We took our partners to therapy to try several online couples therapy options firsthand. From our experience with each of these platforms, we developed a list of the best online marriage counseling and couples therapy options. These platforms allow you to seek support from anywhere and offer the high quality of care we both recommend and desire for our own relationships. Whether you are looking for relationship coaching, infidelity support, or just to improve your relationship overall, our list can help you find the best fit.
Best Online Marriage & Couples Therapy Options At a Glance
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Data points analyzedChoosing Therapy’s reviews are fair, honest, and thorough. To date, we’ve reviewed mental health products and services offered by more than 250 companies. That has involved more than 1,050 hours of firsthand use of those products and consideration of over 825 data points. Our editorial policies outline a rigorous review process, but they all boil down to this: produce a review that your own friends and family could rely on. Learn more here.
Our Picks for Best Online Marriage & Couples Therapy Options
- Best Overall – ReGain
- Best for Convenient Communication – Talkspace for Couples
- Best for Flexible Scheduling – Amwell
- Best for Relationship Coaching – Relationship Hero
- Best for Overcoming Infidelity – Octave Health
- Best for Divorce Counseling – Couples Therapy Inc.
- Best for Premarital Counseling – Growing Self
- Best for Sex Therapy – AASECT
- Best for LGBTQIA+ Couples – The Gay Therapy Center
- Best for Parents – Little Otter
Detailed Reviews of the Best Online Marriage & Couples Therapy Options
- Price: $260 – $360 monthly
- Insurance Accepted? No
Why We Chose It
During our review of Regain, we discovered that in terms of cash pay, Regain is the most affordable all-in-one online couples therapy platform available. It offers weekly sessions and educational workshops and offers financial aid to those who need it. Plus, you can often find appointments on the same day as sign-up.
Pros & Cons
- Affordable out-of-pocket costs compared to in-person couples counseling
- Financial aid is available to those who qualify
- User-friendly and easy-to-navigate website and app
- You and your partner can text your therapist anytime
- Attend therapy sessions around your schedules
- Doesn’t accept insurance
- Ultimate costs depend on your location
- You are initially automatically matched with a therapist rather than getting a choice
Cost
ReGain costs $260 – $360 monthly (advertised $65-$90 weekly), with the exact cost depending on which state you live in and therapist availability. Financial aid for Regain is offered through the BetterHelp financial assistance program.
A ReGain subscription includes:
- One weekly, 45-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 is one of the best platforms for accessing couples therapy online. Compared to all the other comprehensive platforms on the market right now, Regain offers the most affordable cash-pay rate. Since Regain doesn’t accept insurance, it’s ideal for someone looking for affordable cash-pay virtual couples therapy. In my full review of Regain, I felt it was ideal for couples that don’t have insurance benefits for couples therapy.
Regain is an online couples therapy platform that is available across the US and costs $260 – $360 monthly, depending on your location. A Regain subscription includes weekly 45-minute live video, phone, or texting sessions with a licensed therapist with special experience in conducting marriage therapy online. You will also be able to send text messages to your therapist between sessions, plus access a shared journal and educational 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
When I used Regain, I was impressed by the ease of use of the platform, plus the huge selection of therapists meant that I could often find appointments same-day. Since it doesn’t accept insurance, Regain is best suited to those without insurance coverage who are looking for an affordable cash-pay rate.
You can explore my thoughts on Regain in more depth in our full Regain review.
- Price: $436 monthly
- Insurance Accepted? Yes
Why We Chose It
During our full review of Talkspace for Couples, the platform earned high marks for its broad acceptance of many insurance plans. It’s uncommon to find couples therapy that’s accepted by insurance, so this is an excellent benefit.
Pros & Cons
- Makes couples therapy easy and convenient to access
- Couples don’t have to be in the same place to attend sessions
- Live workshops and self-assessment tools are also available for free
- Couples can chat with their therapist in between sessions
- Those in non-romantic relationships are welcome to register, including co-workers, friends, and siblings
- Can’t purchase individual sessions
- All session credits expire at the end of the month whether or not a session was completed.
- User reports of therapists being often unreliable and frequently canceling appointments or leaving them unconfirmed
- The app can be glitchy
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 Couples Therapy works for any relationship type, from partners and spouses to siblings and friends. Talkspace is one of the only virtual marriage counseling services to accept insurance, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars per month.
Talkspace Couples Therapy offers online relationship counseling across the US. Couples will be initially matched with their top three therapist choices and can choose from two subscription options. Subscriptions cost $436 monthly.
A great perk to Talkspace is the option for three-way calling, which makes it convenient for those with busy work schedules or partners who travel to attend regular therapy sessions. To learn more, check out our independent review of Talkspace Couples Therapy.
In Our Experience
While I did experience some technical issues with Talkspace’s three-way video call feature, ultimately, I was impressed with the service and thought it brought a lot of value. Talkspace Couples Therapy is ideal if you have an insurance plan that’s in-network with it and covers couples counseling. Otherwise, you can get a similar level of care for a lower cost at Regain.
