Online marriage counseling and couples therapy can help with a variety of concerns in your relationship. Licensed and credentialed therapists can help you deal with relationship issues like infidelity, divorce, communication problems, and much more.
Best Online Marriage & Couples Therapy Options at a Glance
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Our Picks for Best Online Marriage & Couples Therapy Options
- Best Overall – ReGain
- Most Affordable – eTherapy Cafe
- Best for Flexible Scheduling – Gottman Referral Network
- Best for Convenient Communication – Talkspace for Couples
- Best for Relationship Coaching – Relationship Hero
- Best for Premarital Counseling – Growing Self
- Best for Sex Therapy – AASECT: American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists
- Best for Parents – Little Otter
- Best for LGBTQIA+ Couples – The Gay Therapy Center
- Best for Divorce – Couples Therapy Inc.
- Best for Affair Recovery – Octave
Detailed Reviews of the Best Online Marriage & Couples Therapy Options
- Cost: $260-$360 monthly
- Accepts Insurance? No
Why We Chose It
ReGain won our “Best Overall” for being available nationwide, having reasonable monthly costs, offering several ways to attend live sessions, and having great extra features.
Pros & Cons
- Affordable out-of-pocket costs compared to in-person couples counseling
- Financial aid is available to those who qualify
- Matching process is fairly quick
- User-friendly and easy-to-navigate website and app
- Difficult to determine the intentions of other members, you should proceed with caution when meeting up in person
- You register with real names, so it does not support an anonymous lifestyle
Cost
ReGain costs $260-$360 monthly ($65-$90 weekly), with the exact cost depending on which state you live in and therapist availability.
A ReGain subscription includes:
- One weekly, 30-minute video, phone, or live chat therapy session
- Dedicated chat room that couples share with their therapist
- An in-app journal space
- Group webinars
Overview
ReGain won our “Best Overall” for being available nationwide, having reasonable monthly costs, offering several ways to attend live sessions, and having great extra features.
ReGain is an online relationship therapy platform that is available across the US and costs $240-$360 monthly, depending on your location. A ReGain subscription includes weekly 30-minute live video, phone, or texting sessions with a licensed therapist. You will also be able to send text messages to your therapist between sessions, plus access a journal and webinars.
After you sign up, you and your partner will have access to a dedicated chat room you share with your therapist. There is also an in-app journal space and group webinars to attend through the app. While you are initially matched with a therapist, you and your partner can easily choose a new one if you feel your match is not the right fit.
To learn more about what this subscription can offer you and your partner, please read our full review of ReGain.
In Our Experience
I thought it was great that ReGain allows you to send text messages to your therapist between sessions, plus they give you access to a journal and webinars.
- Cost: $240-$360 monthly
- Accepts Insurance? No
Why We Chose It
eTherapy Cafe has some of the lowest costs for a single session of couples therapy with a licensed provider, which is why it was awarded Most Affordable. eTherapy Cafe’s budget-friendly online therapy platform offers a variety of therapy services.
Pros & Cons
- Offers convenient access to couples therapy
- Hosts relationship coaches and certified therapists
- Specializes in a wide-range of therapies
- Out-of-date website
- May be matched with a relationship coach, even if you’re seeking a certified therapist
- Sessions expire 30 days from the date of purchase
Cost
eTherapy Cafe costs $55 per session for “pay as you go”, or you can choose from two subscription options which costs $196 – $360 monthly. Each session is either a 30-minute video or live texting session, or you can choose to do a 700-word e-journal that your therapist will read and respond to.
eTherapy offers the following subscription plans:
- eTherapy FOUR: This plan costs $196 monthly (advertised as $49 per session) and includes four 30-minute live video, texting, or a 700-word e-journal that your therapist will view and respond to.
