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Online couples therapy or counseling typically provides couples with support from a licensed therapist. Session topics may include helping with building communication skills and highlighting relationship goals. Plus, read our hands-on reviews.
Below, we look at some couples counseling services to consider.
Medical News Today has tested some of the services below. Reviewers may have received access to the services from the providers for free, which does not influence their review. All opinions are the reviewers’ own . Some reviewers may remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of these services.
Cost: $65–$90 per week, billed every 4 weeks Insurance coverage: typically not covered by health insurance Healthline visitors get 20% off the first month.
MNT's review Regain is the world’s largest couples therapy service, with over 10,000 therapists available. Although specializing in couples therapy, it also provides individual sessions.
After a person signs up on its website, the service will match them with a suitable therapist. A couple can choose between text messaging, telephone calls, or video sessions.
A person can choose anonymity, and the company offers an easy cancellation process.
More than 150 learning modules and worksheets support the therapeutic process.
Additionally, location, therapist availability, and preference all affect the price.
Regain will designate an online room through its private platform, and a couple will share this space with their therapist. They will then use this room for all communications.
Read more about Regain here .
What our tester says “[I used Regain] to find ways to better communicate with my partner. [Signing up] was easy — you sign up and then Regain asks you several questions, such as if your partner will be joining you, your gender and sexual identity, and your age.
“There are also questions about your relationship status, religious affiliations, and whether you’ve tried therapy before. You can’t go back on the screens when answering questions though, so there was one I quickly answered and wanted to change but couldn’t.
“Because these questions will ultimately be what decides your therapist match, it would be nice to be able to go back, if needed. During this step, you also answer questions about what you prefer in a therapist. For example, you can choose if you prefer someone who mostly listens and/or challenges your beliefs. You can also specify if you prefer male, female, 45+, Christian-based, nonreligious, and/or LGBT+.
“Once all of your questions are answered, you create an account, which is super easy — just need your name, email, and a password. At this stage, you also give your partner’s name, and you can send them a request to join if you want or opt out of that.
“[I would recommend it as] it’s a really accessible option, and it’s easy to use and navigate. I also like that you can easily change therapists. There are also plenty of ways to communicate with your therapist, whether it’s through messaging, phone calls, or text chat. You’re not forced to do anything you’re not comfortable with. I think the text message is really great for people who may be less comfortable communicating face-to-face. It gives you an opportunity to figure out what you want to say.”
– Lindsay Boyers, freelance writer.
“[I used Regain] to find ways to better communicate with my partner. [Signing up] was easy — you sign up and then Regain asks you several questions, such as if your partner will be joining you, your gender and sexual identity, and your age.
“There are also questions about your relationship status, religious affiliations, and whether you’ve tried therapy before. You can’t go back on the screens when answering questions though, so there was one I quickly answered and wanted to change but couldn’t.
“Because these questions will ultimately be what decides your therapist match, it would be nice to be able to go back, if needed. During this step, you also answer questions about what you prefer in a therapist. For example, you can choose if you prefer someone who mostly listens and/or challenges your beliefs. You can also specify if you prefer male, female, 45+, Christian-based, nonreligious, and/or LGBT+.
“Once all of your questions are answered, you create an account, which is super easy — just need your name, email, and a password. At this stage, you also give your partner’s name, and you can send them a request to join if you want or opt out of that.
“[I would recommend it as] it’s a really accessible option, and it’s easy to use and navigate. I also like that you can easily change therapists. There are also plenty of ways to communicate with your therapist, whether it’s through messaging, phone calls, or text chat. You’re not forced to do anything you’re not comfortable with. I think the text message is really great for people who may be less comfortable communicating face-to-face. It gives you an opportunity to figure out what you want to say.”
– Lindsay Boyers, freelance writer.