To look deeper into my experience with Talkspace’s virtual couples therapy option, head over to my full review of Talkspace Couples Therapy.
- Price: $112 – $135 monthly
- Insurance Accepted? Yes
Why We Chose It
Amwell is more of a provider directory than an all-in-one platform in the way it operates, so it’s a good option for those who need a bit more flexibility in scheduling and billing. We were impressed with how easy it was to get an appointment during our full Amwell review.
Pros & Cons
- Therapy and psychiatric medication are available
- Select your own provider from a directory
- Therapy available for kids ages 10+
- You can pay per appointment, as needed
- Prenatal, postpartum, and menopause counseling available
- Psychiatry is only available for individuals 18-years and older
- No text-based therapy available
- Amwell does not automatically match a therapist for you
- No discount for participating in both therapy and psychiatry
Cost
Amwell costs $112– $135 per session for therapy and $109 – $279 per session for psychiatry. The final price is dependent on the provider. There are no monthly subscriptions or sign-up fees. Amwell accepts health insurance for mental health services and is in-network with over 55 major health plans.
Therapy costs depend on the type of provider you want to see – sessions with a master’s level therapist are $112 each, while sessions with a doctoral-level psychologist are $135. All therapy sessions are 45 minutes long, regardless of the type of provider.
Overview
Amwell is a comprehensive platform for finding many kinds of mental and physical healthcare, including virtual relationship counseling. Amwell costs range from $112 – $135 per session, depending on the experience level of your therapist.
During our review of Amwell, we found that it is a very flexible platform that allows you and your partner to receive online marriage counseling on a per-session basis. There are no ongoing subscription fees and you aren’t matched with a therapist automatically, so it’s entirely up to you to choose a suitable therapist. Each therapist sets their own rate based on experience level. Amwell does accept insurance, which can lower costs significantly.
In Our Experience
Finding a provider on Amwell to see me was very easy. They gave a list of providers within my state that were experts in the areas I was struggling with and gave a range of appointment dates available. I did have some technical issues signing into Amwell’s video session, but those were resolved quickly and the remainder of my therapy session went well. I’d recommend Amwell to those looking for therapy and medication management. They have teams of therapists and psychiatrists to serve your needs.
To look deeper into my experience with Amwell’s online therapy option, head over to my full review of Amwell Therapy.
- Price: $80 – $250 per one-hour live session
- Insurance Accepted? No
Why We Chose It
Relationship Hero is a nationwide provider of relationship coaching. When we explored it during our review of Relationship Hero, we found that it is the best option available if you’re looking for relationship coaching instead of full online couples therapy.
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 your 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. You can read more about our thoughts in our full Relationship Hero review.
- Price: $190 – $275 per 45-minute session
- Insurance Accepted? Yes
Why We Chose It
Octave was awarded Best for Overcoming Infidelity because it will personally match you with a provider with experience in infidelity. During our full review of Octave Health, we found that it was a very inclusive and supportive environment, but it isn’t available in many states.
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.
Octave is in-network with a number of popular insurance plans which can decrease the out-of-pocket cost significantly.
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.
To learn more about Octave and whether it’s a good fit for you, read our full review of Octave.
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.
To learn more about our experience with Octave, visit our full review of Octave Health.
- Cost: Coaching $150+ per session; Retreats $3,500 – $6,500
- Accepts Insurance? No
Why We Chose It
During our full review of Couples Therapy Inc. we found that it’s 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.
Visit our full review of Couples Therapy, Inc. for more details.
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. View our comprehensive Couples Therapy, Inc. review for a deeper look at our thoughts.
- Price: $125 – $170 per session
- Insurance Accepted? 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. Growing Self was featured on our list of the best premarital counseling courses.
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 $75-$170 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 $75-$170 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 love how Growing Self begins by conducting a thorough relationship assessment, pinpointing both the strengths of your relationship and areas where you can grow together as a couple. From there, they tailor an individualized premarital program, setting the stage for a strong foundation as you prepare for marriage.
To learn more about Growing Self and whether it’s a good fit for you, you can check them out on the Growing Self website. Take a look at our list of the best online premarital counseling courses for more options like Growing Self.
- Price: Price varies depending on the provider
- Insurance Accepted? 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, we believe AASECT is one of the best ways of finding a sex therapist online.
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) serves as a trusted directory for individuals seeking qualified professionals trained and certified in sex therapy. Collaborating with an AASECT-certified sex therapist ensures the use of appropriate techniques as you and your partner navigate discussions about your desires and needs.
AASECT members encompass a diverse range of professionals, including sexuality educators, counselors, therapists, physicians, nurses, and marriage and family counselors. By joining AASECT, members demonstrate a commitment to promoting understanding of human sexuality and fostering healthy sexual behavior.
Choosing to work with an AASECT member guarantees a safe and non-judgmental environment where your sexual preferences and past traumas are respected, eliminating any discomfort or feelings of being misunderstood.
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.
- Price: $185 – $250 per session
- Insurance Accepted? 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 who understand your community and the unique pressures that are placed upon you as a couple. The Gay Therapy Center was also featured in our guide to the best LGBTQIA+ online therapy options.
