The 11 Best Online Couples Therapy Services in 2025

Your Guide to the Best Online Couples Therapy Services in 2025

Every relationship has its ups and downs, and seeking help when things aren’t going well is an important step toward building a stronger bond. With the rise of online couples therapy, it’s never been easier to access professional support for your relationship. Whether you're dealing with communication issues, trust concerns, or conflict-resolution skills, the right therapy service can guide you through it.

Couples therapy can be vital to a relationship. Studies show effective couples therapy provide education to both partners on what a healthy relationship looks like and offers practice in how to use these skills to improve their relationship.

The benefits of couples therapy may come slowly, but it's important to pay attention to them. “Most couples will report that they feel closer because they are listening better and fighting less after couples therapy. They will become more aware of patterns in their interactions, such as when one person is the pursuer and one the distancer in the relationship,” says Stephanie Jona Buehler, PsyD, a California-based psychologist and sex therapist. “They may also report that they are having fun together and making plans for date nights, weekend getaways, and so on.”

We’ve researched and tested more than 65 online therapy platforms to determine the best options for couples. Here are the 11 we recommend for couples therapy.

Our Top Picks for Online Couples Therapy

What if I'm Having Thoughts of Harming Myself?

If you or a loved one is experiencing significant distress or having thoughts about suicide and needs support, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7. If you need immediate help, call 911.

If you have questions about an abusive relationship, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline, available 24/7, at 800-799-SAFE (7233), or text “START” to 88788. If you are in danger and need immediate help, call 911.

For more help and information, see these Mental Health Resources and Helplines.

Talkspace

Best for Those New to Couples Therapy

Talkspace

Pros

  • Accepts most insurance plans and EAPs
  • Easy to switch therapists
  • Offers video, phone, and live chat sessions
  • Includes a variety of therapy options and medication management
  • Includes in-app workshops and coping strategies

Cons

  • Cannot choose your therapist
  • Video sessions are only 30 minutes
  • Price: $109 per week for couples therapy
  • Accepts insurance: Yes
  • Session format: Video, audio, or live chat
  • States where available: 50

Of all 46 online therapy companies we tested, Talkspace was, hands down, the most user-friendly option, making it a solid choice for partners who are new to couples therapy. Its intuitive platform, easy-to-navigate app and website, and flexible communication options — such as text, audio, and video messaging — make starting therapy simple and stress-free.

Talkspace also eases the financial aspect of couples therapy by accepting most major insurance plans, such as Cigna, Optum, Anthem, Aetna, and Medicare in select states as well as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), which are free services companies provide employees to access a set amount of mental health support.

 These options create affordability for Talkspace’s users, since out-of-pocket costs for couples therapy can be expensive for the average household. Likewise, Talkspace provides weekly couples therapy sessions for $109 per week, which is less than the average cost of couples therapy.
Raki Swanson, a health writer, tested couples therapy on Talkspace for us and found her couples therapist to be warm and welcoming, while Erin Heger, who tested Talkspace’s individual therapy, struggled to connect with her therapist. Talkspace initially sets you up with your therapist (rather than letting you choose your own), however, it also makes it easy to switch therapists in situations like Heger's. The relationship between a client and a therapist is one of the most important parts of a successful therapy experience.

Video sessions are 30 minutes with Talkspace, and partners who are starting couples therapy for the first time may appreciate the shorter-than-average sessions as they get used to the process of therapy. Whether you're looking for quick check-ins or deeper, ongoing support, Talkspace offers an accessible way to begin your couples therapy journey.

Rula

Best With Insurance

Rula

Pros

  • Accepts more than 60 commercial insurance plans
  • Appointments available within two days
  • Includes a variety of therapy options and medication management
  • Users choose therapist

Cons

  • Limited interactive tools or additional resources
  • Not every therapist accepts insurance
  • Cost: $150 to $350 per session
  • Accepts insurance: Yes
  • Session format: Video
  • States where available: 50
Not all the companies we tested accepted insurance for couples therapy, but Rula did and continues to deliver positive results for couples seeking support without paying out of pocket. Rula accepts more than 60 commercial insurance plans, including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Cigna, Optum, and UnitedHealthcare. Often, the ability to use health insurance to pay for couples therapy determines whether or not a couple pursues therapy.

