--- title: "Sunwave Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra" description: "Is Sunwave the right Mental Health solution for you? Explore 36 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice." source_url: "https://www.capterra.com/p/172475/Sunwave/reviews/" page_type: "reviews" language: "en" --- Sunwave 4.4 (36) [View alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/172475/Sunwave/alternatives/) Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/) * * * Last updated September 29th, 2026 # Reviews of Sunwave Ease of use 4.5 Customer Service 4.5 ## Pros and Cons in Reviews RK Ryan K Outpatient SupervisorMental Health Care, 51 - 200 employeesUsed the software for: Less than 6 months. “Another great benefit is that their e-prescribing system is integrated within the platform, and does NOT use Dr. First, which our organization and all of our providers are not fans of.“ July 13, 2023 Innis B Chief of StaffMedical Practice, 51 - 200 employeesUsed the software for: Less than 6 months. “Clinical staff are blind to critical pieces of patient care, management is unable to access key information to successfully run a practice, and revenue cycle is severely hampered because of poor LS setup and mixed messages for support.“ February 6, 2026 Innis B Chief of StaffMedical Practice, 51 - 200 employeesUsed the software for: Less than 6 months. “Customer support is poor, the answers change week to week depending on who you speak to, and base elements in the product don't work. “ February 6, 2026 ND Nora D CEOMental Health Care, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: 6-12 months. “Customer support was so slow that we received resolutation at times WEEKS after the initial complaint.“ December 18, 2024 AJ Abby J Mental Health CoordinatorAlternative Medicine, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “I am not able to get a hold of customer service as quick as I’d like“ November 24, 2024 ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 1-25 of 36 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use KB Kyara B. Outpatient Clinician Mental Health Care Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Sunwave Systems are the Standard of Mental Health Care" June 1, 2024 5.0 A migration of any size is a beast to tame and manage! The Sunwave team was there with us every step of the way...and you know you've struck gold when you ask repeat questions and you're met with patience and guidance. Pros Reports are so dynamic! Repeat admission function to track journey ASAM criteria additions Software that meets all state standards AS WELL AS monitoring the humanistic side of mental health care such as alumni relations Cons There is no specific function that is a con or unlikeable, because whenever we reached a wall or dysfunctional section, we reached out to the team and they helped us work through it. Alternatives considered [Kipu](https://www.capterra.com/p/156391/Kipu-EMR/) Reason for choosing Sunwave Bed boards, medication management, as well as the more specific outpatient functions. Review Source KK KAREN K. Executive Director Hospital & Health Care Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "My Opinion" August 13, 2020 5.0 I can do away with filing of paper records and poor tracking and following protocols. Sunwave makes this so much easier to do. Pros Telehealth allows the agency to be proactive as we are currently dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and all sense of normalcy is gone. This is the answer to telecommuting. Cons The product is so customizable - I am deeply impressed. Switched from [Medical Mime](https://www.capterra.com/p/170346/M2-Select/) The product was stagnate and was not evolving. Review Source SM Sabrina M. Physician Medical Practice Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Great system for Substance Abuse" July 30, 2021 3.0 Pros Great dashboards and ease of use and good navigation Cons Has too many clicks but gets the job done Review Source SE Samuel E. Program Director Health, Wellness and Fitness Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Sunwave Review" August 12, 2020 5.0 Overall impressed with the team and product. Pros Easy implementation. All the features needed to address our needs. Cons Unfamiliarity of a tabular software that holds data in that fashion. Switched from [Medical Mime](https://www.capterra.com/p/170346/M2-Select/) MedicalMime was going out of business and our rep from MedicalMime moved to Sunwave. Review Source AM Angelique M. Cadac Hospital & Health Care Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "The stepper" February 26, 2025 5.0 I feel its pretty good I enjoy using it. Pros I enjoy being able to use bulk signing. Really easy to navigate. Cons That sometimes it needs to go down for bug fixes Switched from [Kipu](https://www.capterra.com/p/156391/Kipu-EMR/) It was recommended to try this platform. Review Source SR Spencer R. Course Advisor Education Management Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Efficient and Informative " April 27, 2025 4.0 Pros Very efficient and informative. Helped the entire process flow smoother, giving me the confidence in making an informed decision. Cons User interface could use work. Overall, the process was smooth and informative, however the layout wasn't as clear as I hoped. Review Source AJ Abby