Pros & cons multiple communication options can schedule individual sessions with a therapist for both partners in their shared couple’s account easily switch between therapists more affordable sessions no set time between signing up and matching with a therapist both partners need to be in the same location, as no three-way sessions may require an upfront payment multiple communication options can schedule individual sessions with a therapist for both partners in their shared couple’s account easily switch between therapists more affordable sessions no set time between signing up and matching with a therapist both partners need to be in the same location, as no three-way sessions may require an upfront payment Product details Services offered: couples therapy, individual therapy Therapy formats: live video, phone, or chat Prescribes medication: no Why we chose it: With counselors who specialize in relationships and plenty of satisfied clients who report positive outcomes, ReGain is our top choice for couples therapy. App availability: iOS and Google Play Privacy: doesn't state whether it is HIPAA compliant Services offered: couples therapy, individual therapy Therapy formats: live video, phone, or chat Prescribes medication: no Why we chose it: With counselors who specialize in relationships and plenty of satisfied clients who report positive outcomes, ReGain is our top choice for couples therapy. App availability: iOS and Google Play Privacy: doesn't state whether it is HIPAA compliant
Cost: $65–$90 per week, billed every 4 weeks, depending on your location, preferences, and available therapists Insurance coverage: doesn’t accept insurance directly, but you may be eligible for reimbursement depending on your plan MNT's review BetterHelp is the largest online therapy platform worldwide. When a person signs up, the company will match them with a professional, licensed therapist. An individual also has the option of video, text messaging, or telephone sessions.
Price is dependent on location, therapist availability, and preferences.
To access any of these, a person logs on to their BetterHelp account and enters their personal online therapy room. A therapist will never be able to see their phone number. All communication will go through the online BetterHelp therapy room.
Read our comprehensive BetterHelp review , along with some things to consider.
What our tester says “It was very easy to sign up for BetterHelp. You just answer questions about your goals for therapy, the conditions and topics you’d like to talk about, and your preferences for a therapist.
“This includes whether you want the therapist to have certain cultural competencies. Then you give the usual personal information you provide when signing up for an account online.
“When you’re matched with a therapist, you can look at their profile. This lists their experience, how they work, the specialities they work in, and the type of services they offer, including video and phone calls and online messaging.
“[I would recommend BetterHelp for] people who want regular and ongoing help with mental health conditions, problems with work, relationships, or just concerns in their day to day life.”
– MNT editor who wished to remain anonymous
“It was very easy to sign up for BetterHelp. You just answer questions about your goals for therapy, the conditions and topics you’d like to talk about, and your preferences for a therapist.
“This includes whether you want the therapist to have certain cultural competencies. Then you give the usual personal information you provide when signing up for an account online.
“When you’re matched with a therapist, you can look at their profile. This lists their experience, how they work, the specialities they work in, and the type of services they offer, including video and phone calls and online messaging.
“[I would recommend BetterHelp for] people who want regular and ongoing help with mental health conditions, problems with work, relationships, or just concerns in their day to day life.”
– MNT editor who wished to remain anonymous
Pros & cons multiple communication options easy cancellation process weekly cost instead of payment per session in line with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, making it accessible for most people option to remain anonymous services unavailable for minors or those under the care of a legal guardian no given time frame for when an individual or couple will match with a therapist services not typically covered by insurance option for anonymous therapy is not routine and may not benefit a couple no support if there is a risk of immediate danger to a person or couple multiple communication options easy cancellation process weekly cost instead of payment per session in line with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, making it accessible for most people option to remain anonymous services unavailable for minors or those under the care of a legal guardian no given time frame for when an individual or couple will match with a therapist services not typically covered by insurance option for anonymous therapy is not routine and may not benefit a couple no support if there is a risk of immediate danger to a person or couple Product details Services offered: individual; couples and teen therapy available through sister sites Why we chose it: BetterHelp has the largest network of qualified therapists and a user-friendly platform. It’s easy to switch therapists and cancel your plan. Plus, the company provides financial assistance to qualified individuals. Therapy formats: messaging, live chat, audio, and video sessions App availability: iOS and Google Play Privacy: BetterHelp's privacy practices have been subject to controversy; the company has been working with the FTC to undergo policy changes. Services offered: individual; couples and teen therapy available through sister sites Why we chose it: BetterHelp has the largest network of qualified therapists and a user-friendly platform. It’s easy to switch therapists and cancel your plan. Plus, the company provides financial assistance to qualified individuals. Therapy formats: messaging, live chat, audio, and video sessions App availability: iOS and Google Play Privacy: BetterHelp's privacy practices have been subject to controversy; the company has been working with the FTC to undergo policy changes.
