Online therapy may offer a convenient solution when you need extra support in your relationship. (Getty Images)
The average couple wait six years after problems begin before seeking help — a delay that leaves many relationships beyond repair. However, online couples counseling helps remove some of the barriers that keep many from getting help sooner, people can connect with relationship experts before small issues become irreparable problems.
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"Every couple can benefit from therapy," says Audrey Schoen, a licensed marriage and family therapist in California, who says it "should be done early and often." Unfortunately, most couples don't seek help until they're in crisis. By then, Schoen says, significant damage has already occurred. While relationships can still be repaired at this stage, the road to recovery becomes much steeper and longer.
Unlike individual therapy, couples counseling treats the relationship itself as the patient. Licensed marriage and family therapist Rachel Goldberg explains that couples seek professional help for countless reasons — from healing after infidelity to improving physical intimacy or navigating major life transitions like marriage or parenthood. Regardless of the specific challenge, "the aim is to foster empathy and enhance communication and connection," she says.
Despite these benefits, many couples struggle to find time in their already-packed schedules for traditional therapy, not to mention the challenge of identifying the right professional to guide them. This is where couples counseling online has become a relationship game changer, offering convenience and accessibility that office visits simply can't match.
Armed with insights from our expert panel of mental health professionals, including therapists, counselors and psychiatrists, we've evaluated the most popular online couples therapy platforms to help you find your ideal therapeutic match. Our comprehensive assessment considered affordability, convenience factors like appointment availability, technology requirements and the variety of therapeutic approaches offered. The recommendations below represent the best couples counseling online options for 2025, carefully selected to help you strengthen your relationship.
Update, May 09, 2025: We checked the prices and details of all platforms. We researched and added four additional platforms worth considering, but our No. 1 pick for best overall couples counseling online remains unchanged.
Cost: $200 per session | Insurance accepted: No, but reimbursement may be possible | Time until first appointment: 2-6 days | States available: All 50 states | Types of therapy offered: Couples
Our best couples counseling online platform overall — Ours — is dedicated exclusively to couples, offering therapy for an expansive range of relationship issues, including premarital counseling, discernment counseling, communication, major life changes, conflict resolution and intimacy. Therapy is available in all 50 states from fully licensed mental health providers, all of whom have experience working with couples.
According to Benu Lahiry, the chief clinical officer at Ours, every therapist in the network has specialized training in evidence-based couples therapy techniques, such as the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). Therapists are also thoroughly vetted and selected by the clinical care team, so you can be sure you’ll be matched with a high-quality provider.
Although couples can work on any type of relational issue, Ours places an emphasis on proactive work and relationship maintenance. Along with therapy, the platform offers free digital tools that couples can use in between sessions, including a weekly reflection exercise, journal prompts and virtual card decks that can facilitate deeper conversation.
Therapy sessions are 50 minutes long and held via video. Insurance isn’t accepted, but depending on your policy, you may be able to get reimbursed. Ours offers the first session for a discounted rate of $50. After that, you can either purchase sessions individually for $200 or save 25% with multi-session packages.
Cost: $75-$170 per session | Insurance accepted: No | Time until first appointment: Not listed | States available: All 50 states (for coaching) | Types of therapy offered: Individual, couples
While the terms "couples therapy" and "marriage counseling" are often used interchangeably, there are some issues that married couples may be more likely to face, particularly when it comes to significant life changes. These could include getting married, having children, making major purchases as a couple, navigating new phases of life or illnesses and the natural ebbs and flows of intimacy that can occur during a long-term relationship. That's why it's particularly important for married couples to seek counseling from specialized therapists or providers with training in marriage issues.
That's what makes Growing Self our top pick for best marriage counseling service: All the providers are licensed marriage and family therapists. Like Ours, the platform is relationship-focused, although it provides various services for individuals and couples.
The platform offers premarital counseling, marriage counseling, couples therapy, relationship coaching and parent coaching. Other services include discernment counseling, life coaching, career coaching and breakup recovery.
It’s worth noting that Growing Self has a smaller network of providers, and therapists aren’t licensed in every state. However, couples coaching is available nationwide. Moreover, the coaches and therapists are the same, so if you sign up for couples coaching, the sessions will still be provided by a licensed marriage and family therapist.
