We fall in love, and we live happily ever after, right? Unfortunately, life doesn’t play out like a fairytale. Relationships aren’t always going to be easy. In fact, it’s normal to experience conflict with your partner . Learning to work through that conflict productively can help strengthen your relationship instead of breaking it down. Couples therapy can be an effective tool to help you and your partner work together with intention while improving communication and increasing understanding.
While couples therapy has traditionally been conducted through in-person sessions in a therapist’s office, online therapy is emerging as a popular choice for couples seeking more accessibility, affordability, and convenience. Studies have shown that virtual couples counseling sessions maintain the benefits of in-person counseling as couples continue to feel immersed in the therapeutic process while feeling comfortable and connected with their therapist. ( 1 ) Therapist Rychel Johnson adds, “Online couples therapy can be conducted while the couple is in the comfort of their home, where many of their conflicts likely occur.”
Our team evaluated each online therapy platform in depth to provide rankings based on therapist qualifications, cost and types of services, user experience, and accessibility. We’ve narrowed it down to the nine best online couples counseling services. Read on to determine which one may best fit your relationship needs and therapy preferences.
Best online couples counseling overall
Open Path Collective breaks down the cost barrier of seeking mental health care by offering therapy services on a sliding fee scale. The online therapy platform connects you with qualified therapists through its vast network of providers. The therapists are responsive and easy to work with, and you can attend your sessions from the comfort of your home or visit your provider in person.
Our picks for the best online couples counseling
- Best overall: Open Path Collective
- Most affordable: Online-therapy.com
- Most flexible: Regain
- Best for insurance coverage: MDLive
- Best for long-distance couples: Talkspace
- Best for couples with children: Little Otter
- Best for divorce counseling: Growing Self
- Best for choosing your own therapist: Thriveworks
- Best for busy couples: Hey Ritual
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| Open Path Collective | Online-therapy.com | Regain | MDLive | Talkspace | Little Otter | Growing Self | Thriveworks | Hey Ritual | |
| Rating | |||||||||
| Cost | $40-$80 per session | $88-$110 per week | $65-$90 per week | $0-108 per session | Starting at $109 per session | $195 per session | $75-$170 per session | $0-$50 per session after insurance | Starting at $260 per month |
| Accepts insurance | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Session type | In-person, telehealth | Video, phone, chat | Video, phone, chat, messaging | Video, phone | Video, phone, chat, messaging | Video, phone | Video, in-person | Video, phone, in-person | Video |
Best overall online couples counseling: Open Path Collective
Key product features
What you should know
Open Path Collective connects you with a vast network of mental health professionals for in-person or telehealth services. Its sliding scale fee helps make mental health services more accessible.
- We love that Open Path allows you to choose your own provider based on your therapy needs and who you may connect with best.
- After paying a one-time $65 lifetime membership fee, you and your therapist decide on your session fee based on Open Path’s sliding scale, which ranges from $40 to $80 per session for couples therapy.
- This program is intended for the uninsured or underinsured. While no financial proof is required, Open
- Path asks that you don’t engage in their services if you have insurance coverage or your household income is over $100,000.
Why we like Open Path Collective as best overall
Open Path Collective is a nonprofit organization that offers low-cost therapy options to uninsured or underinsured people. This stood out to us, considering that 10.8% of adults with mental illness in the U.S. are uninsured. ( 2 )
In our evaluation, we found that Open Path acts as a hub to connect you with therapists who offer their services using Open Path’s sliding-scale fee. Because therapists are local, you can choose in-person visits if you prefer face-to-face therapy, which isn’t available through many online therapy services.
When I completed the registration form, it took less than five minutes. You fill in your personal and basic financial information to ensure the low-cost program is best for you. However, you don’t have to provide proof for any of the financial information you share.
When you sign up, you must pay a one-time lifetime membership fee of $65. You and your partner only have to pay one fee for couples therapy. Then, you can schedule sessions with your provider of choice.
As a Behavioral Health Coach, I’ve seen how important building a strong connection with your provider is. Johnson adds, “Seeking a provider who you can trust and relate to can benefit the therapeutic relationship and the progress made working together.” Through Open Path, you can view therapist bios before committing to anything. You can see their picture, brief biography, expertise, treatment styles, and availability.
You can even email the provider to ask questions before signing up for the program. I contacted three therapists asking about their couples counseling services, and while it said it could take up to four days to hear back, one therapist emailed me back within 2.5 hours and another within 24 hours.
Additionally, we found that the provider directory is robust. When I searched my rural area in Wisconsin, I discovered 153 providers available, with 53 of them offering couples therapy. Although, weeding through a provider list this long may feel overwhelming for some.
Unlike other online therapy services, sessions don’t happen through Open Path’s platform. All providers are private practice, so you’ll work directly with your therapist to schedule sessions. If you connect with a therapist and find they aren’t a good fit, you can request a new provider anytime.
