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Monday, February 10th
Couples Learn was founded in 2014 by Dr. Sarah Schewitz, a highly respected therapist with a passion for helping couples. Dr. Schewitz's approach has been lauded as both empathetic and insightful, and she draws from her expertise in relationship and trauma recovery therapy to provide practical advice that really works.
Wide ranging expertise
She's been featured in outlets like Forbes, CNN, and The Washington Post. Her expertise includes Trauma Recovery and Imago Relationship Therapy, and she's highly trained in marriage counseling, attachment styles, and recovering from codependency, betrayal, infidelity, and narcissistic abuse. Dr. Sarah believes that exploring past experiences can help us understand our current behavior and make positive changes.
Straightforward sign-up
The journey to becoming a part of Couples Learn is simple, streamlined, and user-friendly.
Most Couples Learn therapists can only work in California
Couples Learn is primarily based in California, and their therapists may or may not be able to work with clients outside of the state. This information is available on each therapist's profile. However, some clients outside of California may be eligible for coaching services if their needs align with coaching goals. Dr. Sarah Schewitz, the founder of Couples Learn, is licensed in over 35 states and can provide therapy to couples in those states. That's great, but most of the rival marriage counseling services we've reviewed show you only the therapists licensed to work where you live, and there are far more options to choose from on those platforms.
Counseling vs. coaching explained
Couples Learn offers both counseling and life coaching, but aside from life coaching being offered outside of California, what's the difference? When it comes to personal and mental health, counseling and coaching have different roles to play.
Pricing is high, no discounts
Therapy sessions with Couples Learn can set you back anywhere between $175 to $450 per session. While these rates align with other top-notch specialists based in Los Angeles, they are far higher than other services we have reviewed. Couples Learn also does not offer a sliding scale fee structure due to limited client hours, and we saw no mention of discounts. However, Couples Learn therapists do seem to have more qualifications than the therapists who work for rival marriage counseling services.
Counselors have extensive training
All the counselors at Couples Learn are highly qualified with their master's or doctoral degree in psychology and additional training in love and relationships. They maintain high ethical standards and are regulated by a board. On the other hand, life coaches are not regulated by a board and may still be effective, but you'll need to do your due diligence when hiring an unregulated professional.
No in-network insurance accepted
At Couples Learn, you'll need to pay your therapist directly after each session, and then you can submit a superbill to your insurance for reimbursement. They don't accept in-network insurance, but they're happy to accept out-of-network PPO insurance. Keep in mind that most PPO plans will only reimburse a portion of the session fee (usually between 20-60%), and the amount you receive will depend on your specific plan. Also, if you have a high deductible plan, the reimbursed amounts will likely go towards your deductible instead of being paid out to you.
Smaller pool of therapists
The Couples Learn team consists of five counselors. This is a much smaller staff than the other services we've reviewed, but if they primarily operate in California, that makes sense. We noticed during the consultation booking process that most appointments were only available 3 weeks out, so if you and your spouse's issues are urgent, you might not be able to get that help right away with Couples Learn.
Detailed therapist info
Under the "Our Team” tab, you can find detailed info on each therapist's approach and values, expertise, and qualifications, and any advanced training they've undergone. This section also includes pricing, with some therapists offering 50-80 minute sessions. The 50-minute sessions range from $135 to $300, while 80-minute sessions cost between $215 and $480. And if you're looking for a quick check-in, some therapists offer shorter, 30-minute sessions at lower rates.
Convenient web-based sessions
Couples Learn makes it easy to connect with a counselor from the comfort of your own home or office. No traffic, no parking, no problem. Couples Learn offers individual therapy, premarital counseling, coaching, and of course, marriage counseling through video calling. You can have sessions once a week or every other week, and the sessions usually last 50 minutes for individuals and either 50 or 80 minutes for couples therapy. The benefit of online counseling sessions is that they will require less time and provide a level of privacy that's hard to match.
Free 30-minute consultation
If you're not sure whether online sessions will work for you and your spouse, Couples Learn offers a free 30-minute consultation. If you're in a long-distance relationship, you'll be glad to see that their online portal allows you and your partner to connect from different places using the provided link in the confirmation email. How's that for convenience?
Weekend and evening availability
If your schedule is busy during the day, no worries. Dr. Sarah may not be available in the evenings after 6pm, but other therapists can accommodate you with evening and weekend appointments. And if your preferred therapist is fully booked, just shoot them an email to ask about their waitlist. They can usually get you in within a couple of weeks.
Customize your plan based on your needs
Most clients start with weekly sessions during the first 4-6 weeks of marriage counseling with Couples Learn. After that, many switch to a bi-weekly or monthly schedule. The length of therapy can range from short-term (8-10 sessions) for a specific issue to long-term (20+ sessions) for more difficult patterns or personal development. So, depending on what you need, you can work with your counselor to create a plan that works best for you and your relationship.
Couples are front and center
Couples Learn is unique among online therapy services because its therapists are highly trained in couples therapy and have specialized expertise in working with long-distance couples. Unlike therapists who only work with individuals, Couples Learn's therapists have undergone additional training in working with couples, which is an art form that requires years of practice, advanced training, and continued supervision to master.
Additional features and services from Couples Learn
Couples Learn not only offers counseling sessions and online courses, but they also have a ton of additional resources to help with self-discovery and improving relationships. It's great to see a platform that goes beyond traditional therapy and offers tools for people to take control of their own growth and development.
Specialize in online couples counseling
The Couples Learn team knows how to handle the unique needs of both partners and make sure the relationship stays healthy. They even give you tools to take home and use on your own, which means you won't have to spend as much time in therapy. In addition, Couples Learn specializes in online couples counseling, which is a rare expertise among therapists who offer online sessions and accommodate couples more as an afterthought.
E-Learning opportunities with Couples Learn
Couples Learn extends its boundaries beyond online marriage counseling sessions to include two noteworthy courses tailored for self-paced learning.
Negative reviews are rare
According to Google and Yelp reviews, Couples Learn has received overwhelmingly positive feedback. We found one review from a client who had a bit of a rough experience when their therapist quit without warning after only two sessions. The company offered them a free session with a less experienced therapist (but, FYI, they didn't get a refund for those two sessions they had already paid for). Another client found Dr. Sarah's approach transformative in helping them overcome codependency and control issues in their marriage, to the point of saving their relationship. A third client was initially skeptical of marriage counseling but was pleasantly surprised by therapist Kirsten Siewert, who helped them strengthen their relationship through essential communication skills. Overall, Couples Learn has earned more than fifty 5-star reviews on Google and Yelp, indicating that most clients are happy with the service. That's good enough for us.
Strong choice
Overall, Couples Learn seems like a solid choice for online marriage counseling. They have a team of highly qualified therapists who specialize in this type of therapy, and they offer a lot of resources and courses to supplement their services. However, the counseling sessions are a bit pricey and they operate primarily in California, so there's room for improvement in terms of accessibility. But if you're looking for professional relationship assistance and are willing to pay the price, Couples Learn is definitely worth considering. The team seems dedicated to constantly improving and providing practical advice, which is always a good sign when it comes to marriage counseling.
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.
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.
Select any 2 Online Marriage Counseling Services to compare them head to head