Has your honeymoon phase faded after years of a marriage that started on a high note? If the excitement and happiness have been replaced by growing tension and unresolved conflicts between you and your spouse, it might be time to seek professional guidance.

 

You might be asking, “How much does marriage counseling cost?” In general, it can cost anywhere between $20 and $200 depending on various factors. 

 

Find out the average counseling session fees and insurance coverages with online marriage counseling services like Online-Therapy.com. That way you can pick the right package for you and your spouse.

How Much Does Marriage Counseling Cost per Session?

Many factors affect the cost of marriage counseling. Let’s examine two main scenarios: with and without insurance coverage.

How Much Does Marriage Counseling Cost With Insurance?

If your health insurance covers mental health services, you’ll probably pay much less for marriage counseling. Some insurance plans include couples therapy, but what parts are covered may vary.

 

Usually, you’ll need to pay a copay or coinsurance—which is often between $20 and $80 for each session. The total price will also depend on how many sessions you need and how much your therapist charges.

 

Check with your insurance provider to get specific details about your coverage. Some plans may have a limit to how many sessions you can do; others require a referral from your primary care doctor. Some therapists may only accept some insurance plans, so be sure to choose one in your network by Googling or searching “How much does marriage counseling cost near me?”

How Much Does Marriage Counseling Cost Without Insurance?

So, how much does couples counseling cost if your insurance doesn’t cover part of it? Or what if you don’t have insurance at all? You can expect to pay around $75 to $200 or more per session. The actual price depends on your location and your therapist’s qualifications and experience. 

 

Some therapists offer a sliding scale—based on your household income—to make sessions more affordable. Plus, you can look into online counseling services, which tend to be more affordable.

What Influences the Cost of Marriage Counseling? 5 Factors

Check out some of the factors that will affect how much you’ll pay for counseling.

1. Length of Therapy Sessions

Couples therapy sessions usually last 50 minutes to an hour; you can also find sessions that last 45 minutes or as long as 90 minutes. As expected, the longer the session, the more expensive it will be.

2. Qualifications and Experience

Therapists with advanced degrees, specialized training, and extensive experience with a proven track record of helping marriages typically charge higher rates. However, a therapist just out of their grad program or still in training usually offers much more discounted rates.

3. Online vs. In-Person Marriage Counseling

Online counseling is often much more affordable compared to traditional, in-person therapy. Plus, it eliminates travel time and overhead costs for the therapist while offering more flexibility with scheduling.

 

On the other hand, some couples may prefer the face-to-face interaction that in-person sessions provide, even though they may have to pay a little more. 

4. What Issues You Need to Address

Some problems in your relationship might require specialized knowledge. Major issues—like substance or porn addiction, sex problems, anxiety, deep-seated trauma, or medical issues—need extra treatment from specialists. Because of their targeted expertise, their rates are likely to be more expensive.

5. Locality

Where you live (plus the distance from your therapist’s office or counseling center) can also impact how much you must shell out for marriage counseling. Therapists in larger cities or affluent areas tend to charge more than those in smaller towns or rural areas.

Benefits of Marriage Counseling

Here are some perks you can expect from investing in marriage counseling:

• Improved communication
• Conflict resolution
• Deeper emotional intimacy and connection
• Strategies for navigating life transitions and stress
• Better understanding and empathy between partners
• Lower risk of separation or divorce

Cons of Marriage Counseling

Of course, you should be aware that there may be some drawbacks to marriage counseling as well:

• Even with insurance coverage, the high cost can still be a barrier
• Sessions may be challenging to schedule
• The process can be emotionally taxing
• Not all therapists are a good fit

Best Online Marriage Counseling Services in 2024

Virtual marriage counseling is the easiest way to schedule consistent sessions through internet-based services. Here are our top picks of the best online marriage counseling services.

1. Online-Therapy.com

Online-Therapy.com is a solid option for couples hoping to save on marriage counseling without sacrificing quality.

 

Once you sign up for couples therapy, the platform will assign you a counselor whose expertise suits your needs. All of the psychologists on the platform have studied cognitive behavioral therapy—one of the most common approaches to treating mental health.

 

The virtual service also offers resources based on your needs. You’ll get an online “therapy toolbox” featuring hands-on tools to help address your issues, videos and articles, and worksheets to fill out. The sessions are usually 45 minutes long; you can also directly message your counselor through the platform.

 

Cost

The rates for couples therapy on Online-Therapy.com start at $88 per week. Plus, you’ll get a 20% discount on your first month. This package includes 1 live session a week, plus individual therapy and unlimited messaging with your therapist.