 In our testing, we found users experienced fewer difficulties using their insurance plans to cover the cost of Rula compared with other online therapy services.

What really made Rula stand out to our testers and editorial team is the ability to customize your therapy experience; you can choose your frequency of sessions as well as your therapist. By paying per session, Rula users can commit to therapy at their own pace without being locked into a subscription or a set schedule. This allows you to balance therapy with your and your partner’s busy lives, making it easier to stay consistent with the support you both need.

Additionally, the quality of Rula’s therapists impressed us. Therapists appeared engaged during the entirety of sessions, and our tester noted feeling truly understood and supported by her therapists, stating it made a meaningful difference in her and her family’s progress. The Everyday Health writer Jen Sinclair tested individual and family therapy at Rula and “had nothing but good things to say” about the platform.

Ours

Most Personalized Approach

Ours

Pros

  • Customized matching between couple and therapist
  • Offers relationship tools to use outside of therapy
  • Provides individual therapy in addition to couples
  • Thorough intake process

Cons

  • Doesn’t accept insurance
  • Website can be confusing
  • Additional cost of consultation may apply
  • Cost: $200 per session
  • Accepts insurance: No
  • Session format: Video
  • States available in: 50

Of all the online couples therapy options we tested, Ours stood out as the most personalized and comprehensive choice for couples seeking in-depth support. Its unique approach includes customized matching between couples and therapists, ensuring each couple works with someone aligned with their relationship needs.

All users first meet virtually with a “care advocate” from Ours, who is a licensed therapist. In the 15- to 30-minute meeting, you, your partner, and the care advocate discuss why you’re coming to therapy, what types of therapy might be helpful for you, and preferences in the demographics or schedule of a therapist. This is a standout feature of Ours, considering that other online therapy companies use automated algorithms to match clients with therapists.

I tested couples therapy on Ours with my husband. As a licensed therapist, I was truly impressed by the company’s thorough intake process. Not only did I complete questionnaires detailing my relationship history and future relationship goals, but my care advocate and my therapist continued to follow up with requests for additional details.

That said, the consultation costs $50. If you sign up for your first session, the fee is applied toward the session’s cost. Otherwise, it is nonrefundable, which may be a barrier to some couples.

Care advocates remain in touch after the consultation, continuing to highlight how Ours prioritizes a personalized approach to online therapy. I regularly received emails during treatment, ensuring I felt comfortable with my therapist and had all billing questions answered.

Additionally, the relationship tools provided for use outside of therapy sessions allowed my husband and I to continue improving our relationship without paying for additional sessions. These tools are called “Card Decks,” and they contain prompts to encourage meaningful conversations between partners. They cover a range of relevant topics and include helpful details like estimated time commitment (from 10 to 60 minutes) and a question intensity scale from 1 to 5. This intensity rating is especially useful for couples navigating sensitive topics, as it helps them gauge the depth of each prompt. The card decks were a great complement to our couples therapy.

Ours does have some limitations. It doesn’t accept insurance, which can make it a pricier option, and the website interface can be confusing at times. I struggled to find answers to my questions on the website and was surprised to discover the company offered individual therapy, because it’s not noted on its website prior to sign-up. But despite these drawbacks, Ours remains a strong recommendation because of its excellent customer service and practical additional tools that truly enhance the user experience.

Regain transparent logo

Most Flexibility

Regain

Pros

  • Monthly subscription-based pricing
  • Good therapist availability
  • Strong therapist qualifications
  • Access to group webinars, journal prompts, and other supportive tools
  • Unlimited asynchronous messaging with therapist available

Cons

  • Doesn’t accept insurance
  • Parent company, BetterHelp, has a poor reputation for client data security
  • Cost: $260 to $360 per month
  • Accepts insurance: No
  • Session format: Video, audio, or live chat
  • States where available: 50

Not all the companies we tested specialized in couples therapy, but of the few that did, Regain was the most flexible option because of its variety of accessible features. Couples can select from three formats — video, audio, and live chat — allowing them to choose the style that best fits their preferences and schedules. The subscription-based pricing and option for asynchronous messaging with therapists offer convenience for the user, too.