- eTherapy EIGHT: This plan costs $360 monthly (advertised as $45 per session) and includes eight 30-minute live video, texting, or a 700-word e-journal.
e-Therapy offers a trial session if you are unsure the platform will be the right fit for you and your partner. A trial session is $50 for 30 minutes.
e-Therapy offers a 10% discount to military members, first responders, and to students
Overview
eTherapy Cafe has some of the lowest costs for a single session of couples therapy with a licensed provider, which is why it was awarded Most Affordable. eTherapy Cafe’s budget-friendly online therapy platform offers a variety of therapy services. Single sessions cost $55 per or there is a monthly subscription costing $196-$360.
eTherapy Cafe does not accept insurance for any of its therapy services, but you can request a superbill which you can submit to your insurance provider for possible reimbursement. There are discounts for first responders, military members, and students, which gives an additional 10% off any subscription option you choose.
All sessions with eTherapy Cafe are 30 minutes long and depending on the therapist, you may be able to double up your sessions to make them an hour long. You can choose from live video or texting sessions, with an interesting 700-word e-journal also available. The e-journal acts more like a long email between you and your therapist rather than a live session.
In Our Experience
eTherapy allowed me to choose from live video or texting sessions, with an interesting 700-word e-journal also available. The e-journal acts like a long email exchange between you and your therapist, rather than a live session.
- Cost: Therapist-Based
- Accepts Insurance? Yes, some
Why We Chose It
The Gottman Referral Network was awarded Best for Flexible Scheduling for couples due the ability to navigate a therapist directory, choose your own therapist, and schedule sessions when it works for your schedule.
Pros & Cons
- Therapists are experienced and trained in Gottman Method
- Easy to find a couples therapist in your area with search features
- Connect directly with a marriage or couples therapist
- Can be time-consuming to narrow down a therapist from directory
- Does not offer consultations or directory assistance
- Difficult to find costs
Cost
The Gottman Referral Network costs depend on which therapist you select. All therapist profiles list ways to contact them to discuss costs, schedules, and more.
Overview
The Gottman Referral Network was awarded Best for Flexible Scheduling for couples due the ability to navigate a therapist directory, choose your own therapist, and schedule sessions when it works for your schedule.
The Gottman Referral Network (GRN) is a therapist directory that can help couples find licensed therapists in their state that is certified in the Gottman Method. The GRN directory gives you more control over your experience with filters for certified Gottman therapists, insurance accepted, and Love Lab authorized. All therapists on the GRN will have profiles that feature their contact information, which allows you to find someone with the availability and flexibility to meet your needs.
The Gottman Method was created in the 1980s and helps couples learn how to make small, positive changes in how they deal with and discuss problems. The goal is to help prevent further damage to the relationship and seek everyday interactions to build quality connections. Gottman’s theory believes that approaching your spouse/partner with positivity can lead to greater stability and empathy during arguments and upsetting situations.
In Our Experience
All therapists on the GRN will have profiles that feature their contact information, which allows you to find someone with the availability and flexibility to meet your needs.
- Cost: $276-$396 monthly
- Accepts Insurance? Yes
Why We Chose It
Talkspace earned Best for Convenient Communication because it offers two subscriptions for couples with both including unlimited texting with your therapist anytime.
Pros & Cons
- Makes couples therapy easy and convenient to access
- Couples don’t have to be in the same place to attend sessions
- All therapists are licensed and have backgrounds in relationship counseling
- Live workshops and self-assessment tools are also available
- Can’t purchase individual sessions
- Must schedule all of your four sessions in your subscription package in one month, or your credits will expire
- Therapists are often unreliable and frequently cancel appointments or leave them unconfirmed
- Inconsistent subscription costs listed on the website
Cost
Talkspace Couples Therapy subscriptions cost $436 monthly, advertised as $109 weekly. You get four 30-minute sessions with your purchase. You can choose to pay $436 a month, or you can save 10% by paying $1,188 quarterly. Talkspace Couples Therapy does accept insurance for therapy, but this will depend on your insurance plan and if couples therapy is included in your coverage. You can also choose to pay with an EAP (Employee Assistance Program) account if available.
Overview
Talkspace for Couples works for any relationship type, from partners and spouses to siblings and friends. Talkspace offers two subscriptions for couples with both including unlimited texting with your therapist anytime. This is why Talkspace earned Best for Convenient Communication.
