Couples therapy you both can agree on
Strengthen your relationship with flexible and convenient online therapy.
Here's how it works
Check insurance coverage
We're in-network with many major plans, but you can also pay out-of-pocket.
Personalized match
Answer a few questions online and we'll match you with a licensed provider.
Start therapy
Communicate with your therapist through messaging and live video sessions. During therapy you and your partner can be together or in separate places.
What couples are saying
"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, App store
“Our experience with couples therapy was great! Couldn’t have asked for a better way to do therapy. Loved our therapist. Loved the convenience of writing whenever we had a chance — our lives are so busy that I think it’d be nearly impossible to go somewhere.”
Yelrihs86, App store
“We love our therapist; he’s the best. We’ve been with him for a year. We like his realness and his candor. He won't let us, like, kind of just meander. If we're making progress in a certain direction he’ll keep guiding us there.”
Danny and Ann, Talkspace users
“My husband and I have come a long way, thanks to Shannon. Our fights have decreased and our overall communication tactics have improved. I am so thankful for this service and her help.”
Talkspace user, Direct review
What you’ll get from couples therapy
Identify the challenges
Identify areas where your relationship needs strengthening, with the support of an unbiased professional.
Rediscover strengths
Develop a solutions-oriented approach to rediscover your relationship’s strengths.
End dysfunctional dynamics
Gain insight into patterns that cause relationship distress.
Empathy and resolution
Practice conflict-resolution strategies for improved empathy, and problem-solving.
Restore trust
Learn communication tools to increase vulnerability and restore trust.
Ongoing support
Ongoing dedicated support through live video sessions and unlimited messaging.
Types of couples therapy
Relationship counseling
Every couple, at one point or another, faces challenges that test their partnership. It can happen at week 10, or year 10 of a relationship. When it does, sometimes you need outside guidance to help you navigate a path forward.
You don’t have to do it alone. No matter what the circumstances are of your relationship, couples counseling offers you and your partner the support and structure you need, in a safe, unbiased, productive space.
In couples therapy, you’ll learn conflict-resolution strategies and how to communicate more effectively. You’ll explore relationship patterns, restore trust, rediscover your passions for one another, and address dysfunction, building a healthier, stronger, loving relationship.
Marriage counseling
Marriage is work. You need to invest in it to keep it healthy. When you face those inevitable bumps in the road, it’s OK to admit you need some trusted guidance.
Online marriage counseling can help. In therapy, you and your spouse can take on those tough times — whatever they may be — in a safe, loving space.
Marriage counseling helps you identify the exact root of your problems and come up with effective strategies to overcome them. You can open up, express your honest feelings, and get back to that kind, in-love place you both want to live in.
Premarital counseling
The days, weeks, and months before your wedding are like no other time in life. They’re exciting, invigorating, and yes, can be stressful, too.
If you need help just getting to the altar — when many engaged couples struggle with the pressure of planning that perfect day — premarital counseling can help. It can also prepare you for the rest of your wedded life together.
Premarital counseling allows you to start your lives together on a solid foundation. You’ll learn to communicate, resolve conflict, identify values, match expectations about major life decisions like children, address anger issues, build trust, and so much more.
Benefits of Talkspace
Eliminate commute time and scheduling hassles
No search for a therapist or long wait for an appointment
Seamlessly switch providers, at no extra cost
Receive affordable, high-quality mental health care
Any questions?
Find trust-worthy answers on all things mental health at Talkspace.
What can I expect from couples therapy?
Couples therapy is a type of psychotherapy in which a licensed therapist helps those in romantic relationships learn more about their partnership, resolve relationship problems, and build a stronger foundation.
Whether joining an in-person or virtual therapy session, the first few sessions will involve standard interview questions on the history of a couple's relationship, individual priorities, and relationship goals. In time, a couples therapist will help build a safe space for couples to identify their issues, establish treatment goals, and gain the necessary communication skills to problem solve with their partners.
Is it better to attend online couples counseling as a couple or solo?
Meeting with your therapist for shared relationship or marriage concerns as a couple is the best way to begin treatment together. If individual therapy is recommended, your therapist will guide you through options for individual counseling sessions.
Who should seek couples counseling?
Many people think that couples counseling is only for those on the verge of divorce or breaking up. However, all couples, regardless of the status of their relationship, can benefit from meeting with a licensed therapist.