What customers are saying
It was challenging to find any negative reviews about Open Path. Reddit users commended the platform for making it easy and affordable to find a qualified therapist.
Verified Reddit user “izakayasan” shared that they tried a couple of therapists before finding the right one, but since then, the program has profoundly impacted their life. “Open Path has changed and even saved my life. It may take a few tries to get the right therapist, but this is real, quality therapy from a licensed therapist who actually cares. I cannot recommend it enough to anyone who is struggling with their mental health and needs help now.”
With 143 reviews on Facebook, Open Path earns a 4.9 rating. Users share how easy, affordable, and life-changing it is.
“Open Path is an incredibly helpful and affordable tool for finding a therapist. They’re fast with replying, have reasonable rates, and produce really great therapists. I couldn’t recommend them enough.”
Arielle M., verified Facebook user
“Open Path has been life-changing for me,” verified Facebook customer Sam N. writes. “The process to get signed up and started with a therapist is so fast and easy, which is a huge relief when you’re already weighed down by anxiety. They have a large list of professionals to choose from, with descriptions that allow you to find the perfect match for your needs. I’ve been able to take control of my mental health without sacrificing my financial security. I am truly grateful for this amazing organization.”
Specs
| Price | $40-$80 per session, $65 lifetime membership fee |
| Insurance accepted | No |
| Therapist assignment | Your choice |
| Session type | In-person, telehealth |
| Platform | None |
Most affordable online couples counseling: Online-Therapy.com
Key product features
What you should know
Online-Therapy.com offers various subscription telehealth options at budget-friendly prices regardless of your financial situation.
- This platform is an excellent option for those seeking at-home therapy through video, call, or text chat.
- Couples therapy costs $110 weekly, but monthly billing creates a more considerable up-front cost. All new users get a 20% discount their first month.
- If remaining anonymous is important to you, you can engage with your therapist using a nickname
- Students, veterans, and low-income individuals may apply for financial aid.
Why we like Online-Therapy.com as most affordable
Through our evaluation, we found that Online-Therapy.com offers affordable therapy options to anyone interested in using the platform. It doesn’t limit who can use its services or define financial distress based on income limits or insurance coverage. Many people decide not to pursue therapy because it’s cost-prohibitive or their insurance has a high deductible they aren’t likely to meet. They may schedule sessions they later need to cancel due to other expenses, leading to inconsistent or ended mental health treatment.
You choose your subscription based on the level and type of support you need. Couples therapy costs $110 weekly for one 45-minute live session with you and your partner. While you can’t pay directly with insurance, you can check with your insurance plan for reimbursement options.
We found the subscription rates slightly misleading since they’re listed as weekly, but you’re billed monthly. While we agree that the weekly rates are affordable, the $352-$440 upfront cost can be a big commitment if you feel unsure about the platform or if therapy is right for you.
The registration process was quick and straightforward. The onboarding questionnaire asks what you want to focus on and any current mental health challenges. Furthermore, it asks what type of relationship you’re in and if you prefer a female, male, LGBTQ+, or BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) therapist.
These questions are helpful, but there were fewer questions about background and beliefs than on other online platforms, which may result in a less personalized match with your therapist. Johnson adds, “In my experience, past therapy clients who did not share similar beliefs and values did not pursue therapy long enough to achieve their therapy goals. It creates a rift between the client and the provider, even if it isn’t intentional.”
After completing the questionnaire, you’re immediately assigned a therapist. Unlike some competitors, you don’t have freedom of choice in who you work with. However, we appreciate that you can view your therapist before payment is required, and we found it easy to request a new therapist.
Another highlight of Online-Therapy.com is that you can engage in individual therapy support outside of your live sessions with your partner and therapist. You can access a therapy toolbox with learning modules, worksheets, a journal, and yoga sessions. Additionally, you get unlimited messaging to connect with your therapist between sessions.
Our research shows the program utilizes Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as the foundation for its therapeutic approach. Studies show that CBT is effective in helping couples work through relationship distress. ( 3 )
What customers are saying
Finding independent reviews for Online-Therapy.com is challenging, but I found a Reddit user who shared their positive experience using the platform.
“I found my experience with the platform really good! The video live sessions worked great, the program and worksheets were easy to follow/fill out, and the journal was a helpful extra tool I used every morning and evening. I even tried out some of the yoga classes!”
“Katharine_Wheel”, Verified Reddit user
Trustpilot pilot has three reviews with low ratings from users who had difficulties with their therapist not being as engaging as they needed. However, Online-Therapy.com has over 3,300 positive reviews from customers using the platform.
