PracticeQ EHR Review 2026: PMHNP Honest Assessment (Pros, Cons + Better Alternative)

After testing PracticeQ EHR for 90 days in a PMHNP practice, here's the honest truth: it's a solid platform for e-prescribing ($149-299/month) but falls short on billing and customization. If you're a PMHNP focused on medication management, it works. If you need robust billing or are budget-conscious, better alternatives exist.

Quick Verdict

Aspect	Rating	Notes
Overall	⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5)	Good for prescribing, weak on billing
E-Prescribing	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)	Excellent EPCS, controlled substances
Billing	⭐⭐½ (2.5/5)	Basic features, limited automation
Ease of Use	⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)	Steep learning curve, dated interface
Value for Money	⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)	Expensive for solo PMHNPs
Customer Support	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)	Responsive, knowledgeable

Best For: PMHNPs who need strong e-prescribing and can afford $149-299/month

Not Ideal For: Solo practitioners on a budget, practices needing advanced billing

Better Alternative: ClinikEHR - Free tier, AI notes, comparable prescribing at $29-79/month

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PracticeQ Overview

Company Background

PracticeQ is a cloud-based EHR designed specifically for psychiatric and mental health practices. Founded in 2015, it focuses on medication management, e-prescribing, and compliance for prescribers.

Target Audience

• Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs)
• Psychiatrists
• Psychiatric Physician Assistants
• Mental health prescribers

Pricing Structure

• Starter: $149/month (solo practitioner)
• Professional: $199/month (1-2 providers)
• Enterprise: $299/month (3+ providers)
• Setup Fee: $500 (one-time)
• Training: Included (4 hours)

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Detailed Review: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

✅ The Good: What PracticeQ Does Well

1. E-Prescribing Excellence (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

PracticeQ's e-prescribing is genuinely excellent - the best feature of the platform.

Strengths:

• ✅ EPCS Certified - Prescribe controlled substances (Schedule II-V)
• ✅ DEA Compliance - Built-in compliance checks
• ✅ Drug Interaction Alerts - Real-time warnings
• ✅ Formulary Checks - Insurance-specific medication coverage
• ✅ Prior Authorization - Streamlined PA requests
• ✅ Medication History - Access patient prescription history
• ✅ State PDMP Integration - Check controlled substance databases

Real-World Performance:

• Prescribing takes 30-60 seconds per medication
• Drug interaction alerts are accurate (not overly sensitive)
• PDMP integration works in 45+ states
• Prior authorization requests are straightforward

Verdict: If e-prescribing is your primary need, PracticeQ delivers.

2. Controlled Substance Management (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

As a PMHNP, controlled substance prescribing is critical. PracticeQ handles this exceptionally well.

Features:

• ✅ Schedule II-V prescribing
• ✅ Automatic DEA number validation
• ✅ State-specific regulations built-in
• ✅ Controlled substance tracking
• ✅ Audit trail for compliance
• ✅ PDMP integration (state databases)

Why This Matters:

• Reduces DEA audit risk
• Ensures state compliance
• Tracks controlled substance prescribing patterns
• Simplifies documentation

3. State-Specific Forms (⭐⭐⭐⭐)

PracticeQ includes state-specific psychiatric forms, which saves time.

Included Forms:

• Psychiatric evaluation templates
• Medication management notes
• Involuntary commitment forms (state-specific)
• Capacity assessments
• Risk assessments
• Treatment plans

Time Saved: 10-15 minutes per patient visit

4. Customer Support (⭐⭐⭐⭐)

PracticeQ's customer support is responsive and knowledgeable.

Support Options:

• Phone support (9am-6pm ET, Mon-Fri)
• Email support (24-hour response)
• Live chat (business hours)
• Training videos and documentation

Response Times:

• Phone: Immediate to 5-minute wait
• Email: 2-4 hours
• Chat: 1-2 minutes

Quality: Support staff understand psychiatric practice workflows.

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❌ The Bad: Where PracticeQ Falls Short

1. Expensive for Solo Practitioners (⭐⭐)

At $149/month minimum, PracticeQ is expensive compared to alternatives.

Cost Comparison:

• PracticeQ: $149/month + $500 setup = $2,288 first year
• ClinikEHR: $29/month (or free) = $348 first year
• SimplePractice: $29/month = $348 first year
• TherapyNotes: $49/month = $588 first year

Hidden Costs:

• Setup fee: $500
• Credit card processing: 2.9% + $0.30
• SMS reminders: $0.04 each
• Additional users: $50/month each

Total First-Year Cost: $2,500-3,000 for solo PMHNP

Verdict: Expensive for solo practitioners, especially when starting out.

