Editorial rating:
ReGain is a subscription-based online couples counseling platform that earned 3.5 out of 5 stars overall in our independent review. With ReGain, couples can meet their therapist for weekly video, phone, or live texting sessions, plus have the option to message their therapist between sessions. ReGain costs $260 – $360 monthly (advertised as $65 – $90 weekly), making it an affordable couples counseling option.
Rating of ReGain’s Online Couples Counseling
Over the past year, I have dedicated a considerable amount of time to researching, personally using, and reviewing online therapy platforms. Not only do I sign up for online therapy services and use their websites and apps, but I also attend live therapy sessions with each platform. I reach out to each online therapy platform before I begin researching and reviewing them to ask numerous questions about their products that users are likely to want answers to. All of this is done to ensure that consumers get the information they need to make intelligent purchases. During our independent review, ReGain earned 3.5 out of 5 stars overall, performing best in the categories of online marriage and couples counseling, geographic location, and extra features. However, ReGain underperformed in the categories of online therapy cost and insurance and out-of-network benefits compared to its competitors.
How to Sign Up For ReGain Couples Counseling
To sign up for couples counseling with ReGain, you can visit the ReGain website.
Pros & Cons of ReGain
ReGain is an affordable option for those seeking marriage and couples counseling and allows you and your partner to quickly match with a licensed therapist in your state. However, ReGain’s subscription costs ultimately depend on where you live and there is no three-way calling available at this time.
What Is ReGain?
ReGain is an online couples therapy platform that connects you and your partner with a licensed therapist or counselor. With ReGain, you and your partner can attend weekly, 30-minute video, phone, or live texting sessions with your therapist. ReGain’s subscription also includes a chatroom you share with your partner and your therapist which allows you both to message your therapist between sessions. ReGain has great extra features like a journal space and group webinars.
Common issues explored in ReGain couples counseling are:
- Improve communication in your relationship
- Prevent separation and divorce
- Understand each other better
- Reduce tension and learn “good” ways to fight
- How to deal with relationship conflicts
- Discuss issues around raising kids and different parenting styles
- Improve sex and intimacy
- Improve love and trust
ReGain has many similar processes as its parent company BetterHelp and its sister site Teen Counseling. When you first sign up, you can choose to add your partner to your account right away or you can add them later. Either way, your partner will receive a dedicated sign-up link to join you and the therapist in a chatroom that you will all share. While you will initially be matched with a therapist, it is easy to change therapists and select your own. Due to all of these reasons, ReGain earned 4 out of 5 stars in the “Online Marriage & Couples Counseling Scoring Features” category on our online therapy scoring criteria.
One of the downsides to ReGain is that everything written in the chatroom can be seen by everyone. This does not allow you to text one-on-one with your therapist and may hinder some in their therapy process. There is an option to book an individual therapy session with your therapist if needed, however, this will use up one of your weekly live couples sessions. ReGain now supports three-way live sessions via phone or video, so you and your partner do not have to be in the same location to use the live feature.
ReGain offers the same journal space that all of the BetterHelp sites have. You and your partner have individual access to the journal space and you do not have to share your entries with your therapist if you do not want to. ReGain also offers group webinars you can attend with or without your partner and are on a wide range of topics. All of these extra perks with ReGain allowed them to earn 5 stars in the “Extra Features & Resources” category on our scoring criteria.
Who Is ReGain Therapy Right For?
ReGain couples counseling would be great for anyone that wants to improve their relationship, is seeking an affordable counseling option, or that want the convenience and flexibility of an online marriage and couples counseling option.
You Want to Improve Your Relationship
ReGain can help you work towards a healthier relationship with your partner or spouse by teaching you better communication skills, showing you healthy ways to disagree, or focusing on improving your sex life. Select therapists with ReGain may also be helpful mediators with problems that may lead to divorce or separation.
Need an Affordable Counseling Option
More often than not, couples counseling is not covered by insurance and you will have to pay out-of-pocket for care. In-person marriage counseling costs can range from $75 – $250 an hour depending on your location and your therapists level of training and degrees. If you were to attend weekly, in-person sessions your costs could be $300 – $1,000 monthly. With ReGain, you will be able to attend weekly 30-minute session, text with your therapist between sessions, and have access to the extra features in the app or on the website. This makes ReGain a very affordable couples counseling option for many.