Our tester, Mary Dennis, used Regain’s couples therapy for one month, noting an overall positive experience with the service from its simple sign-up process to a supportive relationship with her therapist.

Regain’s adaptability allows you to find support that suits your lifestyle. Each partner can access the therapy session from a different location, whether it’s a video, audio, or live chat session. Additionally, the platform offers a wide range of therapists of various backgrounds, qualifications, and license types, allowing you to choose a therapist from the comfort of your home without feeling limited.

Although the platform doesn’t accept insurance, its straightforward, subscription-based pricing and financial aid options attempt to address the service’s affordability for users while maintaining price transparency.

It’s worth noting, however, that Regain’s parent company, BetterHelp, has faced concerns over data security and its use of client data for marketing purposes.

 Despite these concerns, many users find Regain’s benefits, including convenience, accessibility, and variety of therapists, to be well worth considering.
OnlineTherapy.com

Best for CBT Therapy

Online-Therapy.com

Pros

  • All therapists specialize in CBT
  • Includes meditation videos and CBT worksheets
  • Financial aid available
  • Easy sign-up

Cons

  • Does not accept insurance
  • CBT may not be a good fit for all couples
  • Cost: $200 to $440 per month
  • Accepts insurance: No
  • Session format: Video, audio, or live chat
  • States where available: 50

Of all the online therapy services we tested, Online-Therapy.com stood out as the best choice for couples seeking cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) because of its emphasis on the therapeutic approach. Unlike other platforms that offer a broad range of modalities, Online-Therapy.com is fully dedicated to CBT (and employs only therapists who are trained in the approach) making it the ideal option for couples specifically interested in this evidence-based treatment.

The focus on CBT includes a structured, goal-oriented approach, which is perfect for couples looking to actively work through specific issues such as communication breakdowns, negative thinking patterns, or relationship conflicts. Studies have proven the effectiveness of CBT when working with couples, and CBT also has been the foundation for other common couples therapy models, such as the Gottman method.

But CBT might not be a good fit for couples looking to resolve deeper emotional issues, such as a history of trauma, abuse, or lack of accountability in one or both partners. In these cases, a more emotionally focused approach is appropriate.

Another reason Online-Therapy.com stands out is the variety of appointment formats available. Couples can choose between video, audio, or live chat sessions, ensuring partners can find a communication format that works best for them.

Though the company does not accept insurance, financial aid options are available depending on income level and household size.

Couples Learn

Best for Couples Trauma Treatment

Couples Learn

Pros

  • Highly specialized in couples therapy
  • Offers trauma-informed modalities
  • Smaller company with a focus on client experience

Cons

  • Does not accept insurance
  • Therapist availability might be limited
  • Cost: $150 to $550 per session
  • Accepts insurance: No
  • Session format: Video
  • States where available: 35, but depends on therapist's availability

Couples Learn is a standout option for couples who are dealing with trauma together. Its trauma-informed and client-focused approach, as well as the expertise of its therapists, make it an ideal choice for couples who need help recovering from traumatic experiences.

Because it is a smaller company, Couples Learn has the capacity to provide trauma-informed treatment, such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, such as moving the eyes back and forth, to change how a person processes a memory or emotion. Studies demonstrate its effectiveness in couples to strengthen attachment bonds between the partners.

Even though there is only one therapist, and therefore availability might be limited, our tester, Mary Dennis states, “The therapist makes herself very approachable and easy to book with her website. Couples Learn contained all the intimacy of booking privately, with all the convenience of booking with an online company.”

Although the high cost and insurance limitations are something to consider, the quality of care and the focus on the couple’s healing journey make Couples Learn a worthwhile investment for those in need of trauma recovery support.

OurRitual

Best for Premarital Counseling

OurRitual

Pros

  • Uses only licensed therapists
  • Focuses specifically on relationships
  • Includes additional lessons and exercises for between sessions
  • Reasonable fees for couples therapy

Cons

  • Doesn’t accept insurance
  • Sessions are only 40 minutes
  • Requires multi-month packages
  • Cost: $65 to $160 per session
  • Accepts insurance: No
  • Session format: Video
  • States available in: 50

Not all the companies we tested provided specific premarital counseling, but OurRitual did and remains a reliable choice because of its structured, goal-oriented approach. Its multi-month packages, complete with video lessons and journaling exercises, provide couples with tools to strengthen their relationship both during and between sessions. Packages may also encourage you to complete the premarital counseling process before your wedding date.