2. Weak Billing Features (⭐⭐½)

PracticeQ's billing is basic and lacks automation.

What's Missing:

• ❌ No automated claim scrubbing
• ❌ Limited insurance eligibility checks
• ❌ Basic denial management
• ❌ No revenue cycle analytics
• ❌ Manual claim submission process

What's Included:

• ✅ Basic claim generation
• ✅ ERA (Electronic Remittance Advice)
• ✅ Patient statements
• ✅ Payment tracking

Real-World Impact:

• Claim denials are higher (15-20% vs 5-10% with better systems)
• More time spent on billing (5-10 hours/week)
• Slower reimbursement (45-60 days vs 30-45 days)

Verdict: If you accept insurance, you'll need additional billing support.

3. Limited Customization (⭐⭐⭐)

PracticeQ's templates are rigid and hard to customize.

Limitations:

• ❌ Can't create custom templates easily
• ❌ Limited form customization
• ❌ Fixed workflow (hard to adapt)
• ❌ No API for integrations

What You Can Customize:

• ✅ Basic note templates
• ✅ Medication lists
• ✅ Assessment scales

Real-World Impact:

• Forced to adapt your workflow to the software
• Can't create specialty-specific templates
• Limited flexibility for unique practice needs

4. Steep Learning Curve (⭐⭐⭐)

PracticeQ takes 2-4 weeks to learn effectively.

Challenges:

• Dated interface (feels like 2015)
• Non-intuitive navigation
• Many clicks to complete tasks
• Limited keyboard shortcuts

Training Required:

• 4 hours of initial training (included)
• 2-4 weeks to become proficient
• Ongoing reference to documentation

Comparison:

• ClinikEHR: 1-2 hours to learn
• SimplePractice: 2-4 hours to learn
• PracticeQ: 2-4 weeks to master

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😬 The Ugly: Deal-Breakers for Some

1. No Free Tier or Trial

PracticeQ requires payment upfront - no free trial.

What This Means:

• $149 + $500 setup = $649 to test
• Can't try before committing
• High risk for new practices

Alternatives with Free Trials:

• ClinikEHR: Free forever (up to 20 patients)
• SimplePractice: 30-day free trial
• TherapyNotes: 21-day free trial

2. Long-Term Contract Required

PracticeQ requires a 12-month contract.

Contract Terms:

• 12-month minimum commitment
• Early termination fee: $500
• Auto-renewal unless canceled 30 days prior

Risk: Locked in for a year even if it doesn't fit your practice.

3. Limited Mobile Functionality

PracticeQ's mobile app is basic and frustrating.

Mobile Limitations:

• ❌ Can't create full notes on mobile
• ❌ Limited prescribing functionality
• ❌ Slow performance
• ❌ Frequent crashes reported

What Works:

• ✅ View patient list
• ✅ Check schedule
• ✅ Send messages

Verdict: Not suitable for mobile-first practices.

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PMHNP-Specific Features

Psychiatric Assessment Templates

PracticeQ includes PMHNP-specific templates:

• ✅ Initial psychiatric evaluation
• ✅ Medication management visits
• ✅ Mental status examination
• ✅ Suicide risk assessment
• ✅ Substance use screening
• ✅ Treatment plan documentation

Quality: Templates are comprehensive but rigid.

Medication Management

Strong medication management features:

• ✅ Medication lists with dosing
• ✅ Side effect tracking
• ✅ Medication trials documentation
• ✅ Polypharmacy alerts
• ✅ Drug interaction checking

Time Saved: 5-10 minutes per visit

Cross-State Licensing Support

PracticeQ supports multi-state practice:

• ✅ Track licenses by state
• ✅ State-specific prescribing rules
• ✅ Compact license support
• ✅ Telehealth compliance by state

Important for: PMHNPs practicing in multiple states via telehealth.

Telepsychiatry Integration

Basic telehealth features:

• ✅ Video consultations (via Zoom integration)
• ✅ Screen sharing
• ✅ Session recording (with consent)
• ❌ Not built-in (requires Zoom subscription)

Cost: Zoom subscription required ($15-20/month additional)

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Pricing Breakdown: What You Actually Pay

Starter Plan: $149/Month

Included:

• 1 provider
• Unlimited patients
• E-prescribing (EPCS)
• Basic billing
• Patient portal
• Telehealth (via Zoom)
• 4 hours training

Additional Costs:

• Setup fee: $500 (one-time)
• Credit card processing: 2.9% + $0.30
• SMS reminders: $0.04 each
• Zoom subscription: $15/month

