The Best Online Couples Therapy and Marriage Counselling Services in…

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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.
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A quick look at the best online couples therapy services
Best overall: Regain Online Therapy | Skip to review
Regain Online Therapy
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Best for affordability: BetterHelp | Skip to review
BetterHelp
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Best for insurance coverage: Talkspace | Skip to review
Talkspace
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Best for a free initial consultation: Modern Intimacy Online Therapy | Skip to review
Modern Intimacy Online Therapy
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Best for urgent care: Mindful Care Online Therapy | Skip to review
Mindful Care Online Therapy
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Best for couples with children: Little Otter Online Therapy | Skip to review
Little Otter Online Therapy
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Best for a research-based approach: Gottman Referral Network Online Therapy | Skip to review
Gottman Referral Network Online Therapy
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Best for focusing on personal growth: Growing Self Counseling & Coaching | Skip to review
Growing Self Counseling & Coaching
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Best online couples counseling services
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.

Regain Online Therapy

Accepts insurance: no
Cost: $65–$95 per week, billed every 4 weeks
Healthline visitors get 20% off the first month.
GET STARTED WITH REGAIN
*Price may vary.
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.
Read more about Regain here
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.
Read more about Regain here
“[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.
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
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.
Insurance coverage: typically not covered by health insurance
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.
Insurance coverage: typically not covered by health insurance
App availability: iOS and Google Play
Privacy: doesn’t state whether it is HIPAA compliant

BetterHelp

Cost: $70 to $100 per week, billed every 4 weeks, depending on your location, preferences, and available therapists
Accepts insurance: doesn’t accept insurance directly, but you may be eligible for reimbursement depending on your plan
Healthline visitors get 20% off the first month.
GET STARTED WITH BETTERHELP
*Price may vary.
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.
BetterHelp 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.
BetterHelp review
“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
“I wanted to try online therapy as I’ve primarily only tried in-person therapy before. I wanted to see if consistent sessions with a virtual therapist helped me with my mental health and felt like an effective and sustainable option.
“It was very simple to sign up, and a lot quicker than I expected! I matched with a therapist in under a day. The therapist fit my criteria, and she messaged me right away. I found the sessions really useful, and the therapist always very supportive and empathetic. She also responded to messages I sent fairly quickly which was great. It was easy to book and reschedule sessions if need be.
“The only hiccup was related to the Better Help support desk. My therapist let me know she’d be on holiday for 2 weeks, so I’d need to contact the support team to extend my membership 2 weeks so I wouldn’t miss out on sessions. If you were paying for therapy monthly, I’d imagine this could be a bit of a headache. It seems like Better Help should have an option for the therapist to manage this instead of putting the onus onto the user – it could be particularly difficult for people who have executive dysfunction, depression, or ADHD, for example”
– Katie Yockey, Healthline editor
“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
“I wanted to try online therapy as I’ve primarily only tried in-person therapy before. I wanted to see if consistent sessions with a virtual therapist helped me with my mental health and felt like an effective and sustainable option.
“It was very simple to sign up, and a lot quicker than I expected! I matched with a therapist in under a day. The therapist fit my criteria, and she messaged me right away. I found the sessions really useful, and the therapist always very supportive and empathetic. She also responded to messages I sent fairly quickly which was great. It was easy to book and reschedule sessions if need be.
“The only hiccup was related to the Better Help support desk. My therapist let me know she’d be on holiday for 2 weeks, so I’d need to contact the support team to extend my membership 2 weeks so I wouldn’t miss out on sessions. If you were paying for therapy monthly, I’d imagine this could be a bit of a headache. It seems like Better Help should have an option for the therapist to manage this instead of putting the onus onto the user – it could be particularly difficult for people who have executive dysfunction, depression, or ADHD, for example”
– Katie Yockey, Healthline editor
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
Insurance coverage: doesn’t accept insurance directly, but you may be eligible for reimbursement depending on your plan
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 implement policy changes.
Insurance coverage: doesn’t accept insurance directly, but you may be eligible for reimbursement depending on your plan
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 implement policy changes.