The only downside to this platform is the cost. There’s no rate difference between therapy and coaching sessions. Instead, rates vary by provider and experience level.
All coaching and therapy sessions are 45 minutes long and held over video. Before sign-up, you also have the option of scheduling a free consultation with any provider to make sure they’re a good fit.
Cost: $40-$80 per session plus one-time membership fee of $65 | Insurance accepted: No | Time until first appointment: Varies by therapist and location | States available: All 50 states and Canada | Types of therapy offered: Individual, couples, family, children and teens
Open Path Collective is easily one of the most affordable online therapy options around. It’s a nonprofit that was created to provide low-cost therapy to those who are uninsured, underinsured or otherwise in need. While the platform isn’t specifically geared toward relationships, it does offer couples therapy.
Rates can vary depending on provider, but all therapy sessions are under $100. In addition, pricing is incredibly transparent, so you’ll know the cost ahead of time. For couples therapy, you can expect to pay between $40 and $80 per session. Open Path also offers the option of working with a student intern for only $30 per session. There is also a one-time membership fee of $65 to use the platform.
Therapists are available nationwide and the directory is extremely comprehensive and easy to use. Simply select your location and whether you want in-person or online therapy. After that, you can use the search filters to narrow down your options by therapist race/ethnicity, languages spoken, specialty areas and treatment orientation. The directory also makes it easy to find the right provider. Each provider has a detailed profile with their availability, accepted payment methods, areas of expertise, treatment approaches and a personal bio.
What’s even more impressive is the diversity represented in the range of therapists: Along with race and ethnicity, Open Path providers have a wide range of specialty areas for couples, including polyamorous or nontraditional relationships, BDSM and kink-affirming, infidelity and affair recovery, infertility, communication issues, sex therapy and more.
Cost: $185 per session | Insurance accepted: No, but reimbursement possible | Time until first appointment: 1-3 days | States available: 17 states (CA, CO, FL, GA, IN, MD, MA, MN, NV, NJ, NY, NC, PA, SC, TX, UT, VA) and Washington, D.C. | Types of therapy offered: Individual, couples and teen (12+)
While all couples face challenges, LGBTQ partners navigate unique dynamics that require specialized understanding, from managing minority stress to navigating family acceptance issues. LGBTQ Therapy Space stands out by exclusively connecting queer couples with therapists specifically trained in these nuanced relationship experiences.
Therapists are licensed professional counselors, social workers and marriage and family therapists with experience and training in LGBTQ-competent therapy techniques. While the therapist network is smaller than some mainstream platforms, it offers impressive diversity across gender identities, sexual orientations and cultural backgrounds, increasing the likelihood of finding someone who truly understands your relationship context.
The platform's providers bring expertise across a spectrum of relationship complexities, including coming out, handling family rejection, third-party reproduction considerations and gender transition support within relationships. Many therapists also specialize in polyamorous and nontraditional relationship structures, providing affirming guidance without the judgment often encountered elsewhere. Military couples within the LGBTQ community will find therapists experienced with the unique challenges of service life while managing queer identity.
LGBTQ Therapy Space offers 50-minute video therapy sessions for individuals, teens and couples. Individual therapy sessions are $155, while couples therapy sessions cost $185. You can self-select a therapist from the diverse provider profiles or use personalized matching based on your specific needs and preferences. Before committing financially, take advantage of a complimentary consultation session to assess therapist fit without pressure. While they don't directly bill insurance, you can submit superbills for partial reimbursement through out-of-network benefits.
Cost: Free directory; cost of therapy varies by provider | Insurance accepted: Yes, by some providers | Time until first appointment: Not listed | States available: All 50 states | Types of therapy offered: Individual, couples, family
The Gottman Method is a form of couples therapy developed by doctors John and Julie Gottman, clinical psychologists and partners who have been married for over 35 years. The framework is based on the sound relationship house theory, which outlines nine elements of a healthy relationship. Couples therapy, then, works to address these nine components and help partners rebuild and strengthen their relationship.
Today, the Gottman Method is one of the most well-known, popular and effective approaches to couples therapy. It’s an evidence-based system, meaning it’s backed up by research. Numerous studies have found that the Gottman Method can help couples improve intimacy, communication and marital satisfaction. It’s not surprising, then, that aspects of the method are used in many different types of couples therapy. But true Gottman Method counseling is only performed by a Gottman-trained therapist.
