Best Online Couples Counseling - Fortune
We fall in love, and we live happily ever after, right? Unfortunately, life doesn't play out like a fairytale. Relationships aren't always going to be easy. In fact, it's normal to experience conflict with your partner . Learning to work through that conflict productively can help strengthen your relationship instead of breaking it down. Couples therapy can be an effective tool to help you and your partner work together with intention while improving communication and increasing understanding.
While couples therapy has traditionally been conducted through in-person sessions in a therapist's office, online therapy is emerging as a popular choice for couples seeking more accessibility, affordability, and convenience. Studies have shown that virtual couples counseling sessions maintain the benefits of in-person counseling as couples continue to feel immersed in the therapeutic process while feeling comfortable and connected with their therapist. ( 8 ) Therapist Rychel Johnson adds, "Online couples therapy can be conducted while the couple is in the comfort of their home, where many of their conflicts likely occur."
Our team evaluated each online therapy platform in depth to provide rankings based on therapist qualifications, cost and types of services, user experience, and accessibility. We've narrowed it down to the nine best online couples counseling services. Read on to determine which one may best fit your relationship needs and therapy preferences.
Best online couples counseling overall
Open Path Collective breaks down the cost barrier of seeking mental health care by offering therapy services on a sliding fee scale. The online therapy platform connects you with qualified therapists through its vast network of providers. The therapists are responsive and easy to work with, and you can attend your sessions from the comfort of your home or visit your provider in person.
Our picks for the best online couples counseling
Compare online couples counseling
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| Open Path Collective | Online-therapy.com | Regain | MDLive | Talkspace | Little Otter | Growing Self | Thriveworks | Hey Ritual | |
| Rating | |||||||||
| Cost | $40-$80 per session | $88-$110 per week | $65-$90 per week | $0-108 per session | Starting at $109 per session | $195 per session | $75-$170 per session | $0-$50 per session after insurance | Starting at $260 per month |
| Accepts insurance | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Session type | In-person, telehealth | Video, phone, chat | Video, phone, chat, messaging | Video, phone | Video, phone, chat, messaging | Video, phone | Video, in-person | Video, phone, in-person | Video |
Open Path Collective is a nonprofit organization that offers low-cost therapy options to the uninsured or underinsured.
Key product features
In-person therapy Yes
Therapist assignment You choose
Membership fee $65 lifetime
Session price Sliding scale fee
What you should know
Open Path Collective connects you with a vast network of mental health professionals for in-person or telehealth services. Its sliding scale fee helps make mental health services more accessible.
- We love that Open Path allows you to choose your own provider based on your therapy needs and who you may connect with best.
- After paying a one-time $65 lifetime membership fee, you and your therapist decide on your session fee based on Open Path's sliding scale, which ranges from $40 to $80 per session for couples therapy.
- This program is intended for the uninsured or underinsured. While no financial proof is required, Open
- Path asks that you don't engage in their services if you have insurance coverage or your household income is over $100,000.
Pros
Low-cost sliding fee scale
In-person visits available
You can choose your therapist
Easy to connect with therapists
Customer service responds quickly
Additional wellness courses available
Cons
You're not eligible if you're covered by insurance
The lifetime membership fee adds to the cost
Lacks a platform with additional therapy activities compared to competitors
Why we like Open Path Collective as best overall
Open Path Collective is a nonprofit organization that offers low-cost therapy options to uninsured or underinsured people. This stood out to us, considering that 10.8% of adults with mental illness in the U.S. are uninsured. ( 1 )
In our evaluation, we found that Open Path acts as a hub to connect you with therapists who offer their services using Open Path's sliding-scale fee. Because therapists are local, you can choose in-person visits if you prefer face-to-face therapy, which isn't available through many online therapy services.
When I completed the registration form, it took less than five minutes. You fill in your personal and basic financial information to ensure the low-cost program is best for you. However, you don't have to provide proof for any of the financial information you share.
When you sign up, you must pay a one-time lifetime membership fee of $65. You and your partner only have to pay one fee for couples therapy. Then, you can schedule sessions with your provider of choice.
As a Behavioral Health Coach, I've seen how important building a strong connection with your provider is. Johnson adds, "Seeking a provider who you can trust and relate to can benefit the therapeutic relationship and the progress made working together." Through Open Path, you can view therapist bios before committing to anything. You can see their picture, brief biography, expertise, treatment styles, and availability.
You can even email the provider to ask questions before signing up for the program. I contacted three therapists asking about their couples counseling services, and while it said it could take up to four days to hear back, one therapist emailed me back within 2.5 hours and another within 24 hours.
Additionally, we found that the provider directory is robust. When I searched my rural area in Wisconsin, I discovered 153 providers available, with 53 of them offering couples therapy. Although, weeding through a provider list this long may feel overwhelming for some.
Unlike other online therapy services, sessions don't happen through Open Path's platform. All providers are private practice, so you'll work directly with your therapist to schedule sessions. If you connect with a therapist and find they aren't a good fit, you can request a new provider anytime.
What customers are saying
It was challenging to find any negative reviews about Open Path. Reddit users commended the platform for making it easy and affordable to find a qualified therapist.
Verified Reddit user "izakayasan" shared that they tried a couple of therapists before finding the right one, but since then, the program has profoundly impacted their life. "Open Path has changed and even saved my life. It may take a few tries to get the right therapist, but this is real, quality therapy from a licensed therapist who actually cares. I cannot recommend it enough to anyone who is struggling with their mental health and needs help now."
With 143 reviews on Facebook, Open Path earns a 4.9 rating. Users share how easy, affordable, and life-changing it is.
"Open Path is an incredibly helpful and affordable tool for finding a therapist. They're fast with replying, have reasonable rates, and produce really great therapists. I couldn't recommend them enough."
Arielle M., verified Facebook user
"Open Path has been life-changing for me," verified Facebook customer Sam N. writes. "The process to get signed up and started with a therapist is so fast and easy, which is a huge relief when you're already weighed down by anxiety. They have a large list of professionals to choose from, with descriptions that allow you to find the perfect match for your needs. I've been able to take control of my mental health without sacrificing my financial security. I am truly grateful for this amazing organization."
Specs
| Price | $40-$80 per session, $65 lifetime membership fee |
| Insurance accepted | No |
| Therapist assignment | Your choice | ...
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