 

User Reviews

Many users have shared positive reviews about Online-Therapy.com. For example, one Redditor on r/therapy thinks the platform has one of the best web interfaces—letting you dig deep until you find an answer [1].

 

On the other hand, he and his partner did have some scheduling challenges with their original therapist, but he thought the new therapist they switched to was great [1].

2. Regain.us

Regain.us is another online therapy platform that specializes in relationship therapy. At the beginning of a couple’s counseling, you and your partner will start therapy individually, eventually having a counseling session together. The sessions are usually 30 to 40 minutes long; you can choose between phone, video, or chat sessions.

 

Cost

To get a subscription on Regain for online couples counseling, expect to shell out between $65 to $90 per week.

 

User Reviews

Many clients have great things to say about Regain.us. On r/Marriage, for instance, one Reddit commenter shares that she and her partner liked how the system asked questions to help match them with the best therapist [2].

 

Another Reddit participant in the same thread, though, shared that the process of adding his wife to the system was quite complex. Nevertheless, customer support helped them figure out the issue [2].

3. BetterHelp

BetterHelp is one of the largest online therapy resources. It provides professional, personalized therapy through a network of over 34,000 licensed therapists.

 

Built to bring affordable therapy to all, BetterHelp has assisted almost 5 million clients in getting the help they need. Couples therapy, individual counseling, and teen counseling are among the services provided on this platform.

 

Cost

The cost of couples counseling on Betterhelp ranges from $65 to $100 each week.

 

User Reviews

There’s a good amount of positive feedback about BetterHelp on the internet. To illustrate, a Trustpilot reviewer describes BetterHelp as “counseling made convenient.” According to her, the platform is very user-friendly with lots of helpful features—like built-in video chat, groupinars, and a journal with daily prompts [3].

 

Although another Trustpilot user was skeptical at first about online therapy, she was blown away by how effective it has been [4].

4. Calmerry

As a newer online therapy platform, Calmerry was founded in 2020 for general therapy, but the company also offers relationship counseling. After getting a membership, you’ll be matched with a specialized relationship therapist, have access to in-depth articles, and receive exercises and tips to improve your relationship.

 

Cost

The prices for Calmerry therapy packages usually go from $120 to $295 per month. Better yet, you can look forward to a welcome discount on your first month.

 

User Reviews

Many customers like how Calmerry offers a balance between affordability and high-quality treatment. For example, one Redditor on r/depression_help believes he got full value for money invested—even if the platform is not the cheapest—because it focuses on treatment quality [5].

 

Another Reddit commenter on the same thread says his first therapist wasn’t the best fit, but he’s now satisfied with the service after he was offered to switch to a new therapist [5].

5. Talkspace

Talkspace is another digital therapy platform that also offers couples counseling. When you sign up for the service, you’ll get a list of recommended therapists to choose from. After selecting a suitable one, your therapist will work with you to identify relationship issues, help you rediscover your relationship’s strengths, and explore the patterns that cause stress in your relationship.

 

The platform also offers ongoing support through unlimited messaging and live video sessions with your therapists.

 

Cost

Talkspace doesn’t display the exact rates for online couples counseling on the official website. The company does say that the prices may vary, and since insurance is accepted, the average copay for covered members is $30.

 

User Reviews

Overall, Talkspace has positively impacted its clients’ lives, and many reviews reflect this. For instance, one Reddit participant on r/TalkTherapy relays that Talkspace has helped her a ton in dealing with her relationship problems (as well as processing her ADHD and cancer diagnosis) [6].

 

Another Reddit user on the same thread is not yet sure if Talkspace is good for him, but he is interested in the platform and asks fellow Redditors for feedback [6].

6. OurRitual (Previously HeyRitual)

OurRitual previously known as HeyRitual—is a counseling service that focuses specifically on relationship coaching. It concentrates on making realistic improvements for couples. The platform connects you to experienced therapists who will meet with you weekly through video calls and structured lesson plans.

 

The app includes well-designed lesson plans created by therapists, video lessons, and quizzes; you will also have the chance to undergo therapy sessions with licensed family therapists. The counselors on the platform use methods like emotionally focused therapy and the Gottman model.

 

Cost

The price of the couples therapy plans on OurRitual begins at $100 every month. This includes flexible scheduling and interactive digital resources.

 

User Reviews

OurRitual has received generally positive feedback online. For example, one Redditor commented on r/AsOneAfterInfidelity that he and his partner regularly used the HeyRitual app (now called OurRitual) [7].

 

However, a different commenter on the same thread prefers another platform [7].

