10 Best Online Marriage Counseling Platforms (2025)

Marriage counseling is a game-changer. In fact, 70% of couples see improvements after therapy.^[1] But not all services are created equal, and modern couples are forgoing in-person therapy in favor of online resources. 

With so many online marriage counseling platforms available, how do you know which one is right for you? Should you prioritize affordability or therapist specialization? Does messaging-based therapy actually work or is face-to-face counseling still the gold standard? 

As a huge fan of therapy (seriously, ask my friends), it was a pleasure to do this deep dive for you. I’ve researched and compared the best online couples counseling platforms available today. Here’s what I’ve learned: 

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10 Best Online Couples Therapy Services

Whether you need the flexibility of text-based support, structured programs tailored to your needs, or a pricing structure that matches your budget, choosing the right platform matters. 

We’ve rounded up the 10 best online couples therapy services to help you find the perfect fit.

Best Overall: Regain

✅ Strengths:

• Flexible therapy formats (video, audio, or live chat sessions)
• Subscription-based pricing
• Licensed and experienced relationship therapists
• Wide selection of professionals across all 50 states
• Includes group webinars, journal prompts, and worksheets
• Unlimited messaging
• Couples can join from different locations

❌ Weaknesses:

• No free trial
• No refund if you cancel
• No insurance coverage
• Fixed session lengths

💡Is Regain right for me?

Unlike platforms that offer couples counseling as an afterthought, Regain exclusively serves relationships, meaning every therapist is trained in marriage and relationship dynamics.

Regain makes therapy super accessible, with video, phone, or live chat sessions, so you can choose the format that works best for you. Unlimited messaging means you can even reach out to your therapist between sessions! Plus, if you and your partner aren’t in the same place (hello, long-distance couples or frequent travelers), you can meet from different locations easily.

That said, Regain isn’t perfect. It doesn’t accept insurance, which means you’ll have to pay out of pocket. If you need insurance-covered therapy, Talkspace might be a better fit. 

While the subscription-based model keeps costs lower than traditional therapy, it may not be ideal for couples relying on insurance coverage, as many plans don’t reimburse online therapy platforms. Also, I’ve seen concerns about data security, so it’s worth reviewing the platform’s policies before signing up.

But for those willing to pay out of pocket, let Regain help you navigate communication breakdowns, recurring conflicts, or emotional distance. Get started today.

Regain

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Most Flexible: Talkspace

✅ Strengths:

• Accepts most insurance plans & EAPs 
• Flexible therapy formats
• Medication management services
• Multiple therapy options (individual, couples, and teen)
• User-friendly platform
• Quick therapist matching
• Easy to switch therapists

❌ Weaknesses:

• Cannot choose your initial therapist
• Short sessions (30 minutes)
• Text-based therapy may come across as impersonal
• Pricing not transparent until sign-up

💡Is Talkspace right for me?

Talkspace is in-network with several major insurance providers and employee assistance programs (EAPs), making it a more budget-friendly choice for couples who don’t want to pay entirely out of pocket.

One of Talkspace’s biggest strengths is flexibility. Whether you and your partner prefer live video, phone calls, or text-based therapy, Talkspace lets you choose the format that fits your lifestyle. It’s especially great for busy couples or those who like asynchronous communication — send messages to your therapist anytime and receive responses during working hours. 

Plus, the platform offers psychiatric services and medication management, which can be a huge benefit for couples navigating both mental health and relationship challenges. The short sessions are great for those with packed schedules.

On the other hand, those same 30-minute sessions may feel too short for in-depth discussions. You can’t choose your initial therapist, so if you don’t click with the first match, you’ll need to request a switch. Also, pricing isn’t transparent until after sign-up, which can be frustrating if you’re trying to compare costs up front.

If you’re looking for longer, more personalized sessions, Regain might be a better alternative. If affordability is your main concern, Online-Therapy.com offers structured, low-cost plans that could be a better fit.

If you want a flexible, insurance-friendly therapy option, Talkspace makes it easy to get the support you need — on your schedule. Start with Talkspace today.

Talkspace

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Most Bang for Your Buck: Online-Therapy.com

✅ Strengths:

• All therapists specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Includes meditation videos, worksheets, and structured programs
• Financial aid options available for those who qualify
• Easy and quick sign-up process
• Video, audio, and live chat sessions
• Affordable compared to traditional therapy

❌ Weaknesses:

• Doesn’t accept insurance
• CBT may not be the best fit for all couples
• Reports of technical issues during sessions
• Limited therapist diversity

💡Is Online-Therapy.com right for me?