Talkspace

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
Accepts insurance: yes
Use code “HEALTHLINE85” for $85 off.
GET STARTED WITH TALKSPACE
*Price may vary.
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.
Read more about Talkspace here
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.
Read more about Talkspace here
“This was the first online mental health platform that I tried, other than telehealth with my traditional therapist and psychiatrist via the secure app they use (Blue Jeans).
“Sign up was quick and easy. I felt that the survey asked the right questions about my mental health history and current status without getting long-winded or superfluous.
“The therapist I was matched with was in touch pretty quickly. I found her helpful in discussing the situation at hand (my partner’s new job transition). I will say that I got a lot of automated/copy & pasted messages from her that I presumed she may have sent to all of her clients, things like she’d be unavailable for certain dates, etc. Those messages were frequent and made me feel a little bit like a number rather than her patient. But, I understand if you are serving a large client/patient base that you may have to communicate in a way that is less personal.
“I also found the service to be pretty pricey, even compared to using mental health services with insurance. $69 a week to message a therapist isn’t a lot, but the cost can be up to $165 a week if not more. In using traditional/in-person mental health services with my insurance, I have paid anywhere from $50 to $185 per therapy session.
“I like that with traditional therapy you can schedule on your preferred frequency and pay as you go, such as one session every other week. With Talkspace, you do have scheduling freedom – but you will pay weekly for services. That’s not my preference (and it adds up quickly!) though it is great that you can have weekly sessions or daily messaging for when a deeper level of support is needed.
“Overall I liked the flexibility of Talkspace, but I think because I am so used to a more traditional model, some of the features were not to my liking – but could certainly work for others.”
— Christy Snyder, Market Editor
“This was the first online mental health platform that I tried, other than telehealth with my traditional therapist and psychiatrist via the secure app they use (Blue Jeans).
“Sign up was quick and easy. I felt that the survey asked the right questions about my mental health history and current status without getting long-winded or superfluous.
“The therapist I was matched with was in touch pretty quickly. I found her helpful in discussing the situation at hand (my partner’s new job transition). I will say that I got a lot of automated/copy & pasted messages from her that I presumed she may have sent to all of her clients, things like she’d be unavailable for certain dates, etc. Those messages were frequent and made me feel a little bit like a number rather than her patient. But, I understand if you are serving a large client/patient base that you may have to communicate in a way that is less personal.
“I also found the service to be pretty pricey, even compared to using mental health services with insurance. $69 a week to message a therapist isn’t a lot, but the cost can be up to $165 a week if not more. In using traditional/in-person mental health services with my insurance, I have paid anywhere from $50 to $185 per therapy session.
“I like that with traditional therapy you can schedule on your preferred frequency and pay as you go, such as one session every other week. With Talkspace, you do have scheduling freedom – but you will pay weekly for services. That’s not my preference (and it adds up quickly!) though it is great that you can have weekly sessions or daily messaging for when a deeper level of support is needed.
“Overall I liked the flexibility of Talkspace, but I think because I am so used to a more traditional model, some of the features were not to my liking – but could certainly work for others.”
— Christy Snyder, Market Editor
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
Services offered: talk therapy, couples therapy, individual therapy, psychiatry, teen therapy, LGBTQIA+ therapy, therapy for veterans
Therapy formats: text messaging, video chat, and audio messaging
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
Insurance coverage: Premera, Optum, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and more; FSA/HSA also accepted
Services offered: talk therapy, couples therapy, individual therapy, psychiatry, teen therapy, LGBTQIA+ therapy, therapy for veterans
Therapy formats: text messaging, video chat, and audio messaging
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
Insurance coverage: Premera, Optum, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and more; FSA/HSA also accepted

Modern Intimacy Online Therapy

Cost: varies with each therapist
Accepts insurance: no
GET STARTED WITH MODERN INTIMACY
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.
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.
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
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

