The Top Online Couples Therapy & Relationship Platforms

Every relationship is a journey with ups, downs and in-betweens. Asking for help along the way is totally normal, but that doesn't mean it's always easy. If something is blocking you from speaking with a relationship counselor in person, online couples therapy can be a convenient and effective alternative. "In-person and online couples counseling are actually quite similar," says Patricia Worthey, PhD, a licensed psychologist and certified relationship therapist with The Gottman Institute. "The goal of both types of counseling is to improve the quality of your relationship together," she continues.

Long-lasting relationships require equal amounts of effort from both partners, and attending couples or marriage counseling is one of many ways to rekindle your bond and build a stronger future. This is why we've created a list of the top online services to make the search easier for you. Plus, if you don't know what to expect from couples therapy, we spoke with experts to answer the most common questions concerning virtual therapy.

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In this article:

• The Top Online Couples Therapy and Relationship Services
• Frequently Asked Questions About Online Couples Therapy

The Top Online Couples Therapy and Relationship Services

Nowadays, there are quite a few online services you can use to access relationship and mental health professionals. Here's a list of some of the best websites and apps below to help you get started.

OurRitual

OurRitual is an online couples relationship platform that offers live, 20- to 60-minute video sessions with a trained Relationship Expert for one, three or six months. Wondering how you get a Relationship Expert? Well, you and your partner are paired with one based on your results from a short questionnaire and after meeting with a Matching Specialist. (Psst: If you ever need to switch Relationship Experts, you can do so at any time.) Also, computer or smartphone users can attend the sessions with their partner or on their own, if that's what works best for their journey. Beyond the video appointments, there are "Pathways," which are guided modules built around a theme like communication or intimacy, and small exercises called "Growthwork" to help strengthen couples' relationships between sessions. OurRitual even has an AI assistant, Ora, to guide you through new learnings.

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• Session formats: Video
• Cost: Subscription starting at $60/week for couples
• Insurance or FSA/HSA coverage: No
• HIPAA compliant: No
• Standout OurRitual review: "OurRitual has been great for us so far [because of its] bite-sized content delivered across 1:1 sessions, activities and video content. We can attend together, or when we're traveling and juggling schedules, we can dial in separately." —Anonymous

Regain

A part of the BetterHelp network, Regain is an online relationship therapy service that works on computers and smartphones. Based on your and your partner's wants and needs, you'll be assigned a licensed therapist who'll conduct 30- to 45-minute couples sessions—this person can be changed at any time. If you prefer, you can even start online marriage counseling by yourself, then add your partner to your account later. (Once you do this, all written communication will be visible to both users.) Regain also has privacy policies in place to ensure every couple feels safe and secure, some of which include: message encryption between you and your therapist and data not being shared with third parties.

Are you and your partner on a budget, but still want couples therapy? Regain has financial aid available to those who qualify.

• Session formats: Video, phone and texting
• Cost: Subscription starting at $70/week (depending on location)
• Insurance or FSA/HSA coverage: No
• HIPAA compliant: Has HIPAA standards, but isn't explicitly compliant with the regulations
• Standout Regain review: "We're using Regain right now, and it's working well for us! I liked that they ask a lot of relevant questions and match you up with a therapist instead of forcing you to call or email all the therapists around you to find someone." —Anonymous

Talkspace

While Talkspace doesn't specialize solely in couples therapy, one of its many provided services is relationship counseling online or over the phone. After taking a short questionnaire where you share your preferences, you and your partner will be matched with a licensed provider. Types of couples therapy available at Talkspace include relationship counseling, marriage counseling and premarital counseling. Couples therapy includes up to four live sessions per month, which are 30 minutes in length and can be scheduled based on your and your provider's availability. The company also has licensed therapists that specialize in LGBTQIA+-friendly counseling and have years of experience. And when you and your partner aren't messaging or having live sessions with your therapist, you all can use the numerous free online resources Talkspace provides as well.

Talkspace is also one of the few online therapy programs that accepts insurance. You can find a full list of their insurance partners here.

