# Meeting Psychiatrists’ Technical Needs: A Practice Owner’s Guide to EHR

**URL:** https://www.valant.io/resources/blog/meeting-psychiatrists-technical-needs-a-practice-owners-guide-to-ehr/
**Author:** Andrew Schatzberg
**Published:** August 3, 2024

> [vc_row type="in_container" full_screen_row_position="middle" column_margin="default" column_direction="default" column_direction_tablet="default" column_direction_phone="default" scene_position="center" text_color="dark" text_align="left" row_border_radius="none" row_border_radius_applies="bg" overlay_strength="0.3" gradient_direction="left_to_right" shape_divider_position="bottom" bg_image_animation="none" shape_type=""][vc_column column_padding="no-extra-padding" column_padding_tablet="inherit" column_padding_phone="inherit" column_padding_position="all" column_element_spacing="default" background_color_opacity="1" background_hover_color_opacity="1" column_shadow="none" column_border_radius="none" column_link_target="_self" gradient_direction="left_to_right" overlay_strength="0.3" width="1/1" tablet_width_inherit="default" tablet_text_alignment="default" phone_text_alignment="default" bg_image_animation="none" border_type="simple" column_border_width="none" column_border_style="solid"][vc_column_text]An electronic health record...

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[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]An electronic health record (EHR) system is a critical tool for successful, patient-centered psychiatric practices. There are a number of specific technical requirements for an EHR system that meets psychiatrists’ needs. These translate to core functions of an EHR.
Whether you are shopping for a [psychiatry EHR](https://www.valant.io/prescribers-suite/) to start a practice, or looking to bring prescribers into an established therapy practice, you’ll want to gain an understanding of how the software needs to support your practice.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]

## Understanding Psychiatrists’ Workflows

Here are some of the foundational workflows that are part of a psychiatric practice:

- Onboarding new patients

- Assessing medical histories

- Conducting in-person and telehealth sessions

- Making diagnoses

- Managing documentation

- Developing treatment plans

- Prescribing medication

- Managing labs

- Assessing progress

- Coding and billing

In order to support these workflows, EHR software needs to have a number core [EHR tools](https://www.valant.io/ehr-tools/) and functionalities, such as:

- [Patient intake and assessment](https://www.valant.io/clinical-care/intake-assessment-automation/) tools

- [Clinical documentation](https://www.valant.io/clinical-care/clinical-documentation/) tools

- e-Prescribing and [medication management](https://www.valant.io/clinical-care/eprescribing/) features

- [Telehealth](https://www.valant.io/clinical-care/telehealth/) capabilities

- [eLab](https://www.valant.io/clinical-care/elabs/) integrations

- Clinical [reports](https://www.valant.io/clinical-care/clinical-reporting/)

- [Billing and coding](https://www.valant.io/practice-management/billing/) features

- HIPAA-compliance

## Essential EHR Features for Psychiatrists

Here, we will explore four important categories of EHR features that can help [support psychiatrists](https://www.valant.io/prescribers-suite/).

#### Customizable Note Templates

The ability to create and customize templates for intake, medical history, [therapy notes, and progress notes](https://www.valant.io/resources/blog/therapy-notes-vs-progress-notes/) helps save time and energy. Some EHRs also offer automation that allows you to carry over notes from previous sessions, auto-generate narratives, and enhance collaboration with the care team. Each gain in efficiency means more time spent with patients.

#### Medication Management Tools

E-Prescribing is one of the most important features for psychiatry. An EHR should make it easy to send electronic prescriptions, view medication history, evaluate potential drug interactions, access drug reference information, and integrate with controlled substance and prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) databases.

In addition, it’s important to be able to obtain prior authorization from insurance and track prescription statuses.

#### Telehealth Capabilities

HIPAA-compliant [telehealth](https://www.valant.io/resources/blog/how-to-use-interstate-compacts-to-see-more-telehealth-clients/) capabilities allow you to treat patients remotely in individual or group therapy sessions. Whiteboarding, chat, and screen sharing can enhance the value and effectiveness of telehealth.

Additionally, if your EHR can collect payment before patients join a session, you can save providers the hassle of asking for it before, during, or after the session.

#### Billing and Coding Support

A good EHR can help you avoid [common billing errors](https://www.valant.io/resources/blog/mental-health-billing-3-ways-to-increase-the-odds-that-youll-get-paid/) for a smoother, more dependable revenue cycle.