For couples seeking science-based relationship therapy, the Gottman Referral Network (GRN) provides the most direct path to qualified specialists. This comprehensive, free-to-use directory connects you with over 1,000 licensed mental health professionals specifically trained in the Gottman Method — no more guessing whether your therapist truly understands this approach.
What sets GRN apart is its rigorous quality control. The Gottman professional certification program consists of three intensive training levels, with full certification awarded only after completing this entire sequence. While all therapists in the network have achieved at least Level 2 training (ensuring fundamental competence), many have attained complete certification, representing the highest standard of Gottman expertise available. This verification system eliminates the uncertainty often encountered when searching for specialized relationship help.
Cost per session: $208 monthly | Insurance accepted: No | Time until first appointment: Not listed | States available: All 50 states | Types of therapy offered: Individual and couples
Couples therapy traditionally demands a significant time investment — a luxury many busy partners simply don't have. Our Ritual stands out by reimagining relationship support for today's hectic lifestyles, offering flexible, accessible guidance that fits around packed schedules.
The platform provides a practical alternative to conventional therapy. Rather than hour-long weekly commitments, Our Ritual delivers streamlined 20- to 40-minute sessions with experienced relationship experts (licensed psychologists, social workers and therapists) at $52 weekly. These targeted interventions focus on improving communication, deepening connection and resolving specific issues efficiently.
What distinguishes Our Ritual is its unprecedented scheduling freedom. Sessions are available seven days a week, including evenings and weekends, eliminating the common barrier of limited availability. The platform accommodates both joint and individual sessions, recognizing that relationship work happens both together and separately. For situations where one partner hesitates to participate, individual-only plans are $32 weekly.
Between sessions, interactive tools maintain momentum through video lessons, quizzes and practical exercises. The platform's distinctive journaling feature enables ongoing reflection that your provider reviews before each meeting, maximizing the effectiveness of your limited session time.
Cost: $249 for program with coach; $79-$99 for program without coach | Insurance accepted: No | Time until first appointment: Not listed | States available: All 50 states | Types of therapy offered: Individual, couples
Military couples face relationship challenges that civilian partners rarely encounter — deployments, frequent relocations, trauma exposure and reintegration struggles. OurRelationship shines by offering a specialized program specifically adapted for military families, developed with their unique stressors in mind.
This research-backed program translates Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT) principles into an accessible online format. This approach emphasizes emotional acceptance between partners and uses evidence-based tools and techniques. On top of that, the OurRelationship program itself is backed by research.
Several randomized trials have found that the program is effective in improving relationship satisfaction, functioning and knowledge as well as communication skills and conflict resolution. Benefits are also long-lasting. In one study, couples who used the program reported continued improvements in relationship quality after 12 months. Another sudy found that military couples who used the OurRelationship program experienced similar relationship gains.
OurRelationship offers versions of the program for same-sex couples, heterosexual couples and military couples. The couples programs can be self-guided or with the support of a relationship coach. There's also a self-guided program for individuals who sign up without their partners.
There are three transparent pricing tiers. Individual participants can access the complete self-guided program for $79. Couples have two options: the comprehensive self-guided package ($99) or the premium coach-supported experience ($249), which adds five focused 20-minute sessions with a relationship specialist.
While coaches aren't licensed therapists, they bring valuable expertise as advanced clinical psychology doctoral candidates, specifically trained in military relationship dynamics.
OurRelationship is committed to serving those who face barriers to relationship support. As a federally funded initiative specifically designed for military families, low-income couples and underserved communities, many participants qualify for completely free access to the program.
Cost per session: $120 weekly | Insurance accepted: No | Time until first appointment: Not listed | States available: 39 states (Unavailable in AK, AR, HI, MT, NE, NH, ND, OR, RI, UT and WY) | Types of therapy offered: Individual, couples
Online-Therapy.com provides a truly comprehensive way for couples to improve their relationship. The platform is based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and offers live sessions, unlimited messaging and access to a virtual therapy toolbox.