Specs
| Price | $88-$110 per week |
| Insurance accepted | No |
| Therapist assignment | Assigned |
| Session type | Video, call, text chat |
| Platform | Online |
Most flexible online couples counseling: Regain
Key product features
What you should know
You can participate in individual or couples therapy with Regain’s counseling services. While its parent company, BetterHelp, offers a wide range of online therapy services, Regain specifically focuses on relationships.
- Regain allows you to participate in therapy via video sessions, phone calls, live texting, or messaging.
- You only have one option for a weekly subscription plan, which is not eligible for insurance coverage.
- If you want to improve your relationship through individual growth and development, Regain can be an excellent option.
Why we like Regain as most flexible
Owned by BetterHelp, Regain focuses exclusively on relationships through individual and couples therapy. Joint therapy may not be the best solution for every couple, and some individuals may want to receive one-on-one support before bringing in their partner.
We liked the flexibility offered through Regain in engaging in therapy alone or together. If you’re unsure which is best for you, you can sign up individually and invite your partner anytime.
After reviewing many online therapy services, the registration process felt familiar with the questions asked to help personalize the experience and create a strong therapist match.
This is another platform on which we felt disappointed that we weren’t able to view any information regarding our matched therapist until after we paid for a subscription. However, with over 15,000 therapists available, we’re hopeful we could find a therapist who worked for us if our first match didn’t work out.
Regain’s therapy services are offered as a weekly subscription service billed monthly. The cost ranges from $65 to $90 per week. My plan was $80 per week based on my preferences and location. If your quoted price doesn’t fit your budget, you may qualify for financial aid.
Appointment scheduling is another area in which Regain shines in flexibility. Finding a time that works across three different calendars can be a nightmare, but our research found that many users share it’s easy to schedule appointments and find times that work for everyone. Many therapists are available in the evenings, and some even offer weekend appointments. You and your partner can access the platform from separate devices, so you don’t have to be together to participate in joint sessions.
If you feel uncomfortable sharing your identity, you can remain anonymous to your therapist by signing up under a nickname. However, if you and your partner want privacy regarding what you each share with the therapist, you may want to skip using the messaging feature to communicate with your therapist since your partner can see all messages.
On another important note regarding privacy, Regain’s parent company, BetterHelp, has undergone scrutiny about its use of private information for advertising purposes. ( 4 ) BetterHelp has since settled with the Federal Trade Commission and is now certified by HITRUST, the gold standard for information protection. ( 5 )
What customers are saying
Regain earns mixed reviews on Trustpilot, with an overall rating of 3.3 stars. Positive reviews highlight the platform’s ease of use and the therapists’ helpfulness.
“Regain has been a wonderful tool for my husband and me. We have had individual and joint therapy sessions. Our therapist worked with us on various things and has been awesome at helping us progress toward our goals. I 100% recommend giving them a chance if you’re considering therapy.”
Haylee, Trustpilot reviewer
Another Trustpilot user, Erin, wrote, “I loved that I could select the qualities I was looking for in a therapist and then get matched with one with those qualities. Our match with Mary is a great fit and such a relief after trying several therapists that I just didn’t connect with in person. I was both doubtful and hopeful about trying online therapy, but I am so glad that I did. The intake process was very easy, and the app is easy to understand and use, even for a non-technical person like me.”
Negative reviews center around getting charged upfront and not being able to see a therapist before you’re charged again for the next month.
Trustpilot user Joe S. says, “We paid for two months of Regain. During that time, there are weeks you’re unable to schedule with your counselor, and you just eat the money. When we canceled three weeks before the end of our renewal, we were blocked from switching counselors and could not see our own. We are paying for four weeks of therapy for one session, which was $300.”
Specs
| Price | $65 to $90 per week |
| Insurance accepted | No |
| Therapist assignment | Assigned |
| Session type | Video, phone, live chat, messaging |
| Platform | Online, mobile app |
Best online couples counseling for insurance: MDLive
Key product features
What you should know
MDLive offers convenience by providing multiple telehealth services through one platform, including therapy, psychiatry, primary care, dermatology, and urgent care.
- You pay per appointment, so you don’t have to commit to a weekly or monthly subscription.
- MDLive accepts most major insurance plans.
- It’s a good option if you prefer to get all your medical care in one place.
Why we like MDLive as best for insurance
MDLive is one of the few online therapy platforms that offers mental health services covered by insurance. Additionally, the platform is not limited to mental health. You can also receive primary care, dermatology, and urgent care. We like the convenience of receiving all your medical care in one spot.
During sign-up, the platform asks you to provide your insurance information to verify your eligibility and coverage and accurately display the cost for each session type. However, you can skip this step if you’re uninsured, not covered by one of the accepted insurance companies, or simply want to add your coverage later.
When I initially signed up without insurance, my cost was $108 per therapy appointment. However, when I added my insurance information, my cost decreased to $45 per session.
We found the online platform easy to navigate, and the MDLive app was simple and convenient for accessing medical and therapy appointments.
