How Much Is Couples Therapy? Exploring the Cost of Marriage Counseling
Reviewed by: Melissa Pizor, COC, CPC, CPCO, CPMA, CPRC
Couples therapy can cost anywhere from $20 to $80 per session with insurance and $150 to $300 per session when paying out-of-pocket, with prices varying based on factors like where you live, your therapist’s credentials, the format of your sessions, and your insurance coverage.
When you’re looking to deepen your connection, navigate conflict, or rebuild trust, couples therapy can offer a supportive and safe space to move forward together. But for many couples, cost becomes a point of hesitation, even before they get started. Questions like How much is couples therapy? and Will my insurance help cover it? often surface early and can sometimes make therapy feel financially out of reach, leading many to pause or reconsider before taking the first step.
We get it—therapy is an investment, and having real clarity around costs should be part of what makes starting therapy feel hopeful, not stressful. At Octave, we believe in making high-quality, relational care both accessible and affordable. Whether you’re working through communication problems, navigating life transitions, or simply trying to reconnect, we’re here to help you understand your options and take the next step with confidence. Learn how couples therapy at Octave can support you and your partner.
How much does couples therapy cost?
When paying out-of-pocket, couples therapy typically ranges from $150 to $300 per session. That cost range can vary depending on where you live, who you work with, and how you pay. With insurance, that number can drop significantly. At Octave, clients using in-network insurance plans pay an average of just $21 to $64 per session, making care much more accessible without sacrificing quality.
Let’s take a closer look at how couples therapy pricing breaks down.
Without insurance
When paying privately, couples therapy usually costs between $150 and $300 per session, depending on the provider’s credentials, specialty, and location. In major metropolitan areas like New York, San Francisco, or Miami, rates can sometimes exceed $300 per session, especially if you’re working with a therapist who has advanced training or decades of experience.
While private pay can feel daunting, it also comes with greater flexibility. You can often choose your therapist freely without being limited by insurance networks. Many therapists in private practice also offer sliding scale fees, adjusting their rates based on your income to help make therapy more accessible.
For a more detailed look at what you might pay out-of-pocket, you can explore our guide on how much therapy costs without insurance.
With insurance
Insurance coverage for couples or relationship counseling can be confusing, especially if you’re just beginning the process. While many people assume insurance won’t apply to couples therapy, it can sometimes be covered under specific circumstances, such as when the sessions are focused on treating a diagnosable mental health condition in one partner, with relationship dynamics addressed as part of that treatment.
Most insurance plans are designed to cover individual mental health treatment, which means couples therapy is typically only reimbursed when one partner has a diagnosed condition like anxiety, depression, or PTSD. In this case, therapy may be considered “medically necessary,” allowing sessions to be billed under that individual’s behavioral health benefits, even if both partners are participating.
If couples therapy is covered under your plan, clients typically pay between $20 and $80 per session after insurance adjustments. In most cases, insurance companies will cover 60% to 90% of the total session cost, though your exact rate will depend on your plan’s copay, coinsurance, and deductible structure.
Here are the key factors that typically affect your out-of-pocket costs:
In-network vs. out-of-network providers: If your therapist is in-network with your insurance plan, you’ll likely pay a lower rate (just a copay or coinsurance amount). If they’re out-of-network, you may need to pay the full session fee up front and submit for reimbursement, or pay entirely out-of-pocket if your plan doesn’t reimburse out-of-network services.
Deductibles: Some insurance plans require you to meet an annual deductible before they start covering care. This is a set amount you must pay out-of-pocket each year before your benefits fully apply. Once that’s met, your coverage will kick in.
Copays and coinsurance: Once your deductible is met (if required), your plan may require either a copay, which is a smaller flat fee per session, or coinsurance, which is a percentage of the session cost.
If you’re planning to use insurance for couples therapy, ask your insurance company these helpful questions:
Do I have mental health benefits that could cover couples therapy?
Will therapy be covered if it’s billed under one partner’s individual mental health diagnosis?
Is the therapist I want to see in-network with my plan?
What is my deductible for mental health services, and how much of it have I met?
What would my copay or coinsurance be per session?
