If you and your partner are facing relationship challenges, you may wonder if couples counseling can help you. Couples counseling is therapy that teaches couples how to improve their communication, resolve conflicts, and enhance their intimacy. But how much does couples counseling cost? And is it worth the investment?
In this blog post, we will answer these questions and more. We will explore the factors that affect the cost of couples counseling, how to find affordable and quality counseling services, tips to save money, and the benefits of investing in your relationship through couples counseling.
What factors influence the cost of couples counseling?
The average cost of couples counseling per session in the United States is between $100 and $200. Most therapy sessions are 90 minutes long. This is influenced by several factors, such as:
- The location of the therapist. The cost of couples counseling may vary depending on where you live. Urban areas have higher rates than rural areas, such as Utah, due to the higher demand and cost of living.
- The therapist’s credentials and experience. The cost of couples counseling may vary depending on the therapist’s education, training, and expertise. Generally, therapists who have higher degrees, certifications, and more years of practice charge more. For example, a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) may charge more than a licensed professional counselor (LPC), and a certified emotion-focused therapist (EFT) may charge more than a general couples therapist.
- The length and frequency of the couples therapy sessions. The duration and number of couples counseling sessions may vary depending on the needs and goals of the couple. Typically, sessions last 45 minutes to an hour, but some therapists may offer shorter or longer sessions. The frequency of sessions may also change depending on the couple’s progress and challenges. Generally, more sessions mean higher costs, but some therapists may offer discounts or packages for multiple sessions.
- The type and format of the therapy. Couples counseling can be delivered in different ways, such as in person, online, or over the phone. Some marriage and family therapists may also offer different types of therapy, such as individual therapy, family therapy, group therapy, or relationship coaching. Online therapy is usually cheaper than in-person therapy, and it’s more accessible to couples. Many online mental health platforms such as BetterHelp and Talkspace offer couples counseling.
- Insurance coverage and reimbursement options. A couple’s marriage and relationship counseling costs depend on whether or not your health insurance covers the therapy and what your copay or deductible will be. Unfortunately, most insurance companies do not cover couples counseling unless one or both partners have a mental health diagnosis that requires treatment. However, some insurance companies may reimburse you for part of your out-of-pocket expenses if you submit a receipt from your therapist. You can check with your insurance company to see what your options are.
Does insurance cover couples counseling?
Another factor affecting the cost of couples counseling is whether it is covered by health insurance. Unfortunately, health insurance does not usually cover couples therapy because it’s not deemed “medically necessary.” This means that you will have to pay out-of-pocket for your sessions unless you have a specific plan covering couples’ behavioral health services.
However, some insurance companies may cover individual therapy sessions for one or both partners if they have a diagnosable mental health condition that affects their relationship. For example, suppose one partner has depression, anxiety, PTSD, or substance abuse issues that interfere with their marital functioning. In that case, they may be eligible for insurance coverage for individual therapy sessions that address their relationship problems. In this case, you will need to get a referral from your primary care physician or psychiatrist and find a therapist who accepts your plan and is willing to work with both partners.
Another option is to use your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for your couples counseling sessions. These tax-advantaged accounts allow you to set aside money for qualified medical expenses, including mental health services. You will need to check with your employer or plan administrator to see if you have access to these accounts and what are the rules and limits for using them.
How to find the right couples counselor
Given all these factors that influence the cost of couples counseling, how can you find the best therapist to help you deal with your specific relationship issues? Here are some tips to help you.
- Do some research. Before you choose a licensed therapist, research their credentials, experience, specialties, fees, and payment options. You can look at their website, online profiles, and reviews or get referrals from friends or family. Alternatively, call them and ask them questions about their services and policies.
- Compare different options. Don’t settle for the first therapist you find or the cheapest one you see. Compare different options and see what suits you and your budget. You should consider your therapist’s location, availability, rapport, style, approach, and experience.