• Session formats: Video, phone, texting and audio
• Cost: Subscription starting at $109/week
• Insurance or FSA/HSA coverage: Yes
• HIPAA compliant: Yes
• Standout Talkspace review: "One of the larger online therapy platforms, [Talkspace] felt easier to start after disappointing in-person experiences. The onboarding process was less intimidating and removed some of the friction that can come with traditional setups. The connection didn't feel as strong as a great in-person therapist, but it was steady and reasonably supportive. Helpful overall, just not a major breakthrough." —Anonymous

Couples Therapy Inc.

Couples Therapy Inc. is unlike any other virtual marriage counseling service on our list because it involves intensive and focused therapy over two and a half days (in person or online). Couples must choose between working with a masters-level or doctoral-level therapist, or the founder, Dr. Kathy McMahon, for their sessions. The couples therapy intensive, which is available in nine languages, includes an assessment book with 1,864 questions, 16 hours of one-on-one time with your therapist, a custom treatment plan and follow-up sessions. To get started, couples must reach out via email or phone to talk about their situation with a clinician. From there, they're matched with a therapist and have a consultation, then each partner is tasked with completing their respective half of the assessment book at least two weeks before the weekend intensive. Afterward, couples have tools and a plan for how to move forward as well as the option to have shorter sessions.

• Session formats: In-person and video
• Cost: Starting at $5,500
• Insurance or FSA/HSA coverage: No
• HIPAA compliant: Yes
• Standout Couples Therapy Inc. review: "I went into the weekend not knowing if our relationship was salvageable, but [I] left the weekend understanding myself and my husband at a deeper level realizing we still loved each other and each wanted this to work." —Anonymous

Relationship Hero

Relationship Hero specializes in coaching services for couples who are looking for "practical and action-oriented" care. Couples simply have to take a short questionnaire, so they can be provided with a list of coaches that fit their needs and then they pick someone from there. The team consists of more than 30 full-time coaches who specialize in various relationship coaching styles. (Coaches' years of experience, degrees, certifications and specialities vary.) There are video, phone and texting sessions available, along with helpful online resources. The session length varies depending on the coach's availability.

• Session formats: Video, phone and texting
• Cost: Usually starts at $100/session
• Insurance or FSA/HSA coverage: No
• HIPAA compliant: No
• Standout Relationship Hero review: "I've been talking to coach Nicole for three years. She has witnessed my growth in three different relationships, and now I'm in a very happy and healthy relationship. Talking to someone professional and trustworthy is an ongoing self-care, which is the best investment in myself." —Lee

The Knot Vendor Marketplace

The Knot Vendor Marketplace is a great place to find your photographer and DJ for your nuptials, but did you know you can also find premarital counselors too? Whether you're trying to ensure you and your partner are ready for marriage or are struggling to communicate in healthy ways while wedding planning, there's a licensed therapist or officiant available to help. Here's how to see what relationship therapy online services are offered in your location: Click the "Officiants and premarital counseling" category on The Knot Vendor Marketplace, type in your city and state, click the "Wedding events" tab and select the "Premarital Counseling" filter. Once you've completed those steps, you can browse through the options in your area and check out real reviews from other couples, pricing and much more.

• Session formats: Depends on selected vendor
• Cost: Prices vary
• Insurance or FSA/HSA coverage: Depends on selected vendor
• HIPAA compliant: Depends on selected vendor
• Standout The Knot Vendor Marketplace review: "My wife and I reached out to AisleTalk for premarital counseling about a year ago. I'd been married before, and I was adamant that we start early and build the tools to work through any challenges that might come our way. Our therapist, Farzana, was phenomenal. After our first session—where we outlined our needs and goals—she provided us with an assessment that became the foundation for every session thereafter." —Karon J. for AisleTalk

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Couples Therapy

Now you know what online couples therapy choices you have, but you might still have questions about how the process works. Keep reading to see our experts' insights on the most commonly asked questions concerning virtual relationship counseling.

Can You Do Relationship Therapy Online?