Best for insurance coverage Cost: $25 copay or less; starts at $69 per week for messaging; $99 per week for video and messaging; and $109 for video, messaging, and workshops Insurance coverage: Premera, Optum, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and more; FSA/HSA also accepted Use code "HEALTHLINE85" for $85 off .
MNT's review After a brief assessment on the Talkspace website, a person can choose their therapist from a list of recommendations. Couples can choose to have their sessions through video or text messaging.
Some medical insurance schemes cover Talkspace’s services.
A couple or person is able to switch therapists at no extra cost, which means finding a suitable fit is easier.
As well as offering couples counseling, Talkspace provides therapy for individuals, teenagers, veterans, and the LGBTQIA+ community.
Read more about Talkspace here .
Pros & cons may be covered by private medical insurance, which a person can confirm by contacting their insurer can switch therapists at no extra cost use live video or text message communication between a couple and their therapist website does not provide many specific details before people sign up prices vary depending on the couple and their needs poor user reviews regarding therapist communication frequency and customer service may be covered by private medical insurance, which a person can confirm by contacting their insurer can switch therapists at no extra cost use live video or text message communication between a couple and their therapist website does not provide many specific details before people sign up prices vary depending on the couple and their needs poor user reviews regarding therapist communication frequency and customer service Product details Services offered: talk therapy, couples therapy, individual therapy, psychiatry, teen therapy, LGBTQIA+ therapy, therapy for veterans Why we chose it: Talkspace offers several communication platforms, therapy options, and flexible subscription plans. Plus, the company can prescribe medication and accepts insurance. Privacy: HIPAA compliant and NCQA accredited App availability: iOS and Google Play Therapy formats: text messaging, video chat, and audio messaging Services offered: talk therapy, couples therapy, individual therapy, psychiatry, teen therapy, LGBTQIA+ therapy, therapy for veterans Why we chose it: Talkspace offers several communication platforms, therapy options, and flexible subscription plans. Plus, the company can prescribe medication and accepts insurance. Privacy: HIPAA compliant and NCQA accredited App availability: iOS and Google Play Therapy formats: text messaging, video chat, and audio messaging
Best for a free initial consultation Cost: varies with each therapist Accepts insurance: no MNT's review Modern Intimacy offers persons interested in couples counseling a free 30-minute phone consultation to discuss goals and questions and recommend a therapist. The company states that its approach is to explore the intersection of mental health, relationships, and human sexuality in a judgment-free zone.
Modern Intimacy works exclusively with licensed therapists. It is only available in California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, and New York, where it works with licensed therapists. It does not work with insurance companies but does offer a comprehensive bill a couple can use to seek reimbursement.
At time of publication, all sessions were live and online.
Pros & cons free 30-minute initial consultation licensed therapists LGBTQIA affirming emphasis on quality and expertise only available in California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, and New York does not work with insurance companies potentially expensive per-session rates free 30-minute initial consultation licensed therapists LGBTQIA affirming emphasis on quality and expertise only available in California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, and New York does not work with insurance companies potentially expensive per-session rates Product details Services offered: couples therapy Therapy formats: in-person and online sessions App availability: no Prescribes medication: no Privacy: HIPAA compliant Services offered: couples therapy Therapy formats: in-person and online sessions App availability: no Prescribes medication: no Privacy: HIPAA compliant
Cost: from $50 per session Accepts insurance: yes MNT's review Mindful Care emphasizes prompt access to mental health care. The website states that it can accommodate most people in 48 hours. A person meets with a board certified professional to determine whether they would benefit most from psychiatry and medication, individual or group therapy, or addiction recovery services.
The Mindful Care website states that it can offer “in-network” care. Many insurance companies and Medicare cover their services.
However, it only operates in New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Connecticut, Michigan, and Florida.