Talkspace for Couples offers online relationship therapy across the US. Couples will be initially matched with their top three therapist choices and can choose from two subscription options. Subscription costs range from $276-$396, with ultimate costs depending on your exact location.
While Talkspace for Couples can offer couples therapy to any relationship type, it is intended for those 18 years and older and should not be used as a replacement for family therapy. A great perk to Talkspace is the option for three-way calling, which makes it convenient for those with busy work schedules or partners that travel to attend regular therapy sessions. To learn more, check out our independent review of Talkspace for Couples.
In Our Experience
A great perk to Talkspace is the option for three-way calling, which makes it convenient for those with busy work schedules or partners that travel to attend regular therapy sessions.
- Cost: $80-$250 per one-hour live session
- Accepts Insurance? No
Why We Chose It
Relationship Hero provides relationship coaching nationwide, has several ways to attend live sessions, and can help with a wide range of challenges. This is why it was awarded Best for Relationship Coaching.
Pros & Cons
- Over one hundred relationship coaches to choose from
- Zoom sessions can be accessed via app or through the online portal
- You can choose a coach with a price point that works for you
- Addresses potentially dangerous domestic violence situations in the onboarding process and provides emergency contact info
- Does not accept insurance
- Exact cost of coaching isn’t available upon registration
- Not initially clear that you can choose a different coach than the one they recommend at registration
- Coaches are not licensed therapists
Cost
Relationship Hero’s cost will depend on the coach you choose, with prices ranging between $80-$250 per session. More experienced coaches will charge more than newer coaches. For instance, the recommended coach we were paired with at registration charged $1,000 for a subscription package of four sessions, which was out of our price range. The coach we ended up choosing cost $120 per session.
Overview
Relationship Hero provides relationship coaching nationwide, has several ways to attend live sessions, and can help with a wide range of challenges. This is why it was awarded Best for Relationship Coaching.
Relationship Hero is an online coaching service that connects anyone in a relationship with certified relationship coaches. Services are available nationwide and live coaching sessions can be attended through video, phone, or live texting sessions. Coaching costs $80-$250 per one-hour session, with ultimate costs depending on the coach you are matched with.
After you fill out a brief questionnaire, which includes questions about what type of coaching you’d like, your sexual orientation, and gender identity, you will be matched with a relationship coach. Coaches with Relationship Hero go through a 160-hour training program called the Relationship Hero Professional Coaching Certification (RH PCC). You can view a detailed list of the RH PCC curriculum at any time to see exactly what your coaches have learned. Currently, Relationship Hero has over 90 relationship coaches available to sign up with.
For more information, check out our in-depth review of Relationship Hero.
In Our Experience
Relationship Hero makes it very easy to connect with a coach. I was able to chat with a certified coach within minutes of registration.
- Cost: $65-$160 per session
- Accepts Insurance? No
Why We Chose It
Premarital counseling with Growing Self is secular, affordable, provided by licensed LMFTs, and available nationwide. For these reasons, they earned our award for Best for Premarital Counseling.
Pros & Cons
- Provides a free consultation
- Specializes in premarital counseling
- Offers a variety of coaching services and online courses
- Morning, evening, and weekend appointments available
- Difficult to find cost
- Website is outdated
- Does not take insurance
Cost
Growing Self costs range from $65-$160 depending on the education level of the therapist you meet with. Sessions are generally 45 minutes long and take place over Zoom. Growing Self does offer income-based sliding scale rates and the company encourages anyone interested in their services to contact them for help managing costs.
Overview
Premarital counseling with Growing Self is secular, affordable, provided by licensed LMFTs, and available nationwide. For these reasons, they earned our award for Best for Premarital Counseling.
Growing Self is an online therapy and coaching platform for people who seek personal growth on many fronts. They offer a wide range of therapy and coaching services and also specialize in premarital counseling. All of Growing Self’s services range from $65-$160 per session, depending on the education level of the therapist or counselor you see.
To begin, you will start with a detailed relationship assessment that identifies your relationship’s strengths, and where you can grow as a couple, and then provides an individualized premarital program. Couples in the premarital program will learn healthy communication and conflict resolution skills, how to talk about kids, money, sex, and much more.