This is another platform where you benefit from being able to choose your provider based on who you feel compatible with after reviewing therapist profiles. Although, the platform does little to help narrow your search down based on personal preferences or needs.
MDLive claims that appointments are available seven days a week and in the evening. I found that was accurate when I reviewed therapy appointment options on a Friday afternoon and found I could get into multiple therapists as early as Saturday morning, with additional availability on Sunday.
When booking your appointment, you can choose between video or phone sessions. Unfortunately, this site does not offer text or chat communication with your therapist like other competitors. Moreover, you don’t get access to additional support tools outside of your live sessions.
After booking your appointment, be sure to set appointment reminders and cancel or reschedule well ahead of your appointment. If you miss your appointment or cancel or reschedule within 24 hours, MDLive charges you $50 out-of-pocket.
What customers are saying
MDLive has over 11,000 reviews on Trustpilot, with an overall rating of three stars. Most negative reviews were related to medical services or billing issues.
Verified Trustpilot reviewer Jeffrey S. gave the platform five stars, saying, “It’s a great service with compassionate counselors. It’s the best decision I made to obtain help and become healthier mentally. I strongly suggest you do this, too!”
“I had my first behavioral appointment in March, and I loved Lilli, the therapist. She was excellent. I wasn’t sure about getting virtual therapy, and as a previous therapist myself, I have high expectations. Lilli met my expectations in our first session. I have scheduled a second session with her next week.”
Virginia M., Verified Trustpilot reviewer
Most negative reviews were related to medical services or billing issues.
Verified Trustpilot customer Marissa shared, “I’m giving more than one star because I found a therapist through MDLive that I absolutely love. Otherwise, their customer service has been very difficult for me to get a hold of. Several glitches have happened during my calls, and they recently turned off a feature where I can message my therapist (what I usually do to set up scheduling).” Marissa continued on to share that they also experienced issues with the billing department.
Specs
| Price | $0-$108 per session |
| Insurance accepted | Yes |
| Therapist assignment | Your choice |
| Session type | Video, phone |
| Platform | Mobile app, online |
Best online couples counseling for long-distance couples: Talkspace
Key product features
What you should know
Talkspace offers couples therapy through live video sessions and unlimited messaging between partners and their therapists. The shorter 30-minute sessions can help couples and therapists sync up busy schedules.
- A shared therapy room makes it easier for both users to participate from anywhere.
- The participation cost varies depending on insurance coverage, or you can pay $109 out-of-pocket per week.
- In addition to couples therapy, Talkspace offers individual therapy and psychiatry.
Why we like Talkspace as best for long-distance couples
We like Talkspace for how easy it is to connect to the therapy room and live therapy sessions from anywhere and across multiple devices. This can be especially important for long-distance couples and others who don’t live together but want to participate in joint therapy actively.
Like other online therapy services, the getting started process asks you to share some information about your goals and personal preferences to help match you with a therapist based on compatibility. Unlike some platforms, we found that you must enter your complete payment information before you get paired with a therapist or have access to the platform or app.
Talkspace ensures you won’t get charged until you have your therapist and that you can cancel or change your subscription anytime. However, we were disappointed that users cannot explore the platform more or learn more about their therapist before committing to a plan.
The subscription plan options for couples therapy are very straightforward and include both users in the pricing. It’s one of the best online therapy platforms that takes insurance . I found that through my insurance, it was a low-cost per-session fee. If I wanted to pay out-of-pocket, I was offered a weekly plan at a significantly higher price. All plans include 30-minute therapy sessions and unlimited messaging.
Our research shows that users find it easy to schedule appointments with their therapists. Additionally, the unlimited messaging allows users to continue communicating with their provider between sessions. One thing to consider is that both partners message through the same therapy room, so everyone sees messages.
Couples therapy through Talkspace isn’t limited to romantic couples. It can be used by any two people in any relationship dynamic, such as parents and children, siblings, or friends.
What customers are saying
We found many reviews where users praised their experience working with Talkspace therapists.
Bianca is a verified Trustpilot user who has felt a strong connection with their therapist, writing, “I have been using the Talkspace platform for a little over a year now. I was matched with a therapist who showed effort and focus in our sessions. I feel heard, and like I am progressing in the necessary areas. It is a relatively easy platform to use.”
“I love everything about Talkspace. Even before I got matched with my amazing therapist, I loved that it was so easy to schedule calls and reschedule if something came up. I love that I can message my therapist, which is great if I’m struggling with something or need to bring her up to speed on something before my video session! This is a therapy that fits into my life with zero hassle.”
Nicole A., verified Trustpilot user
Some users have said finding an available appointment time can be challenging, depending on the therapist.
Verified Trustpilot reviewer Marcela M. says, “It has been hard to find a therapist with a matching schedule. When you find out, it is usually a long wait in between sessions.”
