How much does online couples therapy cost?

Online couples therapy typically costs $65-$100 per week for subscription platforms like ReGain, or per-session rates that vary by provider and insurance coverage. Some insurance plans cover couples counseling, which can reduce costs to just your copay. Growing Self and private practice therapists often offer per-session pricing.

Does insurance cover online couples therapy?

Insurance coverage for couples therapy varies by plan. Platforms like ReGain do not accept insurance directly, while Talkspace may accept some insurance for couples therapy. Headway and Grow Therapy can help you find in-network couples therapists where you only pay your copay. Always verify coverage with your insurance provider.

Is subscription or pay-per-session better value for couples therapy?

Subscription models like ReGain ($65-$100/week) provide predictable costs and include messaging between sessions. Pay-per-session may be more economical if you want less frequent sessions or have insurance coverage. Consider how often you plan to attend and whether you value between-session communication when deciding.

Do both partners pay separately for online couples therapy?

No, couples therapy is typically one service with one fee that covers both partners together. On platforms like ReGain, you pay one subscription that gives both partners access to message the therapist and attend joint sessions. The cost covers the therapy for the couple, not per individual.

Is there financial assistance available for couples therapy?

Yes, several options exist. ReGain offers financial aid for qualifying couples. You can also find couples therapists who offer sliding scale fees based on income through directories like Open Path Collective or Psychology Today. Some employer EAP programs include couples counseling sessions at no cost.

How long does couples therapy typically last and what is the total cost?

Couples therapy duration varies based on your goals and issues, but many couples attend for 3-6 months or longer. At $65-$100/week for subscriptions, expect $780-$2,600 for a 3-6 month period. With insurance coverage, costs would be significantly lower at just your copay per session.

Best Couples Therapy Platforms

Online couples therapy has made relationship counseling more accessible than ever. Whether you're dealing with communication issues, trust concerns, life transitions, or simply want to strengthen your relationship, virtual couples counseling offers a convenient option. This guide explores online platforms for couples therapy and what to consider when choosing one.

Important Disclaimer

This guide is for educational purposes only. We are not endorsing any specific service. The information reflects publicly available details at the time of writing; verify current information directly with each platform.

Online couples therapy is not appropriate for relationships involving domestic violence or abuse. If you are in an abusive relationship, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning we may receive compensation if you sign up through them.

Understanding Couples Therapy

Couples therapy, also called marriage counseling or relationship counseling, helps partners:

Improve communication: Learn to express needs and listen effectively
Resolve conflicts: Develop healthier ways to handle disagreements
Rebuild trust: Work through betrayal, infidelity, or broken promises
Navigate transitions: Adjust to major life changes together
Reconnect emotionally: Address distance or disconnection
Strengthen the relationship: Build a stronger foundation
Make decisions: Work through difficult decisions including whether to stay together

Couples therapy works best when both partners are willing to participate and engage in the process.

Online Couples Therapy Platforms

ReGain

ReGain is an online platform dedicated specifically to couples therapy. It operates as a sister site to BetterHelp.

Focus: Exclusively couples and relationship counseling
Communication options: Messaging, live chat, phone, and video sessions
Pricing: Subscription-based; typically $65-$100/week
Insurance: Does not accept insurance directly
How it works: Both partners can message the therapist individually or together
Therapists: Licensed marriage and family therapists and counselors
Flexibility: Can switch therapists if match isn't right
Financial aid: Available for qualifying couples

Potential considerations: Subscription model may be more than some couples want to commit to initially; no insurance billing.

Talkspace for Couples

Talkspace offers couples therapy alongside their individual therapy services.

Service: Couples therapy plans available
Communication: Messaging and video sessions
Insurance: Some plans may accept insurance
Shared room: Both partners share a therapy room with messages visible to all
Therapist selection: Can choose from matched therapist options
EAP: May be available through employer programs

Potential considerations: Couples therapy is a separate service with its own pricing; check if insurance applies.

Growing Self

Growing Self offers online couples counseling with licensed therapists.