In Our Experience
I think it’s great that Growing Self starts with a detailed relationship assessment that identifies your relationship’s strengths, and where you can grow as a couple, and then provides an individualized premarital program.
- Costs: Provider-Based
- Accepts Insurance? Yes
Why We Chose It
It is vitally important that sex therapy is provided by someone licensed, trained, and certified in the field. For this reason, AASECT was awarded our Best for Sex Therapy.
Pros & Cons
- Extensive directory of certified sex therapists
- Hosts a variety of virtual events
- Encourages healthy sexual education
- Can be time-consuming to find a therapist
- Does not offer therapist-matching assistance
- Website is geared towards therapists, not clients
Cost
AASECT costs depend on which provider you choose, their specialty, and your location. Each therapist profile will feature a way to get in contact with them like a website, an email address, or a phone number. This will allow you to discuss costs on a provider-to-provider basis.
Overview
It is vitally important that sex therapy is provided by someone licensed, trained, and certified in the field. For this reason, AASECT was awarded our Best for Sex Therapy.
The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) is a therapist directory for those seeking providers trained and certified in sex therapy. Working with an AASECT-certified sex therapist ensures proper techniques are being used as you and your partner begin to discuss your wants, needs, and desires.
AASECT members can be sexuality educators, sexuality counselors, sex therapists or physicians, nurses, marriage and family counselors and therapists, and much more. Becoming a member of AASECT means you share an interest in promoting an understanding of human sexuality and healthy sexual behavior. Working with someone who is an AASECT member means you will never be made to feel weird or uncomfortable for your sexual preferences or trauma.
In Our Experience
Working with an AASECT-certified sex therapist ensures proper techniques are being used as you and your partner begin to discuss your wants, needs, and desires.
- Cost: $200 per 45-minute session
- Accepts Insurance? Yes
Why We Chose It
Little Otters services include parent resources and parent strategies, but for parents who need extra support, there is couples therapy available.
Pros & Cons
- Offers both therapy and psychiatry services
- Includes individual, child, family, and couples therapy
- Makes it easy to schedule appointments
- Very responsive customer service
- Not suitable for couples without children
- Only available in select states
Cost
Little Otter costs $20 for a 30-minute “Kickoff Session” and $200 per 45-minute live therapy session.
Bundles offered by Little Otter include:
- Assessment Bundle: $540 for a 90-minute assessment and one therapy session. This is a 10% discount ($20 savings)
- 12 Session Bundle: $2040 for 12 45-minute therapy sessions. This is a 15% discount ($30 savings).
It is important to note that buying sessions in bundles will allow you to use the sessions for both your child and for yourself/your spouse.
Overview
Being a parent can bring stressors to a relationship that cannot be foreseen or prepared for. It can be doubly stressful if your children are experiencing mental health symptoms, like anxiety, depression, or ADHD. Little Otter can treat the entire family, which is why they were awarded Best for Parents.
Little Otter is an online mental health platform that offers therapy and psychiatry services to kids up to age 14. Little Otter offers live, 45-minute video sessions with a licensed therapist. A 30-minute “Kickoff Session” costs $20 with all subsequent therapy sessions costing $200. All services include parent resources and parent strategies, but for parents who need extra support, there is couples therapy available.
Little Otter’s services include access to Parenting Specialists, who aim to help you deal with the behavior you can see your child struggling with as well as identify behaviors you want to see more of. The goal is to give parents more tools, more support, and more guidance for the day-to-day grind of parenting.
In Our Experience
I know it can be unbelievably stressful if your children are experiencing mental health symptoms, like anxiety, depression, or ADHD, and communication issues with your partner. Little Otter can treat the entire family.
- Cost: $200 per 50-minute session
- Accepts Insurance? No
Why We Chose It
The Gay Therapy Center was awarded our Best for LGBTQIA+ couples because we feel it’s important to have therapists that understand your community and the unique pressures that are placed upon you as a couple.
Pros & Cons
- Provides a free consultation
- Offers free online courses
- Includes specialized therapy for open relationships
- Does not accept insurance
- Only offers in-person treatment in select cities
Cost
Gay Therapy Center costs average about $200 per 50-minute session, however, costs may also depend on which provider you are matched with.