Seeking Convenient & Flexible Care
With ReGain, you and your partner will have much more flexibility when you attend your live therapy sessions. Some therapists with ReGain offer early morning, evening, and the occasional weekend appointments. Additionally, you will be able to attend your live sessions anywhere in your state as long as you have a strong wifi or mobile connection.
Who May Want an Alternative to ReGain?
While teletherapy is a great solution for many, there are some groups of people who may need an alternative to ReGain. Those who are experiencing domestic violence, who want to focus on their sex lives, or those wanting to focus on individual therapy will want to seek out an alternative.
Those Experiencing Domestic Violence
ReGain says its services should not be used if you are currently in a physically abusive relationship or are concerned for your safety. Both are considered urgent matters and it would be best to seek out help from someone in person. You can also connect with someone on the Domestic Violence Support website or by calling 1.800.799.SAFE.
You Are Seeking Sex Therapy
Sex Therapy can encourage couples to explore their sexual thoughts, feelings, and fantasies in a healthy and safe environment. For individuals, a sex therapist can help with a wide range of topics involving a lack of interest in sex, pain or discomfort during sex, trauma in past sexual relationships, and much more. To find and connect with an American Association of Sex Counselors, Educators, and Therapists (AASECT) you can look at an online therapist directory.
Those Looking for Individual Therapy
ReGain is for those who are married or in a relationship, and would not be a good fit for those who are currently single. Since ReGain only offers one type of therapy, they scored 3 stars in the “Range of therapist Specialties & Treatment Approaches” on our scoring rubric. If you require individual therapy, you may benefit from signing up for online counseling with BetterHelp.
To learn about what therapy types are offered, you can read more in our detailed review of BetterHelp.
ReGain User Reviews
ReGain has a 4.8-star rating based on 7,100+ reviews in the Apple App Store and a 4.6-star rating based on 2,100+ reviews in the Google Play Store. While there were many user reviews on both app stores, there were a few major themes throughout most of them. We found customer service to be mid-range and ReGain earned 3 out of 5 stars in the “Customer Service” category of our scoring criteria.
Easy & Convenient Care
Many people mentioned that ReGain was a great option because local couples counseling was otherwise unavailable to them. The app made connecting with a therapist especially convenient and easy for those who needed help but had busy schedules.
Fun Groupinars
Interestingly, people also seemed to really enjoy the group sessions, which ReGain calls “Groupinars”. Users mentioned that they enjoyed learning new skills on various topics and that the presenters were very knowledgeable.
Issues with Reduced Session Durations
I noticed that in 2020 and 2021 many users were complaining that ReGain had cut their session times down without a price reduction. Newly reduced, 30-minute sessions coupled with issues around therapists arriving late and/or leaving early made customers feel like they were not getting their monies worth.
Unsatisfied with the Therapists
Another trend I discovered in the negative reviews was underqualified or unprofessional therapists. It was mentioned several times that not only were therapists arriving late to their sessions, but some of the methods used made clients feel uncomfortable. As with its parent company, BetterHelp, it may take time to find a therapist that works for you and your partner. It is easy to change therapists and self-select a new one at any time during your subscription.
How Much Does ReGain Couples Therapy Cost?
ReGain costs start at $260 – $360 billed monthly (advertised as $65-$90 weekly) with the exact upfront costs depending on your location and therapist availability. Due to the fact that exact costs are not available prior to sign up but financial aid is available, ReGain earned 2 out of 5 stars in the “Online Therapy Cost” category of our scoring criteria.
A ReGain subscription includes:
- Weekly 30-minute live video or phone sessions between yourself, your partner, and your therapist
- A shared chatroom with your partner and your therapist
- Unlimited texting with the therapist any time, with responses to be expected at least once daily
- Extra features like a journal space and group webinars
Get 20% Off Your First Month With ReGain
Does ReGain Accept Insurance?
No, ReGain does not accept insurance for therapy at this time.
ReGain Out-of-Network Benefits
ReGain does not submit any claims on your behalf and will not provide a superbill. Due to this, ReGain earned 1 star in the “Insurance & Out-of-Network Benefits” category of our scoring criteria.
Getting Started with ReGain
Getting started with ReGain is a fast and easy process that takes less than ten minutes. You can get started with your account on the ReGain website, but I highly recommend downloading the app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
Follow these steps to schedule your first couples therapy session:
- Go to the ReGain website and choose “Get Started”.