Even still, some common relationship issues that typically prompt counseling may include:
- Couples continuing to struggle with the same disagreements without being able to come up with a solution.
- Couples dealing with a recent tragedy, substance abuse, infidelity, or mental health concerns.
- Couples looking to rebuild their sexual or romantic chemistry.
Is online couples counseling really effective?
Yes, online therapy can be as effective as in-person couples therapy that makes way to a healthy relationship.
Is couples therapy worth it? Studies show it is. Research conducted by the American Association of Marriage and Family found that over 97% of those surveyed believe they got the help they needed from couples therapy.
Couples therapy has been highly successful for all types of relationships, whether dating or married. Plus, virtual therapy options can be a better fit for many people. Instead of commuting to your therapist’s office, you can conduct sessions from anywhere at any time.
How much does online couples counseling cost?
The cost of virtual couples therapy varies, but online relationship counseling is the most cost-effective. Be sure to check with your insurance provider for coverage options.
What is online couples therapy?
With Talkspace online couples therapy, couples can meet with a licensed therapist for a virtual couples therapy session to resolve relationship challenges and generally address the health of their relationship through live video sessions or in writing via Talkspace's secure platform.
Does insurance cover couples therapy?
Is online couples counseling right for my partner and me?
Online couples therapy offers more flexible and accessible options for when to meet and the preferred mode of treatment. It's important that both you and your partner feel comfortable with the couples therapist and treatment method to get the most out of each counseling session.
How does marriage counseling differ from couples therapy?
Online marriage counseling is a specific approach to couples counseling designed for married couples. Through marriage therapy, couples meet with a marriage counselor - usually a licensed marriage and family therapist - to discuss their relationship issues, priorities, and goals. With ongoing virtual therapy sessions, a therapist can help couples looking to invest in their partnership and rediscover their spouse. Marriage counseling can help build (or repair) a healthy relationship foundation through effective communication skills, boundary setting, and more.
Is couples therapy only for married couples?
No. Online relationship counseling is ideal for all couples looking to reconnect, strengthen, or address challenges and conflicts. Licensed Talkspace therapists can help you and your partner at any stage of your relationship from premarital to marriage counseling. Couples therapy can help you each learn invaluable skills to help improve your relationship.
Does Talkspace offer premarital counseling?
Yes — premarital counseling is a type of relationship therapy provided by Talkspace licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT). Online premarital counseling is ideal for engaged couples who are taking the next step in their relationship or want to resolve issues in their relationship before they commit to marriage.
What type of counselor is best for couples therapy?
There are several different types of professionals that offer couples therapy services, each with different credentials and skill specializations. Finding the best counselor will depend on each couple's goals and concerns being addressed:
- A licensed marriage family therapist (LMFT) must have a master's degree in marriage and familiar therapy (or a similar discipline); they specialize in working with couples and families and dedicate their practice towards helping people improve their relationships.
- A clinical psychologist (CP) may offer a range of mental health services, including therapy and diagnosis. Meeting with a clinical psychologist may be helpful if you or your partner are dealing with mental health concerns (in addition to relationship concerns).
Does couples therapy mean the relationship is over?
For most people, couples therapy is a way to improve a relationship, not end it. Deciding to go to therapy is a powerful step towards a happy, fulfilled, and satisfying relationship.
With each therapy session, couples can solve a current problem, prevent problems from worsening, or provide a “check up” for a happy couple experiencing a period of transition or increased stress. A therapist's job is to share tools, remain neutral, and provide a safe space for couples looking to have productive discussions about their relationship.
What are the most common issues for couples going to therapy?
Couples therapy can benefit all types of relationships, whether dating or married. From learning how to communicate effectively to understanding family dynamics, couples seek therapy for a variety of reasons:
- Identifying unhealthy communication patterns
- Exploring intimate and vulnerable topics with the help of a therapist
- Rebuilding trust issues in a relationship
- Discussing sexual desires, needs, and boundaries
- Building conflict resolution skills
- Navigating significant life transitions and stressors impacting a couple
- Understanding the roles and responsibilities within a relationship
- Exploring family influence on a partnership
- Improving financial management skills and discussions
- Prioritizing quality time through shared interests and activities
- Planning for the future and creating long-term goals