Overview
Having someone understand your community and the pressures that can be placed upon you as a couple in the gay community can be challenging. You want a therapist that is an ally and also may share some lived experiences with you. This is why The Gay Therapy Center was awarded our Best for LGBTQIA+ couples.
The Gay Therapy Center offers a range of online therapy for those in the LGBTQIA+ community, including couples therapy that focuses on Emotional Focused Couples Therapy (EFT). The Gay Therapy Center is available nationwide online, with costs averaging about $200 per 50-minute video or phone session.
Gay Therapy Center has two matching coordinators that will personally match you with a provider. After being matched, your therapist will call you for a free, 15-minute get-to-know-you call. This call allows you to get to know your therapist and ensure the match is a good fit. Many of the couples therapists with The Gay Therapy Center have completed training with Sue Johnson, the founder of EFT.
In Our Experience
The Gay Therapy Center offers a range of online therapy for those in the LGBTQIA+ community, including couples therapy that focuses on Emotional Focused Couples Therapy (EFT).
- Cost: Retreats $3,500 – $6,500
- Accepts Insurance? No
Why We Chose It
Couples Therapy Inc is best for divorce because it offers discernment counseling, which can be especially effective when one partner wishes to leave the relationship while the other partner desires to stay together.
Pros & Cons
- Provides individual therapy for one, helping you to be a better spouse
- Online weekend retreats available in select states; in-person retreats available in select cities
- Couples coaching is available nationwide
- Costs are not listed; you must first have a consultation
- Therapy is not available in every state, but coaching is
- Cost of weekend retreats can be pricey, and it does not include follow-up sessions
- They do not accept insurance
Cost
Couples Therapy Inc. costs range between $3500-$6500 for a private weekend retreat, and online coaching starts at $150 per session. Overall costs will depend on your therapist. Each therapist charges differently according to their location and expertise.
Overview
Couples Therapy Inc. provides in-person and online support to struggling couples. They offer intensive weekend retreats as well as couples coaching sessions. All of their therapists are licensed and hold certifications in couples-related therapeutic methods, such as the Gottman Method.
Couples Therapy Inc. has a large staff, and service area, and specializes in all types of couples counseling. For those beginning to decide whether or not they want to continue their marriage, Couples Therapy Inc. offers a type of divorce counseling, called discernment counseling. Discernment counseling can be especially effective when one partner wishes to leave the relationship while the other partner desires to stay together. For this reason, Couples Therapy Inc. was awarded Best for Divorce.
Couples Therapy Inc. offers online therapy and in-person couples retreats to couples in most US states and internationally. They specialize in working with couples from different backgrounds and can help with numerous relationship issues. Couples Therapy Inc. costs for therapy vary, and they do not currently accept insurance.
In Our Experience
I found it very valuable that Couples Therapy Inc. offers online therapy and in-person couples retreats for those who are looking for more intensive support.
- Cost: $190-$275 per 45-minute session
- Accepts Insurance? Yes
Why We Chose It
Octave was awarded Best for Affair Recovery because it will personally match you with a provider with experience in infidelity.
Pros & Cons
- Also offers individual and family therapy
- Membership includes access to workshops designed by licensed therapists
- Accepts insurance
- Only available in select states
- Pricey cancellation fees
Cost
Octave costs $190-275 per 45-minute couples or family therapy session. They also offer individual therapy, which costs $170-$250 per 45-minute session.
Overview
Recovering from infidelity requires space for you and your partner to rebuild trust, strengthen intimacy, sincerely apologize for past actions, and deal with the problems in the relationship that made it susceptible to an affair in the first place. Octave personally matches you with a provider who has experience with the issues you are dealing with as a couple. Having this personalized matching process is why Octave was awarded Best for Affair Recovery.
Octave (findoctave.com) is an online therapy platform that also offers couples counseling. They are available in CA, CT, FL, NJ, NY, TX, and D.C. After you are matched with a couples therapist, you will be able to attend live 45-minute video sessions. Octave costs $190-$275 per session and they do accept select insurance plans.
