The Fast Facts
- Online couples therapy and marriage counseling can help partners strengthen communication and navigate relationship challenges.
- Reputable online couples therapy platforms use licensed, experienced therapists and are reviewed for safety, transparency, and clinical standards.
- Based on therapist availability, features, and cost, Regain is our top pick overall, with Our Ritual and Talkspace also standing out for affordability and access.
Online therapy offers a flexible way to access support for relationship challenges, allowing couples to connect with licensed professionals from home or from anywhere, even when work, caregiving, or distance make in-person sessions difficult. While it may not suit everyone, it is now a common option for couples seeking accessible, lower-barrier relationship support.
Here are six vetted options for the best couples therapy. Plus, read our hands-on reviews.
The table below shows an at-a-glance comparison of the services in this article.
| Services | Price | Licensed therapists? | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regain | between $70 and $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly | yes | • text messages • telephone call • video call |
| OurRitual | starts at $208 per month | yes | video call |
| Talkspace | about $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 at $200 per session (bundle discounts are available) | yes | • virtual sessions • text messages |
| Gottman Referral Network | varies depending on the therapist | yes | varies depending on therapist |
Medical News Today chooses couples therapy services that meet the following criteria:
- Trust: MNT includes companies that operate transparently regarding their products, services, and leadership. Where relevant, MNT selects companies that hold 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 find the ones that best suit their needs. They can then specify this when searching for therapists. Some common couple therapy techniques include:
- Emotionally focused therapy: This focuses on improving a person’s relationship with themselves and others.
- Discernment counseling: A short-term form of counseling that helps couples decide whether to continue working on their relationship or move toward separation.
- Gottman Method couples therapy: A research-based approach that helps couples improve communication and resolve conflict using proven techniques.
- Relational psychotherapy: This focuses on improving relationships by exploring how past and present interactions shape emotional patterns and behaviors.
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 be beneficial.
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 seeking online relationship therapy must consider their budget and whether the sessions are flexible and fit 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, LGBTQIA+ couples can attend couples therapy.
Many online therapy services, including Talkspace and Modern Intimacy Online Therapy, offer sessions tailored to LGBTQIA+ couples. Also, platforms like LGBTQ Therapy Space focus exclusively on serving individuals in this community.
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 show 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.