ShiftCare vs CentralReach
CentralReach helps you manage ABA therapy services. But how does it compare to our software solution, ShiftCare?
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Which Care Management Software Is Best?
At ShiftCare, we’re proud of our care management software. But we also know that the best software for your business is the one that most closely aligns with your needs — whether that’s specific features, affordable prices, user-friendliness, or after-sale support.
That’s why we’re breaking down the differences between CentralReach and ShiftCare, feature by feature.
What Is CentralReach?
CentralReach is care management software focused on autism and IDD services, particularly ABA therapy. Users can choose between the standard package and the CR Essentials package for small practices.
Key features include scheduling, client data collection, AI session notes auditing, billing and AI claims management, ABA assessments, and ABA exams for trainee staff. There’s an employee mobile app with EVV for users on the highest-rate plan, or you can choose it as an add-on for $5/user.
CentralReach also comes with CR CareCompanion, an ABA educational portal for clients’ parents and caretakers.
While CentralReach doesn’t publish its standard pricing packages online, the CR Essentials package starts from $59/user. You will also only be charged once you’ve added your first client to the system.
What Is ShiftCare?
ShiftCare is a care management software that helps providers deliver services for older Americans and Americans with disability, including autism, IDD, and reduced mobility.
It’s consistently rated 4.8/5 stars on independent review sites for its:
Powerful scheduling tools
With recurring and team shifts, most ShiftCare users find they can build schedules in minutes instead of hours. The drag-and-drop technology is easy to use, plus you can switch between the team and client views of the schedule. The jobs board helps you quickly fill empty shifts, and you’ll get late and no-show notifications in real-time. What’s more, you can build a draft schedule ahead of time and share it with staff and clients when you’re ready.
Person-centered care features
Every client has unique needs and preferences. That’s why ShiftCare lets you set individual goals and strategies, track progress toward those goals, monitor clients’ budgets and projected spending, create customized session-note templates, and share care notes with loved ones. You can easily manage multiple services for clients with complex needs or comorbidities, such as autism and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and control how much information is shared between caregivers and practitioners.
Flexible pricing plans
All of ShiftCare’s pricing plans and add-ons are published online, with rates starting at just $8/user. Switching subscription plans is easy and ensures that you’ll always have the features you need at an affordable rate.
What Are The Differences?
| CentralReach | ShiftCare | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | USA | USA, Canada and Australia |
| Monthly Price | From $59/user | From $8/user |
| Minimum Contract Length | One month | One month |
| Free Trial |  |
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| Free demo | |
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| Set-up fee | ? | Free and premium packages available |
| Scheduling | |
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| Residential Industry Support |  |
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| Staff shift bidding | |
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| Staff shift to-do lists | |
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| Client document management | |
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| Client funds management | |
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| Compliance management | |
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| AI tools | |
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| Auto-generated invoicing | |
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| Claims management | |
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| Accounting Integrations | |
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| Reporting and analytics | Yes (ABA and RBT) | |
| HIPAA compliant | |
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| Live customer support chat | |
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| Staff mobile app | |
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| Portal for clients’ family and caretakers | |
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Disclaimer: This comparison is based on publicly available information and customer feedback as of May, 2025. All comparative statements are intended to be truthful, accurate, and evidence-based. ShiftCare has no affiliation with or endorsement from CentralReach. Their name is used strictly for comparative purposes. If you represent CentralReach and believe any information presented here is inaccurate or misleading, please contact us, we’re open to feedback and will review any substantiated concerns.
For a detailed overview of ShiftCare plans and pricing, please see our pricing page.
The Right Software For Your Business
CentralReach and ShiftCare will help you schedule services, manage client data, and track client progress.
However, CentralReach specializes in supporting ABA services. In contrast, ShiftCare is designed to help you provide a range of care and healthcare services, including support for autism and IDD.
This means that unlike ShiftCare, CentralReach offers ABA staff training modules and mock exams. But ShiftCare also has more advanced scheduling features, such as draft schedules and caregiver shift bidding.
Both CentralReach and ShiftCare have a companion portal for clients’ loved ones and caretakers. With CR CareCompanion, caretakers can access educational content about ABA practices. Via ShiftCare Connect, clients’ approved loved ones can view visit notes, scheduled services, and billing information for extra peace of mind.
ShiftCare also has a big focus on customer service, with a live web chat and freemium onboarding and training packages. Whether you’re transitioning to a new care management software or signing up for the first time, you’ll get the support you need.
FAQs
Is ShiftCare suitable for autism and IDD services, like CentralReach?
Yes, ShiftCare is suitable for autism and IDD services. Many service providers use ShiftCare to schedule autism and IDD support sessions and care services, create client goals, track progress, and share updates with clients’ caretakers.
Which care management software is more affordable, ShiftCare or CentralReach?
For care providers with clients, ShiftCare is more affordable. ShiftCare’s plans start at $8/user. CentralReach is free for businesses with no clients, but otherwise, plans start at $59/user.
How does ShiftCare’s scheduler compare to CentralReach’s?
Both ShiftCare and CentralReach have AI-enhanced schedulers, but ShiftCare comes with additional features. You can create a draft schedule and set up shifts for pre-approved team members to bid on.
Does ShiftCare have staff workflow management like CentralReach?
Yes. You can add multiple clients to each staff member’s shift. For each client, ShiftCare will prompt the worker to complete a checklist of tasks and fill in care notes.
Is ShiftCare or CentralReach better for client budget management?
ShiftCare is better for client budget management. You can set client budgets, track spending per service type, and forecast future spending.