Seeking couples therapy can be a big step for any couple. But with shifting societal norms and evolving relationship dynamics, more and more couples are realizing that seeking help can strengthen their bond and navigate those inevitable relationship hurdles.
One of the biggest concerns couples face when thinking about starting therapy is “how much is couples therapy?” The cost of couples therapy can be a barrier.
This is understandable since managing finances as a couple (or even solo) can be difficult these days. Let’s shed some light on the ins and outs of couples therapy pricing so you can approach your search for a therapist feeling more prepared.
Factors Influencing the Cost of Couples Therapy
There’s no simple answer when someone asks “How much is couples therapy?” Much like individual therapy, several factors can cause prices to vary widely. Some therapists offer more flexibility while others have stricter guidelines on pricing.
Location, Location, Location
It’s probably no surprise to learn that in a place like NYC, the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment can hover around $4,000 per month. And let’s not forget about other necessary living expenses.
For a therapist who runs their practice solo as a small business, factoring in business expenses along with personal bills is no small thing. It’s true across most service industries—therapists in more metropolitan areas or those with higher costs of living often charge higher rates.
Therapist’s Qualifications and Demand
Have you ever noticed that doctors with years of experience, advanced certifications, and numerous accolades tend to be priced at a premium rate? The same idea generally applies to therapists. A therapist’s level of expertise, years of experience, specializations, and even their demand all play a role.
You may find that couples therapists sought after for their niche specializations or those with waitlists often have higher session rates. Think of it like supply and demand—if there are more people wanting appointments and fewer available appointment slots, session rates will likely reflect this.
Therapy Format: Online vs. In-Person
Over the last few years, there’s been a massive boom in telehealth options for everything from dermatology and primary care appointments to physical therapy and even therapy. Research suggests that couples felt “less intimidated or judged” during online couples counseling, which may even lead to better treatment outcomes.
While online therapy may not be for everyone, it has certainly made healthcare more accessible and can be more convenient for people with tight schedules or location limitations. Some therapists only work with couples in person, so you’ll want to decide what format works best for you and factor that into your decision-making and budgeting process.
Insurance: The Copay Conundrum
Using your health insurance is one of the biggest factors in therapy costs. Insurance can make a huge difference in affording therapy. Unfortunately, most insurance companies do not cover the cost of couples therapy.
This is often the case unless one partner has a mental health diagnosis from their individual therapy sessions. This may not apply to everyone but can certainly ease some of the burden if you or your partner already pay for individual sessions and qualify to have couples counseling billed through your insurance.
But don’t worry. There may still be other avenues available if your health insurance doesn’t cover relationship counseling or marriage counseling. Many practices will offer various payment plans and financing options, such as a sliding scale payment.
Diving Deep Into Pricing Expectations
By now, you know there are lots of moving pieces that impact how much is couples therapy. While costs can vary, there is a baseline to go by.
According to recent studies, the average cost for a counseling session and marriage counseling session for couples therapy in the United States is $100-$200. Most couples therapy sessions are billed hourly so you’ll want to make sure to ask about session lengths too, especially when weighing your budget.
But the big question always is: is couples therapy even “worth it?”
When Investment Meets Value: Is Couples Counseling Worth It?
While navigating costs is certainly important when starting something new, it’s also worth considering the incredible benefits couples therapy offers and what a “return on your investment” can look like. In many cases, the return you get from investing in your relationship far outweighs the financial costs, which can lead to invaluable, priceless benefits.
According to the American Psychological Association, couples therapy has been shown to be approximately 75% effective in helping couples resolve challenges and build healthier, stronger relationships.
To illustrate this, imagine this: You and your partner constantly find yourselves caught in a vicious cycle of communication breakdowns. Maybe even explosive arguments or resentment seem to dominate your days. As time passes, emotional distance becomes the new unwelcome fixture in your lives, pushing you further and further away from the love and intimacy you desperately want.
In situations like this, the choice to avoid addressing serious problems with the help of a professional therapist can cost a lot more in the long run—both financially and emotionally.
In fact, a study on the effectiveness of treatment and long-term follow-up of couples therapy found positive long-term effects of therapy even three years later, indicating couples counseling can lead to impactful and sustained growth in relationships. In this context, wouldn’t investing a few thousand dollars in professional support to try to save your relationship seem like a wise investment in the future you envision for yourself?
It is essential to mention that couples counseling is a wonderful resource to utilize but may not be right in all situations, such as instances where domestic violence is a concern.
Curious about how much is couples therapy? Contact the Counseling Center Group today for personalized pricing and guidance on finding the best option for you!
Deciding to go to couples therapy requires couples to engage in some thoughtful introspection and weigh several different things. One thing many couples think about is the cost and what to expect in terms of pricing since how much couples therapy costs can vary depending on many things, such as location.
If you’re wondering how much is couples therapy and want more personalized information, feel free to reach out to the Counseling Center Group for guidance!
