Online couples therapy or counseling typically provides couples with support from a licensed therapist. Here are eight expertly vetted options for the best couples therapy. Plus, read our hands-on reviews.
Couples experiencing relationship difficulties can speak with a licensed therapist who can use a range of techniques to explore any miscommunication, feelings of disconnection, or external stressors.
If a person in a couple feels they may benefit from talking therapy, there are a few different options available:
- cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Gottman Method couples therapy
- emotionally focused therapy (EFT) for couples
A 2020 study on CBT for couples found it effective in helping with relationship quality and marital social skills. Studies on both
Online therapy has become increasingly popular, particularly in recent years. A
The below table shows an at-a-glance comparison of the services in this article.
| Price | Licensed therapists? | Platforms | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regain | $70 to $100 per week | yes | • text messages • telephone call • video call |
| Our Ritual | starts from $120 per month to $310 per month | yes | video call |
| Talkspace | starts from $436 monthly for unlimited messaging and four live video sessions | yes | • text messages via their platform • video call |
| Modern Intimacy | rates vary depending on the therapists | yes, but also coaches who are not licensed therapists | teletherapy |
| Little Otter | starts from $200 up to $2,040 for a 12-session bundle | yes | • virtual sessions • text messages |
| Gottman Referral Network | platform varies depending on the therapist | yes | platform varies depending on therapist |
Medical News Today chooses services that meet the following criteria:
- Trust: MNTincludes companies that operate transparently regarding their products, services, and leadership. Also, where relevant, MNT selects companies with certifications from reputable, third-party organizations.
- Business standards: MNT will choose companies that follow safe and ethical business and marketing practices.
- Reputation: MNT will choose companies without warnings from governing bodies or unresolved lawsuits.
A couple may consider some of the following factors when looking for counseling for couples:
Therapy style
A couple can research different therapeutic styles to best suit their needs. They can then specify this when searching for therapists. Some common couple therapy techniques include:
- EFT
- discernment counseling
- Gottman Method couples therapy
- relational psychotherapy
Considering needs
Individuals may find it helpful to consider their specific needs. For example, if a couple requires specific help with gender identity, sexual orientation, or monogamy, seeking a therapist with experience in those areas would provide benefit.
Additional considerations may include:
- whether or not the therapist holds a valid license
- whether the therapist works with clear action plans
- whether the therapist provides work to do outside of sessions
Cost and convenience
A couple looking for online therapy can consider their budget and whether or not the sessions are flexible and suit their schedule.
A 2021 study found that some forms of internet-based therapy provided results similar to in-person treatment. However, due to the ongoing growth of this field, further studies are necessary.
Couples need to attend therapy together. However, there are options to speak with therapists separately on some platforms.
This is dependent on the insurance company and the therapy service. A person can speak with their plan provider to confirm benefits.
Yes. Some online therapy services specialize in LGBTQIA+ therapy, including:
Regain is an online therapy platform that specializes in couples therapy. The company matches an individual or a couple with one of its thousands of licensed therapists and assigns them a private online therapy “room” that is always open.
People use this room to message their therapist, schedule live therapy sessions, “meet” with their therapists, message their therapists, and complete worksheets to further their treatment goals.
Regain therapists offer live, scheduled therapy sessions via video, phone, and live chat. Participants can obtain treatment as individuals or as part of a couple. They can join from different locations and choose to remain anonymous.
Reviews of studies show that couples therapy can help people manage relationship problems. Research shows the average person feels better after treatment than 70% to 80% of people who do not receive treatment.
Data shows that CBT, integrative behavioral couple therapy, and EFT for couples can all be effective. Behavioral and nonbehavioral approaches seem to be equally effective. Couples can consider their personal preferences when selecting a form of treatment.
Online couples therapy can be an affordable alternative to traditional, in-person therapy, and many companies offer convenient and reliable services.
Evidence suggests that online therapy options are equally effective as in-person therapy, providing flexible sessions and ease of use.
Some services offer manageable subscription services and other payment plans. Some private medical insurers may also cover online couples therapy, so people can speak directly with their insurer.
