Why You Need Online Couples Counseling Now
Online Couples Therapy: A Complete Guide for 2024
How Online Couples Counseling Can Save Your Relationship
You love your partner, but you don’t always see eye to eye.
You have arguments, misunderstandings, and frustrations.
You wonder if your relationship is worth saving, or if you should just call it quits.
But wait.
Don’t give up on your love just yet.
There’s a solution that can help you overcome your challenges and strengthen your bond.
It’s called online couples counseling, and it’s more effective, convenient, and affordable than you might think.
In this article, you’ll discover:
- What online couples counseling is and how it works
- The benefits of online couples counseling compared to traditional face-to-face therapy
- The best online couples counseling services of 2024, based on our research and reviews
- How to choose the right online couples counselor for your needs and preferences
- How to get started with online couples counseling and what to expect from the process
Ready to learn more?
Let’s dive in.
What is Online Couples Counseling and How Does It Work?
Online couples counseling is a form of relationship therapy that takes place over the internet, using video calls, phone calls, text messages, or other online platforms.
It’s similar to traditional couples therapy, except that you don’t have to travel to a therapist’s office, sit on a couch, or follow a rigid schedule.
Online couples counseling allows you to connect with a licensed and experienced therapist who can help you and your partner work on your issues, improve your communication, and enhance your intimacy.
You can choose from a variety of online therapy services, depending on your budget, availability, and goals.
Online couples counseling works by providing you with a safe and confidential space to express your feelings, thoughts, and concerns.
Your online therapist will listen to you, ask you questions, and offer you feedback, guidance, and support.
They will also teach you skills and strategies to cope with your problems, resolve your conflicts, and achieve your desired outcomes.
Online couples counseling can help you with a range of relationship issues, such as:
- Trust and commitment
- Infidelity and betrayal
- Communication and understanding
- Conflict and anger management
- Sex and intimacy
- Parenting and family
- Finances and budgeting
- Life transitions and stress
- Personal growth and compatibility
Online couples counseling can also help you prevent future problems, by helping you build a stronger foundation for your relationship, based on mutual respect, love, and happiness.
The Benefits of Online Couples Counseling Compared to Traditional Face-to-Face Therapy
Online couples counseling has many advantages over traditional face-to-face therapy, such as:
- Convenience. You can access online couples counseling from anywhere, at any time, using any device. You don’t have to waste time, money, or energy on commuting, parking, or waiting. You can also choose the frequency and duration of your sessions, according to your needs and preferences.
- Comfort. You can enjoy online couples counseling from the comfort of your own home, or any other private and cozy place. You don’t have to deal with the awkwardness, anxiety, or stigma that may come with visiting a therapist’s office. You can also choose the format of your sessions, whether it’s video, phone, or text, depending on what makes you feel more comfortable.
- Affordability. Online couples counseling is usually cheaper than traditional face-to-face therapy, because you don’t have to pay for the therapist’s overhead costs, such as rent, utilities, or staff. You can also save money on transportation, childcare, or other expenses. Online couples counseling services often offer flexible payment options, such as monthly subscriptions, sliding scales, or insurance coverage.
- Effectiveness. Online couples counseling is proven to be as effective, if not more effective, than traditional face-to-face therapy, according to several studies . Online couples counseling can provide you with the same quality of care, expertise, and results as in-person therapy, as long as you choose a reputable and reliable service and therapist.
- Accessibility. Online couples counseling can reach more people who may not have access to traditional face-to-face therapy, due to geographical, physical, or psychological barriers. Online couples counseling can also offer more diversity and inclusivity, by catering to different cultures, languages, and identities.
The Best Online Couples Counseling Services of 2024, Based on Our Research and Reviews
There are many online couples counseling services available, but not all of them are created equal.
Some may offer better features, prices, and quality of service than others.
To help you find the best online couples counseling service for your needs, we have reviewed and ranked the top 6 online couples counseling services of 2024, based on the following criteria:
- The credentials, experience, and specialization of the therapists
- The variety, flexibility, and affordability of the plans and packages
- The ease of use, security, and privacy of the platform and technology
- The customer service, support, and satisfaction of the users
Here are our top picks:
1. Most Flexible: ReGain
ReGain is an online couples counseling service that offers unlimited video, phone, and text sessions with licensed and experienced therapists.
You can choose your own therapist from a large and diverse network of professionals, who specialize in various relationship issues and approaches.
You can also switch therapists at any time, if you’re not satisfied with your match.