One of the biggest advantages of Online-Therapy.com is that it’s not just therapy sessions — it also provides self-help tools, including worksheets, journaling, and meditation videos to reinforce what you’re learning. 

The affordable subscription model is another big plus. By selecting the level of therapy you need, you won’t be paying for services you don’t have time to use.

However, Online-Therapy.com isn’t for everyone. It doesn’t accept insurance, so couples hoping for coverage may find it costly in the long run. The platform only offers CBT, which may not be ideal for those who prefer other methods. Some users have also reported technical issues with the platform, and therapist quality can vary.

If insurance coverage is a priority, Talkspace might be a better alternative. If you want a research-backed, structured approach tailored specifically for couples, the Gottman Referral Network is worth exploring.

If you’re a self-motivated couple ready to take an active role in improving your relationship, Online-Therapy.com is ideal for you. Check out its subscription plans now.

Online-Therapy.com

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Best for Evidence-Based: Gottman Referral Network

✅ Strengths:

• All therapists specialize in the Gottman Method
• Backed by 40+ years of research on relationships
• 1000+ experienced therapists worldwide
• Structured approach to communication, conflict resolution, and intimacy

❌ Weaknesses:

• Limited diversity in providers and research inclusivity
• Cannot filter by price or insurance coverage
• Most therapists don’t accept insurance
• Focuses only on the Gottman Method, limiting integrative approaches
• More expensive than alternatives

💡Is the Gottman Referral Network right for me?

Unlike general therapy platforms, the Gottman Referral Network exclusively connects couples with therapists trained in the Gottman Method, a research-backed approach you might have heard or read about in the book The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work, which we cite often in our guides to being in a relationship. 

The Gottman Method is particularly effective for couples struggling with recurring arguments, trust issues, or emotional disconnection. Its step-by-step approach teaches partners how to manage conflict, de-escalate tension, and rebuild closeness, making it an excellent option for those willing to commit to a structured therapeutic process.

However, most therapists don’t accept insurance, so sessions can be expensive. You can’t filter by price, which may make finding an affordable option difficult. Additionally, while the Gottman Method is well-researched, it lacks diversity in its foundational studies, making it less inclusive for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC couples.

If you need a more budget-friendly alternative, consider Online-Therapy.com. If insurance coverage is a priority, Talkspace may be a better fit.

But if your focus is on highly specialized, research-backed couples therapy, the Gottman Referral Network is for you. Find a certified Gottman therapist and start strengthening your relationship today.

Gottman Referral Network

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Best for Faith-Based Counseling: Thriveworks

✅ Strengths:

• Christian-based therapy available for those who prefer faith-integrated counseling
• Accepts health insurance
• Wide range of specialties, focuses, and therapy modalities
• Available in all 50 states + Washington, D.C.
• Medication management services offered
• Responsive customer service

❌ Weaknesses:

• Longer wait times than advertised
• Limited therapy modalities compared to other platforms
• Cannot filter therapists by identity (e.g., race, LGBTQ+ focus)
• No sliding scale pricing for lower-income clients
• Repetitive paperwork can be frustrating

💡Is Thriveworks right for me?

Thriveworks connects you with licensed professionals who specialize in faith-based counseling, making it a solid choice for couples who want therapy that aligns with their religious beliefs.

A major advantage of Thriveworks is its insurance coverage — the platform accepts over 585 insurance plans, which significantly reduces out-of-pocket costs compared to many other online therapy services. This makes it a practical option for couples who prioritize affordability but don’t want to compromise on therapist qualifications.

Beyond faith-based counseling, Thriveworks provides a broad range of services, including medication management and therapy for individuals, couples, children, and families. 

However, Thriveworks does have some weaknesses. The platform claims to offer quick access to therapists, but in reality, some users report long wait times. Additionally, therapist diversity and specialization options are limited, with many practitioners focusing primarily on CBT.

If faith-based counseling isn’t a priority and you’re looking for a more structured, evidence-based approach, the Gottman Referral Network might be a better fit. For those without insurance who need a budget-friendly option, Online-Therapy.com offers structured therapy at a lower cost.

If you’re seeking faith-based counseling with licensed professionals and broad insurance coverage, Thriveworks is a great choice. Get started today and find a therapist who aligns with your beliefs.