J. Mental Health Coordinator Alternative Medicine Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Absolutely recommended " November 24, 2024 5.0 This technology is very helpful and anyone who who works in mental health would agree Pros Lightning Step is super easy and convenient technology. It is helpful every time you use it Cons I am not able to get a hold of customer service as quick as I’d like Review Source JK Jay K. COO Hospital & Health Care Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Best EMR for SUD/MH" October 3, 2023 5.0 I’ve had an excellent overall experience. They have been critical in our company’s success. Pros It’s extremely user friendly. Easy for new hires to learn. The support staff are the most knowledgeable and responsive EMR staff I’ve ever come across. Cons I really haven’t had any complaints. All EMR’s glitch and have issues m. This happens rarely with Lightning Step but when it does the issues are resolved quickly. Like usually within 30 minutes. Alternatives considered [Kipu](https://www.capterra.com/p/156391/Kipu-EMR/)[Sunwave](https://www.capterra.com/p/172475/Sunwave/)[Alleva](https://www.capterra.com/p/180899/Alleva/) Review Source TS Tiah S. Accounts Payable and General Ledger Associate Hospital & Health Care Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Would definitely recommend!" October 21, 2024 4.0 My overall experience using Sunwave was a positive one. Staff support was great throughout the process. They were very attentive and always seemed willing to help. Pros It's very easy to use. Navigating the platform was simple without much hassle. Very comprehensive Cons Although it was easy to navigate, there seemed to be a few times where there were too many options to click through. Review Source TG Tabitha G. Chief Clinical Officer Mental Health Care Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "You can't beat Sunwaves staff! " August 20, 2020 4.0 Pros The biggest thing that I appreciate about Sunwave is their customer service. At initial set up, \[SENSITIVE CONTENT HIDDEN\] was always available via phone, email or even in person, and she thoroughly explained everyting to me. After sometime, \[SENSITIVE CONTENT HIDDEN\] became our Product Consultant and she is just as responsive. When we opened another facility, she came to visit and make sure we had everything needed to implement Sunwave into our additional facility. They have both been very kind, attentive, and their actions show how much they care about their customers and believe in their product. Cons In previously used alternative software products, I was able to create & edit forms. Although, I don't necessarily like spending time developing & editing forms/software, it was nice to be able to make changes right away instead of submitting a ticket and waiting for the changes to be made. Reason for choosing Sunwave Again, I have to say it was the staff made the difference! \[SENSITIVE CONTENT HIDDEN\] thoroughly explained the software & its potential to our team. He took time and responded quickly when we had follow up questions. We knew that we were purchasing a product that was vested in its customers, becasue they were invested in the quality of thier staff. Review Source GW Grant W. IT/Facilities Manager Health, Wellness and Fitness Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Good EMR with a lot of potential" August 13, 2020 4.0 Pros This platform is easy to use and to train others on. it is also easy to setup. The SunWave Admin support staff is very knowledgeable anf is always eager to help. Cons The platform is not as feature rich as a lot of other platforms. Sometimes developing new features takes a good amount of time. Review Source LM Laura M. Therapist Mental Health Care Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Review" August 26, 2020 5.0 good Pros The software is easy to use and very simple to learn Cons Some concerns with ADA compliance for vision-impaired users Review Source Innis B. Chief of Staff Medical Practice Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Huge Disappointment. Do not recommend." February 6, 2026 2.0 We would not recommend this to anyone. It is a disaster. Based on other positive feedback from a year or more ago, we are assuming that Lightning Step has no resources to appropriately support and maintain its product. Sunwave's purchase of Lightning Step could lead to improvements, but the lack of basic support or any sense of urgency would indicate it plans to simply use LS for parts. Pros Lightning Step is less expensive than competitors, though you have to realize you will get what you pay for and need to set realistic expectations. It is not a fancy sports car. It is a '96 Hyundai. Cons Our implementation is a disaster, with us being told incorrect/inaccurate information for setup and ongoing use. Customer support is poor, the answers change week to week depending on who you speak to, and base elements in the product don't work. Clinical staff are blind to critical pieces of patient care, management is unable to access key information to successfully run a practice, and revenue cycle is severely hampered because of poor LS setup and mixed messages for support. Switched from [athenaOne](https://www.capterra.com/p/98735/athenaOne/) Product more specific to MH/BH space, that offered integration flexibility, at