JotPsych vs. Mentalyc - side by side comparison for behavioral health providers [2025]

Clinical documentation can be a major pain point for mental health professionals, with many reporting they spend multiple hours each day typing or dictating notes. Thankfully, AI scribes now offer a way to streamline and automate this process, drastically reducing the time spent on paperwork.

Two prominent AI scribes for behavioral health are JotPsych and Mentalyc. Although both cater to mental health documentation, JotPsych stands out for its specialized focus, advanced customization features, and powerful billing support—all crucial for behavioral health practitioners. This post explores why JotPsych is the superior choice for those looking to optimize their workflow and ensure top-tier clinical documentation.

Feature Comparison Table

Feature	JotPsych	Mentalyc
Behavioral Health Focus	Yes. Tailored specifically for behavioral health, recognizes ICD-10 & DSM-5-TR, and psycho-social factors.	Partial. Broadly aimed at therapy notes, limited automatic coding for DSM/ICD or CPT.
Customization	High. 70+ behavioral modules, plus easy AI-driven template creation and editing.	Moderate. Some template options, but fewer built-in modules and sub-specialty customization.
Clinical Context Awareness	Strong. References patient history; produces context-rich follow-up notes.	Basic. Typically handles one session at a time without pulling in prior data.
Billing & Compliance	Robust. Identifies & justifies DSM, ICD-10, and CPT codes; designed for audits and streamlined billing.	Limited. Basic note export and generic billing claims; lacks transparency on compliance.
Speed & Workflow	Fast & Integrated. Notes ready in 20-40 seconds; integrated e-prescribing and direct billing options.	Slower & Less Integrated. Note generation may take 10-15 minutes; no built-in billing tools.
Security & HIPAA	Extensive. HIPAA compliant, clear data controls, auto-deletion of transcripts, customizable security.	Basic HIPAA. Generally compliant but less clarity on advanced certifications (e.g., SOC 2).
Pricing	Premium. Flat rate, unlimited notes, higher-level features included.	Tiered. Lower cost, but feature-limited, capped notes, and less advanced functionalities.
User Support & Feedback	Dedicated. Direct user feedback loops, Clinical Advisory Board, on-demand support, rapid iteration.	Inconsistent. Some support available, but user reports mention delays and offshore support.

1. Purpose-Built for Behavioral Health

Perhaps the most significant difference between JotPsych and Mentalyc is the depth of specialization. JotPsych is built from the ground up to meet the unique needs of behavioral health professionals, from therapists to psychiatrists. It comprehensively captures psycho-social-behavioral factors, aligns with DSM-5-TR criteria, and supports ICD-10 and CPT codes to ensure every note meets insurance requirements.

Mentalyc, while it does produce therapy notes, is more of a general AI scribe for counseling sessions. It may transcribe conversation and create a summary, but it lacks JotPsych’s fine-tuned ability to automatically map clinical terminologies, such as DSM-5-TR diagnoses or ICD-10 codes. This difference can make or break your efficiency in getting paid and passing audits—two areas where JotPsych excels.

2. Customization & Template Variety

JotPsych offers 70+ behavioral-health-specific note sections out of the box, ranging from risk assessments to mental status exams. You can customize and rearrange these sections to match your preferred note style—whether it’s SOAP, DAP, narrative, or a custom format. The platform also supports sub-specialty templates, for instance, for addiction treatment or child and adolescent psychotherapy. Over time, JotPsych learns your style and vocabulary, refining its output to match exactly what you want in a note.

By contrast, Mentalyc does have template options, but users often find them too generic. If your practice requires specialized data fields or a certain note structure, you might spend additional time editing and customizing each note. For a busy professional, these extra steps reduce the time savings that AI scribes promise in the first place.

3. Clinical Accuracy & Context Awareness

One of JotPsych’s standout features is how it remembers prior sessions. The AI can access relevant patient history and previously documented details—like specific diagnoses, therapy goals, or medication changes—to produce context-aware notes that reflect the patient’s ongoing treatment journey. This continuity is critical in mental health, where patient progress often depends on longitudinal data.

Mentalyc, on the other hand, typically focuses on session-by-session notes without pulling in historical context. While it can still provide a decent summary, it doesn’t deliver the same depth of continuity. This gap can lead to repetitive or incomplete notes that require manual review to ensure all key details from previous sessions are maintained.

