tools
• ✅ Transparent pricing ($79/month)

Choose Alma if you need:

• Insurance credentialing support
• Client referrals from their directory
• Simplified insurance billing
• Community and networking

Best Solution: Many practitioners use both - ClinikEHR for practice management and Alma for insurance billing and referrals.

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Understanding the Difference

What is Alma?

Alma is a membership platform that provides:

• Insurance credentialing assistance
• Client directory and referrals
• Insurance billing and claims
• Community of therapists
• Practice building resources

What Alma is NOT:

• Not a complete EHR system
• No clinical documentation tools
• No appointment scheduling
• No telehealth platform
• No e-prescribing
• No client portal

Alma's Model: Free membership with revenue share on insurance claims (percentage not publicly disclosed, estimated 5-8%)

What is ClinikEHR?

ClinikEHR is a complete practice management and EHR system that includes:

• AI-powered clinical notes (SOAP, DAP, BIRP)
• Appointment scheduling with online booking
• Unlimited telehealth platform
• E-prescribing and E-Lab with LabCorp
• Client portal and intake forms
• Insurance billing (0% fees)
• Payment processing
• Analytics and reporting

What ClinikEHR is NOT:

• Not a credentialing service
• Not a client referral directory
• Not a therapist community platform

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Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	ClinikEHR	Alma
Type	Complete EHR	Membership Platform
Pricing	$79/month	Free (% of claims)
Clinical Notes	✅ AI-powered	❌ Not included
Scheduling	✅ Full calendar	❌ Not included
Telehealth	✅ Unlimited	❌ Not included
E-Prescribing	✅ Included	❌ Not included
E-Lab	✅ LabCorp integration	❌ Not included
Client Portal	✅ Full-featured	❌ Not included
Insurance Billing	✅ 0% fees	✅ % of claims
Credentialing	❌ DIY	✅ Assisted
Client Directory	❌ Not included	✅ Public listing
Therapist Community	❌ Not included	✅ Active community
Can Work Together	✅ Yes	✅ Yes

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Detailed Feature Comparison

Clinical Documentation

ClinikEHR:

• AI generates professional notes in seconds
• SOAP, DAP, and BIRP formats
• Customizable templates
• Treatment plans and assessments
• Saves 2+ hours daily
• HIPAA-compliant storage

Alma:

• No clinical documentation features
• You need a separate EHR
• Most Alma members use SimplePractice, TherapyNotes, or ClinikEHR

Winner: ClinikEHR (Alma doesn't offer this)

Appointment Scheduling

ClinikEHR:

• Full calendar system
• Online booking for clients
• Automated reminders (SMS, email)
• Recurring appointments
• Waitlist management
• Group session support

Alma:

• No scheduling features
• Need separate scheduling tool
• Many use Calendly or Google Calendar

Winner: ClinikEHR (Alma doesn't offer this)

Telehealth

ClinikEHR:

• Unlimited video sessions included
• HD quality with screen sharing
• Recording options
• Integrated with notes and scheduling
• Works on all devices

Alma:

• No telehealth platform
• Need separate video tool (Zoom, Doxy.me, etc.)
• Additional cost for video platform

Winner: ClinikEHR (Alma doesn't offer this)

Insurance Billing & Credentialing

ClinikEHR:

• Submit claims directly
• 0% commission on claims
• Track claim status
• ERA/EOB processing
• You handle credentialing yourself

Alma:

• Simplified claim submission
• Takes percentage of each claim
• Credentialing assistance included
• Faster panel acceptance
• Client referrals from directory

Winner: Depends on your needs

• Choose Alma if you need credentialing help and referrals
• Choose ClinikEHR if you're already credentialed

Client Acquisition

ClinikEHR:

• No client directory
• You market your practice independently
• SEO-friendly client portal

Alma:

• Public therapist directory
• Client referrals from their network
• Profile in their marketplace
• Community networking

Winner: Alma (if you need referrals)

E-Prescribing & E-Lab

ClinikEHR:

• Built-in e-prescribing at no extra cost
• E-Lab with LabCorp integration for seamless lab orders
• Integrated workflow

Alma:

• No e-prescribing features
• No lab integration
• Need separate systems

Winner: ClinikEHR (Alma doesn't offer this)

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Pricing Comparison

ClinikEHR Pricing

Monthly Cost: $79/month (all-inclusive)

Includes:

• Complete EHR system
• AI clinical notes
• Unlimited telehealth
• E-prescribing
• E-Lab with LabCorp
• Client portal
• Scheduling
• Insurance billing (0% fees)
• Payment processing

Annual Cost: $948/year

Alma Pricing

Membership Cost: $0 (free to join)

Revenue Share: Alma takes a percentage of each insurance claim (exact percentage not publicly disclosed, estimated 5-8%)

On $50,000 annual insurance billing:

• Alma fees: ~$2,500-4,000/year
• Plus you still need an EHR: +$708-1,068/year
• Total Cost: $3,208-5,068/year

What's Included:

• Insurance credentialing
• Claim submission
• Client directory listing
• Therapist community
• Practice resources

What's NOT Included:

• EHR system (you need to buy separately)
• Telehealth platform
• E-prescribing
• Scheduling tools

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Can You Use Both Together?

