Online-Therapy Review: Marriage Counseling Services

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Where Can You Find the Best Online Marriage Counseling?

In recent years, the number of people turning to online therapy for help has increased exponentially. According to a report in the Annals of Internal Medicine, more than half of all mental health appointments are conducted via the internet or telehealth. While the 2020 pandemic may have increased those numbers initially, many have chosen to stay with or start online counseling as a way to fit the service into their busy lives.

Online marriage counseling, or couples therapy, provides specialized support for those in relationships who want help with any number of issues, from improving communication and dividing household responsibilities, to overcoming infidelity and reconciliation. Therapists providing this type of service focus on helping couples learn to improve relationship dynamics, resolve conflict, and create a stronger partnership. Not strictly for married couples, this type of therapy can help those who are dating, engaged, or in long-term partnerships as well. Some companies provide counseling specific to your relationship situation, including for LGBTQIA+ couples.

While online therapy is not equipped to deal with all situations (most of these services suggest seeking help elsewhere if you are experiencing a medical emergency, need an official diagnosis, must fulfill a court order, or are in danger of physical abuse), it can provide a helpful alternative to in-person counseling, especially for those who are separated by the miles or scheduling challenges. Some companies even focus on military and other transient lifestyles for their counseling services.

Telehealth counseling plays an integral role in providing accessibility to mental health services for areas where professionals do not have a physical office, including rural areas. These services are often available at a reduced rate, which is essential to those paying out-of-pocket for services (many services noted that marriage and couples counseling is not usually covered by insurance, though several companies we reviewed said they accept insurance so be sure to check your policy for covered benefits).

There are some unexpected benefits to online couples therapy. First, there is a reduction in the costs of childcare or transportation to get to a physical office for an appointment. Clients have noted that they waste less time since they are not traveling or sitting in a waiting room. Multiple studies have concluded that there is no discernable client outcome difference between virtual and in-person therapy sessions. Flexible additions of virtual messaging between appointments has improved the therapy experience. Those with disabilities or limited mobility have easier access to help with these online marriage counseling platforms. Some people even note the privacy and anonymity they experience with online services since they are no longer concerned about being seen in the waiting room of a counselor.

Not all marriage counseling platforms are created equal. When deciding which online therapy service best meets your needs, we suggest considering these important aspects:

• Credentials and experience. Do you need a therapist or a coach? If you don't know the difference, the main thing to consider is that therapists are licensed and able to treat mental health conditions, whereas coaches do not require any sort of advanced education to help individuals or couples achieve specific goals. Some companies have professionals whose licensing is invalid across state lines so they will offer coaching as an alternative therapy. Look at profiles for providers (when available) and know which you are signing up for before you pay.
• Therapy approach. If you know a lot about psychology, you may be familiar with cognitive behavioral therapy, emotionally-focused therapy, and compassion-focused therapy. Perhaps you have read all about the Gottman Method and wish to work on your marriage with that as your basis. Many companies are upfront about which types of therapies (if any) they focus on using in their practices or even providing you options from their myriad of professionals. If this is not something you've ever considered, that's okay, too.
• Choose your own professional. This is not always a given when signing up for online therapy platforms. If it's important to you that you are able to choose the therapist yourself, make sure that's part of the way they do things. Some companies use different methods to match you to their recommended counselor, giving you limited input regarding the decision.
• Accessibility options. More than simply talking about your relationship issues, some online marriage therapy platforms offer additional access to your counselors. If it's important to you to be able to message with your therapist or have homework that you complete between sessions, look for those features.
• Initial consultation or guarantee. Though not offered across the board, some companies will give you the opportunity to try a session or get a refund if you're unhappy with the therapist with whom you've been matched.
• Fees and insurance. Is your insurance plan accepted by this therapy company? If you have insurance, does this company bill insurance or will you need to get reimbursed? Some companies refuse all insurance but will provide you a receipt to submit for reimbursement, while others accept Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Spending Accounts. Still other companies accept only self-paying customers. Avoid costly mistakes by knowing this before you sign up.
• Reviews and recommendations. While we love to know what people think by reading their reviews, therapy provides a unique challenge in that it's a very personal service. As a result, there may be limited reviews for the companies. Consider reading some of the ones that are available as you decide between platforms.

We at Top Consumer Reviews have sifted through all of these considerations in order to find the best online marriage counseling platforms. We hope that our ranked list from first-to-worst will help you select a therapist who will guide you towards your relationship goals - so that you can enjoy your best life together.