Marriage Counseling & Couples Therapy Near Me: Finding A Therapist

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, and how can it help?

Couples therapy refers to therapy in which both partners in a romantic relationship meet with a therapist together for support with their relationship. 

Common reasons couples seek therapy

Couples may seek therapy for various relationship problems, including: 

• Navigating conflict
• Improving communication
• Healing from infidelity
• Overcoming jealousy or relationship insecurity
• Improving emotional or physical intimacy
• Navigating major life changes
• Working through disagreements about parenting and finances
• Dealing with mental health challenges that may impact the relationship, like anxiety, depression, or substance use

Benefits for individuals and relationships

Signs you may benefit from couples therapy

Most couples can benefit from couples therapy, even if they are not experiencing any challenges. That said, some couples may seek therapy when they have relationship problems that feel overwhelming or difficult to manage.

Relationship challenges that often bring couples to therapy

Couples may seek treatment for ongoing or frequent conflicts that never seem to resolve, growing gaps in physical or emotional intimacy, and communication challenges. Therapy can give couples a safe space to explore these challenges, improve communication, and identify and address other potential concerns before they escalate into more complex issues.

Mental health and relational overlap

When one partner has mental health struggles, it can have a profound impact on the relationship. For example, someone with anxiety may constantly seek reassurance, while someone with depression might withdraw or refuse to engage. In time, these personal challenges can contribute to various relationship problems. Therapy can help partners understand how mental health challenges intersect with relationship dynamics and learn how to cope with these challenges together.

Types of couples therapy approaches

Couples therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. Different approaches are aimed at fixing different problems, and some models may be a better fit for some couples than others.

Evidence based models

There are several approaches to couples therapy that have been studied and shown to help strengthen relationships. For example, the Gottman Method, developed by the Gottman Institute through extensive research, focuses on building healthy communication skills, strengthening emotional connections, and learning conflict management skills. Another example is emotionally focused therapy, which focuses on identifying negative cycles and strengthening emotional bonds.

Short term vs longer term couples therapy

Couple therapy can vary in length depending on the couple’s specific goals and challenges. For couples who have specific concerns or who are trying to work through a particular challenge, therapy may be short-term. For those who are coping with more complex challenges, a more extensive treatment journey may be necessary to support long-term well-being.

How to find couples therapy near you

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.

Using therapist directories and professional listings

• 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 offer detailed listings of therapists within their network, which can cut down on your search time. 
• 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. 
• 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.

Low cost and accessible options

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 who are 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 of healing and hope.

Online couples therapy as an alternative

If you are having trouble finding a couples therapist in your area, you can also consider online couples therapy as an accessible, flexible option that can allow you to build lasting connections and make meaningful change from the comfort of home.

When online couples therapy may be a good fit

Through an online relationship therapy platform like BetterHelp’s sister site Regain, you can meet with a couples therapist from wherever you have an internet connection, eliminating the need for a long commute and expanding your options for available providers. Online couples therapy may also be a convenient solution for couples seeking support on their journey who cannot be (or do not want to be) in the same physical location. While traditional couples or marriage therapy requires couples to be in the same office together, online couples therapy allows couples to join sessions from separate locations.

Getting started with BetterHelp or Regain

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 can 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 fill out a short questionnaire to connect with a licensed mental health professional who aligns with your needs.

What to expect in couples therapy sessions

Couples therapy sessions can be safe spaces where the therapist creates a structured, supportive environment in which both partners are heard and supported. Every therapist is different, but sessions may have various things in common.

First sessions and goal setting

Your first session may focus on understanding each partner's perspective on the challenges they’re facing. Your therapist may ask about the history of your relationship, what your concerns about the relationship are, and any individual stressors that may affect each partner. This can give the therapist a deeper understanding not only of the challenges in your relationship but also of your strengths as individuals and as a couple.

Building skills and practicing between sessions

After the initial meeting, sessions may shift toward building relationship skills, like communication and conflict resolution. Therapists may assign homework for couples to work on between sessions to support ongoing healing in everyday life.

Costs, insurance, and affordability

The average cost of couples therapy in the US is often around $175 to $250 per session, without insurance. However, there are various options available that may help you reduce out-of-pocket costs and make marriage counseling work for your budget.

Typical costs and insurance considerations

• Using insurance: In some cases, insurance plans may cover couples counseling or marriage therapy if certain criteria are met. For example, some plans may require that at least one partner have a diagnosed mental health condition. To determine if your health insurance plan may cover couples therapy, you can contact your insurance company directly. 
• Seeking sliding-scale providers: Some therapy providers offer sliding-scale fees for therapy, which means that the cost of services adjusts based on a person’s income. 
• Considering online options: You can also consider online therapy options, which may be more affordable. For instance, the cost of online relationship therapy through Regain ranges from $70 to $100 per week, making it a more affordable option for those experiencing relationship issues or mental health concerns that are impacting their relationship. Pricing is based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability, and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply.

When couples therapy may not be appropriate

While research has found that couples therapy can be an effective way to address relationship challenges, there are some situations in which other types of support may be necessary. 

Situations requiring individual or crisis support

Couples therapy may not be appropriate in relationships where there is active abuse or serious safety concerns. In these cases, crisis services can be better suited to providing the protection, resources, and immediate support that individual partners may need. Crisis interventions may also be needed in the event of urgent mental health challenges, including severe anxiety, depression, or risk of self-harm.

How couples therapy supports long-term relationship health

While couples therapy can be an effective way to manage relationship challenges, it can also help build a solid foundation and a resilient partnership. 

From crisis support to growth

Many couples may go to therapy during periods of disconnection, conflict, or stress. In time, the focus of sessions can shift from crisis management to nurturing growth and preventing additional challenges. The skills learned in couples therapy can promote long-term well-being and build lasting connections that help navigate future challenges.

Viewing therapy as a shared journey

Therapy can be most effective when couples view it as a journey they are on together. Progress may not happen overnight, so partners may need to commit to patience, effort, and openness to change. By working together, partners can move forward with a sense of hope for the future.