Marriage Counseling & Couples Therapy Near Me

Given the complex dynamics at play in each unique relationship, conflicts and concerns may occasionally arise. For help navigating these, couples can find compassionate support in couples therapy. Also referred to as couples counseling, relationship counseling, or marriage counseling, this type of therapy can help partners address the unique challenges they are facing and build a stronger, healthier relationship.  

Couples therapists are licensed professionals trained to support couples with various goals and at various points in their relationship—from new couples in the early stages of dating to married couples who have been together for decades. 

Understanding how to find a professional couples therapist in your area can be beneficial when seeking services for the first time, as various types of couples therapy exist. To get started, you can check with your insurance company to find in-network providers, search reputable therapist directories, and use online platforms if local options are limited. That said, please note that many health insurance plans in the U.S. may not offer coverage for couples or family therapies, so be sure to check with your insurance provider to understand what is included in your particular policy. 

What is couples therapy?

Couples therapy refers to therapy in which both partners in a romantic relationship meet with a therapist together for support with their relationship. The term “couples therapy” is often used interchangeably with several other closely related terms:

• Marriage therapy: Marriage therapy, or marital therapy, refers to therapy for married couples. Similarly, marriage counseling, or marital counseling, refers to couples counseling for married couples.
• Couples counseling: Couples counseling refers to a type of counseling focused on concerns between romantic partners; according to the American Psychological Association, it is typically short-term and problem-oriented.
• Relationship therapy and relationship counseling:Relationship therapy is considered an umbrella term that refers to any type of therapy focused on improving relationships between individuals. The term “relationship counseling” may also be used in this way.

In couples therapy, couples can work with their therapist to address any challenges they are facing and strengthen their relationship in the ways that are most important to them.

Couples therapy and marriage counseling vs. family therapy

When looking for a family therapist, it can be helpful to understand the specific credentials and specialties you may be seeking. Many family therapists may hold the credential of Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT); however, other mental health professionals may also offer family therapy, such as Psychologists (PhD, PsyD), Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), or Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC), if they have the appropriate training and expertise.

How to search locally for a couples therapist

If you are ready to seek couples counseling, there are several ways to find a couples and marriage therapist in your area. Consider the following tips when starting your search.

1. Use your health insurance portal to help you find a therapist

You can reach out to your insurance company, if you have one, to ask about in-network therapists. Some insurance companies may have online portals that list therapists within their network, which can cut down on your search time. 

2. Use reputable directories and search online

Conducting a search online (with a phrase like "relationship counseling” or “couples therapist near me") may help you find potential therapists. You can also try searching reputable therapist directories, which often let you filter your search. 

3. Get a referral for treatment

If you currently have an individual therapist or primary care provider, you may be able to ask for a referral to someone they know in your area who offers couples therapy. In some cases, depending on your insurance plan, a doctor’s referral may also increase the chances of being covered by insurance.

4. Visit a local mental health clinic

Some areas may have clinics or organizations of several therapists that work together under one practice and offer services for couples, individuals, or families. You can also try visiting a general mental health clinic and asking for suggestions on where to find qualified relationship counselors accepting clients. 

While these steps focus on how to find couples therapists, if you are looking for support with family relationships, you can follow a similar process to find experienced family therapists near you.

If you currently have an individual therapist, you may be able to ask for a referral to someone they know in your area that offers couples therapy. Your provider may have some history on the types of treatment that function well for you and may be able to let you know if there are therapists near you that could help you meet your goals. 

When to seek couples counseling

Couples therapy can be helpful for many different concerns and at many different stages of a relationship—from married couples navigating mental health concerns to new couples experiencing communication challenges. While couples therapy can help couples experiencing significant relationship issues, it can also be beneficial early on, as it can help couples address initial concerns before they become more substantial. Some policy efforts have even been made to increase the use of premarital counseling, also called pre-marriage counseling or pre-marriage counselling (UK), with the aim of reducing divorce rates.

Common reasons couples might seek therapy can include: 

• Communication challenges
• Sexual dysfunction 
• A lack of intimacy or emotional closeness
• Mismatching love languages
• Infertility and family planning
• Open relationships or polyamory 
• Infidelity (cheating or affairs) 
• Financial struggles
• Long-distance relationships
• Mental health concerns impacting the relationship
• Traumatic joint or individual experiences

Couples therapy can be beneficial for any couple looking to improve or grow in any aspect of their connection, helping them maintain a healthy relationship and strengthen their bond.

How to choose a provider

To find the right couples therapist or marriage counselor for you, some of the following steps may be helpful: 

1. Consider their credentials: Finding a qualified therapist can be crucial for receiving quality care. You may encounter therapists with various credentials, including Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, and Licensed Professional Counselors. 
2. Consider their specialties: Some couples may be looking for marriage counselors experienced in supporting LGBTQIA+ couples, while others may be looking for relationship counselors skilled in helping couples deepen intimacy.
3. Consider their approach: You can also consider the particular approaches that a therapist offers. Common modalities include emotionally focused therapy (EFT), the Gottman method, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
4. Consider the personality fit: It can also be important to consider how well you and your partner gel with your therapist. You might ask yourselves if you both feel comfortable and at ease, and if there are any personal preferences you have regarding your therapist’s background.

Skills and outcomes you can practice 

In relationship therapy sessions, you and your partner can work on developing various skills to help support a healthy relationship, such as the following:

• Goal-setting: In sessions, you can work on setting realistic goals as a couple that enhance your relationship as well as your mental and physical health.
• Communication: Many couples may choose to work on developing stronger communication skills in therapy to boost understanding and connection.
• Trust repair: If infidelity has occurred, rebuilding trust in therapy can be a key part of a couple’s marriage counseling work.
• Conflict de-escalation and resolution: Couples can also learn healthier ways to de-escalate and resolve conflict.

Online therapy and marriage counseling options

If you are having difficulty finding a qualified therapist in your area, using an online platform like BetterHelp for individuals or Regain (operated by BetterHelp) for couples may be a convenient alternative. With vast networks of qualified mental health professionals, these platforms make it easier to find therapists experienced in helping others with similar concerns. Rather than having to do all the research yourself to find an appropriate provider, with Regain and BetterHelp, you simply fill out a short questionnaire to connect with a licensed mental health professional who aligns with your needs. For couples experiencing relationship challenges, online therapy may be particularly helpful, as it allows partners to join therapy sessions from separate locations. 

Plus, research has shown online couples therapy to be just as effective as in-person therapy: a recent study examined the effects of couples therapy delivered through videoconferencing on relationship outcomes and mental health, and it concluded that “videoconferencing was as effective as face-to-face delivery.”