- Negotiate if possible. Some therapists may be willing to negotiate their fees or offer sliding scale rates based on your income or financial situation. Don’t be afraid to ask them if they have any discounts or flexible payment plans that can accommodate your needs.
- Consider online therapy. It is a convenient and affordable option for couples who want professional help anytime, anywhere. Many popular online platforms, such as BetterHelp, offer unlimited messaging and live video sessions with licensed therapists for $60 to $90 per week.
How to find affordable couples counseling services
If you are looking for affordable and quality couples counseling services, here are some tips to help you find them:
- Check your insurance coverage. If you have health insurance, check if it covers any part of your couples counseling costs. You may have to pay a copay or deductible, but it can still reduce out-of-pocket expenses. You can also check if your employer offers employee assistance programs that provide free or discounted counseling services for employees and their families.
- Ask for sliding scale fees. If you don’t have insurance or your insurance doesn’t cover couples counseling, ask your therapist if they offer sliding scale fees based on your income or financial situation. Some therapists may be willing to adjust their fees according to your ability to pay.
- Look for discounts or packages. Some online therapy may offer discounts or packages for couples who pay in advance, book multiple sessions, or refer other clients to them. You can ask your therapist if they have special offers or promotions to help you save money.
- Share the cost with your partner. If you and your partner are committed to improving your relationship through couples counseling, you can share the cost of the sessions equally or proportionally. This can help you reduce your financial burden and show your mutual support and investment.
- Explore alternative options. Suppose you cannot afford traditional couples counseling services. In that case, you can explore alternative options such as online courses, books, podcasts, apps, or blogs offering relationship advice and guidance. While these don’t replace professional help, they can supplement your learning from marriage counselors and provide you with some useful tips and tools.
- Consider public health clinics or community centers. Look for public health clinics or community centers in your region that offer low-cost or free counseling services for couples. Government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or universities may fund these. You may have to meet certain eligibility criteria or wait for an appointment, but you can get quality care from trained and supervised professionals.
Benefits of investing in your relationship through couples counseling
Couples counseling may seem expensive at first glance, but it can be a worthwhile investment in your relationship, sex life, and well-being. Here are some benefits of investing in your relationship through couples counseling.
- It helps you resolve conflicts and improve communication. Couples counseling can help you identify and address the root causes of your relationship problems and teach you how to communicate effectively with your partner. You’ll learn how to listen empathically, express your needs and feelings clearly, negotiate effectively, and manage conflicts constructively. You can also learn how to cope with stress, trauma, or other challenges that may affect your relationship.
- It improves your relationship satisfaction and intimacy. Couples counseling sessions 3nable you to reconnect with your partner and rekindle your love and passion. You can discover new ways to show each other appreciation, affection, and support and enhance sexual and emotional intimacy by exploring your needs, desires, and fantasies.
- It can help you prevent future problems or relationship breakdowns. By helping you to identify and address any potential issues or risks that may harm your relationship, couples counseling teaches you how to prevent negative patterns from recurring, how to deal with changes or transitions, and how to cope with crises or emergencies. You can also learn to maintain a healthy relationship by setting boundaries, expectations, and goals.
- It encourages you to grow as individuals and as a couple. Couples counseling gives you insight into yourself and your partner. You can learn more about your personality, values, beliefs, and needs. You’ll learn ways to respect and appreciate the differences and similarities you share with your partner. The process also encourages you to develop new skills, habits, and behaviors that benefit you personally, enhancing your self-esteem, confidence, and happiness.
By seeking professional help from a qualified counselor or therapist, you can improve communication, resolve conflicts, enhance intimacy, and prevent future problems in your relationship. It’s also good to remember that you can change your therapist whenever you like if you want to find one that’s better suited to your needs.
Conclusion
You can find affordable and quality couples counseling services online or in person by researching, comparing different options, and sharing the cost of relationship counseling with your partner. Couples counseling can help you grow as individuals and as a couple and enjoy a fulfilling and lasting relationship.
