Who is couples counseling for?

Couples counseling is for anyone in a relationship, whether it's to see if you and the person you're dating are compatible for the long run, whether you're finding wedding preparation to be stressful, whether you're working out the kinks with communication and expectations, or whether it's a last resort before a breakup or divorce.

How is online couples therapy different from in-person therapy?

Just like you might talk with your doctor online these days, it's the same with a couples therapist. You'll log on, and you and your partner will begin your session. Find a comfortable, quiet place where you and your partner can have the space to yourselves to talk about personal issues without an audience.

How can online couples therapy help us?

Online couples counseling can help so many aspects of your partnership. There are so many issues that start out small and can develop into deal breakers. If you're relatively new in your relationship, it can help you discover if you both are compatible and have what it takes for the long haul, do premarital counseling, and help in the wedding process when things get stressful. In any stage of your relationship, it can help with financial conflict, power struggles, parenting, effective communication, and more.

Does online couples therapy actually work?

If you attend your appointments and put in the work, research shows it can be 70-90% effective. Make sure you find a counselor that's compatible for you both and agree to work on your relationship outside the sessions Most people who make that commitment find couples counseling quite beneficial.

What's the difference between a therapist and a coach?

When you want counseling as an individual or as a couple, you can choose a therapist or a coach. Therapists usually have a Master's Degree or higher and are specialized in their area of practice - in this case, couples or family therapy. Therapists may want to find out why there's a lack of communication, for example, and ask about your past experiences to help you work up from that. Coaches, on the other hand, don't necessarily have even a Bachelor's degree, but may be trained in life coaching. They don't usually delve into your past as they aren't professionally trained to do so. They look at what's happening today and help you and your partner set goals and objectives for the future.

How complicated is the registration process?

The registration process can vary from a couple of clicks and a payment to filling out a lengthy questionnaire before being matched with a therapist. You can choose your online couples therapy platform based on how much you'd like to disclose before getting started, if that's important to you.

How long are the online appointments?

Online appointments for couples therapy can vary from 30 to 80 minutes, and this is a huge difference. Usually the 30-minute appointments are intended for you and your partner to check in after having done your assignments for the week. Those who offer 45 minutes or more allow you to talk about what's going on and how to work through it. Some find that 45 minutes is fine for one person to interact with the therapist, but many find that 60 or 80 minutes is better when there are two people involved in the session.

How long do we need to attend counseling?

That depends on you both and the organization you choose. You'll probably want to attend at least a month so you can address issues, spend time working on them, and then report progress. Some companies re-evaluate your plan each month. Some have a set curriculum, if you will, and want you to work on and complete a certain number of units. If you choose a life coach rather than a therapist, they may not want as many sessions.

Best Couples Therapy Services for January 2026

Item: The Best Couples Therapy Services - Summary Reviews
Rating: 5
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

Wednesday, January 21st We evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.

2026 Couples Therapy Reviews

What is the Best Couples Therapy Option? If you and your partner are feeling stuck, having the same arguments over and over, or just feeling a little disconnected, couples therapy can be a game-changer. And it's not just for relationships on the brink - many couples turn to therapy to strengthen their bond, work through life transitions, or better understand each other. With online therapy, getting help has never been easier. Whether you live together or are long-distance, virtual sessions make it simple to connect with a professional without the hassle of an office visit.

5.0

EXCELLENT

Best Option

Online-Therapy

Cost: $480 for 4 weeks ($120/week), includes one 45-minute session weekly
Financial aid available up to 40% off
Sessions available via video, voice-only, or text messaging through secure online platform

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EXCELLENT

5.0

On the Online-Therapy website

As our #1 rated online therapy platform for couples, Online-Therapy goes way beyond just weekly video sessions. You'll get matched with a licensed relationship therapist who works with both you and your partner through video, voice, or text sessions - but what really sets them apart is all the extra support between appointments. For $120 a week (or less if you qualify for financial aid), their platform includes access to worksheets, journaling tools, and even yoga classes that help you actively work on your relationship daily. We think this service is perfect for couples who want the flexibility of online therapy plus structured tools to help them grow together on their own time.

4.5

GREAT

Great

Couples Therapy

Cost: $3,500 to $6,500 for weekend retreats, $150 for 50-minute individual coaching sessions
Weekend retreats, 80-minute follow-up sessions, or 50-minute individual coaching
Intensive format equals "6 months of therapy in 3 days"

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GREAT

4.5

On the Couples Therapy website

If you want a science-backed, intensive approach to couples therapy that can help you make major progress in a single weekend, Couples Therapy Inc might be your answer. Their team of highly qualified therapists (half with doctoral degrees) uses proven methods like the Gottman Method to tackle everything from everyday relationship challenges to serious crises. While the premium price tag of $3,500 to $6,500 for a weekend retreat might give you pause, you're getting the equivalent of months of traditional weekly therapy compressed into three focused days. We think this service is ideal for couples who are serious about transforming their relationship and have the means to invest in premium-level help - especially those who've tried traditional weekly therapy without success.