With insurance at Octave
When you receive therapy through Octave and your insurance is in-network, your out-of-pocket costs are often much lower than typical market rates. On average, clients across all locations pay just $32 per session with insurance coverage, making high-quality relational care more accessible and sustainable over time.
We’re proud to partner with many major insurers, such as Anthem, Blue California, Aetna, Cigna, and BlueCross BlueShield. We’ll verify your benefits before you begin so you’ll have a clear understanding of your coverage and what to expect.
Here is a quick look at what clients typically pay for couples therapy with insurance coverage, based on Octave’s 2024 internal data for each region:
Our team is here to walk you through every part of the process, from understanding your benefits to finding the right therapist for you and your partner. Learn more about couples therapy at Octave and how we can help you get started.
Factors that influence the cost of couples therapy
Several important factors shape the cost of couples counseling. From who you work with to how and where you meet, understanding these details can help you make a choice that fits your relationship needs and your budget. Below, we break down the most common factors that influence the cost of care.
Therapist credentials
The qualifications of your therapist play a meaningful role in the cost of care. Licensed professionals, such as LMFTs (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists), LCSWs (Licensed Clinical Social Workers), and LPCs (Licensed Professional Counselors), have specialized training in healthy relationship dynamics, conflict resolution, and communication skills.
Providers with additional certifications in approaches like the Gottman Method or emotionally focused therapy (EFT) may have higher fees because of their advanced expertise and proven outcomes. At Octave, all of our couples counselors are licensed mental health professionals who meet rigorous standards, so you can feel confident in the quality of care you’re receiving.
Location
Where you live can significantly influence the price of therapy. In cities like New York, San Francisco, or Miami, therapy sessions often cost more simply because of the local cost of living and higher demand for mental health services. In smaller cities or suburban areas, you might find lower average costs per session. Octave offers both virtual therapy and in-person therapy in select locations, which means you may have more flexible and affordable options even if you live in a higher cost area.
Session length
Couples therapy sessions are usually scheduled for about 50 minutes, but depending on the provider and your goals, you may choose extended sessions lasting 75 to 90 minutes. Longer sessions can provide more space to explore complex challenges, navigate emotionally charged moments, or work through patterns that require extra attention. However, because you’re booking more time with your therapist, extended sessions come at a higher cost. Octave’s therapists work with you to create a session plan that fits both your relationship needs and your budget, offering flexibility around session length and frequency.
Format
The format of your sessions—whether you meet in person or through online couples therapy—can also affect cost. In-person sessions sometimes involve higher overhead expenses for therapists, like office rentals and commute time, which can lead to slightly higher rates. Virtual couples therapy often reduces these costs, and for many couples, offers the added benefit of flexibility and convenience without sacrificing effectiveness. At Octave, we offer both in-person sessions and a robust online therapy platform, so you can choose the format that best supports your relationship needs, comfort level, and lifestyle.
Is couples therapy worth the investment?
The short answer is yes, and research strongly supports that.
Couples therapy has been shown to significantly improve relationship satisfaction, emotional intimacy, and long-term stability. And it’s not just about solving immediate problems, it’s about learning communication tools, emotional skills, and conflict resolution strategies that can strengthen your partnership for years to come.
One of the most effective models is emotionally focused therapy (EFT), an evidence-based approach that focuses on strengthening the emotional bond between partners. Research shows that approximately 70% of couples who complete EFT report lasting positive changes in their relationship. Other proven frameworks, like the Gottman Method, also use decades of relationship science to help couples build stronger, more resilient connections.
In fact, a 2023 survey by Verywell Mind found that 99% of people who’ve attended couples therapy said that it had a positive impact on their relationship, and 94% said that it was worth the investment. When you consider the emotional cost of unresolved conflict, or the toll that relationship issues can take on your mental health, therapy often feels less like an expense, and more like an investment in your shared future.
Online couples therapy has also been shown to be just as effective as in-person therapy for many couples, and it often comes at a lower price point. Virtual sessions offer added flexibility, accessibility, and affordability, making high-quality relational care an even more valuable and sustainable investment over time.
What does couples therapy help with?
Couples seek therapy for a wide range of reasons, with no single path that brings partners into the therapy room. Some are navigating high-stakes conflict, while others are simply looking for tools to reconnect.