Short answer: yes. Online therapy is a popular option for many couples, and many marriage and relationship counselors offer their services online—and like everything, there are pros and cons.

"What's really great about online sessions is that it can often be easier to find a time when both individuals are available since there's zero commute time," says Jerri Werksman, LCSW, a licensed psychotherapist at Redwood Wellness Therapy. If you and your S.O. are struggling to be in the same room or are living apart, it's also possible to attend a session from different locations. That said, Werksman believes that relationship therapy is best done together in a shared space, when possible.

Of course, with the convenience of the internet comes the possibility of connection problems. Werksman recommends discussing this in advance with your therapy provider. That way, you can ensure everyone is set up for success and there's a plan in place should connection issues arise.

How Does Online Couples Therapy Work?

"The first step is usually reaching out with a phone call to a therapist or office," says Worthey. From there, an interview will be scheduled with the therapist so both parties can determine whether it feels like a good fit, she explains. At this stage, it's important to know that you don't have to work with the first provider you reach out to. The person you choose will be working closely with both you and your partner and it's pivotal that you feel comfortable sharing intimate thoughts and feelings with them. This comfort may not come immediately, but you should at least get a sense of whether or not you could get to that point.

If you, your partner and the therapist all agree that it's a good fit, the next step will be filling out the paperwork. Once that's done, you'll be invited to your first counseling session as a couple. The aim of this first joint session is to get an understanding of what you're having problems with and begin developing a warm working relationship, Worthey explains. "Many couples therapists then see each partner individually, for one or more sessions, to better understand the contributions and perceptions of each individual partner," she continues. "After this is accomplished, most therapists usually see couples jointly from then on."

Is Online Therapy for Couples Effective?

Generally, online relationship therapy has been shown to be just as effective as traditional in-person counseling when delivered in the form of an evidence-based treatment model, says Worthey. This includes the Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples (EFT), Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT) and others.

For some, online counseling could even be the most effective option. "Couples who might benefit more from virtual counseling are those who need to be in different spaces for therapy," says Worthey. Couples in long-distance relationships or with particularly busy schedules will appreciate this option. Worthey also suggests an online environment for couples where one partner has social anxiety. "The benefit of being in their own home could help them relax and have the courage to be more vulnerable and do the work more easily in their own setting," she explains. Lastly, being open to online relationship counseling gives you instant access to many specialty practitioners, even ones who are not local to you. "As long as the couples therapy provider is licensed in your state, they can do virtual therapy anywhere," she says.

Of course, each couple's needs are unique, and some may find in-person sessions more effective. "Couples who might benefit more from in-person relationship counseling are those who don't have privacy in their own homes," says Worthey. Worrying about other members of your household overhearing can make it difficult to share your true thoughts and feelings. Additionally, Worthey says that being in a therapist's office and presence can be calming for couples struggling with more intense conflict.

How Much Does Online Couples Therapy Cost?

Depending on your insurance, the online relationship or marriage counseling cost can range between $0–$250 or more per session. Fees largely depend on the individual therapist's qualifications, skill level and experience. It's up to you and your partner to decide on an appropriate budget for you and your relationship needs.

Working with a smaller budget? Werksman has a suggestion for you. "A great platform to start out looking for a low-fee therapist is Open Path Collective," she says. Providers at Open Path Collective offer in-person and online psychotherapy sessions for couples from $40–$80. One thing to note: A one-time lifetime membership fee of $65 is also required to use the service.

Another frequently asked question about the cost of couples therapy: Is it covered by insurance? Unfortunately, most health insurance plans don't cover marriage or relationship counseling and insurance isn't always an accepted form of payment. However, if your reason for accessing relationship therapy stems from a diagnosed mental health condition, you may be partly or fully reimbursed by your health insurance company under the Affordable Care Act. A general rule of thumb: Confirm your coverage with your insurance provider and your therapist before committing to ongoing sessions. If your employer offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), it's also worth checking if that covers couples counseling.

Additional reporting by Naoimh O'Hare.