- Create your account and invite your partner now or do it later.
- Enter basic demographic information, like age gender, and sexual identity then share why you are interested in beginning therapy.
- Enter your payment information; choose to pay with your credit card or PayPal.
- Download the app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.
- Read about the therapist you are matched with and choose to keep them or change therapists and choose a new one.
- Once you feel comfortable with your therapist, select “Schedule” in the app. Choose a date and time to meet with your new therapist.
- Log in to the app when your session starts and stay in the “Session Room”. Your live session will start automatically.
Signing up Your Partner
You can choose to invite your partner during signup or you can invite them later. If you want to invite your partner after you’ve been matched with your therapist, you will click the “Invite Partner” option at the top of your session room screen. You simply provide your partner’s email or phone number and ReGain will send them an invitation link.
When I invited my partner, the email arrived right away and it took less than three minutes for them to join. Once they entered some very basic information they were allowed to enter the session room.
ReGain Counseling: Detailed Review
ReGain is designed to help couples and those in relationships get counseling when in-person therapy is not available or an option. It is quick and easy to sign up and send your partner an invitation to join, which earned ReGain 4 out of 5 stars in the “Client Interface & User Experience” category of our scoring criteria. Matching with a therapist or therapist in your state happens within the first 48 hours.
What Is Therapy Like with ReGain?
Therapy with ReGain takes place in the “session room” which is the chatroom you share with your therapist and your partner. All messages sent to this chatroom can be viewed by everyone and you can text as often as needed between live sessions. Therapists generally answer messages Monday through Friday during normal business hours. At the date and time of your live video or phone session, you will simply log in to your app and open the “session room”.
All live sessions happen through the “session room”, whether it be video, phone, or live texting. Prior to any live sessions, you will sign two consent forms and input your name, address, and phone number. All of these sessions last 30 minutes and you and your partner can attend together or attend sessions through three-way calling. Due to these reasons, Faithful Counseling earned 3.5 out of 5 stars in the “Attending Live Video Sessions” category of our scoring criteria.
A great perk to ReGain is the option to message your therapist anytime, 24/7. You can expect these messages to function more like emails, rather than the live, instant messaging option. There are options to send audio or video messages in the app, as well as an option to send photos. This would be great for when you have something you really need to get off your chest but don’t need a real-time response.
Extra Features of ReGain
There are two extra features of the ReGain platform, the journal and the group webinars called “Groupinars”.
The journal space in ReGain has a weekly calendar at the top, with today’s date highlighted. You will be given a journal prompt suggestion, with options to shuffle or see all. There are journal prompts for depression and journal prompts for anxiety, as well as prompts for relationship issues, and general suggestions. Once you select a prompt you like, you will title your journal and then begin your entry. An interesting thing about these journals is you can choose to share with your therapist and partner or keep them private.
“Groupinars” are webinars you can attend through the app. These are on various mental health topics from relationships and trauma, to anxiety and skill building. Each topic provides you with a group session name, date, time, and a description of what each group session will cover. If you click on “more information” then you can register for your first group session.
All “Groupinars” are led by a licensed therapist or therapist and are hour-long PowerPoint presentations. Participants cannot see each other but there is a chat box for you to interact with one another and the therapist. This feature and the journal feature earned ReGain 5 out of 5 stars in the “Extra Features & Resources” category of our scoring criteria. You and your partner do not have to attend group sessions together, as each of you has your own account.
ReGain Vs. Competitors
ReGain is a couples counseling option available throughout the US and can help couples address many issues. Online-Therapy.com and Talkspace for Couples also offer couples counseling and may be a better option for certain couples.
ReGain vs Online-Therapy.com
ReGain offers great resources for couples looking to begin therapy together. There are extra features like a journal and group webinars in the app, but the cost depends on where you live and is not available upfront. Additionally, you are initially matched with a therapist which can be a disappointment for some couples. Online-Therapy is an online therapy platform that offers a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) based approach to individuals and couples. They offer weekly, 45-minute live therapy sessions to couples, compared to ReGain’s 30-minute sessions, and costs $352 monthly.
However, it is important to note that ReGain is available across all the US and Online-Therapy is only available in 30+ states at this time. To learn more about how their CBT-based therapy services work, you can read our comprehensive review of Online-Therapy.com.
