Best Online Marriage Counseling Services Of 2023

To source the best services for online marriage counseling, Forbes Health analyzes data across a number of online therapy providers, specifically looking at those who specialize in marriage and counseling. Among those platforms, star rankings were assigned solely by the editorial team and based on the following factors:

• Price and length per session
• Insurance options
• Inclusive therapy options offered
• Therapist availability
• Platform security
• Mobile app availability

Online marriage counseling is a mode of therapy that takes place online, such as through video conferencing. Similar to in-person sessions, regular online appointments with couples counselors can help people in partnerships enhance their communication, work on trust issues and reduce conflict.

“In many cases, [online couples counseling] is more accessible and convenient because it reduces the amount of time couples need to take off work for travel to and from an office,” says Angela Amais, a psychotherapist and couples counselor in Iowa City, Iowa. “Some couples also appreciate the privacy that online marriage counseling affords since they never need to sit in a waiting room in a therapy office.”

How Does Marriage Counseling Work?

When starting marriage counseling, you will first decide whether you’d like to attend sessions in person or online. The availability of both may vary depending on your location and your chosen platform.

Marriage counseling research has shown that couple-based interventions may help address already present concerns in either or both partners, including those that are emotional, behavioral and even physical. While some couples may see a large reduction in overall distress surrounding the relationship, it’s important to note that marriage counseling may not be for everyone or the only solution to issues within a relationship.

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The average online marriage counseling session may last anywhere from 45 to 60 minutes, though some practices may offer longer appointments initially as you establish care. Sessions take place depending on the frequency that feels right for you, your partner and your therapist. To begin your session, you will receive a link to a secure, confidential and HIPAA-compliant online platform, says Emily Stone, Ph.D., a licensed marriage and family therapist in Austin, Texas.

“The first session will focus on reviewing expectations and goals,” she says, “The therapist often will explain more about how he or she works, what theories, approaches and interventions he or she uses, and what you can expect in terms of structure.”

Stone recommends taking time to ensure your therapist and the method they employ are a good fit for you and your partner. Your therapist might use one of the following approaches to couples therapy:

Gottman Method: With this approach—developed and researched by John Gottman and Julie Schwartz Gottman—your therapist will focus your conversations on the behaviors that harm relationships, such as criticism, contempt, defensiveness and stonewalling.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Often used for anxiety and depression, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be used in couples counseling to pinpoint the source of relationship issues and focus on improving communication.

Emotion-Focused Therapy: This approach allows you and your partner to discover the emotions driving conflict in your relationship, and find ways to address them.

Imago Relationship Therapy: A therapist would use this method to explore patterns stemming from past trauma, and to explore how these experiences cause conflict in your relationship.

Solution-Focused Therapy: A therapist using this approach would help couples seeking support for one or two issues, creating a plan that encourages you to work on them outside of your sessions.

Online marriage counseling may be a good option for couples who are deterred from in-person therapy for a number of reasons, such as financial cost or limited access to therapists locally. Online therapy allows clients to find the help they need—often at a lower cost—from the comfort of their own home, negating the need for long commutes or childcare arrangements^[1]Megale A, Peterson E, Friedlander M.L. How Effective is Online Couple Relationship Education? A Systematic Meta-Content Review. Contemporary Family Therapy. 2021. .

“Online couples therapy is attractive to busy professionals, stay-at-home parents and anyone with a lifestyle that would benefit from a convenient and approachable format such as online work,” says Stone. However, she emphasizes there are situations in which couples therapy is not a good fit. Individuals in need of treatment for drug addiction, violence and active infidelity should seek help before attempting couples therapy. In these situations, it may be unfair, unsafe or unethical to ask a partner to engage in sessions with them, she adds.

The total cost of online marriage counseling may depend on a variety of personal factors, including the platform you choose and if you have insurance coverage. If you have insurance and are using a platform that accepts it, you can usually expect to pay a copay, which often tends to be less than $50.

Is Online Marriage Counseling Available for Free?

Whether or not you can access free online marriage counseling will often depend on your unique situation, such as your insurance provider. For example, with Thriveworks, it’s possible for a co-pay to be as low as $0. On the other hand, if you were to pay for Thriveworks services via self-pay, you could be looking at $200 per session.

Online marriage counseling comes with a variety of pros and cons, which makes it important to weigh out the negatives with the benefits.

Pros:

• Convenient, as many platforms offer access to therapists at any time, from anywhere
• Some options could be more cost-effective than in-person counseling
• You can often choose your own therapist who best fits your unique needs as a couple, which may include picking your provider based on their specialties

Cons:

• Providers may not all be fully licensed
• You may not always hear back from providers on weekends