Specs
| Price | Varies based on insurance, $109 per week out-of-pocket |
| Insurance accepted | Yes |
| Therapist assignment | Assigned |
| Session type | Video, audio, live chat, messaging |
| Platform | Online, mobile app |
Best online couples counseling for couples with children: Little Otter
Key product features
What you should know
Little Otter’s licensed therapists specialize in family and child mental health so the whole family can receive mental wellness support in one spot.
- Little Otter is excellent for couples who want to focus on co-parenting well together while also addressing any mental health needs of their children.
- Therapy services are expensive, and few insurance plans are accepted.
- Anyone can take the family wellness assessment and access the digital support tools, but at this time, only individuals in the 13 covered states and D.C. can receive therapy services.
Why we like Little Otter as best for couples with children
Parenting brings unique characteristics and challenges to a couple’s relationship. That’s why we were drawn to Little Otter’s whole-family approach to providing therapy. This approach can be valuable in creating mutual support in parenting, which is associated with high-quality marital relationships. ( 6 ) Johnson adds, “Including the whole family system in a therapeutic way helps everyone to be on the same page with treatment goals and outcomes.”
With licensed therapists specially trained in child and family mental health, Little Otter’s therapy options go beyond couple’s therapy. You can also receive support for children ages 0-14. This stood out to us because studies have repeatedly shown that the quality of marital or co-parenting relationships can profoundly affect children’s development and behavior. ( 7 , 8 )
You start the journey by completing a family mental wellness assessment. The assessment will ask you to answer questions about yourself, your children’s mental wellness, your relationship, and your goals. You can skip those questions if you feel uncomfortable including information about your children.
At the end of the assessment, you get a snapshot of your results, outlining which elements are typical, which ones may be concerning, and advice on what you can do for each mental health topic that came up. To go more in-depth and see the full report, you’ll need to pay $20.
From there, the cost of therapy is significantly higher than most of the other online therapy platforms we’ve reviewed, and insurance coverage is minimal. You start with a 90-minute assessment for $390 and a 45-minute assessment follow-up for an additional $195. It’s not until after those first two sessions that you get into the heart of the therapy work, and from there, it is $195 per session.
Outside of therapy, Little Otter has a robust library of digital wellness tools that are personalized based on your goals. We liked that we could access those resources without purchasing the entire assessment or therapy sessions.
While evaluating this platform, I had a few questions to clarify structure and pricing. I couldn’t get answers through the AI-powered chat, and no customer service representatives were available to chat with me. However, when I sent an email to customer service, I received a response within 15 minutes.
What customers are saying
There aren’t many independent reviews available online for Little Otter, but the 23 reviews on the Apple App Store have mostly positive comments.
Verified Apple App Store user “mariac1!” says, “It has amazing resources and different types of services in one spot. It’s complete mental health and behavior support for parents.”
Similarly, “andresI08” wrote in their Apple App Store review, “It is everything they say it is. There are no waitlists, great therapists, and resources tailored to your family’s needs.”
However, one user found the initial call expensive because they were not receiving any therapy services at that time. Instead, they felt it was more of a selling tactic.
“We had our initial consultation, which we paid $90 for,” says Apple App Store user “freeflow372”. “This 30-minute meeting was for Little Otter to tell us how they work, what they do, who we will interact with, how to download the app, and how to schedule future visits. At the end, we were pushed to buy a “pack” of visits (without ever meeting the therapist we would work with) to save money.
I feel like we paid $90 for someone to pitch their service to us. It soured our impression of the app and the business behind it. We would much rather interact with a business that does not charge us for sales pitches.”
Specs
| Price | $390 assessment, $195 assessment follow-up, $195 per therapy session |
| Insurance accepted | Yes |
| Therapist assignment | Assigned |
| Session type | Video, text |
| Platform | Online, mobile app |
Best online couples counseling for divorce counseling: Growing Self
Key product features
What you should know
Growing Self offers online therapy and educational resources to help individuals and couples grow and improve their relationships.
- Growing Self’s Divorce Recovery process focuses on individual therapy to help you heal and rebuild.
- You can start with a free consultation session to help you get started. Then, your session fee will be determined based on your therapist’s experience level and session length.
- You can connect with others navigating divorce by participating in a private divorce recovery group.
Why we like Growing Self as best for divorce counseling
While divorce rates have been declining for the last decade or so, it’s an unfortunate reality that not every marriage will last. ( 9 ) Growing Self has divorce counselors available to help individuals navigate the challenges of separation and healing.
Johnson shared that she works with therapy clients who have experienced divorce and wish they had more support available. She said, “Even if the divorce is inevitable, couples considering divorce can address communication issues and develop coping strategies that serve them as they pursue the end of their marriage. Particularly valuable if a couple shares children, divorce counseling can be an effective way to address potential concerns with navigating co-parenting.”