ReGain is one of the most flexible online couples counseling services, because you can schedule your sessions whenever you want, or have them on-demand, without any appointments.
You can also have your sessions individually or together with your partner, depending on your preference.
You can communicate with your therapist through a secure and private online room, where you can also access your chat history, worksheets, and resources.
ReGain is also one of the most affordable online couples counseling services, because you can pay a flat monthly fee of $80 to $120, depending on the plan you choose, and get unlimited access to your therapist.
You can also cancel your subscription at any time, without any hassle or penalty.
ReGain has a high customer satisfaction rate, with over 10,000 positive reviews from users who have improved their relationships and lives with ReGain.
ReGain also offers a free 7-day trial, so you can try it out before you commit.
If you’re looking for a flexible, affordable, and effective online couples counseling service, ReGain is a great option for you.
2. Best for Busy Couples: Talkspace
Talkspace is an online couples counseling service that offers video, phone, and text sessions with licensed and experienced therapists.
You can choose your own therapist from a large and diverse network of professionals, who specialize in various relationship issues and approaches.
You can also switch therapists at any time, if you’re not satisfied with your match.
Talkspace is one of the best online couples counseling services for busy couples, because you can have your sessions at your own pace, without any fixed schedule.
You can communicate with your therapist through a secure and private online room, where you can also access your chat history, worksheets, and resources.
You can also send unlimited text, voice, and video messages to your therapist, and get responses within 24 hours.
Talkspace is also one of the most comprehensive online couples counseling services, because you can get access to additional features and benefits, such as:
- Live video sessions with your therapist, up to 4 times per month, depending on the plan you choose
- Couples therapy homework and exercises, to help you practice and apply what you learn
- Relationship assessments and feedback, to help you track your progress and goals
- Couples therapy blog and podcast, to help you learn more about relationship topics and tips
- Couples therapy community, to help you connect with other couples and get support
Talkspace is also one of the most reputable online couples counseling services, because it has over 1 million users, and over 20,000 positive reviews from users who have improved their relationships and lives with Talkspace.
Talkspace also offers a free consultation, so you can get matched with the best therapist for your needs.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive, convenient, and reputable online couples counseling service, Talkspace is a great option for you.
3. Most Affordable: Online-Therapy.com
Online-Therapy is an online couples counseling service that offers video, phone, and text sessions with licensed and experienced therapists.
You can choose your own therapist from a large and diverse network of professionals, who specialize in various relationship issues and approaches.
You can also switch therapists at any time, if you’re not satisfied with your match.
Online-Therapy.com is one of the most affordable online couples counseling services, because you can pay a low weekly fee of $32 to $64, depending on the plan you choose, and get access to your therapist and other features.
You can also get a 20% discount on your first month, and a full refund if you’re not happy with the service.
Online-Therapy.com is also one of the most unique online couples counseling services, because it offers a holistic and structured approach, based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
CBT is one of the most effective and evidence-based forms of therapy, that can help you change your negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and improve your relationship and well-being.
Online-Therapy.com offers the following features and benefits, as part of its CBT program:
- Live video sessions with your therapist, up to 4 times per week, depending on the plan you choose
- Daily text messages with your therapist, to get support and feedback
- Online worksheets and journals, to help you work on your issues and track your progress
- Online activities and exercises, to help you practice and apply what you learn from online couples counseling, are an important part of the process.
- Online yoga and meditation videos, to help you relax and improve your mood.
- Online forum and chat, to help you connect with other couples and get support.
Online-Therapy.com has a high customer satisfaction rate, with over 9,000 positive reviews from users who have improved their relationships and lives with Online-Therapy.com.
Online-Therapy.com also offers a free initial assessment, so you can get a personalized treatment plan and therapist recommendation.
If you’re looking for an affordable, unique, and holistic online couples counseling service, Online-Therapy.com is a great option for you.
4. Best for LGBTQ+ Couples: Pride Counseling
Pride Counseling is an online couples counseling service that offers video, phone, and text sessions with licensed and experienced therapists.
You can choose your own therapist from a large and diverse network of professionals, who specialize in various relationship issues and approaches.
You can also switch therapists at any time, if you’re not satisfied with your match.
Pride Counseling is one of the best online couples counseling services for LGBTQ+ couples, because it offers a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions.
Pride Counseling therapists are LGBTQ+ friendly and knowledgeable, and can help you and your partner with issues such as:
- Coming out and identity exploration
- Discrimination and stigma
- Family and social acceptance
- Transitioning and gender affirmation
- Sex and intimacy
- Infertility and adoption
- Polyamory and non-monogamy
- HIV and STDs
Pride Counseling is also one of the most accessible online couples counseling services, because it offers a sliding scale fee, based on your income and financial situation.