4. Billing & Compliance

Fewer Claim Denials

For many behavioral health providers, billing complexity is a huge challenge. You need accurate CPT codes, ICD-10 diagnoses, and enough narrative detail to justify medical necessity. JotPsych tackles this head-on by auto-identifying billing codes and clearly organizing clinical documentation so that every note meets strict insurance standards. This helps reduce claim rejections and eliminates the risk of under-billing or coding errors.

Mentalyc, while helpful in drafting notes, offers limited transparency into how it handles billing-related content. It does not robustly justify CPT or ICD-10 codes, meaning practitioners must do that part manually. Over time, that extra step can cost your practice both time and money—especially if claims get denied due to inconsistent documentation.

Audit-Ready Documentation

From a compliance standpoint, JotPsych is designed to handle audits and chart reviews seamlessly. Notes automatically include the necessary clinical elements (e.g., mental status exam, safety risk assessment, treatment plan) to validate higher-level coding. Mentalyc’s notes may be thorough enough for routine use, but they don’t guarantee the same level of audit preparedness. Without standardized compliance checks, some details might be missing, leading to potential pitfalls in an audit scenario.

5. Security & HIPAA Compliance

Security is paramount when dealing with sensitive mental health information. Both JotPsych and Mentalyc claim HIPAA compliance, but JotPsych goes further by:

1. Automatically deleting transcripts once notes are finalized.

2. Stripping all identifying information from transcripts and charts by default.

3. Giving users full control over note retention, with immediate permanent deletion upon request.

   
   

Mentalyc also deletes transcripts, yet provides less clarity on additional compliance certifications (e.g., SOC 2, HITRUST). For practices that need the highest security assurances, JotPsych’s depth of security documentation and U.S.-based data handling may offer better peace of mind.

6. Fast Turnaround & User Experience

Speed matters to busy clinicians. JotPsych typically generates notes within 20 to 40 seconds after each session, allowing you to finalize and submit billing almost instantly. Mentalyc can take significantly longer—some users report 10- to 15-minute waits for a single note. Over the course of a day, that time adds up, defeating the purpose of automating the note-taking process.

On top of that, JotPsych has prioritized user-friendly features, like:

• Customized AI Editing: Quickly revise specific sections in real-time.

• Multi-Device Integration: Record sessions on your computer, phone, or tablet.

• On-Demand Support: Access to a responsive team that helps troubleshoot issues.

Meanwhile, some of Mentalyc’s users find the interface confusing and the customer support inconsistent. If you’re not especially tech-savvy—or you simply don’t have time for a steep learning curve—you may find Mentalyc’s experience falls short of your expectations.

7. Pricing & Value

Premium Cost, Premium Returns

JotPsych is priced as a premium subscription, offering unlimited notes and the full suite of features for a flat rate. This plan eliminates the worry of hitting usage caps and ensures you get all the platform’s capabilities for every clinical encounter. Many practices find that the reduction in claim denials and improved productivity quickly offset the subscription cost.

Mentalyc’s Tiered Structure

Mentalyc’s tiered model appears more budget-friendly initially, with lower monthly rates for minimal usage. However, note limits and fewer advanced features might force you into higher tiers or require you to invest more time editing. If your case volume is high or you need advanced coding support, Mentalyc’s lower prices might not translate into real-world savings over the long haul.

Conclusion: JotPsych is the Clear Winner

While both JotPsych and Mentalyc aim to make life easier for mental health professionals, JotPsych is the platform truly designed for behavioral health from day one. It captures the nuanced language of mental health diagnosis and treatment, streamlines billing and prescriptions, and protects sensitive data through robust security measures. The time savings, fewer claim denials, and improved note quality can significantly impact your clinical practice and bottom line.

If you’re tired of spending hours on notes or worrying about audit risks, now is the time to see what JotPsych can do for you. With customizable templates, context-aware documentation, and instant note turnaround times, JotPsych delivers on its promise to dramatically reduce your administrative burden. In short, it’s a one-stop solution that keeps you focused on what really matters: providing excellent mental health care.

Ready to experience a new level of efficiency and peace of mind? Try JotPsych and discover how a truly specialized AI scribe can revolutionize your behavioral health practice.