a reasonable price. Review Source CB Cameron B. Medical Director Hospital & Health Care Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Modern looking and easy to use EMR" October 18, 2025 5.0 I would rank the overall experience 5 stars. The sales process was easy and the transition to implementations was smooth. We had a great implementation. Pros There are so many things. The product is the most modern looking ehr. We love the patient timeline, the LIA AI tool, and their new medications and prescription module. But most of it, the people behind it all. Cons There are no concerns with Lightning Step. They've always listened to our feedback and allowed for constructive discussions. Switched from [Kipu](https://www.capterra.com/p/156391/Kipu-EMR/) We were tired of the multiple logins between the different modules. Review Source MJ Marty J. Operations Director Hospital & Health Care Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Refreshing to see EHR innovation" July 10, 2025 5.0 They focus on true partnership. They hear us and they innovate. They always stop us from telling them what features we need, and they try to understand our business pain points. Pros How quickly they bring solutions to our day-to-day problems. They have really focused on innovating. Cons With so many new things released in the product, sometimes it's hard to keep up. Would love to have more communication and documentation so we can adopt them all. Switched from [Sunwave](https://www.capterra.com/p/172475/Sunwave/) Really struggled with the revenue cycle solution previously. Review Source JG Jill G. Alumni Coordinator Mental Health Care Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Sunwave usage " August 26, 2026 5.0 It has been good! It is easy for staff to use. I have personalized it for my own use so it works for what I need Pros Easy to use and personalize for facility use. It doesn’t matter the clinical role there it is easy it works Cons Having to authenticate every time I enter the platform. I think just a password would be good enough. Review Source CN Cherryl N. Mental health careWest Oaks Hospital Hospital & Health Care Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Sunwave tool for mental health " March 23, 2025 4.0 It has been a strong EMR solution for behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment Its integrated platform and specialized features are significant advantages that has helped me . However the pricing should be considered Pros It is user friendly easy to navigate It also combines CRM, EMR, and billing functionalities, streamlining workflows and reducing the need for multiple software systems. Cons The cost can be of concern for smaller business Review Source KP Katrina P. IT Analyst Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Lightning Step Review" November 23, 2025 5.0 I have used this software to submit claims for my health care. It provided a variety of options and I was easily able to keep track of the status of my claims and view past claims. Pros I like that you can easily submit claims and keep track of claim history. The software is easy to use and the customer support people are very friendly. Cons I do not dislike anything about this software. I find it very easy to use and I was easily able to submit claims and view my claim history. Review Source MW Mary W. COO Health, Wellness and Fitness Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Best Behavioral Health EMR!" January 21, 2025 5.0 I thought Lightning Step was going to fall behind the competion like Kipu and Sunwave. But they surprised us with their focus on their product, and their direct partnership with us. Pros I love what Lightning Step has done over the last year and a half. They focus on innovation and treat us as partners. We are an organization with multiple levels of care. Using Lightning Step, their AI tool (I think they call it Lia), and their telehealth allowed us to provide care in inpatient, residential, and outpatient settings. Cons I love everything about them. They provide the most value at the best price. Alternatives considered [Kipu](https://www.capterra.com/p/156391/Kipu-EMR/)[Sunwave](https://www.capterra.com/p/172475/Sunwave/) Reason for choosing Sunwave All in one solution for comprehensive patient lifecycle management Review Source ND Nora D. CEO Mental Health Care Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Run, Don't Walk, Away from this Product" December 18, 2024 1.0 I have profound buyer's remorse. LightningStep has left my entire staff angry at me for making such a bad choice in EMR. They do not live up to their promises and the problems with this software will cost you a huge amount of money. Pay a little more for a better EHR. Pros There is very little to recommend LightningStep. The user interface is clunky, the server is slow, the customer service is appalling and the term is 36 months for this faulty product. Cons 1) Implementation. Major aspects of billing and calendar configuration were left unaddressed. This led to charges not dropping and customers not getting reminders, costing our company thousands in missed appointments and a mess in the billing department. 2) Customer support was so slow that we received resolutation at times WEEKS after the initial complaint. 