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 $185 – $250 per session, depending on the provider.
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 who 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 who 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).
To learn more about this service, you can check out The Gay Therapy Center here. Or, take a look at our full roundup of the best LGBTQIA+ online therapy options.
- Price: ~$195 per session
- Insurance Accepted? Yes
Why We Chose It
Little Otter’s services include parent resources and parent strategies, but for parents who need extra support, there is couples therapy available. Little Otter was also featured in our guide to the best online therapy services for teens.
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 $195 per 45-minute live parenting session.
Bundles offered by Little Otter include:
- 12-Session Bundle: $1,980 total ($165 per session)
- 8-Session Bundle: $1,320 total ($165 per session)
- 4-Session Bundle: $700 ($175 per session)
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.
To learn more about this program, you can visit and check out our Little Otter here. Or, view our full roundup of the best online therapy options for teens to find more platforms like Little Otter.
Compare the Best Online Marriage & Couples Therapy Options
Costs | $260 - $360 monthly | $436 monthly | $112 - $135 per session | $80 - $250 per session | $190 - $275 per session | $150 per session | $125 - $170 per session | Varies | $185- $250 per session | ~$195 per session |
Accepts Insurance | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
Award | Most Affordable | Best for Insurance Coverage | Best for Flexible Scheduling | Best for Relationship Coaching | Best for Overcoming Infidelity | Best for Divorce Counseling | Best for Premarital Counseling | Best for Sex Therapy | Best for LGBTQIA+ Couples | Best for Parenting |
Costs | |||||||||
$260 - $360 monthly | $436 monthly | $112 - $135 per session | $80 - $250 per session | $190 - $275 per session | $150 per session | $125 - $170 per session | Varies | $185- $250 per session | ~$195 per session |
Accepts Insurance | |||||||||
No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
Award | |||||||||
Most Affordable | Best for Insurance Coverage | Best for Flexible Scheduling | Best for Relationship Coaching | Best for Overcoming Infidelity | Best for Divorce Counseling | Best for Premarital Counseling | Best for Sex Therapy | Best for LGBTQIA+ Couples | Best for Parenting |
Final Verdict
The best online couples counseling for you and your partner will depend on what you’re looking to get out of the experience. For general purposes, Regain and Talkspace Couples Therapy are two of our favorites based on positive experiences we’ve had. I’ve personally used both Regain and Talkspace for couples counseling, and felt that they both met my needs well – but, if you have insurance that covers it, by all means, go with Talkspace.
Meanwhile, if you need more flexibility, we were impressed with the variety of appointment times over at Amwell. Couples Therapy, Inc. offering discernment counseling is unique and worthwhile for couples considering divorce, while we found that Octave has the best features for overcoming infidelity.
Price: $200 – $440 monthly
Insurance Accepted? No
Learn MoreShow less
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.
Price: $260 monthly
Insurance Accepted? No
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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.
Price: $14.99 monthly or $124.99 annually
Insurance Accepted? No
Learn MoreShow less
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.
Price: Depends on provider
Insurance Accepted? No
Learn MoreShow less
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.
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
During couples therapy, some couples might decide it’s best to explore questions to ask their partner after infidelity. 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?
Sometimes. It depends on your individual insurance plan, but often couples counseling is not considered medically necessary so isn’t covered. Check with your insurance provider to see if your plan covers virtual marriage counseling.
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.
Is There An Online Couples Counseling Option Where We Can Meet Asynchronously?
No. As of right now, we aren’t aware of any true couples counseling options that allow for asynchronous care. If you’re looking for couples counseling for a long distance relationship or some other situation that would call for asynchronous work, the Lasting App might be a good fit. Lasting is a self-guided couples app offered by Talkspace that helps couples improve communication, work on difficult conversations and more.
Find out more in our complete Lasting app review.
Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.
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Johnson, S., Hunsley, J., Greenberg, L., & Schindler, D. (1999). Emotionally focused couples therapy: Status and Challenges. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 6(1), 67-79. Retrieved from: https://iceeft.com/eft-research-2/
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Nowlan, K.M., Georgia, E.J., & Doss, B.D. Long-term effectiveness of treatment-as-usual couple therapy for military veterans. Behavior Therapy, 28(6), 847-859. Retrieved from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S000578941730062X
We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.
Author: Matthew Church, MS (New author)
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD (New medical reviewer)
Primary Changes: Full rewrite and reassessment of companies and platforms included on the list; updated style, added new insights from recently published individual reviews, fact-checked and verified for accuracy and readability. All new content written by Matthew Church, MS and medically reviewed by Kristen Fuller, MD.
Author: Caitlin Bell, MA (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Complete revamp of overall style; updated logos for all companies.
Author: Caitlin Bell, MA (New author)
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD (New medical reviewer)
Primary Changes: Full Rewrite; Style updated throughout; Added new companies, mini-reviews, Pros & Cons, and Comparison Table
Author: Dianne Grande, Ph.D.
Medical Reviewer: Meera Patel, DO
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