Why Couples Try Online Therapy
In 2024, over 55% of couples seeking therapy did so virtually (American Psychological Association, 2024). Couples turn to online therapy for many reasons:
- Busy schedules and conflicting work hours
- Living in remote or rural areas
- Desire for privacy
- Lower cost compared to in-person therapy
- Comfort of being at home
Stat: Couples therapy—online or in-person—has a success rate as high as 70% for improving relationship satisfaction (NIMH, 2024).
Benefits of Online Couples Therapy
✅ Convenience and Flexibility
No commuting, and sessions can happen evenings or weekends.
✅ Comfortable Setting
Being at home may help couples feel less guarded.
✅ Access to Specialized Therapists
Choose therapists from anywhere, rather than being limited to local providers.
✅ Affordability
Online services are often cheaper than in-person therapy.
✅ Privacy and Discretion
Virtual sessions can feel more private for sensitive issues.
Potential Drawbacks of Online Couples Therapy
- Technology challenges like poor internet connections
- Less ability for therapists to observe subtle body language
- Not always suitable for severe relationship crises (e.g. domestic violence)
- Insurance coverage can vary by platform and plan
Who Can Benefit Most From Online Couples Therapy
Online couples therapy may be ideal for:
- Couples struggling with communication
- Partners dealing with infidelity or breaches of trust
- Couples facing life transitions (e.g. new baby, relocation)
- Long-distance couples maintaining connection
- Partners wanting pre-marital counseling
However, online therapy is not recommended for couples in relationships where there’s active domestic violence, as safety and privacy cannot be adequately ensured.
Popular Platforms Offering Online Couples Therapy
Here are leading platforms offering high-quality virtual couples counseling.
ReGain
- Focus: Exclusively for couples
- Price: ~$65–$100/week
- Features: Private chat room for couple and therapist, video sessions
- Pros: Affordable, designed for couples-only therapy
- Cons: Does not bill insurance directly
Talkspace Couples Therapy
- Focus: Couples and individuals
- Price: ~$69–$129/week depending on plan
- Features: Messaging therapy, live sessions, psychiatric services if needed
- Pros: Accepts insurance, flexible communication options
- Cons: Some users report less personalized experience
Couples Therapy Inc.
- Focus: High-conflict couples and intensive therapy
- Price: $155–$250/session (often 90-minute sessions)
- Features: Science-based Gottman Method therapy, high-level expertise
- Pros: Excellent for complex cases
- Cons: Higher cost
Amwell
- Focus: General mental health and couples therapy
- Price: ~$109–$129/session
- Features: Video therapy sessions, works with many insurers
- Pros: Works well for couples who need occasional support
- Cons: Not as specialized for couples as dedicated platforms
How to Choose an Online Couples Therapist
Ask potential therapists:
- What is your experience with couples therapy?
- Do you use a specific method (e.g. Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy)?
- What is your approach to conflict?
- How do you handle sessions if one partner is reluctant?
- What’s your policy on confidentiality?
Tip: Many platforms let you switch therapists easily if the fit isn’t right.