Thriveworks

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Best for Intimacy Issues: Modern Intimacy

✅Strengths:

• Specializes in sex therapy
• Therapists are LGBTQ+ members or allies
• Offers educational courses and workshops
• Free 30-minute consultation
• Judgment-free, sex-positive approach to relationships and intimacy

❌ Weaknesses:

• High price point compared to other therapy services
• Limited availability
• Doesn’t accept insurance

💡 Is Modern Intimacy right for me?

If you’re struggling with intimacy issues, sexual concerns, or relationship dynamics that involve emotional and physical connection, Modern Intimacy is a specialized therapy platform that could be a strong fit.

Modern Intimacy is particularly inclusive, with all therapists either identifying as LGBTQ+ members or allies. This makes it a great option for individuals and couples who want a therapist who understands diverse identities and sexual orientations. 

The practice offers a free 30-minute consultation, which is rare in online therapy, allowing potential clients to assess compatibility before committing financially.

However, there are some limitations to consider. The platform is only available to clients in California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, New York, and Vermont, meaning if you’re outside these states, you don’t have access.

Another major drawback is the cost. Modern Intimacy does not accept insurance, making it a pricey option compared to platforms like Thriveworks, which offers faith-based therapy with insurance coverage, or Regain, which provides more affordable relationship counseling with flexible session formats.

For those seeking expert support in intimacy, relationships, and sexual health, Modern Intimacy provides specialized, inclusive therapy. Book a free consultation to explore if it’s the right fit for you.

Modern Intimacy

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Best for Urgent Help: Mindful Care

✅ Strengths:

• Offers group therapy
• Very affordable, especially for group sessions
• Accepts insurance
• Same-day appointments available
• MicroTherapy sessions fit into busy schedules
• Provides psychiatric care and medication management

❌ Weaknesses:

• Only available in six states
• Limited to video therapy
• Only one group therapy time available
• Patients don’t always see their chosen therapist
• Focuses on all relationships, not just romantic ones

💡Is Mindful Care right for me?

Mindful Care offers MicroTherapy — short 20-minute sessions designed for people who want quick, solution-focused support. This rare feature makes it a great fit for those who need frequent but shorter bursts of guidance rather than hour-long deep dives.

Another standout feature is group therapy (CONNECT) that provides peer-supported mental health treatment in a structured, therapist-led setting. It also accepts insurance, making it a budget-friendly alternative to more couples-focused platforms like Regain, which require full out-of-pocket payment.

However, there are some downsides to consider. First, Mindful Care is only available in six states (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, and Michigan), which limits accessibility. 

Additionally, group therapy sessions can feel less structured than individual therapy, and session times are fixed, meaning you can’t reschedule if you miss one. Live chat or phone sessions aren’t an option, so you’re limited to video chat sessions only. If you need longer therapy sessions, Thriveworks is a great alternative. 

If you need quick, solution-focused support, Mindful Care’s MicroTherapy sessions and group therapy options offer a flexible, insurance-friendly approach. Schedule a same-day appointment to get started.

Mindful Care

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Best for Parenting Support: Little Otter

✅ Strengths:

• Specializes in couples therapy for parents
• Also treats children aged 14 and younger
• Offers parent coaching sessions and family therapy
• Provides resources and tools to use outside of therapy
• Messaging between sessions for additional support

❌ Weaknesses:

• Only accepts one insurance plan
• Initial assessment session is not free
• Expensive compared to other therapy providers
• Limited appointment availability

💡 Is Little Otter right for me?

Little Otter is designed specifically for kids aged 0 to 14, with a strong emphasis on family mental health. The platform offers individual therapy for children, parent coaching, couples counseling, and psychiatric services, ensuring that the entire family receives the support they need.

A standout feature of Little Otter is its Child and Family Mental Health Check-Up — a thorough assessment that evaluates both the child’s well-being and how family dynamics may be influencing their mental health. Parents also gain access to the Care Den, an interactive portal where they can view therapy notes, and helpful mental health resources for their child.

However, there are some downsides to consider. Little Otter is expensive, with sessions costing $200+ each, and while it accepts some insurance plans, coverage is limited. Additionally, finding after-school therapy slots can be challenging, which may be frustrating for busy families.

That said, if you’re looking for a highly specialized therapy service that prioritizes children’s mental health with a holistic, research-backed approach, Little Otter is an excellent choice.