ReGain vs Talkspace for Couples
ReGain and Talkspace are both teletherapy platforms that offer couples and relationship counseling. Both ReGain and Talkspace for Couples offer asynchronous texting with a licensed therapist and live video or phone therapy sessions. However, there are a couple of main differences between the two services you should be aware of.
The biggest difference between the two is cost. ReGain is $65 – $90 per week, while Talkspace starts at $129 per week, both dependent on your location. Another difference is that ReGain offers in-app activities, like journaling and group webinars, while Talkspace does not. To learn more about what they offer, you can read our comprehensive review of Talkspace.
How ReGain Has Evolved
ReGain is owned and operated by the online therapy company BetterHelp, which is why their websites and apps look so similar. According to ReGain, they were launched in 2016 as BetterHelp’s first “sister site”. The mission of ReGain is almost the same as BetterHelp, which is to enable access to convenient, discreet, and professional online therapy anytime for couples and individuals.
When we first reviewed ReGain, we were told they did not support three-way calling. This is now something the company offers, which allows couples to be in two different locations but attend the same scheduled session.
You can learn more about their parent company by reading our detailed BetterHelp review
Frequently Asked Questions About ReGain
What Credentials do ReGain Therapists Hold?
All ReGain therapists are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited psychologists (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social workers (LCSW / LMSW), or licensed professional therapists (LPC or LPCC). All of them hold a Master’s Degree or a Doctoral Degree in their field.
Each therapist will be certified by their state’s professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training, and practice. While their experience, expertise, and background will vary, all therapists will possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience. ReGain’s therapists are experts in relationship therapy and can work with individuals or couples. Because of all the rigorous attention to licensing and credentials ReGain does, they earned 5 out of 5 stars in the “Therapist Credentials & Expertise” category of our scoring criteria.
How Am I Matched With a Therapist on ReGain?
Initially, you will be automatically matched with a therapist on ReGain. Unfortunately, this earned ReGain 1 star in the “therapist matching or selection” category of our scoring criteria.
Can I Choose a New Therapist?
Yes, you can change your therapist at any time if you feel your match is not working. In the app, click on “More” and then select “Change therapist”. You will tell ReGain why you are switching and be given the option to update your therapist preferences. Then simply click “Choose therapist” and search for a new provider.
How Do I Cancel my ReGain Subscription?
You can cancel or change your subscription at any time. To cancel in the app, go to “More”, tap “My Account” and scroll down to “Payment Settings”. In this section, you will see the option to “Change Plan/Quit Therapy”. I always recommend that you email your teletherapy platform to let them know you have canceled, this way you will not receive any unexpected charges. You can email ReGain at: [email protected].
Can I Use My FSA or HSA for ReGain?
No, ReGain does not accept FSA or HSA for therapy at this time and they will not provide you with a superbill.
Does ReGain Offer Refunds?
Yes, ReGain offers refunds on a case-by-case basis. You must meet their criteria to receive a refund, although the criteria is unknown to us at this time. For questions or concerns about your subscription fees, please email ReGain at: [email protected].
Is ReGain HIPAA Compliant?
Yes, ReGain has policies that are consistent with HIPAA standards, however, the company does not state that it is compliant with HIPAA regulations. Prior to any sessions (messaging or live sessions), you will be required to sign a form agreeing to their privacy policies.
Please visit ReGain’s Privacy Policy and ReGain’s Terms and Conditions for more information.
Final Verdict on ReGain’s Couple Counseling
Even though ReGain does not accept insurance and the subscription costs vary greatly depending on which state you live in, it is a reasonably affordable, online couples counseling option. While you are automatically matched with a therapist, the process is fairly quick which allows you and your partner to begin working together sooner. Overall, ReGain is a good choice if you are a couple seeking counseling to improve the health and well-being of your relationship.
Summary Table of What ReGain Offers
| Cost of Online Therapy | $240 - $360 monthly Costs depend on location and therapist availability |
| Insurance Accepted | No |
| Geographic Coverage | United States |
| Age Limitations | 18+ |
| Provider Choices | Initially Matched |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes & self-select |
| Speed to First Appointment | 1 - 3 Days |
| Frequency of Appointments | Weekly |
| Messaging with Therapist Between Appointments | Yes |
| Online Psychiatry Offered | No |
