Couples Counseling: Comparing Costs And Benefits

Updated March 23, 2024by Regain Editorial Team

There are often times in relationships when couples encounter challenges and conflicts that prove difficult to navigate without professional guidance.In many cases, couples therapy or counseling can deliver helpful and unbiased guidance for those who are experiencing complications or unhappiness in their relationship. 

Though you may have considered couples therapy as an option for improving your relationship, it is common to feel unsure of where to begin in your search. In this article, we will explore various methods of couples therapy, as well as compare costs and benefits. 

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Couples therapy can be convenient and affordable

Methods of couples therapy

The purpose of couples therapy is to create a natural and supportive space where partners can enhance communication, strengthen bonds and resolve conflict with the guidance of a professional. According to research, couples therapy positively impacts around 70% of those who participate, often leading to a healthier and more fulfilling relationship overall.

With an average of 49% of married couples seeking counseling at some point during marriage, research on effective methods of couples therapy continues to expand. While finding couples counseling or therapy options that work within your budget may take time and research, receiving professional guidance may be instrumental in saving your relationship..

When researching and comparing couples therapy options, there are a number of methods you may want to explore, including:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): an effective, evidence-based method used to treat a number of psychological disorders. CBT aims to identify and reframe unhelpful behavioral patterns in order to develop new and more effective responses. CBT has been shown to be a highly effective treatment for couples looking to improve their relationship.
  • Emotionally focused therapy (EFT): a short-term form of couples therapy that aims to strengthen the physical and emotional bonds between partners experiencing disappointment or distress in their relationship. Typically, EFT is presented in three stages: de-escalation, restructuring interactions, and consolidation.
  • Positive psychology therapy (PPT): a relatively new therapeutic approach. PPT differs from typical therapy-based interventions by placing an emphasis on positivity and positive outcomes. PPT aims to shift the participants' thoughts away from what is “wrong” and toward what is good and positive. 
  • Solution focused therapy (SFT): centered around setting goals and finding solutions. According to the Institute Of Solution Focused Therapy, SFT is “a hope friendly, positive emotion eliciting, future-oriented vehicle for formulating, motivating, achieving, and sustaining desired behavioral change”.

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Comparing costs and benefits

When researching and comparing costs of couples therapy, it is important to note that prices may vary greatly based on factors including location, provider, session length, and more. Typically, the most drastic price difference tends to exist between in-person and online therapy. 

On average, an in-person couples therapy provider will charge anywhere from $100-200 per session, whereas online therapy tends to range anywhere from $65-90 per session.

While in-person couples therapy is effective, recent research shows that online couples therapy is equally effective.

Along with effectiveness and affordability, online therapy offers a higher level of flexibility, as sessions can be scheduled at a time that meets you and your partner’s needs. Participating in couples therapy online eliminates the need for travel or commute, creating additional advantages for couples in remote areas or for those with limited mobility.

If you and your partner are currently insured, you may want to explore what your coverage has to offer. Though health insurance tends to differ, some companies may offer coverage for online couples or in-person therapy. 

Depending on factors such as income and household, couples that reside in the U.S. may qualify for certain healthcare programs such as Medicare or Medicaid. Additionally, some online therapy platforms, such as BetterHelp, offer financial aid to those who qualify.

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Couples therapy can be convenient and affordable

Counselor reviews

“Sessions with Natalie are very insightful and give practical advice on implementing new habits and changes. Be prepared to engage and be challenged to think in a different way. I know that my partner and I can already see improvements in our relationship and feel more positive about working through our issues together.”

“Austa has been wonderful thus far. She has helped my partner and I during an unimaginably difficult time... She has also guided us in communicating effectively and setting appropriate boundaries in our relationship. I was hesitant to pursue counseling at the beginning, but I truly believe that it is making a difference for our relationship. Austa is easy to talk to and she is a great listener. I would wholeheartedly recommend her as a counselor.”

Takeaway

If you and your partner are experiencing challenges in your relationship, there are a number of therapy options and methods available that may help you and your partner resolve conflict and strengthen communication. When looking for a method of couples therapy that fits within your budget, online therapy may be the most convenient and affordable option.

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