Mentalyc vs FYL.care: Do You Really Need Both?
Mentalyc is a great AI transcription tool — but it costs up to $120/month and doesn't manage your practice. FYL.care does both, for free. An honest comparison for therapists in private practice.
FYL.CARE Team
Author
Mentalyc vs FYL.care: Do You Really Need Both?
If you run a private mental health practice, you've probably heard of Mentalyc. It's one of the most popular AI clinical documentation tools for therapists — and for good reason: it does exactly what it promises.
But here's the real question: does Mentalyc replace practice management software?
The short answer: no. And understanding why could save you up to $120 USD per month.
What Is Mentalyc, Exactly?
Mentalyc is an AI-powered clinical documentation tool. It records or transcribes your sessions, then automatically generates notes in SOAP, DAP, BIRP, PIRP, and other clinical formats. It also offers auto-computed CPT codes, session analytics, and client summaries.
It's a digital scribe — very effective at reducing the time you spend writing clinical notes.
What Mentalyc does not do:
- Manage your schedule and appointments
- Invoice clients and generate receipts
- Maintain complete client records
- Handle intake forms and informed consent
- Offer a client portal for self-booking
How Much Does Mentalyc Cost in 2026?
Current pricing (monthly billing, USD):
| Plan | Price/month | Notes included |
|---|---|---|
| Mini | $19.99 | 40 notes/month |
| Basic | $39.99 | 100 notes/month |
| Pro | $69.99 | 160 notes/month |
| Super | $119.99 | 330 notes/month |
A therapist seeing 20–25 clients per week (80–100 sessions/month) needs at minimum the Basic plan at $39.99/month.
In practice, most active therapists end up on the Pro plan: $69.99 USD/month — just for notes — on top of practice management software.
The Double Subscription Problem
Many therapists end up with this stack:
- Practice management software (Jane App, Owl Practice, SimplePractice): $54–$99/month
- AI notes tool (Mentalyc): $40–$70/month
Total: $100–$170/month, or $1,200–$2,000 per year just to run your practice.
That's the fragmented tools paradox: each one is solid in isolation, but the combined bill becomes hard to justify — especially when you're starting out or running a small caseload.
FYL.care: Full Practice Management, Minus the AI Notes
FYL.care is a practice management platform built for mental health and psychosocial professionals in Canada and francophone Europe. It covers:
- 📅 Scheduling & appointments — client portal, availability, automatic reminders
- 📁 Client records — full history, session tracking
- 🧾 Billing & receipts — automatic generation, PIPEDA / Law 25 compliant
- 📋 Forms — intake, informed consent, customizable
- 🔒 Canadian hosting — your data stays in Canada
And the price? Free. No credit card. Forever.
FYL.care does not (yet) offer AI-generated session notes. If automated clinical documentation is critical to your workflow, Mentalyc remains a genuine value-add.
But for the complete management of your practice, you don't need to pay.
Mentalyc + FYL.care: The Combination That Makes Sense
If you love Mentalyc's AI for note-writing, here's the stack that can save you significantly:
| Scenario | Monthly cost (CAD approx.) |
|---|---|
| Jane App + Mentalyc Pro | ~$170 CAD |
| SimplePractice + Mentalyc Pro | ~$200 CAD |
| FYL.care + Mentalyc Mini | ~$30 CAD |
Replacing your paid practice management software with FYL.care means you can keep Mentalyc on its lightest plan — and save $100–$150/month.
For a solo therapist starting out, that's real money.
Who Should Choose What?
Choose FYL.care alone if:
- You're launching your private practice
- You want an all-in-one solution with no monthly fees
- AI-assisted note drafting isn't your immediate priority
- You practice in Canada or francophone Europe and need Law 25 / PIPEDA compliance
Add Mentalyc (Mini plan) if:
- You write a lot of notes and want to automate that step
- You see fewer than 40 sessions per month (Mini = 40 notes)
- You've already tested manual SOAP/DAP formats and want an extra time boost
Avoid expensive double subscriptions if you haven't yet optimized your core management tool.
FAQ
Is Mentalyc compliant with Canadian privacy laws (PIPEDA / Law 25)?
Mentalyc is HIPAA-compliant (US) and claims GDPR compliance (Europe). For Quebec's Law 25 and Canada's PIPEDA, you'll want to verify where your session data is hosted. FYL.care is hosted in Canada.
Will FYL.care add AI features for clinical notes?
FYL.care is continuously evolving. Clinical documentation assistance is on the roadmap. Check fyl.care for the latest updates.
Can I use Mentalyc alongside FYL.care?
Yes. Mentalyc generates your notes, which you can paste into your client files on FYL.care. Both tools are complementary and fully independent.
The Bottom Line
Mentalyc is a great tool — but it's a complement, not a practice management system. If you're already paying for practice management software and considering adding Mentalyc on top, try this: replace your paid management software with FYL.care (free), and you'll be able to afford Mentalyc without the financial pain.
👉 Try FYL.care for free — Free. No credit card. Forever.