Litter Otter

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Best for Hybrid: Growing Self

✅ Strengths:

• In-person therapy options available in select locations
• Specializes in divorce and breakup recovery
• Free consultation to help you find the right fit
• Accepts 51 insurance plans
• Available in all 50 states + Washington, D.C
• Select and change therapists easily
• User-friendly platform with concise search filters
• Treats children (ages 6+) and adults

❌ Weaknesses:

• More expensive than some alternatives
• No messaging services for between-session support
• Minimal diversity among providers despite its wide reach
• Video platform can be glitchy
• Some major insurance plans (e.g., HealthNet) are not accepted

💡 Is Growing Self right for me?

If you’re looking for relationship-focused therapy and coaching that goes beyond traditional mental health counseling, Growing Self is an excellent choice. 

Whether you’re struggling with communication in your relationship, navigating a breakup, or working on self-improvement, this platform tailors its services to help you manage your personal well-being as well as your relationship.

One of Growing Self’s biggest strengths is its dual approach — you can choose licensed therapy for deeper emotional work or coaching for action-oriented progress. This flexibility is ideal for those who don’t necessarily need mental health treatment but want expert guidance in their relationships or careers. 

Additionally, its sliding scale pricing makes it one of the more affordable options compared to platforms like Thriveworks, which operates on a fixed-rate model. However, Growing Self does not accept insurance, meaning all sessions are self-pay. If you need insurance-covered therapy for clinical mental health concerns, Talkspace might be a better alternative. 

But if your goal is strengthening relationships, improving communication, or navigating major life transitions with expert coaching, Growing Self is a top-tier option. 

Growing Self

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Best for Infidelity Recovery: Octave

✅ Strengths:

• Specializes in supporting couples after infidelity
• Uses emotionally focused therapy (EFT)
• Care navigator matches you with a therapist (not an algorithm)
• Accepts several insurance plans
• Therapists of color prioritized, offering more diversity
• Therapy available in 40+ languages

❌ Weaknesses:

• Only available in six states + Washington, D.C.
• Sessions can be very expensive
• No way to browse therapists before signing up
• Auto-scheduling felt excessive for some users
• Some states lack available couples therapists

💡 Is Octave right for me?

Octave prioritizes accessibility and affordability by accepting major insurance providers, making high-quality therapy more financially feasible for many clients. With offerings in individual, couples, and family therapy, Octave provides a well-rounded approach to mental health care.

A standout feature of Octave is its inclusive provider network, which includes therapists of diverse backgrounds and therapy in over 40 languages — a major plus for those seeking culturally competent care. Additionally, Octave provides a structured intake process to help match clients with the right therapist based on their needs.

However, there are a few drawbacks. Octave’s therapist-matching process can take longer than other platforms, and some users have reported appointment scheduling issues, including limited availability for couples therapy. Additionally, Octave’s coverage varies by state, and not all insurance plans are accepted, so it’s important to check eligibility before signing up.

If you’re seeking a therapy platform that accepts insurance and offers multiple treatment options, Octave is a strong contender. 

Octave

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Criteria for Choosing Online Therapy

Finding the right online couples therapy isn’t just about convenience — it’s about making sure it actually helps. The best service should align with your needs, budget, and schedule while offering real expertise. Here’s what to consider:

Why credentials matter

A therapist’s qualifications make all the difference. Licensed professionals — such as LMFTs (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists), LCSWs (Licensed Clinical Social Workers), or psychologists with a PhD/PsyD — have specialized training in relationship dynamics. 

They understand the patterns that lead to disconnection and can offer structured, evidence-based guidance. Without proper credentials, there’s no guarantee you’re getting expertise rather than generic advice.

Matching the therapy style to your relationship

Different therapy approaches work for different relationships. Choosing the right approach depends on what you and your partner need to work on.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on changing thought patterns that affect behavior. 
• Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) helps couples rebuild trust and emotional security. 
• The Gottman Method is backed by decades of research on what makes relationships last, emphasizing communication and conflict resolution. 

Cost and insurance

Some platforms look affordable at first but charge extra for video sessions, so it’s worth looking into the full pricing structure.

Therapy can range from $60 to $250 per session, depending on the provider and platform. Some services offer subscription models with unlimited messaging, while others charge per session. If affordability is a concern, check whether the service accepts insurance or offers a sliding scale fee based on income. 

Scheduling and accessibility

Flexibility is essential, especially for busy couples or those in different time zones. Some platforms offer evening and weekend sessions, while others provide asynchronous messaging for ongoing support. A user-friendly platform that works across devices ensures a smoother experience — technical issues shouldn’t be another thing to stress about.