The early conversations about infidelity may be filled with accusations or defensiveness. Part of the therapist’s role is to help you and your partner recognize these interactions, learn fair fighting rules, and stabilize the situation
In Our Experience
Early conversations about infidelity may be filled with accusations or defensiveness.The therapist’s role at Octave is to help you and your partner recognize these interactions, learn fair fighting rules, and stabilize the situation.
Compare the Best Online Marriage & Couples Therapy Options
Cost | Communication Options | Award Earned | |
---|---|---|---|
ReGain | $260-$360 monthly | Video Phone Live Texting Messaging between sessions | Best Overall |
e-Therapy Cafe | $55 per session Or $196 – $360 monthly | Video Interactive Journals | Best for Affordability |
Gottman Network | Depends on the provider | Depends on provider | Best for Flexible Scheduling |
Talkspace for Couples | $276-$396 monthly | Video Phone Live Texting | Best for Convenient Communication |
Relationship Hero | $80-$250 per session | Video Phone Live Texting | Best for Relationship Coaching |
Growing Self | $65-$160 per session | Video | Best for Premarital Counseling |
AASECT | Depends on the provider | Depends on provider | Best for Sex Therapy |
Little Otter | $200 per session | Video | Best for Parents |
Gay Therapy Center | $200 per session | Video Phone | Best for LGBTQIA+ Couples |
Couples Therapy Inc | Depends on the provider | Video Phone | Best for Divorce |
Octave | $190-275 per session | Video | Best for Affair Recovery |
Cost | Communication Options | Award Earned |
---|---|---|
ReGain | ||
$260-$360 monthly | Video Phone Live Texting Messaging between sessions | Best Overall |
e-Therapy Cafe | ||
$55 per session Or $196 – $360 monthly | Video Interactive Journals | Best for Affordability |
Gottman Network | ||
Depends on the provider | Depends on provider | Best for Flexible Scheduling |
Talkspace for Couples | ||
$276-$396 monthly | Video Phone Live Texting | Best for Convenient Communication |
Relationship Hero | ||
$80-$250 per session | Video Phone Live Texting | Best for Relationship Coaching |
Growing Self | ||
$65-$160 per session | Video | Best for Premarital Counseling |
AASECT | ||
Depends on the provider | Depends on provider | Best for Sex Therapy |
Little Otter | ||
$200 per session | Video | Best for Parents |
Gay Therapy Center | ||
$200 per session | Video Phone | Best for LGBTQIA+ Couples |
Couples Therapy Inc | ||
Depends on the provider | Video Phone | Best for Divorce |
Octave | ||
$190-275 per session | Video | Best for Affair Recovery |
$200 – $440 monthly
Does not accept insurance
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Online-Therapy.com is available in over 40 US states and offers couples therapy based in CBT. You and your spouse can attend weekly live video or phone sessions through their website. Online-Therapy costs $200 – $440 monthly (advertised as $50 – $110 weekly) depending on which subscription you choose. Online-Therapy does not accept insurance at this time.
To learn more about this online CBT program for couples, you can read our in-depth review of Online-Therapy.com.
$260 monthly
Does not accept insurance
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Ritual is an online relationship platform that offers pre recorded learning materials and live video sessions with relationship experts. It is not considered couples therapy, but provides couples with tools and skills to improve their relationship. Ritual costs $260 monthly for couples or $100-$160 monthly for individuals.
To learn more, you can visit the Hey Ritual website.
$14.99 monthly or $124.99 annually.
Does not accept insurance
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Marriage 365 is an online course designed for couples and those in relationships, from premarital to marriage. Couples can access pre-recorded videos, complete relationship challenges, work through various learning courses, and more. They also offer relationship coaching as an additional service to those who may need it for an extra charge. Marriage 365 costs $14.99 monthly or $124.99 annually.
To learn more, you can visit the Marriage 365 website.
Cost depends on provider
Does not accept insurance
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Modern Intimacy is an in-person therapy collective with locations in Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago, and Denver. Modern Intimacy can provide various types of sex therapy, individual therapy, body image and eating disorder therapy, and more. There are even dedicated, online educational courses available hosted by licensed therapists.