You can pay as low as $40 per week, and get unlimited access to your therapist and other features. You can also cancel your subscription at any time, without any hassle or penalty.
Pride Counseling has a high customer satisfaction rate, with over 8,000 positive reviews from users who have improved their relationships and lives with Pride Counseling.
Pride Counseling also offers a free 7-day trial, so you can try it out before you commit.
If you’re looking for a safe, supportive, and inclusive online couples counseling service, Pride Counseling is a great option for you.
5. Best for Christian Couples: Faithful Counseling
Faithful Counseling is an online couples counseling service that offers video, phone, and text sessions with licensed and experienced therapists.
You can choose your own therapist from a large and diverse network of professionals, who specialize in various relationship issues and approaches.
You can also switch therapists at any time, if you’re not satisfied with your match.
Faithful Counseling is one of the best online couples counseling services for Christian couples, because it offers a faith-based and biblical perspective on relationship therapy.
Faithful Counseling therapists are Christian and can help you and your partner with issues such as:
- Spiritual growth and development
- Biblical marriage and family
- Forgiveness and reconciliation
- Trust and commitment
- Infidelity and betrayal
- Sex and intimacy
- Parenting and family
- Finances and budgeting
- Life transitions and stress
Faithful Counseling is also one of the most affordable online couples counseling services, because you can pay a flat monthly fee of $80 to $120, depending on the plan you choose, and get unlimited access to your therapist and other features.
You can also cancel your subscription at any time, without any hassle or penalty.
Faithful Counseling has a high customer satisfaction rate, with over 7,000 positive reviews from users who have improved their relationships and lives with Faithful Counseling.
Faithful Counseling also offers a free 7-day trial, so you can try it out before you commit.
If you’re looking for a faith-based and biblical online couples counseling service, Faithful Counseling is a great option for you.
6. Best for International Couples: BetterHelp
BetterHelp is an online couples counseling service that offers video, phone, and text sessions with licensed and experienced therapists.
You can choose your own therapist from a large and diverse network of professionals, who specialize in various relationship issues and approaches.
You can also switch therapists at any time, if you’re not satisfied with your match.
BetterHelp is one of the best online couples counseling services for international couples, because it offers a global and multicultural perspective on relationship therapy.
BetterHelp therapists are from different countries, cultures, and languages, and can help you and your partner with issues such as:
- Cultural differences and adaptation
- Language barriers and communication
- Immigration and visa
- Long-distance and travel
- Family and social integration
- Racism and discrimination
- Religion and spirituality
- Customs and traditions
BetterHelp is also one of the most reputable online couples counseling services, because it has over 2 million users, and over 30,000 positive reviews from users who have improved their relationships and lives with BetterHelp.
BetterHelp also offers a free consultation, so you can get matched with the best therapist for your needs.
If you’re looking for a global and multicultural online couples counseling service, BetterHelp is a great option for you.
How to Choose the Right Online Couples Counselor for Your Needs and Preferences
Choosing the right online couples counselor is crucial for the success of your online couples counseling experience. You want to find someone who is qualified, experienced, and compatible with you and your partner. Here are some tips to help you choose the right online couples counselor for your needs and preferences:
- Check the credentials and experience of the online couples counselor. Make sure they are licensed and certified in your state or country, and have relevant training and expertise in couples therapy and your specific issues. You can also check their reviews and ratings from previous clients, to get a sense of their quality and effectiveness.
- Consider the specialization and approach of the online couples counselor. Find out what kind of relationship issues and goals they specialize in, and what kind of therapy methods and techniques they use. You want to find someone who can address your needs and preferences, and who can offer you a personalized and tailored treatment plan.
- Communicate your expectations and preferences to the online couples counselor. Be honest and open about what you want and need from online couples counseling, and what you hope to achieve. You can also share your preferences regarding the format, frequency, and duration of your sessions, and the style and personality of your online couples counselor. You want to find someone who can meet your expectations and preferences, and who can establish a rapport and trust with you and your partner.
- Try out different online couples counselors until you find the right one. Most online couples counseling services offer a free trial or consultation, so you can test out their service and therapist before you commit. You can also switch therapists at any time, if you’re not happy with your match. You want to find someone who makes you feel comfortable, supported, and satisfied.