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Our Online Therapy Methodology

Taking a well-structured approach to evaluating the best online couples therapy services, focusing on key factors that make a real difference in accessibility, effectiveness, and overall experience is a must. Here’s what I considered:

1. Specialization and expertise

I looked for platforms that offer licensed therapists with expertise in couples counseling, including specialties like infidelity recovery, premarital counseling, and conflict resolution. I also noted the therapy methods each service uses.

2. Therapist availability and qualifications

I evaluated the number of available therapists, whether users could choose their therapist, and how easy it was to switch providers if needed. I also checked for credentials like LMFT, LCSW, PhD/PsyD, ensuring that therapists were qualified to work with couples.

3. Insurance and cost

Affordability is a major factor, so I examined whether each service accepts insurance or offers sliding scale pricing. I compared session costs, subscription models, and extra fees for messaging, video calls, or extended sessions.

4. Geographic availability

Some platforms are available nationwide, while others are limited to certain states or countries. I assessed whether services had widespread access or were restricted to specific locations. I included restricted options where I thought the benefit to those they serve outweighs the limited availability.

5. Scheduling and ease of use

I evaluated how easy it is to book sessions, whether platforms offer flexible scheduling (evenings, weekends), and whether users can access asynchronous therapy (messaging between sessions). User experience — including website and app navigation — was also considered.

6. Unique features and extra support

Some platforms offer group therapy, couples workshops, relationship assessments, or self-help resources. I factored in these additional features to highlight services that go beyond traditional therapy sessions.

The recommendations are based on a combination of website information, real user reviews, and expert insights, ensuring that you can find the most effective and accessible therapy options.

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Understanding Couples Therapy

Whether you’re working through conflict, feeling distant, or just want to strengthen your bond, a good therapist can help you and your partner understand each other better and build a healthier, more fulfilling relationship — together.

What does couples therapy involve?

At its core, couples therapy helps partners navigate a variety of issues:

• Communication breakdowns and frequent misunderstandings
• Trust issues, including infidelity recovery
• Conflict resolution and learning to argue in healthier ways
• Emotional distance or loss of intimacy
• Major life transitions, such as marriage, parenthood, or relocation
• Different relationship expectations, including financial or parenting disagreements

Sessions are typically led by a licensed therapist trained in relationship dynamics, using evidence-based methods like EFT, CBT, or the Gottman Method. Some services offer individual and joint sessions, allowing each partner to explore personal challenges alongside relationship work.

How can couples therapy help?

Research shows that couples therapy can significantly improve relationship satisfaction, particularly when both partners are open to growth.^[2] Some key benefits:

• Better communication: Learning how to express needs and listen without defensiveness
• Stronger emotional connection: Rebuilding intimacy and trust
• Healthier conflict resolution: Understanding each other’s triggers and finding compromises
• Personal growth: Gaining insight into patterns from childhood or past relationships
• Preventative support: Addressing issues before they become irreparable

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Your Next Steps

Ultimately, the “best” platform is the one that meets your specific relationship needs — budget, time constraints, and personal preferences included. 

If you’re looking for affordable and flexible online counseling, Regain and Talkspace are both popular choices. If you prefer a more holistic or growth-oriented approach, Growing Self might be a good fit.

Don’t be afraid to test a therapist or platform to see if it feels like a good fit, because the quality of the therapeutic relationship plays a major role in successful outcomes. 

Whether you’ve decided on couples therapy or not, let these additional resources guide your relationship to higher satisfaction:

• How to Avoid Divorce and Save Your Marriage
• 19 Effective Couples Therapy Exercises to Strengthen Your Relationship
• Shared Values in a Relationship: Core Beliefs for Couples
• Healthy Boundaries in Relationships: What They Are and How to Set Them
• Reasons to Love Someone: What Makes Love Deep and Genuine
• Relationship Rights and Responsibilities: Know What Matters
• Unsure If Your Husband Still Loves You? Here’s How to Know

If you’re looking for more, check out our guides to being in a relationship.

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FAQs

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References

1. Lebow, J. L., Chambers, A. L., Christensen, A., & Johnson, S. M. (2012). Research on the treatment of couple distress. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 38(1), 145–168. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1752-0606.2011.00249.x

2. Lebow, J., & Snyder, D. K. (2022). Couple therapy in the 2020s: Current status and emerging developments. Family Process, 61(4), 1359–1385. https://doi.org/10.1111/famp.12824

3. Lebow, J. L., Chambers, A. L., Christensen, A., & Johnson, S. M. (2012). Research on the treatment of couple distress. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 38(1), 145–168. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1752-0606.2011.00249.x