4.0

VERY GOOD

Very Good

Sesame

Cost: From $100 for a 45-minute online session
HSA and FSA payments accepted, Sesame Plus membership discounts available
Full refund if cancelled 3 hours before virtual visits, 24 hours before in-person

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VERY GOOD

4.0

On the Sesame website

Looking for a straightforward way to start couples therapy without the hassle of insurance? Sesame connects you directly with licensed therapists across the US through their user-friendly healthcare marketplace. You'll get to handpick your therapist from detailed profiles and book appointments at surprisingly affordable rates - often starting at just $100 for a 45-minute session. What we love most about Sesame is their commitment to transparency: you'll see verified credentials for every therapist, clear upfront pricing, and flexible booking options that work around your schedule. We think Sesame is an excellent choice for couples who want quality therapy without complicated insurance requirements, especially if you value the ability to choose your own therapist and appreciate clear, no-surprises pricing.

3.5

GOOD

Good

Growing Self

Cost: Session fees range from $75 to $170/45min (Doctoral level: $170, Advanced clinicians: $145, Master's level: $125, with sliding scale $75 to $145 available based on income)
Doesn't work directly with insurance but provides superbills for out-of-network reimbursement. FSA/HSA accepted
Online video sessions and in-person options in Denver area

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GOOD

3.5

On the Growing Self website

Growing Self offers online and in-person couples therapy in the Denver area with highly qualified therapists (all having at least master's degrees), plus free resources and additional services like sex therapy and financial counseling. You'll appreciate their sliding scale fees ($75 to $145) and flexible payment options, though finding basic information on their poorly-organized website can be frustrating. That said, the high-quality care and diverse service offerings make Growing Self a solid choice for couples seeking relationship support from experienced professionals.

3.0

AVERAGE

Average

Relationship Hero

Cost: Regular sessions around $250/hour, intro sessions starting at $150. Coaches set their own rates
60-minute sessions
Sessions conducted through Zoom (video/audio), phone, or text

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AVERAGE

3.0

On the Relationship Hero website

If you're looking to improve your relationships or dating life but aren't interested in traditional therapy, Relationship Hero offers a practical alternative. You'll work with a certified relationship coach who can give you specific, actionable advice about your situation, whether you're trying to navigate a breakup, improve your dating game, or strengthen your current relationship. While it's not cheap (sessions run around $250/hour when purchased individually), you'll get 24/7 access to coaches who can help you craft the perfect text message, create a dating profile that actually works, or develop strategies for tough conversations. This service is best suited to goal-oriented people who want concrete solutions to their relationship challenges rather than deep psychological analysis.

2.9

AVERAGE

Average

E-Therapy Cafe

Cost: Trial session $55, Regular sessions $65, Monthly package (8 sessions) $470, Quarterly package (24 sessions) $440, Email support $65
E-journal option (700 words with 24-48 hour response time)
One free emergency cancellation per 6 months

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AVERAGE

2.9

On the E-Therapy Cafe website

E-Therapy Café offers online therapy and coaching with a military-friendly "anytime, anywhere" approach, providing flexible 30-minute video sessions, instant chat, and virtual journaling starting at $55 per session. However, the short session length will be limiting, especially for couples therapy where more time is needed to address both partners equally. E-Therapy Café might work well for military families, students, or first responders (who get 10% discounts), or anyone needing quick check-ins rather than deep therapeutic work. However, if you're looking for traditional-length therapy sessions or prefer a more established platform with extensive user reviews, you should explore other options first.

2.5

FAIR

Fair

Regain

Cost: $70 to $100 per week, billed every 4 weeks
Session length: 30-45 minutes for live sessions
Video chat, phone calls, and 24/7 messaging through their portal

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FAIR

2.5

On the Regain website

Regain offers online relationship therapy that you can access from anywhere, either solo or with your partner, through video chats, phone calls, or messaging with licensed professionals. While the platform promises convenience and flexibility at $70 to $100 per week, you should be aware that many couples report issues with billing practices and difficult cancellation processes. Given this and mixed reviews (including an "F" rating from the BBB), we can't recommend Regain when there are more transparent and reliable therapy platforms available at similar price points.

2.4

FAIR

Fair

Octave

Cost: $185 to $195 per session out-of-pocket, or average $32 with insurance
All therapists accept insurance, coverage ranges from 60-90%
Handles insurance paperwork directly

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FAIR

2.4

On the Octave website

If you're looking for couples therapy and have great insurance coverage, Octave might seem appealing with its licensed therapists and advertised $32 sessions. While they offer legitimate therapy with qualified professionals who can handle serious relationship issues, you'll likely face frustrating insurance complications, billing surprises, and administrative headaches that could add stress to an already challenging time. This service might work if you have confirmed your insurance coverage upfront, but most couples would be better served by finding a local therapist or trying a more established online platform. Based on the mixed reviews and persistent billing issues, we can't recommend Octave as a first-choice option for couples therapy.