Mindful Care Online Therapy

Cost: from $50 per session
Accepts insurance: yes
GET STARTED WITH MINDFUL CARE
*Price may vary.
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.
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.
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
Services offered: couples therapy
Therapy formats: in-person and online sessions
App availability: no
Prescribes medication: yes
Privacy: HIPAA compliant
Insurance coverage: most major insurance carriers
Services offered: couples therapy
Therapy formats: in-person and online sessions
App availability: no
Prescribes medication: yes
Privacy: HIPAA compliant
Insurance coverage: most major insurance carriers

Little Otter Online Therapy

Cost: $20 for the first session, then $195 per session thereafter; $500 for psychiatric evaluation, $250 for follow-up sessions
Accepts insurance: no
GET STARTED WITH LITTLE OTTER
*Price may vary.
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.
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.
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
Insurance coverage: some insurance plans accepted, and is HSA/FSA eligible
Services offered: children’s therapy, family therapy, parenting coaching, couples counseling for parents, tantrums, and more
Therapy formats: virtual sessions and text messaging
App availability: no
Privacy: HIPAA compliant
Insurance coverage: some insurance plans accepted, and is HSA/FSA eligible
Services offered: children’s therapy, family therapy, parenting coaching, couples counseling for parents, tantrums, and more
Therapy formats: virtual sessions and text messaging
App availability: no
Privacy: HIPAA compliant

Gottman Referral Network Online Therapy

Cost: varies with each therapist
Accepts insurance: varies with each therapist
GET STARTED WITH GOTTMAN REFERRAL NETWORK
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.
helps support
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.
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.
helps support
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.
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
Services offered: varies with each therapist
Therapy formats: varies with each therapist
App availability: no
Prescribes medication: no
Privacy: HIPAA compliant
Insurance coverage: varies with each therapist
Services offered: varies with each therapist
Therapy formats: varies with each therapist
App availability: no
Prescribes medication: no
Privacy: HIPAA compliant
Insurance coverage: varies with each therapist

Growing Self Counseling & Coaching

Accepts insurance: yes, with a medical diagnosis
Cost: $65–$160 per session
GET STARTED WITH GROWING SELF
*Price may vary.
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.
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.
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
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
Comparing the best online couples counseling services
The below table shows an at-a-glance comparison of the services in this article.
Regain
BetterHelp
Talkspace
Modern Intimacy
Mindful Care
Little Otter
Gottman Referral Network
Growing Self
How we chose
Medical News Today chooses services that meet the following criteria:
Health claims: MNT includes companies that make no questionable health claims.
Trust: MNTincludes companies that operate transparently regarding their products, services, and leadership. Also, where relevant, MNT selects companies with certifications from reputable, third-party organizations.
Business standards: MNT will choose companies that follow safe and ethical business and marketing practices.
Reputation: MNT will choose companies without warnings from governing bodies or unresolved lawsuits.
What is couples therapy?
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.
2020 study
Gottman
EFT
Online therapy is increasing in popularity, particularly in recent years. A 2019 study concludes it to be easier for people to access and less expensive than traditional therapy. However, there are still challenges when moving from traditional services.
2019 study
What to look for in online couples therapy
A couple may consider some of the following factors when looking for counseling for couples:
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
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
A couple looking for online therapy should consider their budget and whether or not the sessions are flexible and suit their schedule.
Frequently asked questions
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.
2021 study
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.
2021 study
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.
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.
Yes. Some online therapy services specialize in LGBTQIA+ therapy, including:
Pride Counseling
Pride Counseling
Leone Centre
Leone Centre
The Pink Practice
The Pink Practice
Yes. Some online therapy services specialize in LGBTQIA+ therapy, including:
Pride Counseling
Pride Counseling
Leone Centre
Leone Centre
The Pink Practice
The Pink Practice
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.
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.
70–80%
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.
Behavioral and nonbehavioral approaches
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.
70–80%
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.
Behavioral and nonbehavioral approaches
Summary
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.
Evidence
Some services offer manageable subscription services and other payment plans. Some private medical insurers may also cover online couples therapy, so people should speak directly with their insurer.