It's a subscription-based service that makes therapy easily accessible and affordable. There are three different subscription plans for individuals, which range from $240 to $480 per month. For couples, there is only one plan option, which costs $480 per month. All plans have a 20% discount for the first month and are billed weekly.
What makes Online-Therapy.com stand out, though, is how all-inclusive it is. Couples receive a weekly 45-minute therapy session, unlimited messaging with their therapist and access to the interactive online therapy program. The online program is an eight-part, self-guided CBT toolbox complete with educational videos, hands-on activities, yoga, a virtual journal and interactive worksheets, which feature daily therapist replies Monday through Friday. Therapy sessions can be via video, phone or live chat messaging, so couples can choose their preferred communication method.
Cost: $150-$275 per session; $3,500+ for couples retreats | Insurance accepted: No | Time until first appointment: Not listed | States available: 45 states and Washington, D.C. (Unavailable in LA, MS, MT, NM and SD) | Types of therapy offered: Individual, couples, intensive retreats
Couples Therapy Inc. focuses exclusively on relationship healing through its signature intensive retreat model. While they offer traditional services like couples coaching and premarital counseling, their renowned weekend retreats provide unparalleled relationship support.
These immersive experiences replace fragmented weekly sessions with two consecutive 7.5-hour therapeutic days, creating powerful momentum that breaks through entrenched patterns. Available at 34 locations nationwide, these retreats combine the renewal of travel with dedicated therapeutic work in a private setting with one master therapist per couple. Each clinician brings both full licensure and advanced Gottman Method training, ensuring science-based interventions tailored to your specific relationship challenges.
For couples unable to travel, their online intensive spreads the retreat experience across three months of concentrated work. This deep-dive approach creates breakthroughs that might otherwise take a year of conventional weekly therapy, so it's ideal for relationships needing significant healing or facing critical decision points.
Couples counseling can seriously strengthen your relationship, but finding the right provider is a big part of how successful it can be. There are several factors to consider when choosing an online therapy provider:
Cost: While couples counseling online typically costs less than traditional in-office sessions, it still represents a significant investment in your relationship. Most insurance plans don't cover couples therapy (even if they cover individual mental health services), leaving many partners to cover the full expense out-of-pocket. Additionally, virtual platforms generally charge premium rates for couples sessions compared to individual therapy, reflecting the additional expertise and session time required. When evaluating options, carefully consider your needs and financial boundaries to find sustainable support that won't create additional stress on your partnership.
Communication methods: When selecting a platform, verify it supports partners joining from separate devices and locations, crucial for long-distance relationships or when work schedules conflict. Even couples sharing the same home benefit from this flexibility when unexpected situations arise. Also, consider whether additional communication channels like secure messaging or live chat would enhance your experience between scheduled video sessions. The best platforms accommodate real-life complications while maintaining the connection that drives relationship growth.
Therapist qualifications: Online therapists must maintain the same state licensure requirements as in-person providers. While some platforms offer "coaching" to work across state lines, these coaches are typically still licensed professionals working in a nonclinical capacity. Regardless, proper credentials remain essential. "[They] should have a strong background in couples therapy," emphasizes Hannah Mayderry, a licensed mental health counselor in Florida. Beyond general relationship expertise, seek providers specializing in your specific challenges, whether rebuilding after infidelity, improving communication or enhancing intimacy.
Providers available: A robust selection of therapists increases your chances of finding the right match for your relationship. Evaluate platforms not just for the number of available providers but also for the diversity within their network. Look for services offering clinicians with varied specialties, expertise levels and cultural backgrounds. "Some people feel safer with either a male or female, or a therapist that is the same race or faith," says licensed mental health counselor Nicole Kleiman-Reck. This representation is especially crucial for couples from marginalized communities, such as LGBTQ partners seeking affirming care. "Comfort is key when it comes to couples therapy," Kleiman-Reck emphasizes, as feeling truly seen and understood by your therapist creates the foundation for meaningful progress.
Scheduling and flexibility: Coordinating schedules becomes twice as challenging when two partners need to attend therapy simultaneously. The best platforms recognize this by offering expanded availability beyond traditional 9-to-5 hours. Look for services providing evening and weekend appointments, which prove invaluable for people juggling demanding careers, child care responsibilities or conflicting work shifts. Prioritize platforms with flexible booking options, reasonable cancellation policies and possibly on-demand crisis sessions. The ideal platform balances predictability with flexibility, allowing your relationship work to continue even when life is unpredictable.