When testing OurRitual, Jen Sinclair reported finding value in the additional activities and resources offered through the platform. She states, “The video and journal pathways offer couples a unique opportunity to learn and grow both apart through the use of the pathways and together in sessions. Since both accounts are separate, couples never see each other's answers. The counselor is the only one who sees both, and they use these to guide planning for the combined sessions.”

For premarital therapy to be most effective, it must cover a wide range of topics, from finances and sex to values, communication, and gender roles.

 The multi-month format offered by OurRitual can enhance this process by giving couples ample time to explore these complex issues in depth. The extended timeline allows couples to tackle one topic at a time, ensuring they’re not overwhelmed and can revisit themes that need further exploration. Helping couples commit to long-term growth and consistent focus on key areas of their relationship is essential for premarital therapy.

That said, the commitment of time and money required for OurRitual might not be the best fit for every couple. Without the use of insurance benefits, OurRitual’s services could feel out of reach for couples on a budget, limiting accessibility for those who need it most.

Grouport

Best for Group Therapy

Grouport

Pros

  • Wide range of meeting times available
  • Affordable pricing
  • DBT skills training offered nationwide
  • Group matching available

Cons

  • Does not accept insurance
  • Groups are available in only 4 states
  • Group therapy may not be a good fit for all couples
  • Cost: $140 per month per person
  • Accepts insurance: No
  • Session format: Video
  • States where available: 4

We chose Grouport as the best option for group therapy because it offers structured group therapy led by licensed therapists. Grouport provides therapy groups aimed at multiple, specific topics — including one designed for individuals and couples facing relationship challenges. As a whole, the platform focuses on group therapy via video sessions, allowing users to benefit from shared experiences and peer support in a safe, guided environment. Grouport’s prioritization of group therapy ensures its attention on maintaining and improving the quality of groups, too.

Grouport operates its topical groups in just four states (New York, New Jersey, Florida, and Georgia as well as Washington, DC), which limits accessibility for some couples. Still, access to its general dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills groups is nationwide. DBT is a method of therapy that teaches skills for emotional regulation, mindfulness, and better communication. Studies demonstrate DBT skills can greatly improve relationships with high conflict or intense feelings by teaching better coping strategies.

The ability to match couples with the right group further enhances the experience with this platform, according to our tester, Katie Mannion. Instead of an automated process, a care coordinator reached out to her via email to arrange scheduling and a therapist match. She also noted that group attendees appeared to be the same week to week, indicating other users felt they found the right group(s) for them. Additionally, Gouport allows a maximum of 12 attendees per group, so it's easy to grow comfortable with the group environment even if you have not tried this type of therapy before.

Group therapy may not be the right fit for all couples, though. It can be beneficial for couples dealing with common relationship challenges, like communication issues or emotional regulation, as they can gain insights from both the therapist and other participants. But it may not be the best fit for couples who need more personalized, one-on-one attention or those dealing with more specific, private issues. These issues might include navigating traumatic experiences, infidelity, or a conflict in values.

Finally, we appreciate the variety of meeting times available through Grouport as well as the affordable pricing of $35 per week per person (or $70 per week for a couple), making it easy to find a group that fits almost anyone’s schedule and budget.

Grow

Best for In-Person Options

Grow Therapy

Pros

  • Accepts 51 insurance plans
  • Provides in-person and virtual therapy options
  • Couples can choose their own therapist
  • Wide variety of search filters

Cons

  • Out-of-pocket costs vary by provider
  • Video platform may be prone to technical issues
  • Cost: $150 to $275 per session
  • Accepts insurance: Yes
  • Session format: Video
  • States where available: 50

Not all the companies we tested offer in-person options — in fact, most of them don’t — but of the few that did, Grow Therapy stands out for its widespread availability in all 50 states.

Grow Therapy has a strong focus on helping patients find a provider they can afford, which is one of the highlights our tester, Julia Childs Heyl, points out. Whether it is a therapist who accepts your insurance or has a session fee that aligns with your budget, you can choose your therapist through cost considerations as well as other possible search filters on Grow Therapy’s platform. This can be important when considering two partners with different preferences and budgets.