Growing Self offers two distinct options for couples on the brink of a breakup or recovering from one. While the Divorce/Breakup Recovery option is an individual therapy process to help cope after a separation, the Couples Counseling option offers joint therapy to help couples determine whether or not they can save their marriage.
If you’re unsure about your best path, you can take advantage of a free consultation call. Additionally, I reached out through the online contact form for more information and received a response to my questions within a few hours.
When you sign up, you specify the type of therapy you want. From there, you share your goals and how you’d prefer to meet with your therapist. You can choose online video sessions, or if you’re near Denver or Bloomfield, Colorado, you can attend in-person therapy.
During registration, you’re offered the free consultation call again to learn more about the program and ensure it’s the right fit for you before committing. If you’re eager to get into the therapy and get an action plan going, you can skip that free call and schedule a Solution Session for $115.
After your consultation call or Solution Session, you can choose to continue therapy on a per-session basis. Since everyone needs support for different lengths of time, we like that you’re not committed to a subscription plan.
The cost of each therapy session depends on your therapist’s experience level and the length of the session. Generally, sessions are between $75 and $170 per 45-minute session. Some therapists may offer sliding-scale pricing based on your income.
Growing Self’s divorce recovery group is a unique feature we didn’t find in other online counseling services. The private group meets weekly with six or fewer members, plus a group facilitator. Each session costs $40, and you must commit to eight weeks.
During our evaluation, we found the Growing Self website was full of additional information and resources to help you learn more about therapy. There’s even a podcast with a collection of different topics.
What customers are saying
We were unable to find any independent reviews of Growing Self online. Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau don’t have any reviews yet. However, one Facebook user praised the Growing Self founder and the podcast.
Facebook reviewer Torrie L. says, “Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby is an excellent resource. She excels in the field and is extremely compassionate and caring. She truly wants everyone to be happy and will go above and beyond to ensure that. I found her via her Love, Happiness, and Success podcast (which I highly recommend) when I was really down and confused. With her expert assistance, I’m now seeing how to manage my thoughts, feelings, and emotions healthily to navigate and move forward with my life.”
Specs
| Price | $75 to $170 per session |
| Insurance accepted | No |
| Therapist assignment | Your choice |
| Session type | Video, in-person |
| Platform | Online |
Best online couples counseling for choosing your own therapist: Thriveworks
Key product features
What you should know
Thriveworks utilizes a network of licensed therapists and psychiatrists to provide mental health services to individuals, couples, and families.
- You can review detailed information about each therapist to help you find a provider that matches your needs and preferences.
- Most insurance plans are accepted; copays generally range from $0 to $50 per session. You can also choose to pay out-of-pocket starting at $220 per session.
- Thriveworks is an excellent option for individuals who prefer to work with a therapist in person.
Why we like Thriveworks as best for choosing your own therapist
Choosing your therapist can help your experience feel more personalized and ensure your provider is a good fit based on values, beliefs, therapy style, and specialties. We found the Thriveworks directory of providers easy to navigate, and the therapist profiles included in-depth information to help you make an informed choice.
Thriveworks offers various therapy and psychiatry services with offices in 49 states and D.C. During my research, I found four locations within my state. However, no options were available when I used the provider search feature, even when searching the whole state.
When I called customer service, they were very kind and helpful. They explained that my local providers had no available time slots but that I should expect to see new appointment times within a few days. They even offered to monitor the situation and call me when appointments became available.
While the customer service I received was excellent, it made me wonder if I would continue to have issues getting into therapy sessions when needed if they booked up often.
When I changed my search criteria to a nearby state, I found 30 providers. I was impressed that I could book appointments as soon as the same day. Additionally, many providers offered evening and weekend appointments.
Thriveworks accepts most major insurances, with the average copay ranging from $0 to $50 per session. You can also opt to pay out-of-pocket, and those prices vary by state and therapist.
While evaluating different online therapy platforms, we found it was standard among many to require payment upfront for individual sessions or subscription plans, which often garnered user complaints. Thriveworks doesn’t charge for therapy sessions until after you complete your session.
Unlike subscription plans, Thriveworks does not limit you to a certain number of sessions per week or month. You can see your therapist as often as you need.
The online platform and dashboard made it easy to see past and future appointments, manage billing, and find a provider. Plus, you have access to additional complimentary wellness resources.
What customers are saying
Thriveworks doesn’t earn high reviews on Trustpilot or Better Business Bureau. However, most negative reviews are regarding billing and customer service. Many of the reviews start by acknowledging the therapists are excellent.
In one five-star review on Trustpilot, verified user Zvon E. says, “Thriveworks has been the best source of therapy I have ever had. I initially had a great therapist I was able to talk to, which is part of my issue—talking. I decided to stop therapy, but I realized that I needed more. I was initially doing it remotely but decided to do it in person instead. I thought if they had one great therapist, they might have more. I was right. My second therapist was also very effective. If it wasn’t for my two therapists, I don’t know how I’d be doing. Actually, I do know, but it’s definitely not as good. I highly recommend Thriveworks.”