1.5

WEAK

Weak

Talkspace

Cost: $109/week when paid monthly, or $99/week paid quarterly
Includes messaging and four 30-minute video sessions per month
Works with major providers including Cigna, Optum, Aetna, TRICARE. Most users pay $0 copay

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WEAK

1.5

On the Talkspace website

If you're looking for convenient online couples therapy and don't mind sacrificing quality for accessibility, Talkspace might seem tempting - but we strongly recommend looking elsewhere. While they accept many insurance plans and offer the flexibility of messaging between sessions, the extremely limited 30-minute sessions, inexperienced therapists, and concerning privacy practices make this a risky choice for couples seeking meaningful help. This service might work for very minor relationship tune-ups if you absolutely cannot access traditional therapy, but anyone dealing with serious relationship issues, trust concerns, or communication problems should steer clear. Given the technical difficulties, questionable business practices, and inadequate session times, we cannot recommend Talkspace for couples therapy.

1.0

POOR

Poor

Our Ritual

Cost: Individual $128/month (20-minute sessions), couples from $208/month (40 minutes)
Team includes psychologists, marriage and family therapists, and clinical social workers
Emotionally Focused Therapy and Gottman Method approaches

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POOR

1.0

On the Our Ritual website

Looking for relationship help? You might come across OurRitual, an online platform offering what they call "not therapy" for couples and individuals. While their prices might seem tempting compared to traditional therapy, there are serious red flags you shouldn't ignore. Your sessions will be recorded without a true opt-out option, your data isn't protected by standard medical privacy laws, and the platform's sneaky billing practices and hidden cancellation requirements make it feel more like a tech startup trying to lock you into subscriptions than a genuine mental health service. Most concerning is that your recorded sessions and personal information could be shared with third parties or law enforcement at their discretion. We give OurRitual a hard pass - there are much better and more trustworthy online therapy options available.

Continued from above...

What is the Best Couples Therapy Option?

If you and your partner are feeling stuck, having the same arguments over and over, or just feeling a little disconnected, couples therapy can be a game-changer. And it's not just for relationships on the brink - many couples turn to therapy to strengthen their bond, work through life transitions, or better understand each other. With online therapy, getting help has never been easier. Whether you live together or are long-distance, virtual sessions make it simple to connect with a professional without the hassle of an office visit.

Online couples therapy enables you to have therapy sessions from the comfort of your own homes, which is especially helpful for people with busy schedules or who live far away from therapists. This convenience makes it easier to get help without needing to travel, saving you both time and energy. Additionally, having therapy online can help some couples feel less nervous, since they don't have to meet face-to-face, which may make them more comfortable and open during sessions.

Another big advantage of online therapy is that you can choose from a larger pool of therapists. You're not limited to just the local options - you can find a therapist that fits your needs, style, and expertise. This is particularly helpful for couples facing specific challenges, like cultural differences or complex emotional issues. Online therapy also provides more choices for couples who need therapists who specialize in areas like trauma, communication, or sexual health.

Online therapy can also help reduce the stigma some people feel about going to in-person therapy. Because online therapy is private and often anonymous, couples don't have to worry about being judged by others. By making therapy feel safer and more private, online sessions help couples feel more comfortable working through their problems and improving their relationship.

When you start looking for online couples therapy, you'll see there are tons of options out there. Some services focus on research-backed approaches like Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) or the Gottman Method, while others take a more general or coaching-based approach. Some platforms connect you with licensed therapists who specialize in relationships, while others pair you with life coaches who might not have formal mental health training. If mental health concerns like anxiety, trauma, or even postpartum depression are part of the picture, you'll want a service that includes licensed professionals who can support both of you effectively.

Another thing to consider is how the therapy process starts. Some platforms let one of you begin individually and bring your partner in later - perfect if one of you is hesitant. Others require both partners to be involved from day one. You'll also find that some services give you structured exercises to work on between sessions, while others take a more laid-back approach. And if you're looking for something immersive, a few programs even offer weekend retreats to help you cover more ground in a shorter timeframe.

Here are some important things to think about when choosing an online couples therapy service:

Cost and insurance. What's the price? Does insurance cover any of it? Take a look at your budget and see what makes sense for you.
Therapist qualifications. Will you be working with a licensed therapist, or are they more of a life coach? Do they specialize in relationships? If you're dealing with deeper emotional challenges, a licensed therapist is the way to go.
Approach to therapy. Does the service use a structured method like EFT or the Gottman Method? Or is it more free-flowing? If you like having a clear plan, look for a service that offers a structured approach.
Flexibility and accessibility. Can you book sessions when it works for you? Do you prefer video calls, texting, or a mix of both? Pick a service that fits your schedule and comfort level.
Additional resources. Do they give you exercises, worksheets, or tools to work on between sessions? If you want to practice what you're learning, look for a service that includes these extras.
Privacy and security. Is the platform HIPAA-compliant? How do they protect your personal information and session data? Make sure the service takes your privacy seriously.

Top Consumer Reviews has carefully evaluated and ranked the best couples therapy services out there. Whether you're trying to rebuild trust, improve communication, or just deepen your connection, we hope this review helps you find the best fit for your relationship.