In recent years, mental health professionals have faced increasing levels of burnout, driven by rising workloads and the complex demands of patient care. A 2023 survey by the American Psychological Association revealed that 45% of psychologists report feeling burned out—a significant increase compared to previous years. Similarly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted that health workers reported more poor mental health days in 2022 than in 2018, underscoring the toll of ongoing administrative and clinical responsibilities.

Psychiatrists, in particular, face even higher rates of burnout, with nearly 48% experiencing symptoms, according to research in the Journal of Affective Disorders. The COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbated these pressures, with a recent study in BMC Psychiatry finding that about 52% of psychiatrists reported increased burnout during this period. These statistics highlight a growing need for solutions that can help ease the burden on mental health professionals.

For clinicians, especially in private practice, balancing patient care with extensive documentation is a daily challenge. The time spent on paperwork often detracts from client-focused work, contributing to the cycle of burnout.

That’s where AI-powered scribes come in.

These tools streamline the documentation process, allowing mental health professionals to focus more on their clients and less on administrative tasks. In this guide, we’ll explore four of the most frequently mentioned AI scribes for clinicians:

  • Soaper
  • Freed
  • Chartrone
  • Berries

Each tool offers unique features to help ease the documentation burden, but which one might be the right fit for your practice? Read on as we compare their strengths, limitations, and pricing to help you make an informed choice.

What's the best AI Scribe for Mental Health Professionals?

1. Soaper

Soaper is an AI scribe tool that’s particularly popular for its affordability and straightforward approach to documentation.

Pros

  • Pricing – Soaper is one of the more affordable options, offering unlimited use for $50 per month.
  • High Accuracy – It’s known for accurately transcribing sessions, even for complex terminology, making it a reliable choice.
  • Simple Interface – The intuitive, no-frills interface is easy for clinicians to navigate without much of a learning curve.

Cons

  • Limited Customization – Soaper has a templated system, which can make personalization more challenging.
  • Slower Note Creation – Some users report that it takes several minutes for notes to be generated, which could be a drawback for busy clinicians.
  • Less Advanced Features – Compared to other tools, Soaper lacks advanced customization and formatting options, which might not suit all clinical needs.

Pricing

  • $50/month for unlimited use

2. Freed

Freed stands out for its real-time transcription capabilities and flexibility across different devices.

Pros

  • High Accuracy & Real-Time Transcription – Freed transcribes in real-time, which is helpful for clinicians who need instant access to notes after sessions.
  • Multi-Device Compatibility – Freed is accessible on both desktop and mobile, giving clinicians flexibility based on their workflow.
  • User-Friendly Interface – The app is designed to be easy to use, making it a popular choice for those new to AI scribes.

Cons

  • High Cost – At $130 per month, Freed is pricier than many alternatives.
  • Limited SOAP Support – While it supports basic documentation, some users find its SOAP format to be limited.
  • Occasional Delays – Some users report minor delays in note processing, particularly during peak times.

Pricing

  • $130/month

3. Chartrone

Chartrone offers flexible pricing plans and a unique browser extension for clinicians who need flexibility in their note-taking.

Pros

  • Flexible Pricing – Chartrone offers a variety of plans, starting from $99.99 per month, catering to both part-time and full-time clinicians.
  • Real-Time Dictation – The real-time dictation feature provides instant transcription, making it suitable for fast-paced environments.
  • Browser Extension – Chartrone’s browser extension allows for easy note-taking directly within an online platform, which is unique among AI scribes.

Cons

  • Complex Setup – Chartrone’s templating system can be challenging to set up initially, which might deter users seeking a simpler tool.
  • Learning Curve – Some users find the interface less intuitive, particularly for those not familiar with browser extensions.
  • Higher Cost for Full Access – Although flexible, Chartrone’s higher-tier plans can be costly for clinicians needing extensive use.

Pricing

  • Starting at $99.99/month for part-time users, with higher costs for more extensive use

4. Berries

Berries is designed specifically for mental health professionals, making it uniquely suited for therapists, counselors, and psychologists who need precise documentation that captures therapeutic language and session nuances.

Pros

  • Mental Health Focus – Unlike general-purpose scribes, Berries is tailored to the specific needs of mental health professionals, including formats like SOAP notes and Couples Therapy, which are essential for therapeutic practice.
  • Intervention Bank – Berries allows clinicians to save frequently used interventions, making it quick and easy to personalize notes without repetitive typing.
  • Customizable Note Settings – Berries gives clinicians control over how they refer to clients (e.g., “client” or “patient”) and lets them choose to include quotes from sessions, allowing for more personalized and precise documentation.
  • HIPAA & PHIPA Compliance – Security is a priority with Berries, which is fully HIPAA-compliant and doesn’t store recordings—an important factor in protecting client confidentiality.

Cons

  • Niche Focus – Because it’s designed specifically for mental health, Berries may lack some of the general medical documentation options found in other scribes, making it less versatile for those who need broader functionality.
  • Price Transparency – While Berries’ pricing is competitive, specific pricing tiers may vary based on individual needs, which could make it less predictable in cost for some users.

Pricing

  • Competitive with other mental health scribes (exact pricing may vary; check directly with Berries for the most up-to-date information).

Choose the AI Scribe that Fits Your Needs

Choosing the right AI scribe comes down to finding the tool that best fits your specific needs as a clinician. For general-purpose use, Soaper provides affordability, Freed excels in real-time accuracy, and Chartrone offers flexible pricing and browser-based functionality. However, if you’re a mental health professional looking for a tool that understands the nuances of therapy and offers tailored features, Berries stands out as an excellent option.

AI scribes have the potential to transform private practice, helping clinicians spend less time on paperwork and more time with clients. Understanding each tool’s strengths and limitations helps you make an informed choice that supports your practice’s goals.