Couples therapy can support you and your partner in navigating a variety of challenges, including:
Communication challenges
Feeling emotionally distant or disconnected
Conflict about finances, parenting, or your sex life
Healing after betrayal or broken trust
Preparing for marriage or cohabitation
Navigating identity, mental health conditions, or life transitions
Every couple’s experience is different, and therapy offers a space to explore what’s happening in your relationship with care, curiosity, and clarity.
What to expect during couples therapy sessions
Starting couples therapy can feel a little intimidating if you’re not sure what to expect. The good news is that therapy is designed to be a supportive, collaborative space where both partners feel heard, respected, and actively involved in the process.
Typically when you begin working with a couples therapist, you can expect:
A thorough intake process to explore your relationship history, dynamics, and what’s bringing you to therapy
Collaborative goal setting to clarify what each partner hopes to gain and to align on shared values and priorities
Sessions guided by experienced mental health professionals trained in evidence-based modalities
A typical rhythm of biweekly or weekly sessions, with the flexibility to adjust frequency as needed based on progress and availability
A clear focus on building practical skills, such as conflict resolution, emotional regulation, and reflective listening
Some couples start with individual therapy and add couples work, while others choose to do both in tandem. You won’t experience a one-size-fits-all path, and your therapist will help you shape a plan that makes sense for you.
Creating a session cadence that fits your relationship
Session frequency will vary depending on your relationship’s needs, goals, and the approach you and your therapist decide to take together. For many couples, meeting once a week is a typical starting point, especially early on when you’re building trust, learning new skills, and addressing long-standing patterns.
As therapy progresses and communication improves, some couples choose to shift to biweekly sessions or occasional monthly check-ins to maintain their progress and stay connected to the work. If you’re facing a significant challenge, like rebuilding trust after a rupture, your therapist might recommend meeting more frequently at first to ensure you feel supported.
At Octave, your therapist will work collaboratively with you and your partner to create a session schedule that feels sustainable and supportive, adjusting as needed to meet the evolving needs of your relationship. The goal is always to support growth at a pace that feels manageable, not overwhelming.
How to choose the right couples therapist
Choosing the right couples therapist can make a significant difference in your experience and your results. Therapy is a collaborative process, and feeling safe, heard, and understood by your therapist is key to making real progress together.
Consider these key factors when selecting a couples therapist:
Therapist qualifications: Look for a therapist who is a fully licensed clinician, such as an LMFT, LCSW, or LPC. These credentials ensure your therapist has the training and expertise to support relationship and mental health concerns.
Experience with relationship dynamics: You should work with a therapist who specializes in couples therapy and is trained in evidence-based methods like the Gottman Method or emotionally focused therapy (EFT). This experience helps your therapist navigate the complexities of partnership with practical, proven tools.
Approachability and style: Every therapist brings a unique style—some are highly structured, while others are more conversational and flexible. Finding someone whose style feels approachable and supportive to both partners can help you stay engaged and make meaningful progress.
Convenience and accessibility: Consider whether in-person or online couples counseling best fits your schedule, communication style, and comfort level. Choosing a format that feels sustainable makes it easier to stay committed to the work over time.
Insurance and affordability: Working with an in-network provider can make therapy much more affordable. Some therapists also offer sliding scale fees based on your income to make therapy more accessible.
We take the guesswork out of finding the right therapist. Our matching process is designed to pair you with a licensed provider who aligns with your relationship goals, therapy preferences, and financial needs.
Finding support that honors your relationship
Couples therapy is more than just an expense, it’s a chance to grow, to reconnect, and to strengthen your relationship with the help of a trusted professional. And with Octave’s flexible pricing, in-network insurance options, and licensed therapists trained in evidence-based approaches, therapy is more accessible than you might think.
Whether you’re navigating something big or simply want to feel more connected, we’re here to support you. At Octave, we make it easy to get started: we’ll verify your health insurance benefits, match you with a therapist who fits your needs and goals, and help you begin this journey with confidence. If you’re considering couples therapy, we’re here to help you take the next step with care that’s accessible, meaningful, and designed around your relationship’s needs. Get matched with a therapist today to get started.