Specs
| Price | $0 to $50 with insurance |
| Insurance accepted | Yes |
| Therapist assignment | Your choice |
| Session type | Video, phone, in-person |
| Platform | Online |
Best online couples counseling for busy couples: Hey Ritual
Key product features
What you should know
Hey Ritual provides users with expert relationship guidance through video sessions and a personalized learning experience that can be accessed anywhere, anytime on the mobile app.
- Users can attend short therapy sessions alone or together to help overcome the barriers of time and partner participation.
- You can choose between three subscription plans depending on whether you want individual or couples therapy and how often you want to participate in live sessions.
- Therapy sessions and additional tools happen through a mobile app, so you need a smartphone to participate.
Why we like Hey Ritual as best for busy couples
Finding time to fit weekly therapy appointments into busy schedules can be challenging. We like that Hey Ritual offers short sessions that users can easily access through a mobile app.
Hey Ritual’s therapy approach has a more modern feel, focusing on digital technology for delivering therapy and additional support content. Currently, the program is only offered through mobile devices. However, when I reached out to their support team, they said they are actively working to provide the ability to participate in live sessions and view videos through a computer or laptop.
Hey Ritual specializes in relationship support and emphasizes that it’s okay to seek it individually. If your partner isn’t ready to participate in therapy together, programs are specifically designed for one-on-one support. Johnson has experience providing relationship support for individuals in her practice with success. She shares, “Starting individual therapy to address relationship concerns can be a helpful first step before beginning couples therapy.”
We experienced a similar process of getting started to most of the online therapy platforms we evaluated. The intake questions asked us to provide personal information to help get matched with a therapist, which took less than five minutes.
After completing the short quiz, we choose our therapy plan. There are three subscription options available:
- Couples therapy (weekly) = $260 per month
- Individual therapy (weekly) = $160 per month
- Individual therapy (biweekly) = $100 per session
Each subscription plan includes one-on-one video sessions. For couples therapy, you can choose to divide sessions between individual and couples sessions if both partners can’t or don’t want to participate in all live sessions. Because the sessions happen through Zoom, couples can join from separate locations if needed.
You can also access a customized learning plan with weekly materials, exercises, and video content. We found this feature valuable so couples and individuals can participate in additional learning whenever it works best for them.
What customers are saying
Hey Ritual is a newer couples therapy app founded in 2021, so we couldn’t find any independent reviews of the platform.
Specs
| Price | $260 per month |
| Insurance accepted | No |
| Therapist assignment | Assigned |
| Session type | Video |
| Platform | Online, mobile app |
How we test online couples counseling
At Fortune, teletherapy reviews are conducted using first-hand testing and comprehensive evaluations. Reviewers are experienced in mental health, and the information undergoes an additional review by mental health experts to verify accuracy. Read our in-depth methodology for more information.
Therapist quality—30%
A top-notch teletherapy service should feel personal and professional, not impersonal or generic. It should connect users with certified and experienced therapists, not unqualified individuals. Here’s what we look for:
- Expertise
- Personalization
- Interaction quality
Accessibility and convenience—30%
Teletherapy directly impacts an individual’s ability to seek, engage with, and benefit from mental health services. Whether it’s a scheduling issue, lack of transportation, or being physically unable to see a therapist in person, everyone’s situation is different. Teletherapy is here to help change that. With the convenience of teletherapy being a significant advantage, we evaluate:
- Ease of use
- Availability
- Platform reliability
Cost and value—20%
Unfortunately, mental health services are not a financial privilege for most people who don’t have insurance that covers it. In an era where mental health care is more necessary, yet often more expensive than ever, assessing the cost-effectiveness of teletherapy services becomes not just relevant but essential.
Here’s what we factor into a teletherapy’s cost and value rating:
- Pricing transparency
- Insurance and coverage
- Value for money
Support and resources—10%
Good mental health habits don’t end after each session. It’s a constant task we must continue to practice. Access to additional support and resources is invaluable for clients seeking to deepen their understanding of mental health issues, learn additional coping strategies, or continue therapeutic work in between sessions. Beyond the therapy sessions, additional support can enhance the therapeutic experience.
Our factors in this rating include:
- Supplementary materials
- Customer support
- Aftercare
Privacy and security—10%
While teletherapy is an incredibly convenient way to seek mental health, it poses some risks. Maintaining client confidentiality and data security is paramount in teletherapy. As clients entrust teletherapy services with their mental health information, stories, and vulnerabilities, the responsibility of these platforms to protect such information is paramount.