Our tester did notice some technical difficulties with virtual video sessions, but it was manageable. She found that her therapist responded to the technical difficulties with ease and open communication, which helped her feel confident enough to still highly recommend the platform to others.

Zocdoc

Best Directory

Zocdoc

Pros

  • Easy-to-read therapist bios
  • Can choose your own therapist
  • Easy online scheduling and appointment reminders

Cons

  • Some providers may not accept insurance
  • Therapist availability depends on where you live
  • Cost: Varies with provider
  • Accepts insurance: Some providers do
  • Session format: N/A
  • States where available: 50

Of the 46 online therapy companies tested, Zocdoc makes an impression by serving as a directory rather than a therapy provider. Zocdoc allows couples to filter by therapist specialties, availability, and even insurance coverage, giving them more control over their search.

Brittany Vargas, an Everyday Health writer who tested Zocdoc, emphasizes how user-friendly the platform’s search process and results page are. During testing, she found that the results page clearly indicated which therapists had immediate availability, including next-day or same-day availability. The providers’ bio pages were also incredibly detailed, especially in comparison with other online therapy companies, and included information like the therapists’ specialties, approaches used, client reviews, prices per session, and accepted insurance plans.

Likewise, we were excited by the extensive backgrounds and training available in therapists listed on Zocdoc. Not only were conventional therapy modalities represented, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, but our tester was able to find therapists trained in cutting-edge approaches, like somatic therapy or internal family systems, a therapy that helps people understand and heal different parts of themselves—like their inner critic or their protective side. This can be beneficial for a couple looking for a therapist with a more out-of-the-box approach.

Another key highlight is that, unlike other directories, appointments can be booked directly through the platform without having to contact the therapist through another website. Availability in certain areas might be limited, but the ease of use and wide selection of therapists make it a top choice for couples needing to locate a qualified clinician.

Circles

Best for Navigating Divorce

Circles

Pros

  • Can preserve your anonymity through audio-only groups
  • No limit on sessions
  • Variety of meeting times available
  • Affordable pricing
  • Specializes in divorce and narcissistic abuse

Cons

  • Does not accept insurance
  • Audio-only may not be a good fit for everyone
  • Cost: $29.99 per month
  • Accepts insurance: No
  • Session format: Audio
  • States where available: 50

While there are numerous online therapy platforms that offer patients help with navigating divorce and narcissistic abuse, Circles is the only one that focuses solely on this issue. Through online, audio-based groups, Circles prioritizes your comfort and flexibility during a difficult time.

Circles users gain access to an unlimited number of group sessions for $29.99 per month, making it a cost-effective solution for those looking for ongoing support throughout the divorce process. We like that its audio-only groups allow you to maintain your anonymity while still receiving valuable support. This feature can be especially appealing to individuals who might feel uncomfortable with video therapy or who need extra privacy, especially when dealing with sensitive issues like divorce or narcissistic abuse. It offers a safe space to talk openly without feeling exposed.

Raki Swanson, our tester for Circles, noted the company’s prioritization of educating its users about narcissism. It began with the intake, in which she answered questions such as “How has your narcissistic relationship affected other relationships?” and “How are you dealing with your narcissistic relationship at this time?” to see if she was a good fit for the groups. In the Circles app, Raki also found informational articles about narcissism, such as what narcissism is, how to recognize it in others, and how to not lose yourself in it.

Education about narcissism is essential in helping the other partner understand how the condition affects them and to support their healing after divorce. It also highlights the role narcissism played in their relationship through patterns of deep admiration followed by intense competition from the diagnosed spouse.

 The person healing can begin to move forward knowing that these ups and downs weren’t a reflection of their self-worth, but rather the unhealthy behavior of their ex, allowing them to let go of guilt and focus on rebuilding their own life with confidence.

While the audio-only format may not be ideal for everyone — especially for those who prefer face-to-face interaction or the visual cues that video therapy offers — it didn’t prevent our tester from recommending the service. For many users, the privacy and convenience of audio-only sessions are a huge advantage for the sensitive issues of divorce and healing from narcissistic abuse.