Couples therapy is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. There are specialized formats of therapy, such as premarital counseling, which aims to help couples prepare for marriage, and discernment counseling, which helps couples who are considering a divorce decide on the appropriate next step for their relationship.
Additionally, there are several different theoretical approaches to couples therapy, like integrative behavioral couple therapy (IBCT) and the Gottman Method. Some of the other common couples counseling theories include:
Emotionally focused therapy (EFT): This approach is based on attachment theory and can be used with couples, families and individuals. In EFT, conflict between couples is seen as the result of insecure attachment, so the goal of therapy is to help partners create a secure emotional bond.
Imago relationship therapy (IRT): Imago is the Latin word for "image, and this therapy links attraction to your partner with your childhood experiences of love. "IRT is based on the premise that many relationship conflicts, misunderstandings and insecurities develop from childhood," Lahiry explains. IRT helps couples recognize this pattern, heal old wounds and create growth. "Couples look to the past to understand the root of present issues, and address them together," she adds.
Relational life therapy (RLT): Specifically engineered for couples work, RLT takes a direct approach to relationship healing by helping partners identify destructive patterns while learning to replace them with healthier alternatives. RLT therapists often take a more active role than in traditional therapy, offering clear feedback, teaching practical skills and challenging unhelpful behaviors directly.
Psychobiological approach to couples therapy (PACT): This approach is specific to couples work and combines attachment theory, arousal regulation and developmental neuroscience. With PACT, the focus is on helping couples learn to recognize and respond to each other’s emotional needs to improve communication and connection.
Solution-focused therapy (SFT): This method, sometimes called solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), is a short-term, goal-based approach that aims to help couples solve a problem. "SFT is targeted at specific issues that the couple has identified," explains Lee Wilson, relationship expert and CEO of Love Dynamics. "The therapist is focused on aiding improvement in that specific area only," he adds. This makes it particularly effective for couples with concrete challenges like parenting disagreements, financial conflicts or communication breakdowns around specific topics.
While there's no definitive rule for when to begin therapy, relationship experts unanimously recommend a proactive rather than reactive approach. The wisest strategy is addressing issues at the first sign of trouble or even engaging in preventative counseling during critical relationship transitions.
According to clinical psychologist Jolie Silva and licensed professional counselor William Snyder, several warning signs suggest it's time for professional intervention:
Frequent arguments or bickering
Communication problems
Lack of trust
Unmet needs
Decreased emotional intimacy
Building resentment
Sexual issues
Major life transitions, such as getting married or becoming parents
Couples therapy can also be helpful for partners who simply want to develop a deeper connection. That said, licensed professional counselor Trevor Brown emphasizes that therapy isn't appropriate for every situation. Specifically, it's not recommended in cases involving domestic violence, untreated severe mental illness or active substance abuse — these situations require specialized intervention and possibly individual treatment before couple work begins.
Finding the most effective couples counseling online platforms required a comprehensive evaluation process. We began by consulting with a diverse panel of relationship experts, including licensed psychiatrists, psychologists, marriage and family therapists and counselors specializing in partnership dynamics, to understand what truly matters in effective couples therapy.
Using their professional insights, we systematically evaluated highly regarded therapy platforms against key criteria, including affordability, therapist credentials, communication methods and appointment availability.
Our assessment also examined each company's clinical approach, research foundation and real user experiences. While some platforms on our final list serve broader therapy needs, we prioritized services with robust relationship-focused options, especially those offering therapists trained explicitly in evidence-based couples modalities.
This rigorous selection process identified the services most likely to deliver meaningful relationship improvements through the accessible format of couples counseling online.
ReGain: This relationship therapy platform is user-friendly, and the easy enrollment process is a boon. Simply complete a detailed preference questionnaire and receive therapist matches within 48 hours. Subscription costs $70 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks) and this includes unlimited messaging with your therapist and weekly 45-minute live sessions, creating continual support between formal appointments. However, ReGain doesn't accept insurance, and you can't read about therapists until you've paid for a subscription.