Pros & cons rapid access to mental health care services online access to prescription medication if needed accepts insurance affordable compared with other services does not directly address couples counseling only operates in New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Connecticut, Michigan, and Florida not always possible to select professional rapid access to mental health care services online access to prescription medication if needed accepts insurance affordable compared with other services does not directly address couples counseling only operates in New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Connecticut, Michigan, and Florida not always possible to select professional Product details Services offered: couples therapy Therapy formats: in-person and online sessions App availability: no Prescribes medication: yes Privacy: HIPAA compliant Services offered: couples therapy Therapy formats: in-person and online sessions App availability: no Prescribes medication: yes Privacy: HIPAA compliant
Best for couples with children Cost: $20 for the first session, then $195 per session thereafter Accepts insurance: no MNT's review With this company, the emphasis is on personalized therapy for children. Little Otter’s services include couples therapy, psychiatric care and medication management, and teletherapy for children up to age 14.
The company website states that they strive to normalize mental health care for children and provide parents with the tools and support they need to help. Little Otter is only available in 11 states.
After their initial Welcome Session, couples can log into the Little Otter app, choose a professional from their assigned care team, and schedule an appointment with that person.
Kaiser Permanente insurance includes Little Otter in its network. Little Otter provides “superbills” for users to request reimbursement from other insurers.
Pros & cons addresses needs of couples with children couples can pick their own professionals no wait list offers discounted bundles price is high compared with competitors only available in 11 states company selects the care team addresses needs of couples with children couples can pick their own professionals no wait list offers discounted bundles price is high compared with competitors only available in 11 states company selects the care team Product details Services offered: children's therapy Therapy formats: virtual sessions and text messaging App availability: no Prescribes medication: no Privacy: HIPAA compliant Services offered: children's therapy Therapy formats: virtual sessions and text messaging App availability: no Prescribes medication: no Privacy: HIPAA compliant
Best for a research-based approach Cost: varies with each therapist Accepts insurance: varies with each therapist MNT's review The Gottman Referral Network differs from other services described in this article because it does not directly connect individuals seeking care with mental health professionals. It is a directory helping couples find therapists trained in Gottman Method couples therapy.
This approach is based on more than 50 years of research into relationships. It reportedly helps support and restore troubled relationships and strengthen happy ones.
Couples seeking therapists trained in Gottman Method couples therapy use the network website to find therapists based on their location, their specialties, the services they offer, and their level of certification. People then make their selections and contact the therapists independently to schedule appointments.
Pros & cons couples pick their own therapist can select therapists based on their criteria no commitments required no vetting of therapists other than training received Gottman Method couples therapy may not be the best approach for everyone unknown costs until contact with therapists couples pick their own therapist can select therapists based on their criteria no commitments required no vetting of therapists other than training received Gottman Method couples therapy may not be the best approach for everyone unknown costs until contact with therapists Product details Services offered: varies with each therapist Therapy formats: varies with each therapist App availability: no Prescribes medication: no Privacy: HIPAA compliant Services offered: varies with each therapist Therapy formats: varies with each therapist App availability: no Prescribes medication: no Privacy: HIPAA compliant
Best for focusing on personal growth Accepts insurance: yes, with a medical diagnosis Cost: $65–$160 per session MNT's review The Growing Self website states that the company only works with authentic relationship experts. Its services include online marriage counseling, online couples counseling, as well as in-person services from their home base in Denver, Colorado.
The company works with a large number of therapists with different specialties, all of whom have at least master’s degrees along with specialized training.
The Growing Self process starts with a free consultation, in which persons discuss their hopes and goals, garner recommendations for the best therapists for their needs, and book appointments.
Many Growing Self therapists offer a sliding fee scale based on client income and family size.
Pros & cons flexible access to therapists wide range of therapists with significant expertise simple sign up connecting with a therapist may take time does not work with insurance companies limited availability flexible access to therapists wide range of therapists with significant expertise simple sign up connecting with a therapist may take time does not work with insurance companies limited availability Product details Services offered: individual therapy, couples therapy, coaching, family therapy, premarital counseling Therapy formats: in-person, virtual Prescribes medication: no Privacy: HIPAA compliant Insurance coverage: some health insurance networks may cover costs App availability: Google Play Services offered: individual therapy, couples therapy, coaching, family therapy, premarital counseling Therapy formats: in-person, virtual Prescribes medication: no Privacy: HIPAA compliant Insurance coverage: some health insurance networks may cover costs App availability: Google Play The below table shows an at-a-glance comparison of the services in this article.
Couples experiencing relationship difficulties can speak with a licensed therapist who can use a range of techniques to explore any miscommunication, feelings of disconnection, or external stressors.
