Where Can I Find Free Couples Therapy?
Key takeaways
- Free therapy resources are available for couples who want to seek support but are worried about cost.
- Couples may be able to receive free or low-cost support from community programs, religious organizations, and counseling schools.
- For couples facing significant challenges, like abuse, substance misuse, or mental illness, free therapy may not be an adequate intervention.
- Online therapy can be an affordable alternative to traditional in-person care.
Free couples therapy may be available via various sources in the community, such as religious groups, schools, and community organizations. While these marriage therapy services can be beneficial for couples who need help working on effective communication and conflict-resolution skills, the people providing these services may not be licensed or fully qualified to offer guidance regarding more serious concerns. Couples who are trying to navigate abuse, substance misuse, or mental illness should consider working with a licensed mental health provider. In these cases, online therapy may be more affordable than attending in-person therapy sessions.
Is free couples therapy available?
Several sources may offer free couples therapy for couples who want to build stronger relationships but cannot afford traditional treatment. Potential ways to find free therapy are detailed below.
Community programs offering free couples therapy
Community programs in your local area may offer free marriage counseling sessions or support groups where you can receive ongoing help as needed. These programs may be grant-funded and specifically designed to offer free or low-cost services to those who cannot afford traditional marriage counseling or couples therapy.
Non-profits
Local non-profits may also offer free or low-cost couples therapy. For example, community mental health centers may offer these services to certain populations for free or on a sliding scale. Many churches and faith-based organizations also offer free counseling to anyone who needs support, even if you are not religious or are not an active member of the church.
Counseling schools
Counseling schools and universities may also offer free or low-cost therapy services to many couples, either at the schools themselves or at affiliated satellite centers or clinics. Generally, the people providing counseling services at these schools are students who are training to be counselors or therapists who need to work with clients to satisfy educational requirements or gain experience. While the counselors-in-training may not be fully licensed to provide these services, they typically work under the supervision of licensed therapists who remain on-site during sessions.
Is free couples counseling effective?
Free couples therapy can be effective for some people. For example, if you and your partner need short-term help or would like someone to teach you how to communicate more effectively, some of the free services listed above may be valid options.
How it works
Tell us about your goals and preferences so we can find a great fit.
Start together or switch to individual support at any time.
Message anytime and schedule live sessions when it works for you.
That said, there are situations where free counseling may not be adequate. Many people who provide these services may not be equipped to handle more complex challenges, such as:
- When one or both partners has a mental health condition
- When domestic abuse is present in the relationship
- When one or both partners is engaging in substance misuse
Is online couples therapy an affordable option?
Online therapy can be an option for couples seeking more affordable alternatives to traditional counseling. For example, Regain offers online couples therapy with costs ranging from $70 to $100 per week, depending on your location, source, preferences, and therapist availability—and you can cancel at any time, for any reason. This can be less expensive than in-person sessions without insurance coverage.
In addition, research has found that online couples counseling can be just as effective as in-person treatment. One study comparing the two modalities found that they produced comparable improvements in relationship satisfaction and mental health.
Are there other ways to get free relationship support?
Some couples may benefit from other types of free or low-cost support, including the following:
- Online relationship worksheets that you and your partner work on at your own pace
- Online forums where you can ask for support from others who have been in similar situations
- Crisis or support lines
Find the right therapist for your relationship.
Would you like to begin therapy as a couple?
Takeaway
Can couples therapy be free?
Not typically. Affordable couples therapy may be available online, however, and financial aid may be offered for this form of therapy in some cases. Completely free therapy for couples, whether in-office or online, is rare.
Where can I get relationship advice for free?
There may be various ways to get relationship advice without paying for it. For instance, you could talk to a trusted friend or chat with a family member to get their perspective on the issues you’re facing. You could also read free relationship advice online or in magazines as a self-help strategy. However, this advice might not be a good substitute for the type of expertise you’ll get when you make an appointment for professional counseling.
How can I get therapy when I can't afford it?
Common questions about therapy involve affordability. Some virtual counseling platforms like Regain may offer financial aid to couples based on income guidelines. If you prefer traditional therapy, some individual providers may offer sliding-scale rates.
How much does it cost to do couples therapy?
The cost of therapy can vary based on a number of factors. For instance, in-person therapy tends to be more expensive, ranging from $100 to $200 per session. At Regain, you can expect to pay between $70 and $100 per week, depending on your geographic location, therapist availability, and other variables.
Is couples therapy covered by insurance?
Not usually. In cases where one or more partners are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder, your insurance plan may provide coverage or a reimbursement for couples counseling.
What percentage of couples survive couples therapy?
According to the Gottman Institute, about 70% of couples experience a positive outcome following couples therapy. In couples therapy, a therapist may focus on specific problems, working with the couple to improve communication or conflict resolution skills, for instance. They can also suggest certain techniques and strategies couples can use at home when issues arise. Over time, this can strengthen the bond between two people, give them hope for a happier life together, and foster healthy relationships.
Why might insurance deny couples therapy?
Your insurance company might refuse coverage for couples therapy unless you can provide proof that you or your partner has a diagnosable mental health condition.
What diagnosis to use for couples therapy?
Your insurance company might reimburse couples therapy if you can provide proof of a mental health diagnosis. Different insurance policies may have different stipulations, but examples of disorders that may qualify include anxiety disorders, major depression, personality disorders, and bipolar disorder.
What is a common reason that couples therapy fails?
A breakup or divorce may be inevitable, despite therapy or relationship coaching. That is, couples therapy may not work to save the relationship in some cases. There could be various reasons for this, including:
- A lack of commitment from one or both partners
- Substance misuse
- Physical, verbal, or emotional abuse
- An ongoing affair
- An underlying mental health condition
- Past trauma
What kind of therapy is free?
Mental health care providers, including marriage and family therapists, typically charge for their professional services. Still, many providers offer financial aid or sliding scale fees based on income. This could help to make therapy more affordable for you.
- Previous Article
- Next Article