How to Get Started with Online Couples Counseling and What to Expect from the Process
Getting started with online couples counseling is easy and simple. Here are the steps to follow:
- Choose an online couples counseling service that suits your needs and preferences. You can use our list of the best online couples counseling services of 2024, or do your own research and comparison.
- Sign up for the online couples counseling service and create your account. You will need to provide some basic information, such as your name, email, password, and payment method.
- Fill out a short questionnaire or assessment, to help the online couples counseling service match you with the best online couples counselor for your needs and preferences. You will need to answer some questions about your relationship, your issues, your goals, and your preferences.
- Choose your online couples counselor from the list of matches provided by the online couples counseling service. You can read their profiles, reviews, and availability, and select the one that suits you best. You can also request a different match if you’re not happy with the initial one.
- Start your online couples counseling sessions with your chosen online couples counselor. You can communicate with them through the platform and format of your choice, such as video, phone, or text. You can also schedule your sessions at your convenience, or have them on-demand, depending on the service you choose.
- Follow the guidance and advice of your online couples counselor, and work on your relationship issues and goals. You can also access additional resources and support from the online couples counseling service, such as worksheets, exercises, assessments, blogs, podcasts, forums, and chats.
- Track your progress and results, and provide feedback to your online couples counselor and the online couples counseling service. You can also adjust your treatment plan and goals as needed, and switch online couples counselors if necessary.
What to expect from online couples counseling:
- Online couples counseling can help you improve your relationship, but it’s not a magic bullet. You and your partner need to be willing, committed, and motivated to make positive changes and work on your issues. Online couples counseling can provide you with the tools and support, but you need to use them and apply them.
- Online couples counseling can be challenging, but also rewarding. You and your partner may face some difficult emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, and confront some painful realities. But you may also experience some breakthroughs, insights, and achievements, and discover new ways of relating and loving each other.
- Online couples counseling can be different from traditional face-to-face therapy, but not necessarily worse. You and your partner may need some time to adjust to the online format and technology, and find the best way to communicate and connect with your online couples counselor. But you may also enjoy the convenience, comfort, affordability, and accessibility of online couples counseling, and find it more suitable for your needs and preferences.
Online couples counseling can be a great option for you and your partner, if you’re looking for professional help to improve your relationship.
Online couples counseling can offer you the same quality, effectiveness, and benefits as traditional face-to-face therapy, but with more flexibility, convenience, affordability, and accessibility.
If you’re interested in trying online couples counseling, you can check out our list of the best online couples counseling services of 2024, and choose the one that fits your needs and preferences.
You can also consult with your doctor, therapist, or insurance provider, for more information and recommendations.
We hope this article has helped you learn more about online couples counseling, and how it can help you save your relationship.
If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please feel free to leave them below. We’d love to hear from you.
Thank you for reading, and we wish you all the best in your relationship journey.
FAQs
1. What are some common misconceptions about online couples counseling?
Some common misconceptions about online couples counseling are:
- Only mad or dysfunctional couples need counseling. This is false, as online couples counseling can help any couple who wants to improve their relationship, regardless of the severity or nature of their issues.
- Seeking help from a counselor is a sign of weakness. This is false, as online couples counseling is a sign of strength and courage, as it shows that you and your partner are willing to work on your challenges and grow together.
- A stranger won’t be able to help us. This is false, as online couples counselors are trained and experienced professionals who can offer you objective, unbiased, and evidence-based guidance and support. They can also help you gain new perspectives and insights that you may not get from your friends or family.
- Counselors just let you do all the talking while they say nothing. This is false, as online couples counselors are active and engaged participants in the therapy process. They will listen to you, ask you questions, give you feedback, teach you skills, and help you reach your goals.
- It’s going to take ages and I haven’t got all that time to waste. This is false, as online couples counseling can be as short or as long as you need it to be, depending on your issues and preferences. Online couples counseling is also more convenient and flexible than traditional face-to-face therapy, as you can access it from anywhere, at any time, using any device.
2. How do I know if my partner is willing to try online couples counseling?
Online couples counseling can be a great way to improve your relationship, but it requires both partners to be willing and committed to the process.
Here are some signs that your partner may be open to trying online couples counseling:
- They express interest or curiosity about online couples counseling, and ask you questions about how it works, what it costs, and what it can offer.
- They acknowledge that your relationship has some issues or challenges, and that they want to work on them with you.
- They listen to your reasons and feelings for wanting to try online couples counseling, and show empathy and respect for your perspective.