Here’s what we’re looking for:
- Compliance with HIPAA and data protection laws
- Encryption and security measures
- Anonymity options
Who should consider online couples counseling?
Couples counseling can be appropriate for anyone in a relationship. While therapy can be very effective at helping couples work through issues, you don’t have to wait until you experience problems to seek support. Couples therapy isn’t limited to those who are experiencing relationship distress.
These are couples therapy myths that can feed the stigma that surrounds couples therapy and prevent some partners from seeking support. Instead, any couple seeking to strengthen their relationship can participate in counseling.
How much does online couples counseling cost?
Through our research, we found that many variables can impact the cost of online couples counseling. If your insurance covers couples counseling, you may pay copays as little as $0 to $50 per session for select therapy services that accept insurance.
Additionally, multiple counseling services are dedicated to making therapy affordable through sliding-scale fees and weekly or monthly subscriptions. However, out-of-pocket costs can be as high as $200 per session.
How to choose the best online couples counseling service
When seeking couples counseling, consider what you and your partner need from therapy. Many platforms we reviewed will ask you to choose what you want to work on, such as improving communication, managing conflict, feeling more connected, or overcoming infidelity. Knowing your goals will help you find a therapist specializing in those areas.
You’ll also want to consider any personal preferences regarding the therapist’s gender, background, or religion. Finally, think about how you prefer to communicate with your therapist and what, if any, other resources you’d like access to alongside your therapy sessions.
FAQs
Is online therapy effective for couples?
Couples therapy has proven effective, with 70-80% of couples experiencing improvements in their relationship at completion of therapy. ( 10 ) It’s important to note that most of this research has been conducted using traditional in-person therapy.
However, recent research has started focusing specifically on the effectiveness of telehealth and videoconferencing in couples therapy. These studies have shown that teletherapy can be comparable to in-person couples therapy. ( 11 )
What type of counselor is best for couples?
Several types of therapists may offer couples counseling. Ideally, seek out a therapist who’s qualified as a licensed mental health professional and lists experience in couples or relationship therapy as one of their specialties.
- Licensed Family and Marriage Therapists (LFMT) undergo specific training to work with couples and families.
- Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) are experts in working with behavioral, emotional, and mental wellness needs, and many also receive training in couples therapy.
- Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) are versatile mental health clinicians who can often work with individuals to help resolve relationship issues.
- Psychologists (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) have doctoral-level training and can undergo training to become board-certified in couple and family psychology.
What are the disadvantages of couples therapy?
We already saw that couples therapy has a high success rate, but it isn’t 100% effective and doesn’t work for everyone. Sometimes, therapy uncovers problems that couples cannot solve. In other cases, one partner may be unwilling to participate and put in the mutual work to help make joint therapy effective. Additionally, couples therapy takes time, and it can be expensive. This may cause additional financial stress or lead to couples dropping out before completing treatment.
Is online couples counseling covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage for couples counseling varies by carrier and plan. While several online therapy platforms accept insurance, it’s always best to check with your insurance to verify if you’re eligible for coverage.
How is online couples therapy different from other types of therapy?
Regardless of the type of therapy, the main goal is to improve well-being. However, different types of therapy have various methods of focusing on wellness. Individual therapy often focuses on one person’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, while interpersonal relationships can be a more general aspect of that.
Couples therapy focuses on relationships and relational issues. It is generally conducted through joint sessions, with therapy goals based on resolving specific issues within the relationship. However, more programs are starting to offer individual therapy as an option for couples counseling.
Our experts
Rychel Johnson
Rychel Johnson, M.S., LCPC, is a licensed clinical professional counselor in Kansas. She owns a private practice specializing in anxiety treatment and social skills development. Rychel also enjoys extensive road trips and spending time with her husband, daughter, and two cats.
Krista Manning
Krista Manning is an accomplished medical copy editor and fact-checker who stands out in the pharmaceutical, health, and wellness domains. With a meticulous eye for detail and a command of medical language, Krista ensures the accuracy and clarity of content. Beyond her professional expertise, Krista is an advocate for mental health awareness. Recognizing the crucial intersection of psychological and physical well-being, she actively contributes to projects that promote mental health awareness within the healthcare narrative. Krista’s commitment extends beyond the pages she edits, emphasizing the holistic nature of health communication.
Corey Jungwirth, NBC-HWC
Fortune Recommends Staff Writer
About Author
Corey Jungwirth is a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach with over 11 years of experience working in health and wellness. Additionally, she has earned certifications as a Behavioral Health Coach and Lifestyle Medicine Coach. For over five years, Corey has enjoyed combining her wellness knowledge with her passion for writing. When she’s not writing about it, Corey enjoys engaging in her own health by running, taking Peloton classes, and playing soccer and volleyball. She also enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and being outdoors as often as possible. Corey lives in a cozy home in the woods in Wisconsin with her two kids, husband, and dog, Kona.