3) The telehealth feature was a total mess. After we said we didn't want it, we were still charged for it. Switched from [SimplePractice](https://www.capterra.com/p/130710/SimplePractice/) Because SP didn't offer UB-04 facility-based billing Review Source RK Ryan K. Outpatient Supervisor Mental Health Care Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Finally found a solution" July 13, 2023 5.0 Pros Unlike our past EHR system and many others we reviewed, Lightning Step seems to have been created to streamline the documentation and QA process. For example, users are notified if documents aren't signed or if Treatment Plan Reviews become overdue. Supervisors can review departmental documentation adherence in one simple dashboard view. Along with that, the documentation customization options are more extensive than other programs we considered switching to. Another great benefit is that their e-prescribing system is integrated within the platform, and does NOT use Dr. First, which our organization and all of our providers are not fans of. Our prescribe time was cut in half for each prescription.On the cost end, they offered a per-user option verse an average client census fee, which set them apart from many others.A final selling point is their robust reporting system, which can be automated to output custom reports on a routine basis - which cuts down on manual efforts to ensure compliance and review practice KPIs. Cons The mobile ability is limited, as it is for most systems reviewed, but as that does not effect our ease of use, it was not a factor. However, for some other practice set-ups, it may need to be taken into consideration. Alternatives considered [Tebra](https://www.capterra.com/p/129169/Tebra/)[Kipu](https://www.capterra.com/p/156391/Kipu-EMR/)[RXNT](https://www.capterra.com/p/110018/rxnt/)[Alleva](https://www.capterra.com/p/180899/Alleva/) Reason for choosing Sunwave Lightning Step was the only system that solved all our pain points while still falling into an acceptable price point for our practice. Review Source EL Erin L. CFO Hospital & Health Care Used the software for: 2+ years ### "No EMR is perfect, but LS does ALOT of things right!" October 3, 2023 5.0 Our relationship has been a rollercoaster, but as we have grown as an organization, so has LS. They have been there to support us as we open new locations and programs. Their team is great to work with and will do every thing in their power to help your organization utilize the platform to improve your organizations processes. Pros The AR Aging dashboard has streamlined collection efforts. Our billing team can work in one place without having to hunt down people for anwers. Cons The client invoicing module needs work. It is great for facilities with smaller census, but becomes laborious for facilities with larger operations. However, for our industry, it is good enough to be compliant with insurance companies. Alternatives considered [Kipu](https://www.capterra.com/p/156391/Kipu-EMR/)[Alleva](https://www.capterra.com/p/180899/Alleva/) Reason for choosing Sunwave We chose LS for 3 reasons. One is that LS is truly a single sign on for EMR and RCM. The second is that LS API is stable, allowing us to update our data warehouse and build out reporting specific to our operations. Lastly, during the 1st LS demo, I pointed out something that didn't make sense. During the next demo, that thing had been updated. No platform is perfect, but having a dev team eager to solve and improve the platform is crucial to adapting with our operations as our business evolves. Review Source RP Robert P. CEO Hospital & Health Care Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Luna Recovery" October 3, 2023 5.0 Overall, it's been a greta experience and have used several other options in the past. Lightning Step has been by far the best. Pros The fact that it has both financial and clinical components in one place. Cons Some of the reporting features and the CRM Reason for choosing Sunwave Our relationship with the owners and Lightning Step ability to be a one stop shop. Review Source CC Clark C. COO Hospital & Health Care Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Lightning Step EMR is great!!" October 3, 2023 5.0 Fantastic Pros Ease of use with tons of helpful features. Their customer support is fantastic also! Cons If I had to find a con it would be that I wish they had a better mobile app. Alternatives considered [Sunwave](https://www.capterra.com/p/172475/Sunwave/) Review Source SA Steven A. Operations Director Hospital & Health Care Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Gets the job done" August 11, 2023 4.0 I used it to handle all of our needs and for the most part it was effective. I had to learn how to navigate it so i was efficient but once i learned it, it was pretty basic. Pros Once you learn the system it will get everything done you needed. It takes some time to learn how to navigate but it is efficient and effective. I would use it again with no issues. It is just not my first choice. Cons Lighting steps was glitchy and did not have very many security features. Reason for choosing Sunwave Sorry i was not a participant in that part of the process Review Source Similar Products Featured ## Send me user reviews about this product ### Fill out the form and we'll send a list of the top-rated software based on real user reviews directly to your inbox.