Online couples counseling in 2022 - Medical News Today
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here's our process.
Couples counseling typically provides people with support from a licensed therapist. Sessions can include help with building communication skills and highlighting relationship goals.
Quick links
Couples experiencing relationship difficulties can speak with a licensed therapist who can use a range of techniques to explore any miscommunication, feelings of disconnection, or external stressors.
If a person in a couple feels they may benefit from talking therapy, multiple options are available. These include:
- cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Gottman Method couples therapy (GCT)
- emotionally focused couples therapy (EFCT)
A recent
Online therapy is increasing in popularity, particularly in recent years. A
Below, we look at some couples counseling services to consider.
BetterHelp
Best for affordability
BetterHelp is the largest online therapy platform worldwide. When a person signs up, the company will match them with a professional, licensed therapist. An individual also has the option of video, text messaging, or telephone sessions.
Price is dependent on location, therapist availability, and personal preferences.
Accessing services
To access any of these, a person logs on to their Betterhelp account and enters their personal online therapy room. A therapist will never be able to see their phone number. All communication will go through the online Betterhelp therapy room.
Pros and cons
Here, we look at some benefits of the BetterHelp service, along with some things to consider.
Talkspace
Best for finding the right therapist
After a brief assessment on the Talkspace website, a person can choose their therapist from a list of recommendations. Couples can choose to have their sessions through video or text messaging.
Pros and cons
Here are some advantages and drawbacks of Talkspace:
As well as offering couples counseling, Talkspace also provides therapy for individuals, teenagers, veterans, and the LGBTQIA+ community.
ReGain
Best overall
ReGain is the world's largest couples therapy service. Although specializing in couples therapy, it also provides individual sessions. After a person signs up on its website, the provider will match them with a suitable therapist. A couple can choose between text messaging, telephone calls, or video sessions.
Additionally, price is dependent on location, therapist availability, and preferences.
ReGain will designate an online room through its private platform, and a couple will share this space with their therapist. They will then use this room for all communications.
Relationship Hero
Best alternative
Unlike a typical counseling service, Relationship Hero trains and certifies their relationship coaches themselves. This means the counseling does not come from licensed therapists. It matches a couple with a relationship coach specializing in the areas they need support.
Couples can reach out for support 24/7.
Pros and cons
A person or couple may wish to consider the following advantages and drawbacks:
One of the ways Relationship Hero operates is on a credit basis, so a person can purchase credits to use toward their therapy sessions from the company's website.
Alternatively, there are multiple subscription options that bill monthly.
The below table shows an at-a-glance comparison to the services in this article.
A couple may consider some of the following factors when looking for online therapy:
Therapy style
A couple can research different therapeutic styles to find which best suits their needs. They can then specify this when searching for therapists. Some common couple therapy techniques include:
- emotionally focused therapy
- discernment counseling
- Gottman Method couples therapy
- relational psychotherapy
Considering needs
Individuals may find it helpful to consider their specific needs. For example, if a couple requires specific help with gender identity, sexual orientation, or monogamy, seeking a therapist with experience in those areas would provide benefit.
Additional considerations may include:
- whether or not the therapist holds a valid license
- whether the therapist works with clear action plans
- whether the therapist provides work to do outside of sessions
Cost and convenience
A couple looking for online therapy should consider their budget and whether or not the sessions are flexible and suit their schedule.
Below are some common questions relating to online couples therapy.
Is online therapy as effective as in person?
A 2016 study found client ratings of online therapy were roughly equivalent to the ratings of in-person therapy. However, due to limited evidence, further studies are necessary.
Should a person go to couples therapy alone or with a partner?
Couples should attend therapy together. However, there are options to speak to therapists separately on some platforms.
Does insurance cover couples therapy?
This is dependent on the insurance provider and the therapy service. A person should speak with their plan provider to confirm benefits.
Can LGBT couples attend couples therapy?
Yes. Some online therapy services specialize in LGBTQIA+ therapy, including:
Online couples therapy can be an affordable alternative to traditional, in-person therapy, and there are many companies offering convenient and reliable services.
Evidence suggests that online therapy options equally are as effective as in-person therapy while providing flexible sessions and ease of use.
Some providers offer manageable subscription services and other payment plans. Additionally, some private medical insurers may also cover online couples therapy, and a person should speak with their insurer directly about this.
Comments
Post a Comment