✅ Expert reviewed
This article has been reviewed by Kendra Capalbo, a licensed couples therapist, to ensure the cost and expectations for couples therapy are presented accurately and realistically.
How much is couples therapy?
Considering couples therapy? Here is how much it costs, the benefits, and what you can expect.
Couples therapy can be valuable for couples struggling with relationship problems. If any aspects of a healthy relationship are missing, couples therapy can provide a safe space to work together and improve.
But how much is couples therapy? It depends. Generally, couples therapy sessions can cost anywhere between $70–$250. But several things can influence couples counseling costs, from location to therapy type and your therapist’s level of experience.
When you are spending this kind of money, couples do not want to be left feeling out of pocket when it is not a guaranteed resolution to relationship issues. As you weigh up the costs of couples therapy, and if this investment is worth it, it can all feel a bit overwhelming (on top of everything else going on!).
Do not panic — we have done our best to demystify the sliding scale of couples therapy costs and help you as you start your therapy journey.
Key takeaways
• Couples therapy sessions typically cost between $70 and $250 per hour, influenced by factors such as the therapist's experience, location, and therapy type.
• Most health insurance plans do not cover couples therapy as it is considered a choice for relationship improvement, not a medically diagnosed mental health issue.
• The length of therapy varies per couple, with an average of around 12 sessions. The total cost depends on the number of sessions and their duration (60 or 90 minutes).
• The cost can vary based on location, whether the therapy is in-person or online, the setting (clinic vs. private practice), and the therapist's credentials and specialisations.
• Before opting for therapy, couples can explore other options like relationship apps, such as Lova, that offer interactive activities to strengthen the relationship.
How much does couples therapy cost?
The cost of couples therapy varies depending on your chosen marriage therapist and whether you decide to do 60-minute sessions or 90-minute sessions.
Generally, you might pay between $70 to $250 an hour, but some therapists might charge more depending on their specialism, or their wider qualifications such as being an LPC or LMFT. Of course, you will usually need a few sessions depending on the issues you would like to discuss, so budget accordingly.
For example, if you choose one-hour sessions and visit a couples therapist 10 times, you can expect to pay an average cost between $700–$2,500 in total.
If you would like to commit to a minimum number of sessions, some therapists might offer a bulk discount — make sure to ask them if this is something you would like to do. Others might offer reduced prices depending on your circumstances.
How much is couples therapy without insurance?
In general, insurance companies will not cover the costs of couples therapy, unless you have very specific requirements.
While acts like the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) list individual therapy for various mental health issues, they do not mandate that insurance covers the cost of couples counseling.
The reason is that relationship counseling is a different type of therapy. A medical professional usually diagnoses mental health issues, whereas couples therapy is a choice two adults make together to improve their relationship.
While this is still important and can benefit your mental health and wellness, it means that most health insurance plans will not usually cover couples or marriage counseling costs. How much is couples therapy with insurance? Your exact out-of-pocket cost will depend on your plan's copays, deductibles, and whether sessions are billed under an individual mental health diagnosis. Our guide Is Couples Therapy Covered by Insurance? walks through what to expect.
How long should couples therapy last?
Like so many aspects of a relationship, the length of couples therapy is very subjective based on your needs as a couple.
While the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy reports that the average couple takes around 12 counseling sessions to reach their goals, this can be viewed as a ballpark estimate. The actual length depends on many factors, such as the therapist's approach, the issues, and the intended outcome.
So, if you need to continue couples therapy for longer (or only need a few sessions to get back on track) — that is totally normal.
What factors affect couples counseling costs?
Several factors can impact the cost of couples counseling. If you are trying to keep costs low, consider some of the following:
Location: You will likely pay more to see a professional counselor in New York City than in a rural setting. If you live in a big, expensive city and couples therapy costs are too high, explore options in the suburbs if possible.