Comparison Table

Superlative
Cost
Session Format
Best for Those New to Couples Therapy
$69 to $109 per week
Video, audio, or live chat
Best With Insurance
$150 to $350 per session
Video
Most Personalized Approach
$200 per session
Video
Most Flexibility
$260 to $360 per month
Video, audio, or live chat
Best for CBT Therapy
$200 to $440 per month
Video, audio, or live chat
Best for Couples Trauma Treatment
$150 to $550 per session
Video
Best for Premarital Counseling
$65 to $160 per session
Video
Best for Group Therapy
$140 per month
Video
Best for In-Person Options
$150 to $275 per session
Video
Best Directory
Varies based on provider
N/A
Best for Navigating Divorce
$29.99 per month
Audio

Other Noteworthy Online Couples Therapy Services We Tried

We’ve tested more than 40 online therapy services to find the top options available. While the following platforms didn’t quite make our list of best online couples therapy services, they all have important features that we think are still worth mentioning.

Thriveworks offers online individual, family, and couples therapy, with prices ranging from $135 to $195 per session in 49 states. We like that it accepts over 500 commercial insurance plans and includes medication management services. But some of our testers had issues getting their insurance to approve coverage for Thriveworks’ services.

For more about Thriveworks, check out our full review or visit the site at Thriveworks.com.

Growing Self offers online and in-person couples therapy, with prices ranging from $105 to $170 per session. When we tested it, we liked its kind customer service and the impressive qualifications of its therapists. Unfortunately, the service is limited to the state of Colorado.

For more about Growing Self, check out our full review or visit the site at GrowingSelf.com.

Little Otter offers therapy and psychiatry services for children and parents, with prices ranging from $200 to $350 per session in 14 states. We like that it includes parenting support and couples counseling to strengthen the overall family unit. But it ultimately didn’t make our list because of its limitations in state availability and its prioritization of child therapy.

For more about Little Otter, check out our full review or visit the site at LittleOtterHealth.com.

OurRelationship offers structured, self-guided relationship counseling, with prices ranging from $99 to $249 in all 50 states. For couples who aren’t interested in self-guided treatment, we appreciated that the platform also offers couples the option to work with a relationship coach as they make their way through the program. We think this is a worthy program, but it’s not ideal for couples looking for true therapy.

For more about OurRelationship, check out our full review or visit the site at OurRelationship.com.

How We Tested Online Couples Therapy Services

We tested 46 different online couples therapy services to give you the most comprehensive and reliable information possible. To ensure accuracy and relevance, our team of testers used each service firsthand, assessing key factors such as affordability, insurance coverage, therapist availability, therapist qualifications, and ease of sign-up.

In addition to direct testing, we also consulted with two licensed therapists to gather professional insights on what makes couples therapy effective:

To complement our hands-on approach, we surveyed our team of editors and writers about their experiences with these services. Our thorough methodology ensures that our recommendations are both trustworthy and well-informed, keeping the experience of our readers in mind.

Our testers came from a variety of professional and personal backgrounds in order for us to provide an assortment of experience:

  • Raki Swanson, a health journalist, tested couples therapy at Talkspace and group therapy at Circles.
  • Erin Heger, a health journalist, tested individual therapy at Talkspace.
  • Jen Sinclair, health and wellness writer, tested individual and family therapy at Rula as well as couples therapy on Ritual.
  • Mary Dennis, a health and science writer, tested couples therapy on Couples Learn and Regain.
  • Katie Mannion, a writer and occupational therapy assistant, tested Grouport’s services.
  • Julia Childs Heyl, a clinical social worker and mental health writer, tested services at Grow Therapy and Thriveworks.
  • Brittany Vargas, a professional journalist, tested individual therapy at Zocdoc.
  • Allison Tsai tested couples therapy at Growing Self.
  • Julia Pelly, MPH, a certified lactation counselor and doula, tested therapy services at OurRelationship and Little Otter.
  • I personally tested couples therapy at Ours and Online-Therapy.com in addition to writing this roundup.

As a licensed marriage and family therapist, I utilized my clinical expertise and professional background to evaluate the effectiveness of couples therapy across these online platforms according to the experiences of myself and our testers.