Yes! Many therapists use ClinikEHR for practice management and Alma for insurance billing and referrals.

How It Works:

1. Use ClinikEHR for:

   • Clinical documentation with AI
   • Appointment scheduling
   • Telehealth sessions
   • E-prescribing and lab orders
   • Client portal
   • Private pay billing

2. Use Alma for:

   • Insurance credentialing
   • Insurance claim submission
   • Client referrals from directory
   • Therapist community networking

Workflow:

• Get client referrals from Alma directory
• Schedule appointments in ClinikEHR
• Conduct sessions via ClinikEHR telehealth
• Document with ClinikEHR's AI notes
• Submit insurance claims through Alma
• Process private pay through ClinikEHR

Total Cost: $79/month + Alma's percentage = Comprehensive solution

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Who Should Choose Each?

Choose ClinikEHR If You:

• Need a complete EHR system
• Want AI-powered documentation
• Are already credentialed with insurance
• Do mostly private pay
• Want all-in-one solution
• Value transparent pricing
• Need e-prescribing and lab integration
• Want to avoid percentage fees

Choose Alma If You:

• Need help with insurance credentialing
• Want client referrals from directory
• Are just starting with insurance
• Value therapist community
• Don't mind using multiple tools
• Already have an EHR you like
• Want simplified insurance billing

Use Both If You:

• Want best of both worlds
• Need credentialing help but also want modern EHR
• Want client referrals plus AI documentation
• Can manage two platforms
• Want to maximize insurance and private pay revenue
• Value community while having robust tools

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Alternative: ClinikEHR Only

If you're already credentialed and have your own client acquisition strategy, you don't need Alma. ClinikEHR provides everything you need:

Complete Practice Management:

• AI clinical notes
• Scheduling and reminders
• Telehealth platform
• E-prescribing and E-Lab
• Client portal
• Insurance billing (0% fees)
• Payment processing
• Analytics

Annual Savings vs Alma + EHR:

• ClinikEHR only: $948/year
• Alma + TherapyNotes: $3,208-5,068/year
• Savings: $2,260-4,120/year

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Alma really free?

Alma doesn't charge a monthly membership fee, but they take a percentage of each insurance claim you submit. The exact percentage isn't publicly disclosed but is estimated at 5-8%.

2. Can ClinikEHR help with insurance credentialing?

ClinikEHR doesn't provide credentialing services, but we offer guides and resources. You can use Alma for credentialing, then switch to ClinikEHR's 0% billing once credentialed.

3. Does ClinikEHR integrate with Alma?

The systems don't have a direct integration, but they work together easily. Document in ClinikEHR, submit claims through Alma.

4. Which is better for new therapists?

If you're new and need credentialing help plus client referrals, start with Alma for billing and ClinikEHR for practice management. Once established, you can consolidate to ClinikEHR only.

5. Can I get client referrals with ClinikEHR?

ClinikEHR doesn't provide a client directory. If you want Alma's referral network, use both platforms together or invest in your own marketing.

6. Does Alma provide an EHR?

No. Alma is only for insurance billing, credentialing, and community. You need a separate EHR like ClinikEHR for clinical documentation.

7. Can I use ClinikEHR for private pay only?

Absolutely. Many ClinikEHR users do private pay only and never deal with insurance.

8. What if I want to leave Alma later?

You can leave anytime. Once credentialed, switch to ClinikEHR's 0% fee billing and keep all your insurance panels.

9. Is ClinikEHR HIPAA-compliant?

Yes. ClinikEHR is fully HIPAA-compliant with BAA agreements, encryption, and regular security audits. Learn more about our HIPAA compliance.

10. Can I try ClinikEHR before committing?

Yes. We offer a full-featured 30-day free trial with no credit card required.

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Related Reading

EHR Comparisons:

• ClinikEHR vs SimplePractice 2026
• ClinikEHR vs Headway 2026
• ClinikEHR vs Grow Therapy 2026
• Headway, Alma, Grow: Do You Need Your Own EHR?
• Best EHR for Solo Practice 2026
• Top 5 EHR for Mental Health 2026

Practice Management:

• Private Pay vs Insurance: Which Model Fits Your Practice
• Insurance Credentialing Made Simple 2026
• How to Market Private Pay Therapy Practice
• EHR Pricing Explained: Hidden Costs 2026

AI & Documentation:

• AI Clinical Notes for Therapists
• Best AI Note Taking for Psychiatry 2026
• Reduce Documentation Time Without Cutting Corners

External Resources:

• Alma Official Site
• HIPAA Compliance Guide
• Insurance Credentialing Guide