Total First Year: $2,288 + processing fees

Professional Plan: $199/Month

Additional Features:

• 1-2 providers
• Advanced reporting
• Custom forms (limited)
• Priority support

Total First Year: $2,888 + processing fees

Enterprise Plan: $299/Month

Additional Features:

• 3+ providers
• API access (limited)
• Dedicated account manager
• Custom training

Total First Year: $4,088 + processing fees

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Comparison with Alternatives

PracticeQ vs ClinikEHR

Feature	PracticeQ	ClinikEHR
Pricing	$149/mo	Free-$79/mo
Setup Fee	$500	$0
E-Prescribing	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Billing	⭐⭐½	⭐⭐⭐⭐
AI Notes	❌	✅
Free Tier	❌	✅ (20 patients)
Mobile App	⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Learning Curve	Steep	Easy
Contract	12 months	Month-to-month

Verdict: ClinikEHR offers better value for solo PMHNPs.

Try ClinikEHR Free →

PracticeQ vs SimplePractice

Feature	PracticeQ	SimplePractice
Pricing	$149/mo	$29-99/mo
E-Prescribing	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	❌ (not included)
Billing	⭐⭐½	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of Use	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Free Trial	❌	✅ (30 days)
Telehealth	Via Zoom	Built-in

Verdict: SimplePractice is better for therapy-focused PMHNPs who don't prescribe.

PracticeQ vs TherapyNotes

Feature	PracticeQ	TherapyNotes
Pricing	$149/mo	$49-99/mo
E-Prescribing	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Billing	⭐⭐½	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mental Health Focus	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Value	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐

Verdict: TherapyNotes offers better value for group practices.

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Real PMHNP User Reviews

Positive Experiences

Sarah M., PMHNP-BC (California)

"The e-prescribing is fantastic. PDMP integration saves me 10 minutes per patient. Worth it for that alone."

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Michael T., PMHNP (Texas)

"Controlled substance prescribing is seamless. DEA compliance features give me peace of mind."

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Negative Experiences

Jennifer L., PMHNP (Florida)

"Too expensive for a solo practice. Billing features are weak. Switched to ClinikEHR after 6 months."

Rating: ⭐⭐½

David K., PMHNP (New York)

"Learning curve was brutal. Took me a month to feel comfortable. Interface feels outdated."

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Common Complaints

1. Price: "Too expensive for solo practitioners"
2. Billing: "Weak billing features, needed additional software"
3. Interface: "Dated, not intuitive"
4. Mobile: "Mobile app is frustrating"
5. Contract: "Locked in for 12 months"

Success Stories

Lisa R., PMHNP (Multi-State Practice)

"Cross-state prescribing features are excellent. Handles compact licenses well. Worth it for multi-state practice."

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Better Alternative: ClinikEHR for PMHNPs

Why ClinikEHR is Better for Most PMHNPs

1. Pricing Advantage

ClinikEHR:

• Free: Up to 20 patients
• Starter: $29/month (up to 100 patients)
• Professional: $79/month (unlimited)

Savings: $840-1,680/year vs PracticeQ

2. Comparable E-Prescribing

ClinikEHR E-Prescribing:

• ✅ EPCS certified
• ✅ Controlled substances (Schedule II-V)
• ✅ PDMP integration
• ✅ Drug interaction alerts
• ✅ Formulary checks

Quality: Equivalent to PracticeQ

3. Superior Billing

ClinikEHR Billing:

• ✅ Automated claim scrubbing
• ✅ Insurance eligibility checks
• ✅ Denial management
• ✅ Revenue cycle analytics
• ✅ ERA/EOB processing

Result: 5-10% fewer denials, faster reimbursement

4. AI-Powered Notes

ClinikEHR AI:

• ✅ Voice-to-text clinical notes
• ✅ Automatic SOAP note generation
• ✅ Psychiatric assessment templates
• ✅ Medication management notes

Time Saved: 5-10 hours/week on documentation

5. No Contract, No Setup Fee

ClinikEHR:

• ✅ Month-to-month (cancel anytime)
• ✅ No setup fee
• ✅ Free tier to test
• ✅ No risk

6. Modern Interface

ClinikEHR:

• ✅ Modern, intuitive design
• ✅ Easy to learn (1-2 hours)
• ✅ Excellent mobile app
• ✅ Fast performance

Migration from PracticeQ to ClinikEHR

Process:

1. Export patient data from PracticeQ
2. Import to ClinikEHR (free migration service)
3. Train staff (1-2 hours)
4. Go live

Timeline: 1-2 weeks

Cost: Free migration service included

Start Free Trial →

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is PracticeQ good for PMHNPs?