What to Look For When Signing Up for Couples Therapy

When choosing a provider for couples therapy, or an online couples therapy service, it’s important to consider key factors that can significantly impact your experience and outcomes. Here are some essential pieces to consider:

  • Cost and Insurance Coverage Look into pricing options and check if the service accepts insurance — it can make a big difference in the affordability of therapy.
  • Therapist Qualifications Make sure the therapists are licensed and experienced in couples counseling to get the most effective support. Various types of therapy, such as sex therapy or emotionally focused therapy, are beneficial for various types of couples.
  • Session Availability Consider whether the platform offers session times that align with your schedule, especially since it can be hard to balance your partner’s schedule and potential childcare requirements.
  • Privacy and Confidentiality Look for services with transparent policies on data use and marketing to ensure your information won’t be shared or used in ways you're uncomfortable with.
  • Specialized Services Some platforms offer specific types of therapy, such as CBT or the Gottman method. Others might provide a focused approach on particular relationship challenges, such as recovering from infidelity or becoming new parents.
  • User Experience A user-friendly platform can make scheduling and connecting with your therapist much simpler.

Why Is Couples Therapy Not Covered by Insurance?

Couples therapy with some providers may be covered by insurance. In order for insurance to cover any service, it must be deemed “medically necessary.” It is possible to use insurance benefits for couples therapy because there is a “growing link between marital distress and a host of related … mental health problems,” according to the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy.

What Is the Difference Between Therapy and Coaching?

The main difference between therapy and coaching is that therapy helps people work through emotional or mental health issues, often dealing with past trauma or challenges. Coaching is more about setting goals and making improvements for the future. While therapy is usually provided by licensed professionals who follow legal and ethical codes, coaching is often offered by certified coaches who may not have clinical training and do not have a supervisory board regulating them.

Is Group Therapy Effective for Couples?

Studies have found positive effects of focused group therapy on relationship satisfaction and emotional regulation.

“Online group therapy can be helpful in normalizing a lot of the struggles couples experience,” states the licensed clinical psychologist Maya Weir. “As a result, couples will feel less alone with their struggles which can be reassuring.” It's important that these struggles are things most couples experience, such as communication issues or difficulty setting boundaries. Group therapy may not be effective for couples who need more in-depth attention, such as severe trust issues or history of abuse.

FAQ

Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?

Online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for many people, especially for issues like anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. The convenience and accessibility of online therapy also make it a great option for those who prefer meeting from home or have busy schedules.

Couples therapy costs can vary widely, but in general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $75 to $300 per session. Prices depend on factors like the therapist's experience, location, and the type or format of the therapy offered.
Not all couples therapy is covered by insurance because many plans see it as relationship support rather than treating a specific mental health condition. Coverage can also depend on the details of your plan, so it’s important to check with your insurance company and your therapist.
The best therapist for couples is usually someone who specializes in relational work, such as being trained in a couple therapy approach. Therapists trained in emotionally focused therapy (EFT) can help couples address attachment issues, while those trained in the Gottman method are skilled in conflict resolution and communication.

Why Trust Everyday Health

We independently investigate and recommend products and services we believe will enrich the lives of our readers and meet their specific needs. You can trust our reviews because we do the legwork for you. Read more about why you can trust us.

Riley Blanton, MS, LMFT

Author

Riley Blanton, MS, LMFT, is a clinician specializing in reproductive mental health care in Wichita, Kansas, and an experienced freelance health writer. Her articles have covered topics such as mental health, pregnancy, perinatal and postpartum health, abortion care, the foster care system and adoption, women's health, and the care of children with disabilities. Her work has been published in Health, Parents, Verywell Mind, and Verywell Health.

Riley served as the communications director for the Kansas State Chapter of Postpartum Support International, an organization that aims to promote the awareness, education, prevention, and treatment of perinatal mental health issues affecting parents, families, and caregivers and she remains a member of this organization. She is also the founder of the research-based website Postpartum Brain and a private practice, Holding New Therapy, that specializes in perinatal mental health.

She received a master's degree in marriage and family therapy from Friends University, where her thesis focused on the relationship stressors that can arise with child-bearing couples. She also received a bachelor's degree in psychology from Old Dominion University.