If a person in a couple feels they may benefit from talking therapy, multiple options are available. These include:
cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) Gottman Method couples therapy emotionally focused therapy (EFT) for couples A 2020 study on CBT for couples found it effective for dealing with relationship quality and marital social skills. Studies on both Gottman and EFT have shown positive effects and improved marital status.
Online therapy is increasing in popularity, particularly in recent years. A 2019 study
A couple may consider some of the following factors when looking for online therapy:
Therapy style A couple can research different therapeutic styles to best suit their needs. They can then specify this when searching for therapists. Some common couple therapy techniques include:
EFT discernment counseling Gottman Method couples therapy relational psychotherapy Considering needs Individuals may find it helpful to consider their specific needs. For example, if a couple requires specific help with gender identity, sexual orientation, or monogamy, seeking a therapist with experience in those areas would provide benefit.
Additional considerations may include:
whether or not the therapist holds a valid license whether the therapist works with clear action plans whether the therapist provides work to do outside of sessions Cost and convenience A couple looking for online therapy should consider their budget and whether or not the sessions are flexible and suit their schedule.
Below are some common questions relating to online couples therapy.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy? A 2021 study found that some forms of internet-based therapy provided results similar to in-person treatment. However, due to the ongoing growth of this field, further studies are necessary.
A 2021 study found that some forms of internet-based therapy provided results similar to in-person treatment. However, due to the ongoing growth of this field, further studies are necessary.
Should a person go to couples therapy alone or with a partner? Couples should attend therapy together. However, there are options to speak to therapists separately on some platforms.
Couples should attend therapy together. However, there are options to speak to therapists separately on some platforms.
Does insurance cover couples therapy? This is dependent on the insurance company and the therapy service. A person should speak with their plan provider to confirm benefits.
This is dependent on the insurance company and the therapy service. A person should speak with their plan provider to confirm benefits.
Can LGBT couples attend couples therapy? Yes. Some online therapy services specialize in LGBTQIA+ therapy, including:
Yes. Some online therapy services specialize in LGBTQIA+ therapy, including:
What is Regain? Regain is an online therapy platform that specializes in couples therapy. The company matches an individual or a couple with one of its thousands of licensed therapists and assigns them a private online therapy “room” that is always open.
People use this room to message their therapist, schedule live therapy sessions, “meet” with their therapists, message their therapists, and complete worksheets to further their treatment goals.
Regain therapists offer live, scheduled therapy sessions through video, phone, and live chat options. A person can obtain treatment as an individual or as part of a couple. Participants can join from different locations and choose to remain anonymous.
Regain is an online therapy platform that specializes in couples therapy. The company matches an individual or a couple with one of its thousands of licensed therapists and assigns them a private online therapy “room” that is always open.
People use this room to message their therapist, schedule live therapy sessions, “meet” with their therapists, message their therapists, and complete worksheets to further their treatment goals.
Regain therapists offer live, scheduled therapy sessions through video, phone, and live chat options. A person can obtain treatment as an individual or as part of a couple. Participants can join from different locations and choose to remain anonymous.
What is the most effective form of couples therapy? Reviews of the scientific literature show that couples therapy can help people deal with relationship problems. Research shows the average person feels better after treatment than 70–80% of people who do not receive treatment.
Data shows that CBT, integrative behavioral couple therapy, and EFT for couples can all be effective. Behavioral and nonbehavioral approaches seem to be equally effective. Couples should consider their personal preferences when selecting a form of treatment.
Reviews of the scientific literature show that couples therapy can help people deal with relationship problems. Research shows the average person feels better after treatment than 70–80% of people who do not receive treatment.
Data shows that CBT, integrative behavioral couple therapy, and EFT for couples can all be effective. Behavioral and nonbehavioral approaches seem to be equally effective. Couples should consider their personal preferences when selecting a form of treatment.
Online couples therapy can be an affordable alternative to traditional, in-person therapy, and many companies offer convenient and reliable services.
Evidence suggests that online therapy options are equally effective as in-person therapy, providing flexible sessions and ease of use.
Some services offer manageable subscription services and other payment plans. Some private medical insurers may also cover online couples therapy, and a person should speak directly with their insurer.