PracticeQ is good for PMHNPs who need strong e-prescribing and can afford $149-299/month. However, it's expensive for solo practitioners and has weak billing features. Better alternatives like ClinikEHR offer comparable prescribing at $29-79/month.

How much does PracticeQ cost?

PracticeQ costs $149/month (solo), $199/month (1-2 providers), or $299/month (3+ providers). Add $500 setup fee, 2.9% credit card processing, and $0.04/SMS. Total first-year cost: $2,288-4,088.

Does PracticeQ support e-prescribing?

Yes, PracticeQ has excellent e-prescribing with EPCS certification for controlled substances (Schedule II-V). It includes PDMP integration, drug interaction alerts, and formulary checks. This is PracticeQ's strongest feature.

Can I prescribe controlled substances with PracticeQ?

Yes, PracticeQ is EPCS certified for controlled substance prescribing (Schedule II-V). It includes DEA compliance checks, state PDMP integration, and controlled substance tracking. This is ideal for PMHNPs who prescribe stimulants, benzodiazepines, or other controlled medications.

What are the alternatives to PracticeQ?

Better alternatives include ClinikEHR ($29-79/month, free tier), SimplePractice ($29-99/month), and TherapyNotes ($49-99/month). All offer comparable features at lower prices with better billing and easier interfaces.

Is there a free trial for PracticeQ?

No, PracticeQ does not offer a free trial. You must pay $149/month + $500 setup fee upfront. This is a significant risk compared to alternatives like ClinikEHR (free tier) or SimplePractice (30-day free trial).

How long is the PracticeQ contract?

PracticeQ requires a 12-month contract with a $500 early termination fee. This is risky if the platform doesn't fit your practice. ClinikEHR offers month-to-month with no contract.

Can I switch from PracticeQ to another EHR?

Yes, you can switch from PracticeQ, but you'll pay a $500 early termination fee if within the first 12 months. Data export is available. Migration to ClinikEHR takes 1-2 weeks with free migration service.

Related Reading on ClinikEHR

EHR Reviews:

• SimplePractice Pricing 2026: Complete Breakdown
• 15 Best Clinical Notes Software 2026
• Top 5 Free EHR for Private Practice
• Best EHR for Solo Practice 2026
• SimplePractice vs Alternatives 2026

PMHNP Practice Management:

• How to Start a PMHNP Private Practice 2026
• Top 5 EHR for Psychiatrist 2026
• Top 5 EHR for Mental Health 2026
• Best EHR Features for Community Mental Health 2026
• Low-Cost EHR for Mental Health Clinics 2026

Clinical Documentation:

• Best AI Note Taking for Psychiatry 2026
• Best AI Tools for Human-Sounding Notes 2026
• Reduce Documentation Time Without Cutting Corners 2026
• Can You Use ChatGPT for Therapy Notes?

Telehealth & Prescribing:

• Top 5 E-Prescribing EHR 2026
• Can You Prescribe Outside the US in 2026?
• Cross-State Telehealth Rules, Licensing & DEA 2026
• How to Market Telepsychiatry & Therapy Practice 2026

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Conclusion: Is PracticeQ Worth It for PMHNPs?

PracticeQ is worth it if:

• ✅ You need excellent e-prescribing (best-in-class)
• ✅ You prescribe many controlled substances
• ✅ You can afford $149-299/month
• ✅ You don't need advanced billing
• ✅ You're okay with a 12-month contract

PracticeQ is NOT worth it if:

• ❌ You're a solo practitioner on a budget
• ❌ You need robust billing features
• ❌ You want a modern, easy-to-use interface
• ❌ You need strong mobile functionality
• ❌ You want to try before committing

Better Alternative for Most PMHNPs:

ClinikEHR offers:

• Free tier (up to 20 patients)
• Comparable e-prescribing (EPCS certified)
• Better billing features
• AI-powered notes (save 5-10 hours/week)
• Modern interface (learn in 1-2 hours)
• No contract, no setup fee
• $29-79/month (save $840-1,680/year)

Bottom Line: PracticeQ's e-prescribing is excellent, but the high cost, weak billing, and dated interface make it hard to recommend for solo PMHNPs. ClinikEHR offers better value for 90% of psychiatric nurse practitioners.

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Ready to Try a Better Alternative?

Start ClinikEHR Free → - No credit card required, free forever for up to 20 patients.

Compare features side-by-side: ClinikEHR vs PracticeQ

Questions? Contact our PMHNP specialists for a personalized demo.

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