Focus: Relationship counseling, life coaching, and premarital counseling
Session format: Video sessions primarily
Pricing: Per-session pricing
Specialties: Includes premarital counseling and dating coaching
Approach: Evidence-based relationship therapy

Other Options

Private practice therapists: Many licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) offer video sessions
Insurance-based telehealth: Check if your insurance covers couples counseling via telehealth
Headway – Can help find in-network couples therapists
Grow Therapy – Insurance-based therapy including couples counseling
The Gottman Institute: Offers referrals to Gottman-trained couples therapists

How Online Couples Therapy Works

Getting Started

Both partners sign up: Create accounts and link them together
Complete assessments: Each partner typically fills out questionnaires about the relationship
Get matched: Matched with a therapist experienced in couples work
First session: Meet together (virtually) with your therapist

Session Format

Online couples therapy sessions typically involve:

Joint sessions: Both partners meet with the therapist together (most common)
Individual sessions: Sometimes therapist may meet briefly with each partner separately
Video sessions: Usually 50-60 minutes, sometimes longer for couples
Messaging: Some platforms allow ongoing messaging between sessions

Between Sessions

Practice communication techniques or exercises at home
Complete homework assignments from your therapist
Some platforms allow messaging for quick questions or updates
Reflect on what you discussed in session

Benefits of Online Couples Therapy

Convenience: No need for both partners to travel to an office
Scheduling: Often easier to find times that work for two busy schedules
Location independence: Can participate even if partners are temporarily in different locations
Comfort: May feel less intimidating than going to an office
Accessibility: Helpful if you live in an area with limited couples therapists
Privacy: No one sees you entering a therapist's office

Common Issues Addressed in Couples Therapy

Communication problems: Difficulty expressing needs, frequent misunderstandings, stonewalling
Conflict patterns: Recurring arguments, escalation, difficulty resolving disagreements
Trust and infidelity: Rebuilding after betrayal, addressing jealousy
Intimacy issues: Emotional distance, physical intimacy concerns
Life transitions: New baby, job changes, moving, retirement
Parenting differences: Disagreements about raising children
Financial stress: Money conflicts and financial planning
Extended family issues: In-law relationships, family boundaries
Premarital preparation: Building a strong foundation before marriage
Considering separation: Deciding whether to stay together

Factors to Consider When Choosing

Therapist Qualifications

Look for licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) or therapists with couples training
Consider therapists trained in evidence-based approaches (Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy)
Ensure the therapist is licensed in your state

Cost and Payment

Subscription models vs. pay-per-session
Whether insurance is accepted (couples therapy coverage varies)
Total cost for both partners combined
Availability of financial assistance

Communication Options

Video sessions (most similar to in-person)
Messaging options for between sessions
Whether both partners can message the therapist

Practical Logistics

Do you need to be in the same location for sessions?
How do scheduling and cancellations work?
Can you switch therapists if needed?

Tips for Successful Online Couples Therapy

Before You Start

Both partners should agree to participate genuinely
Discuss what you each hope to get from therapy
Agree on confidentiality boundaries (what you'll share with others)

Setting Up for Sessions

Find a private space where you won't be interrupted
Test your technology before the first session
Sit side by side or position yourselves so you're both clearly visible
Minimize distractions (phones, notifications)

During Therapy

Be honest and open, even when it's uncomfortable
Listen to your partner without interrupting
Take the therapist's guidance and try suggested techniques
Remember you're working as a team, not adversaries

Between Sessions

Practice what you learn in therapy
Complete any homework or exercises
Be patient—change takes time

When Online Couples Therapy May Not Be Appropriate

Online couples therapy is not suitable for every situation:

Domestic violence or abuse: If there is physical, emotional, or verbal abuse, individual support and safety planning should come first. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
Active addiction: If one partner has an untreated substance abuse problem, that may need to be addressed first
Severe mental health crises: Individual treatment may be needed first
One partner is unwilling: Couples therapy requires both partners to participate
Privacy concerns: If you cannot find a private space for sessions

Questions to Ask Before Starting

What is your experience with couples therapy specifically?
What therapeutic approach do you use (Gottman, EFT, etc.)?
How do sessions work—are they always joint, or sometimes individual?
What is the cost, and is insurance accepted?
How long do couples typically work with you?
What happens if one partner can't make a session?
How do you handle it if one partner shares something privately?
What are your policies on confidentiality between partners?

Related Guides

Important Reminder

This guide provides general educational information only. It is not relationship advice and does not replace consultation with qualified professionals. The effectiveness of couples therapy depends on many factors including both partners' willingness to engage.

If you or your partner are in danger due to domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, contact emergency services (911) or the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988 in the US).