For more information, and to see if their services would be a good fit, you can visit the Modern Intimacy website.
Final Verdict
Marriage and couples therapy can be helpful and a worthwhile investment for couples who want to seek help with their relationship. Which online platform will work best for you will depend on what issues you want to work on, what your goals are for your relationship, the cost, and if it’s available in your state. Hopefully, this comprehensive list will help guide you and your spouse as you begin your mental health journey together.
How We Choose Our Top Picks
Choosing Therapy looked at several key factors to determine the numerical ranking of companies featured on this list. Each company was thoroughly researched by our Senior Mental Health Technology Editor and online therapy services expert, Caitlin Bell, who spent numerous hours communicating with the Growth Managers, CEOs, and PR professionals from listed companies, gaining insight into their services, costs, and accessibility.
The top three criteria that determine company rankings are:
- Geographic coverage: Companies that provide services nationally ranked higher than those that serve fewer US states.
- Out-of-pocket costs: Cost should be reflective of the services a company offers. Companies that maximize services while maintaining reasonable costs are ranked higher than those whose costs outweigh their offerings.
- Type of Therapy & Therapists Credentials: Companies that clearly list which types of couples therapy are offered and provide therapists with specialized training, education, or certificates ranked higher than those that were too general
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Couples Counseling?
Marriage and couples counseling is usually a short-term and solution-based type of therapy for those in relationships. Treatment plans will vary depending on the couple or relationship issue being explored. Counseling sessions happen weekly or biweekly, again depending on the couple, the issues being discussed, and the therapist’s schedule.
Does Couples Counseling Work?
There is a lot of research that shows marriage counseling works for the majority of couples. Most couples report improvements in their relationships, with results persisting at two-year follow-up interviews.1,2
Sometimes couples will learn that their relationship is unhealthy for one or both of them, which can lead to discernment counseling or divorce counseling.
What are the Different Types of Marriage Counseling?
There are several types of marriage counseling with different ways to address your issues and goals.
Some common types of couples counseling include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps you analyze your negative thoughts and behaviors and then encourages you to reframe them into something more positive or helpful.
- The Gottman Method: The Gottman Method encourages you to build a friendship with your partner, learn to resolve conflict, ask you to set intentions, and minimize criticism, defensiveness, stonewalling, and contempt (also known as the Four Horsemen).
- Emotionally-focused Therapy (EFT): EFT is based on attachment theory and building healthy attachments by dismantling intense negative emotions.
- Positive Psychology: Positive Psychology can help couples recognize their own strengths and skills and find ways to access these skills.
- Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT): SFT is couple-centered and helps couples figure out their own goals and solutions for their problems with the therapist as a facilitator.
- Integrative Behavioral Couples Therapy (IBCT): IBCT focuses on emotional acceptance by way of a therapist helping to give a new perspective on a couple’s problems and helping them learn ways to accept what is and focus on long-term concrete change.
What Can I Expect at My First Couples Session?
Couples can expect to fill out paperwork prior to their first session, which will usually include some mental health and medical background on each person. During the first session, you can expect to complete an assessment, chat about what your therapy goals are as a couple, and decide if one or both of you need individual time to talk with your therapist.
It is important to remember that couples therapy, much like individual therapy, takes time and effort. You and your partner/spouse should take time to reflect individually on your sessions and make sure to complete any homework assigned by your therapist.
Can I Use Insurance for Couples Therapy?
No. In general, you will not be able to use your insurance for couples therapy or couples counseling. The reason for this is couples therapy or couples counseling is not considered medically necessary treatment.
How Do I Choose an Online Couples Therapy Platform?
Choosing an online couples therapy or counseling program will greatly depend on what you are seeking.
You should consider the following while searching for an online couples option:
- Cost
- Geographic Locations
- Types of therapy or counseling offered
- Therapist or counselor credentials
Is Online Couples Counseling Only for Married Couples?
No, there are several platforms that allow any type of relationship to seek counseling. Examples of these types of relationships are friend and friend, parent and grown child, or siblings.