An EHR should streamline billing all throughout the patient care cycle with:

- [Clearinghouse integration](https://www.valant.io/practice-management/integrated-clearinghouse-solution/)

- Superbills

- Electronic remittance advice (ERA) support

- A detailed billing dashboard that allows you to track claims

- Robust reporting

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”top-bottom” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.8″ width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_row_inner content_placement=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” left_padding_desktop=”2%” right_padding_desktop=”2%” text_align=”center”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”padding-5-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ background_image=”14396″ background_image_position=”center center” enable_bg_scale=”true” background_image_loading=”default” font_color=”#ffffff” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”10px” column_link_target=”_self” color_overlay=”#333333″ color_overlay_2=”#333333″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.8″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Blog” font_container=”tag:p|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]**Therapy Notes vs. Progress Notes**[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”10″][nectar_btn size=”small” button_style=”see-through-3″ color_override=”#ffffff” hover_color_override=”#ec1367″ hover_text_color_override=”#ffffff” icon_family=”none” url=”https://www.valant.io/resources/blog/therapy-notes-vs-progress-notes/” text=”Read More”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_widget_sidebar enable_sticky=”true” sidebar_id=”nectar-extra-sidebar”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_color=”#1e1e1e” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”2%” constrain_group_1=”yes” bottom_padding=”2%” text_color=”light” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.95″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/6″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left-right” column_element_spacing=”default” centered_text=”true” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Grow Your Practice[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Leverage Your EHR To Grow Your Practice” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”10″][nectar_btn size=”jumbo” button_style=”see-through-3″ color_override=”#ec1367″ hover_color_override=”#ec1367″ hover_text_color_override=”#ffffff” icon_family=”none” url=”https://www.valant.io/growing-your-practice/” margin_top=”25″ text=”Learn More”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/6″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]

## Security and Compliance Considerations

Here, we will discuss two key concerns for your EHR’s security and compliance:

#### HIPAA Compliance

A strong EHR should be designed to ensure patient data privacy. Communication with patients is a key part of this. Look for a secure, integrated [patient portal](https://www.valant.io/patient-experience/patient-portal/) for messaging, assessments, and billing purposes. This helps ensure protected data and communications are only accessible via a secured system.

Restricting access to patient charts with role-based access controls also helps prevent unauthorized disclosures of protected health information.

#### Data Backup and Recovery

Cloud-based EHRs can ensure dependability and prevent data loss by eliminating needs and risks inherent in on-premise hosting and data storage. Regular backups prevent data loss and help you quickly recover from disasters.

## User Training and Support

Let’s cover two EHR support considerations for your practice’s ongoing success.

#### Onboarding New Psychiatrists

EHR vendors should offer robust training and support resources. That includes live training sessions, self-paced learning modules, test environments, and a wide-ranging knowledgebase. This will help familiarize psychiatrists and other staff with your EHR’s features, as well as to onboard employees hired after your EHR is implemented.

#### Ongoing Support

After implementation, you’ll want access to troubleshooting assistance and helpdesk services. Look for vendors that offer multiple communication methods to fit your practice’s busy schedule, including emails, phone assistance, and live screenshare sessions.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

## Integration

In this final section, we will discuss interoperability and potential for collaboration with other providers.

#### Interoperability

An interoperable EHR should include integrations with external entities such as billing clearinghouses, pharmacies, and PDMPs.

Also, your practice will likely benefit from the all-in-one approach – an EHR that combines all the necessary features and functions into a single system – so that you can avoid using additional third-party platforms.

#### Collaboration Tools

A strong EHR can help you collaborate with other providers, either in-house in a large behavioral health practice or externally, such as social workers, counselors, and other providers. Although this may only be appropriate in certain circumstances, it can help you build a holistic patient care cycle that improves patient outcomes.

## Conclusion

Psychiatrists are a pillar of behavioral healthcare, so addressing their needs in an EHR software solution is important for both providers and patients. With the support of a [robust psychiatry EHR](https://www.valant.io/prescribers-suite/), your practice can set prescribers up to provide high-quality care.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”top-bottom” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_widget_sidebar enable_sticky=”true” sidebar_id=”page-sidebar”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_row_inner content_placement=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1702571288513{background-color: #ed1864 !important;border-radius: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”padding-5-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color=”#1e1e1e” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ font_color=”#ffffff” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”10px” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Patient Portal” font_container=”tag:p|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]**MYIO Patient Portal Features**[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”10″][nectar_btn size=”small” button_style=”see-through-3″ color_override=”#ec1367″ hover_color_override=”#ec1367″ hover_text_color_override=”#ffffff” icon_family=”none” url=”https://www.valant.io/patient-experience/patient-portal/” text=”View Features”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_image=”12115″ bg_position=”center center” background_image_loading=”default” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”10%” bottom_padding=”10%” text_color=”light” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” color_overlay=”#333333″ overlay_strength=”0.8″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][split_line_heading animation_type=”line-reveal-by-space” font_style=”h2″ content_alignment=”default” mobile_content_alignment=”inherit” text_content=”The Continuum of Change Management”]Patient Portal[/split_line_heading][vc_column_text]Our whitepaper ‘The Continuum of Change Management’ breaks down the complexities of managing change in your organization and explores how different types of EHR solutions can help you overcome those challenges.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” class=”eq_btns”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][nectar_btn size=”large” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Extra-Color-1″ icon_family=”none” text=”Download Whitepaper” margin_top=”3%” url=”https://www.valant.io/resources/white-paper/the-continuum-of-change-management/”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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