In-person vs. online therapy: The format of your sessions will also affect the price. Video calling and mobile devices have transformed how we speak to people — and counseling is no different. If in-person therapy is daunting or too pricey, why not try one of the many excellent online couples therapy services? Many offer a free consultation, a trial period, or new customer discounts.
Clinic vs. private practice: The fees for couples therapy can vary depending on the setting in which the treatment is offered. Relationship experts who work in private practice have higher overhead costs for running their own counseling services, so they charge higher rates. Hospitals, clinics, support associations, and group therapy might all offer low-cost alternatives.
Therapist credentials: Generally, licensed therapists with extensive experience and expertise in couples therapy tend to charge higher fees. Likewise, couples counselors with advanced degrees or specialised certifications may charge more.
Any specialisms required: A relationship or marriage counselor will generally start by looking at your individual circumstances. If one topic or issue requires specific skills — or if you choose a particular type of therapy — the costs may change.
Is couples therapy worth it?
Deciding whether couples therapy costs are worth it depends on your unique situation and what you want to achieve from these sessions.
If you want to work on your relationship and see a future with your partner, and you are unsure how to proceed alone, then the long-term benefits of couples therapy exercises can far outweigh the financial costs.
Couples that attend relationship therapy sessions often see some of the following benefits:
A deeper understanding of each other as people. Couples therapy can help you connect with your partner. You might talk about deeper desires or things you would not address in everyday life. This can help you empathise with your loved one if they are struggling, with insights you had never considered before.
An insight into your relationship. Stepping back and viewing your relationship with an impartial counselor can give you a fresh perspective. They might ask questions you have never considered, or point out patterns you have never noticed. Seeing the bigger picture like this can help frame your relationship in a new light away from any issues. It can also help you rediscover the positive aspects of your relationship that you may have forgotten along the way.
Identifying any underlying issues. Once you are comfortable in the couples therapy setting, you can begin to identify and challenge issues. Relationship and marriage counseling sessions bring previously unnoticed problems to light, which can explain behaviours and conflict.
Improved communication. Talking openly, without judgment, can help improve your relationship communication skills. This brings many advantages inside — and outside — of your therapy sessions. While these contentious conversations can spark arguments in other settings, the safe space of therapy can help sidestep these situations.
Strategies to overcome future issues. Once you have identified and discussed issues, your counselor can suggest methods to overcome future hurdles. You might try emotionally focused therapy strategies to navigate conflict or develop talking techniques that help you discuss difficult topics. These new tools go well beyond these sessions, as you can apply these techniques down the road.
A stronger relationship. Reaching the stage where you have identified, challenged, and improved problems can put your relationship on a whole new level. You might feel like you know each other better — and your relationship could be stronger for it.
For a deeper look at therapy outcomes and how to find the right professional, read Does Couples Therapy Work and Can It Help Your Relationship Issues?
What is the success rate of couples counseling?
So, does couples therapy work? A recent study showed that almost half of Americans have attended some form of couples therapy. Of those, 71% said that attending couples therapy was helpful.
While that statistic is a great endorsement for couples counseling, it is important to remember that “helpful” might mean different things for different people.
For one couple, “helpful” could mean overcoming small issues together. For others, it could mean dealing with incredibly serious problems. For some couples, it might mean realising they are not right for each other and moving on.
If you are interested in attending couples therapy, try to reframe the “how much is couples therapy” question. Instead, think about what you would like to achieve and how much that would improve your relationship. Then, you can make the right choice for you, your partner, and your future.
What other options should couples consider before therapy?
If you want to improve your relationship or renew your connection, there are many options to pursue that are more budget-friendly.
While we may be biased, the Lova app is a great opportunity for couples to get to know each other on a deeper level, while sowing the seeds for a stronger relationship.
With an array of questions, quizzes, and games on a range of relationship topics, this kind of app can be a great tool for couples to navigate arguments before they even arise.
So, if you are unsure about pursuing couples therapy, Lova could be a great place to start to strengthen your relationship.
