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Online marriage counseling, or couples therapy, is a relatively new way for couples to receive therapeutic services through the internet. This alternative to traditional, in-person therapy sessions is becoming increasingly popular and is a modern solution that provides much-needed intervention and support for struggling relationships.
At the heart of online marriage counseling are licensed therapists. These professionals have a background in psychology or a related field and have specialized training in helping couples navigate the challenges in their relationships. These counselors can provide guidance, strategies, and tools to help partners communicate more effectively, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their emotional connection.
Wednesday, December 11th
E-Therapy Cafe is an excellent online therapy platform with over 20 years of experience in telehealth. Their diverse team of couples therapists and life coaches specialize in various fields, including relationship counseling, marriage counseling, LGBTQ+ counseling, and military counseling. Choosing your own therapist based on their photo and bio adds a nice personal touch. Sessions are 30 minutes long and include video chat, instant messaging, or an E-journal entry of up to 700 words. With different pricing options available to fit your budget, you can access a trial session for $50. Though that's a bit pricey, it's competitive with similar providers in the market. E-Therapy Cafe is our top pick for couples seeking online marriage counseling.
Sesame is a telehealth platform that connects couples with licensed counselors and healthcare providers in their state. They offer same-day appointments, flexible scheduling, and $20 off the therapist's fee as a thank-you for booking through their service. Sesame's pricing is transparent - each therapist sets their own fee. They also have a subscription service, Sesame Plus, which offers savings on telehealth visits, in-person visits with specialists or dentists, and a free lab or blood test each year. Sesame has hundreds of positive reviews and an "A+" rating from the BBB, and clients appreciate Sesame's affordability and quality providers. This is an excellent all-around choice for telehealth, including marriage counseling.
Octave is a science-based marriage counseling service with a diverse team of 200 therapists fluent in 20 languages. They use three proven methodologies: EFT, IBCT, and The Gottman Method. Octave accepts employer-based insurance and is in-network for certain providers, though their services are limited to specific states and Washington DC. Octave also offers individual therapy if you need it. Although they don't offer discounts, Octave's notably high user satisfaction rate suggests they're an effective online counseling option. If you're ready to hit the right note in your relationship, Octave is here to create a transformative experience with a science-backed approach and personalized care.
Couples Learn is an online therapy service that specializes in marriage counseling and offers additional resources to improve relationships. The service was founded in 2014 by Dr. Sarah Schewitz, a highly respected therapist with a passion for helping couples. Couples Learn's therapists have undergone additional training in working with couples, making them highly qualified. They offer therapy sessions and online courses, including quizzes and e-learning opportunities. Despite being limited primarily to California residents and having higher pricing, Couples Learn has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from clients, making it a solid choice for online couples counseling.
Couples Therapy Inc. is a marriage counseling service that offers couples personalized and science-based therapy plans with experienced therapists. They aim to address a variety of couples' needs, including potential spouse counseling, relationship coaching, marriage counseling, sex topics, affair recovery, and relationship discernment. However, they don't provide clear pricing information on their website, and their response to inquiries about pricing can be unhelpful. They also don't give details about canceling appointments and missed session policies, which can be inconvenient and raises concerns about transparency. If you decide to try Couples Therapy Inc., make sure to clarify pricing, discounts, and policies during the consultation process to avoid any surprises.
Growing Self is an online platform that offers counseling and coaching services for individuals and couples. Founded by Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby, a licensed therapist and psychologist, the platform has more than 50 coaches and counselors available. Pricing is on a sliding scale, with more experienced therapists charging higher fees. While the website provides a wealth of free resources, finding pricing information can be difficult. Despite this, Growing Self has an "A+" rating with the Better Business Bureau, and approximately 90% of clients give it a positive rating. Overall, it is a solid choice for those seeking personal growth and stronger marriages, as long as they have a flexible budget.
Online Therapy stands out as a distinct counseling platform, offering a wide range of resources like worksheets, a journal, and even yoga and meditation videos. What makes it even more convenient is the ability to message your counselor as often as necessary. By paying for the entire month upfront, you gain access to all available services. The platform follows an eight-section plan, providing a structured approach to your counseling journey, with each section featuring readings and worksheets. If you prefer personalized online marriage counseling, you may need to explore other options, but we still recommend giving this format a try to see if it suits your needs.
Relationship Hero, with its tailored approach and dedicated coaches, could be just what you need to iron out those relationship wrinkles without needing to rummage in your history's dusty corners. Their method includes understanding your needs, setting targets, and even offering personalized homework right from the get-go. While the cost of their online marriage coaching may be comparable to getting professional counseling from therapists with extensive educational credentials, if coaching appeals to you, Relationship Hero might be a wise investment.
Regain operates as a hub, connecting individuals with therapists who specialize in marriage counseling and family therapy. It's a platform that doesn't hire therapists directly but invites them to join and be a part of the network. A client can communicate with their assigned counselor via video call, phone call, or messages during session hours. And here's a twist we liked: the platform offers round-the-clock messaging. Need to vent about the in-laws at 2 a.m.? Regain's got you covered. The downside of this network-based system is that certain standards, such as session duration and therapeutic method, won't be the same with every therapist.
Ritual offers dedicated specialists with solid credentials to help you and your better half meet your relationship goals. They set you on something they call a Pathway, where you'll have readings and exercises to do every day. You also get to chat individually with your assigned expert every week, and have a monthly sit-down with your partner. Quite impressive considering most counseling services don't provide so many live consultations in a single month. It's a great concept, but their website leaves us in the dark about a few things. So, we can't put Ritual high up on our list.
Whether you're just starting out together or have already clocked significant relationship mileage, Talkspace touts therapists suited to your particular stage. The service includes regular sessions and unlimited text communication with your therapist. The platform claims to be an affordable and reachable solution for all, but we'd argue otherwise. With a high price tag and lack of responsiveness - there are common grievances of therapists canceling last-minute and the company failing to provide compensation or resolution - it's not as accessible as it professes to be. Consider exploring other online therapy alternatives for couples before pledging your commitment to Talkspace.
Online marriage counseling can help with a wide range of issues, from infidelity and trust issues to communication breakdowns, parenting conflicts, sexual dissatisfaction, financial stress, and more. And it's not just for couples in trouble: even healthy relationships can benefit from therapy as a way to strengthen their connection and build a strong foundation.
So, how does this work remotely? Online marriage counseling operates through various digital platforms like video conferencing, phone calls, text messages, emails, and chat platforms. Therapists might use one or a combination of these methods to deliver their services. This flexibility can be highly beneficial, especially for couples who are geographically separated due to work or other commitments. Therapy sessions can be scheduled at a time that suits both partners, eliminating commuting time and the hassle of coordinating schedules. It also provides a level of privacy that might not be available with in-person sessions.
This type of counseling is particularly beneficial for couples who live in rural areas with limited access to therapy services. Additionally, it eliminates the geographical barriers that often come with choosing a therapist. This means that couples can find a counselor that suits their needs from a wider range of professionals across the country or even the world.
Wondering about the cost? Online marriage counseling can be affordable, with fees varying depending on the therapist's experience and the length and frequency of sessions. Some insurance plans cover it, so it's worth checking with your provider. There are also low-cost online therapy options and platforms that work on a sliding scale, making therapy accessible to more people.
If you're searching for a marriage counseling service, it's important to keep a few things in mind to make sure you get the best possible care and support. Here are some key factors to consider:
Top Consumer Reviews has taken the time to evaluate and rank the top online marriage counseling services available today, with the goal of helping you identify the right one for your needs. Our hope is that this information will help you reconnect with your partner, or bring your relationship to new heights.
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