Relationship and marriage counseling is perfectly normal. Romantic comedies often paint relationships as easy — effortless, even. But the truth is that a commitment to someone isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it kind of thing. Relationships require maintenance, especially as circumstances shift and change.
Perhaps you’ve mastered the art of open and honest communication or you share love anguages with your partner. If so, congratulations — you’ve cracked the age-old code! If you’re finding it to be a particular challenge though, know that you’re not alone. Every partnership has annoyances, complications, and miscommunications — you’re each growing! And, whether it’s a big hurdle or a small hiccup, couples therapy can help you return to smoother sailing.
Why consider virtual couples therapy?
Online couples therapy can be a great option for people seeking accessible ways to improve their relationships. You’ll be able to access therapy in the comfort of your own space without the need to travel, helping you save time and money (it’s also discreet). You’ll have access to a wider range of therapists — perhaps someone who understands your specific needs — rather than being limited to services in your area. Virtual couples therapy is often more flexible too, with a larger array of available times that can work better for you and your partner’s schedule.
What should you look for in a therapy service?
With so many different types of therapy services out there, what should you look for when finding the right therapist for you? It’s important to ensure the therapist you select is licensed with verifiable credentials, and specializes in working with couples specifically. There are also various couples therapeutic techniques, including EFT, CBT, and the Gottman Method, so be sure you understand these differences and research or discuss with your therapist to find out if their approach is the right fit for you and your partner’s needs. Be sure to also inquire whether the therapist or therapy service accepts insurance, or offers financial assistance or lower-cost therapy options, as needed.
“There is no shame in seeking help — and going to therapy together isn’t a sign of failure.”
And most importantly, compatibility is everything! Feeling comfortable and heard is essential to successful therapy, so make sure you feel confident that you and your partner can build a strong relationship with your therapist.
Whether you need mediation for discussions around parenting, emotional connection, or even if you’re looking to improve your sex life, there’s a therapist who can support you. (You can even find a professional to help transition you through a separation mindfully.)
Just remember: There is no shame in seeking help — and going to therapy together isn’t a sign of failure.
Our criteria:
Our team has researched dozens of couples therapy platforms and scoured thousands of online reviews to select our best options for couple therapy. We regularly update this list with emerging platforms that meet our criteria.
- INCLUSIVE | Each of these virtual couples therapy services provides an inclusive range of therapists from different backgrounds, ensuring you’ll find a therapist that fits your needs and can deeply resonate with your life experiences.
- AFFORDABLE | Most of these online therapy platforms offer therapists at an affordable price range and/or offer flexible terms (including one option that accepts insurance).
- PRIVATE | Each of these virtual therapy services work hard to keep your data safe through encryption, with many platforms adhering to HIPAA compliant practices.
Be sure to also check out our list of affordable online therapy for individuals (because a relationship is only as healthy as the people who are in it!). If you are seeking a therapist with your shared experience, you can search for therapists via Inclusive Therapists and the National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network. Or, if you’d prefer to meet with a therapist in person or in a hybrid setting, here’s our go-to guide on finding the therapist right for you.
Best For Privacy And Compliance | Quick Counselor Matching | Most Affordable
1. Regain
Features | All therapists have a Masters Degree or a Doctoral Degree
HIPAA Compliant | No
Insurance Accepted | No, offers lower cost therapy
Pricing | $65 to $90/week (billed every 4 weeks)
As part of the BetterHelp network (a top choice for individual online therapy), Regain was specifically created with couples in mind. Fill out a survey with your current relationship needs and get matched with a counselor in a few days. Your therapist will be licensed and certified, and has experience in relationship counseling — so you can navigate any chapter (whether it’s together on a joint account, or you’re doing some work on your own!).
Regain Review | “I am really enjoying this service. I was skeptical at first, but being that you have the ability to have video therapy sessions is great. You’re still able to have a “face to face” conversation but in your own comfort. Having the ability to message my therapist throughout the week is a great plus too. My therapist, Deborah, is absolutely amazing. She’s a great listener, provides great advice, and helps me dig deeper with the questions she asks. I’ve only had 2 sessions with her and I’m feeling very optimistic. Would definitely recommend her.” – Anonymous [See all reviews]
2. Talkspace
Features | Relationship, marriage, or premarital counseling, SSR encryption, Text messaging or video sessions
HIPAA Compliant | Yes
Insurance Accepted | Yes (check your coverage)
Pricing | Starts at $436/month (live sessions & unlimited messaging)
Knowing where to start can be half the battle, and Talkspace’s couples therapy can help you identify the issues in your relationship. You can seek support for yourself as an individual, or work with your partner and an unbiased professional to open new paths of communication, restore trust, and find solutions that work for your relationship. Talkspace offers both video sessions and accessible messaging, so you can get support no matter what your schedule looks like.