Alma: A directory that includes many therapists offering sliding scale rates, making quality couples counseling accessible regardless of budget. The platform connects couples with licensed professionals trained in various relationship approaches, and their matching system helps find therapists aligned with specific cultural backgrounds, relationship structures and therapeutic preferences. Note that there are a few reports of scheduling issues.
Relationship Hero: This coaching-focused platform offers immediate help for urgent relationship issues, with appointments available within hours rather than days. Their relationship coaches specialize in practical, action-oriented guidance rather than traditional therapy, making them perfect for couples seeking specific solutions to defined problems. The costs of their pay-per-session model vary by provider, and it eliminates subscription commitments, allowing you to use services when needed.
The evidence strongly suggests yes! Multiple research studies confirm that virtual therapy for couples delivers results comparable to in-person sessions, with similar outcomes and satisfaction rates.
However, as with any therapeutic approach, success largely depends on the couple's commitment. It's most effective when both parties are committed to improving their relationship," emphasizes Dr. Hong Yin, a board-certified psychiatrist. This mutual dedication to growth remains the strongest predictor of positive outcomes, regardless of whether therapy happens through screens or in offices.
Unfortunately, most insurance plans don't cover couples therapy, whether virtual or in-person. This coverage gap exists because relationship counseling isn't typically classified as "medically necessary" treatment. Insurance reimbursement for mental health services generally requires an official DSM diagnosis, and "relationship difficulties" doesn't qualify as a billable condition. There are occasional exceptions worth exploring. Some couples find coverage when one partner has a diagnosed condition like depression or anxiety, and couples therapy is prescribed as part of their treatment plan.
Even without insurance coverage, many couples find online therapy significantly more affordable than traditional in-office sessions. Some employers may provide relationship counseling through employee assistance programs (EAPs).
Often, these terms are typically used interchangeably, though subtle theoretical distinctions exist.
"Couples therapy often goes into more deep-rooted issues, has a longer time frame and focuses on the history of the relationship and each person's contributions to problems in the relationship," explains Kleiman-Reck. "Couples counseling, on the other hand, tends to have a lighter feel," she continues, adding that it has a "shorter time frame and the focus is on current stressors and problem solving." This more solution-focused approach typically addresses present challenges through practical communication tools and specific behavioral changes.
When searching for support, focus more on finding a provider whose approach resonates with your relationship goals rather than getting caught up in terminology.
The process of finding the right marriage counselor can feel a bit daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Starting your search online is the easiest way to find one, even if you want in-person therapy. There are a number of therapist directories, like Gottman Referral Network, that are free to use and allow you to search for a provider in your area.
Regardless of whether you want in-person or online therapy, though, it’s a good idea to do your research. Make sure that the company is reputable and that the therapist has the proper credentials. "It’s crucial to ensure they are licensed and qualified in your state," says Mayderry. It’s also best to look for someone who specializes in couples therapy and has the right type of experience. "Their therapeutic approach should align with yours and your partner’s beliefs and preferences," she says.
However, according to Aaron Steinberg, founder and CEO of Grow Together, their therapeutic approach may not matter as much as their vibe. "The sense of trust and enjoyment you have with your practitioner is paramount," he says. That may take some trial and error, but many platforms offer a free consultation, which can help you get a feel for the therapist.
Trevor Brown, licensed professional counselor and owner and founder of the Other Therapy, Boulder, Colo.
Rachel Goldberg, MS, licensed marriage and family therapist, Studio City, Calif.
Nicole Kleiman-Reck, licensed mental health counselor for Grow Therapy and Alma
Benu Lahiry, licensed marriage and family therapist, executive coach and chief clinical officer at Ours, Seattle, Wash.
Hannah Mayderry, licensed mental health counselor and owner of Philosophie Therapy, Jacksonville, Fla.
Audrey Schoen, licensed marriage and family therapist, Roseville, Calif.
Aaron Steinberg, founder and CEO of Grow Together
Jolie Silva, PhD, chief operating officer, New York Behavioral Health.
William Snyder, licensed professional counselor at Grow Therapy
Lee Wilson, CEO of Love Dynamics
Dr. Hong Yin, MD, psychiatrist and founder of NF Psychiatric, Milwaukee, Wis.
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.