In her free time, Riley enjoys reading voraciously, baking with rambunctious toddlers, and writing poetry.

Erin Heger

Tester

Erin Heger is a freelance journalist with more than 10 years combined experience in health writing and healthcare advocacy. Her reporting and essays have covered mental health, wellness, fitness, nutrition, and healthcare policy. You can find her byline in The Atlantic, Business Insider, HuffPost, and many other publications.

Before freelancing full time, Erin worked in healthcare advocacy as a community organizer for a reproductive rights organization and as a health insurance navigator at a community health center.

As a writer, Erin strives to empower readers with clear, accessible information to help readers make the best choices for themselves and their families.

Outside of work, Erin enjoys reading fiction, listening to podcasts, running, and watching reality TV. She lives in Kansas City with her husband and three children.

Jen Sinclair

Tester

Jen Sinclair Is a freelance health and wellness writer who has spent the last two years writing feature articles and reviews of mental health and medical services and products. Her work has been published by Verywell Mind, Verywell Health, Health, and Parents. Prior to this, she worked for six years as a copywriter and blog writer for several legal and healthcare businesses, and as a paralegal for 15 years.

Jen currently lives with her husband and children in St. Augustine, Florida, where she enjoys spending time outdoors paddling waterways, driving around with the top off her Jeep, or trekking around with her writer hiker pals.

Mary Dennis

Tester

Mary Dennis is a Singaporean American health and science writer based in New York. Her work has been published in the Beijinger, Nautilus, South China Morning Post, Motherly, and Verywell Mind.

Her interest in covering mental health increased after the pandemic revealed our society's increasing need for care and information about how to manage our emotional health. She is passionate about maternal mental health issues in particular, and is the founder of Postpartum Brain, a website designed to educate and encourage people to learn more about perinatal mental health issues.

Mary has a masters degree in science journalism from Columbia University.

Julia Childs Heyl, MSW

Tester

Julia Childs Heyl, MSW, is a California-based clinical social worker and mental health writer. Her writing often focuses on mental health disparities and uses critical race theory as her preferred theoretical framework. She has been published by Verywell Mind, Health, Parents, Shape, Yahoo, and more.

In her clinical work, Julia specializes in treating people of color experiencing anxiety, depression, and trauma through depth therapy and EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) trauma therapy. Identifying as a holistic-minded clinician, Julia views mental health as a relationship between the soul, self, and systemic structures in our lives. Her formative training includes developing mental health programming specifically for Black survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and conducting research on generational trauma within the Black community.

Brittany Vargas

Tester

Brittany Elyse Vargas has been a professional writer and journalist for over a decade and has been exploring topics around mental health, mind-body medicine, health, wellness, and psycho-spiritual development for the past 20 years.

As a trauma-informed health journalist, she is a regular contributor to Everyday Health, Medscape and Verywell Mind. Her byline has also appeared in Yahoo Life, Shape, Integrative Practitioner, Business Insider, and BBC Travel, among others.

Brittany is also a certified Reiki Master who has been practicing since 2010.

She received her bachelor's degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara and is a proud Californian. In her spare time, she loves practicing yoga, dancing, hiking, and traveling.

Katie Mannion

Tester

Katie Mannion is a St. Louis–based writer and occupational therapy assistant with clinical experience across multiple healthcare and education settings.

As a writer, Katie covers an array of topics, but is particularly focused on health, mental well-being, and skincare. Her work has been featured in publications such as People, SheKnows, and Yahoo, among other outlets.

In her free time, she enjoys kickboxing, watching reality TV shows, and spending time with her son.

Raki Swanson

Tester

Raki Swanson is a Minnesota-based freelance health writer and married mother to two adult children. She has experience covering mental health, fitness, food, and lifestyle topics, as well as significant experience reviewing and testing products for the Marketplace team, including online therapy, fitness gear, and food.

She received a bachelor's degree in applied psychology from St. Cloud University in Minnesota. She has also worked as a business development manager at a Fortune 500 company in Minnesota, and spent several years living in the south of France while growing up, which inspired her love of travel and food.

When she's not writing, you can find her reading, blogging, and enjoying being an empty nester with her husband, two dogs, and tabby cat named Kevin.

EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
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