Talkspace Review | “We were paired with a super helpful couples therapist and even in just a few short months, our marriage feels back on track. Highly recommend it, and the app just makes the service even easier to use on the go.” – Annecharbs [See all reviews]
3. Couples Therapy Inc.
Features | Evidence-based retreats, courses, & intensive therapy sessions, Multiple languages & countries served, In-person options
HIPAA Compliant | Yes
Insurance Accepted | No
Pricing | $150 to $275/session; weekend retreats start at $3500
Working with couples isn’t a niche service for Couples Therapy Inc. — it’s the core focus of this team of Gottman-certified clinicians. After the founder herself experienced sub-par couples counseling, she devoted her practice to science-based coaching, therapy, and retreats (including online retreats). Couples Therapy Inc. offers services in the USA, Canada, Ireland, and Australia.
Couples Therapy Inc. Review | “Couples Therapy Inc. is serious business – no margaritas, group sessions or yoga classes… a science-based intensive one-on-one retreat addressing your relationship issues head on with a skilled doctoral or masters-level couples therapist.” – Anonymous [See all reviews]
4. Open Path
Features | Online & in-person services, Nonprofit network
HIPAA Compliant | No (not a healthcare company)
Insurance Accepted | No, offers lower cost therapy
Pricing | One-time $65 membership fee; starts at $40/session
While not exclusively online, Open Path is a nonprofit network of mental health professionals offering affordable psychotherapy options for low- and middle-income patients. You’ll find your next therapist through the search function (be sure to search for providers in the state in which you live). Open Path is excellent for people with financial limitations, charging only $40–$80 per session for couples after the one-time registration fee.
Open Path Review | “Open Path may have truly saved me in a very desperate time of needed guidance. I needed perspective and a safe place to figure out how to direct the next part of my journey. Open Path allowed me to easily find someone who matched my needs and I feel very grateful for Open Path and my counselor, that I otherwise could not afford. It’s still tough but it’s worth every bit of every cent spent taking care of myself. Thank you to all of you who provide this service on a sliding scale, truly grateful!” – Jasmine [See all reviews]
5. ritual
Features | Personalized plans, 1:1 weekly sessions with an expert, Uses EFT & the Gottman Method, Encrypted platform
HIPAA Compliant | No (does not share any information with third parties)
Insurance Accepted | No, lower cost service
Pricing | Starts at $100/month for a single person; $260/month for a couple
Tackle your relationship issues head-on with ritual’s guided in-app service. With simply 10 minutes a day and a personalized plan catered to your relationship needs, ritual uses exercises, journaling, and 1:1 support to help you and your partner get back on track. Each session provides videos and tasks that are evidence-based and tried-and-tested methods to help you both integrate new approaches into your relationship successfully. ritual is proof that knowledge is power and learning new tools can make a world of a difference.
ritual Review | “For years we’ve had this recurring fight. Tonight when it came up, we took a step back and rewatched the video together. It changed EVERYTHING! Turned an old argument into a good conversation.” – Veronica [See all reviews]
A BONUS OPTION
Lasting
Features | iPhone & Android app, Free trial, Research-based sessions & courses, Individual therapy options
HIPAA Compliant | No
Insurance Accepted | No, low-cost courses
Pricing | Starts at $12/month
Lasting’s aim is simple: “Show everyone how to love better,” through its couples counseling app. While you won’t speak directly with a counselor, this app is designed by therapists for couples (and couples’ therapists!) to support a deeper, more communicative partnership. Use Lasting on its own and enjoy the workshops and courses on topics like repair, family culture, and sexual desire, or pair it with other virtual or in-person sessions for even greater accountability and long-term support.
Lasting Review | “OMG! Amazing App! It only had been a couple of days. My marriage had improved enormously. This app has fantastic workshops, questions, and sessions that have helped strengthen my relationship with my wife. The unique part, in my opinion, is that every day they ask us to talk about something important. They also have reminders such as saying to your wife you love her. Or something that makes her smile. Those reminders helped me a lot to make sure my wife know I appreciated her. My wife and I see a couple therapist, and the app has helped us more in a couple of days than the real-life therapist. I recommend this app to any couple who really wants to build a stronger relationship.” – Anonymous [See all reviews]