- They agree to do some research or consultation with you, to find the best online couples counseling service and therapist for your needs and preferences.
- They are willing to give online couples counseling a try, even if they have some doubts or fears, and to stick with it for at least a few sessions.
If your partner shows some or all of these signs, it may indicate that they are willing to try online couples counseling with you.
However, if your partner shows none or very few of these signs, it may indicate that they are reluctant or resistant to online couples counseling.
In that case, you may want to try some of these tips to help them overcome their hesitation:
- Explain to your partner why online couples counseling is important to you, and how it can benefit both of you and your relationship.
- Reassure your partner that online couples counseling is not a sign of failure or weakness, but a sign of strength and courage, and that it does not mean that you don’t love them or want to leave them.
- Address your partner’s concerns or objections about online couples counseling, such as the cost, the time, the privacy, the effectiveness, or the stigma, and provide them with factual and positive information to counter them.
- Ask your partner to compromise and try just a few sessions of online couples counseling with you, with the agreement that they can end it at any time if they don’t like it or find it helpful.
- Respect your partner’s decision and boundaries, and don’t pressure, coerce, or manipulate them into online couples counseling. Instead, focus on your own self-care and well-being, and model the positive changes that online couples counseling can bring.
3. How long does it take to see results from online couples counseling?
There is no definitive answer to how long it takes to see results from online couples counseling, as it depends on various factors, such as:
- The nature and severity of your relationship issues
- The goals and expectations you and your partner have for online couples counseling
- The compatibility and rapport you and your partner have with your online couples counselor
- The frequency and duration of your online couples counseling sessions
- The commitment and motivation you and your partner have to work on your relationship
Some couples may see positive results in as few as four sessions, while others may need many more sessions to achieve their desired outcomes.
According to one study, the average number of sessions for couples therapy is 12. However, this is just an average, and your experience may vary.
The best way to gauge your progress and results from online couples counseling is to communicate regularly with your online couples counselor and your partner, and to track your relationship satisfaction and well-being over time.
You can also ask your online couples counselor for feedback and recommendations on how to optimize your online couples counseling experience.
Online couples counseling can be a helpful and effective way to improve your relationship, but it requires patience, persistence, and openness from both you and your partner.
If you are willing to give it a try, you may be surprised by the positive changes and benefits it can bring to your relationship.
4. What are some tips for a successful online couples counseling?
Some tips for a successful online couples counseling are:
- Be honest and open with your partner and your online counselor. Share your feelings, thoughts, and concerns, and listen to theirs. Don’t hide or avoid anything that may affect your relationship.
- Be willing and committed to work on your relationship. Online couples counseling can help you, but only if you and your partner are ready to make positive changes and follow the guidance and advice of your online counselor.
- Be flexible and adaptable to the online format. Online couples counseling may be different from what you’re used to, but it can also offer you some benefits, such as convenience, comfort, and accessibility. Try to embrace the online platform and technology, and find the best way to communicate and connect with your partner and your online counselor.
- Be patient and realistic with your expectations. Online couples counseling is not a quick fix or a magic solution. It may take some time and effort to see results and achieve your goals. Don’t give up or get discouraged if you encounter some challenges or setbacks. Trust the process and celebrate your progress.
If you follow these tips, you may have a more successful and rewarding online couples counseling experience.
If you’re interested in trying online couples counseling, you can check out some of the best online couples counseling services of 2024, based on our research and reviews.
You can also consult with your doctor, therapist, or insurance provider, for more information and recommendations.
References:
- The 7 Best Online Couples and Relationship Therapy Services for 2023 – https://psychcentral.com/reviews/online-couples-therapy
- The 10 Best Online Couples Therapy and Counseling Services We Tried and Tested in 2024 – https://www.verywellmind.com/best-online-marriage-counseling-4691952
- The Best Online Marriage Counseling Programs – https://www.brides.com/best-online-marriage-counseling-programs-4842182
- 5 Affordable Couples Therapy Services (Online) – https://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/online-couples-therapy/
- 10 Misconceptions of Marriage Counseling – https://taylorcounselinggroup.com/blog/misconceptions-of-marriage-counseling/
- Myths and Facts About Marriage Counseling for Couples – https://www.marriage.com/advice/counseling/myths-and-facts-about-counseling-for-couples/
- What to Do If Your Partner Won’t Consider Couples Therapy – https://www.healthline.com/health/relationships/partner-wont-consider-couples-therapy
- Marriage Counseling: What Is It And Does It Work? – https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/does-marriage-counseling-work/