FAQs About Marriage Counseling Cost 

We’ve answered the typical question around marriage counseling from most users online: “How much does online marriage counseling cost?” or “What is the marriage counseling cost per hour?” Now, let’s take a look at other popular questions related to the online couples therapy cost.

What Is Marriage Counseling?

Marriage counseling (a.k.a. couples therapy) is a way for partners to get professional help to resolve their conflicts, communicate better, and improve their relationship. Therapists who are trained specifically for this job sit down with couples to tackle all sorts of issues—like trouble communicating, conflict resolution, dealing with infidelity, parenting issues, and more. 

 

The aim of marriage counseling is to guide couples to learn healthier ways of interacting. Once couples communicate better, they can strengthen their emotional bonds and find strategies to handle the highs and lows that come with any relationship.

Does Relationship Counseling Really Work?

Many couples have found that relationship counseling works to improve their communication and interactions with each other. To be realistic, how effective counseling is may vary with each couple—depending on how skilled their therapist is and the level of commitment and effort you and your partner are willing to give.

What Type of Counselor Is Best for Couples?

You might be asking, “What kind of therapist is best for couples?” A therapist who specializes in marriage and relationships is equipped to help you and your partner rebuild your connection as a couple.

What Is the Difference Between Couples Therapy and Couples Counseling?

Both are very similar, but there are slight differences between the two. Couples counseling is usually a short-term solution that tries to resolve present problems in the relationship; on the other hand, couples therapy is more of a long-term process, where the partners deal with both past and current issues to strengthen their marriage in a structured way.

Is Marriage Counseling Worth It?

Most couples who undergo marriage counseling will probably find that the benefits far outweigh the costs. Improvements in communication, intimacy, and trust are just some of the perks couples who start therapy can look forward to.

Why Is Marriage Counseling So Expensive?

Marriage counseling might seem pricey, but most counselors are highly trained professionals with advanced degrees. Becoming an expert requires specialized skills and years of experience. Many therapists run their own practices, so they have to cover overhead costs (like rent, utilities, and insurance). While marriage counseling may be a big investment, it’s worth it.

How Long Do Most People Do Marriage Counseling? 

Some couples may find improvement in just a few counseling sessions, while others may need several months or years of counseling to work through deeper issues. On average, couples attend weekly sessions for three to six months, but the pacing is up to you and your partner.

Do Both People Have to Pay for Regain Therapy?

Regain Therapy, one of the popular online counseling services, has a single subscription fee that covers both partners, so you don’t have to pay separately.

How Does Talkspace Work for Couples?

Couples can use Talkspace, a virtual therapy platform, to participate in live video sessions with a therapist and communicate with their therapist through online messaging.

How Much Does Hey Ritual Cost?

Couples therapy at OurRitual (previously known as HeyRitual) currently costs $260 a month—including four video sessions for two persons. This package also features a customized learning program, exclusive video access, and science-backed exercises and tools.

Marriage Counseling Cost: Final Thoughts

Investing in your relationship can lead to stronger intimacy and a happier, more resilient, and long-standing marriage. Though the price of marital therapy may seem hefty, consider what you and your partner need.

 

Seeking help is a sign of strength (not weakness); a couples counselor can help you address deep-seated issues or improve your communication skills.

 

Now that you know the average cost of marriage counseling, it’s time for you to decide if you and your spouse are ready to invest in the best online marriage counseling services—whether you prefer Online-Therapy.com or other platforms.

References

1. TomDC777. (2021, April 5). A review of Online-Therapy.com. https://www.reddit.com/r/therapy/comments/mks8l7/a_review_of_onlinetherapycom/
2. anonymousuzer123. (2021, November 24). Regain therapy. https://www.reddit.com/r/Marriage/comments/r14kie/regain_therapy/
3. Abigail – Reviews. (n.d.). Nz.trustpilot.com. Retrieved July 31, 2024, from https://nz.trustpilot.com/users/61328509664dbf00126b19ee
4. Joy Gottschalk gave BetterHelp 5 stars. Check out the full review… (2021, September 4). Trustpilot. https://nz.trustpilot.com/reviews/6132b786cc0087e8ef6dadb2
5. middleageyoda. (2022, February 23). Has anyone tried counseling on the Calmerry app? https://www.reddit.com/r/depression_help/comments/szt2mf/has_anyone_tried_counseling_on_the_calmerry_app/
6. mythrowawayacct847. (2023, September 13). Is online therapy like Talkspace and Betterhelp worth it? https://www.reddit.com/r/TalkTherapy/comments/16ht2hb/is_online_therapy_like_talkspace_and_betterhelp/