The 7 Best Online Couples Therapy Platforms for 2025

A quick look at online couples therapy platforms

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Whether this is your first time looking into online couples therapy or you already see a therapist individually, virtual relationship counseling can be a valuable resource — and there are many services to pick from.

Remember that counseling differs for each pair. Therapy isn’t only for resolving ongoing conflicts or crises — a lot of couples seek it to plan proactively or to strengthen their communication before problems arise.

Below is what you should know about online couples therapy, including how it works and the advantages it can offer.

Healthline’s picks for the best online couples therapy platforms

Comparison chart of online couples therapy options

-Self-pay price for couples

Therapy methodInsurance accepted?

starts at $208 per monthlive video chatno

$70 to $100 per week, billed every 4 weeks• messaging
• phone
• live video chatno

$436 per month• messaging
• phone
• live video chatyes

• $200 for first session
• $195+ for follow-up sessionslive video chatyes

not specified on website but varies by therapist
(reviews note about $150 to $300 per session)• live video chat

$185 per sessionlive video chatreimbursement claim needs to be submitted

$25 to $414 per sessionlive video chatyes

How we chose the best online couples therapy

While researching top online couples therapy and marriage counseling services, we focused on several important criteria:

• Specialization: No two couples are the same, so therapy won’t be identical for everyone. We included programs and platforms that concentrate on areas like LGBTQIA+ relationships, sexual health counseling, parenting concerns, and healing after an affair.
• Credentials and expertise: We prioritized services that use licensed therapists, counselors, or psychiatrists with relevant training and experience.
• Price: Therapy doesn’t always have to be costly. We featured several platforms that accept insurance and others with reasonable self-pay choices.

Why Trust Healthline

35+online therapy platforms evaluated

12online therapy platforms personally tested

How we evaluate online therapy platforms

Our Medical Standards and Insights team has extensively researched and vetted over 11,000 products and services. We assess offerings for alignment with standards of care and best practices, and we examine each brand’s reputation before recommending products and services on Healthline.

To select the platforms listed here, we considered all services that passed our screening process. We also personally tested a subset of them to refine our recommendations. Read more about how we review online therapy platforms.

What to expect from online couples therapy

In the initial sessions of couples therapy, you’ll typically discuss overarching concerns and the goals you each have as individuals and as a partnership. Expect to cover what’s functioning well and what you hope to work on.

You’ll likely share your relationship background so the therapist can understand your interaction patterns.

Following this introductory phase, you’ll dive deeper into particular issues or growth areas. Therapists often suggest exercises or “homework” to practice on your own or together between appointments. If necessary, the online therapist might recommend individual sessions for one or both partners.

A couples therapist should remain neutral and won’t side with one partner over the other. They’ll gently challenge limiting beliefs about yourself or the relationship, help you see alternate viewpoints, and guide you toward more effective communication strategies.

How to choose an online couples therapy platform

Consider these factors when picking an online couples therapy platform:

Therapy method

Some services include messaging, live video sessions, and phone calls; others provide only certain formats. Choose a platform that offers the communication method that best fits your routine and preferences.

Specialization

Talk with your partner about what you both want to address so you’re aligned in your goals.

If you want general relationship work, many therapists will be suitable. But if you need help with a particular issue — for example, infidelity or premarital counseling — seek a clinician with focused expertise.

Scheduling

Consider when you’re available for video or phone meetings. Ensure the platform provides time slots that work for both of you. Couples with busy calendars might prefer self-guided programs or messaging options with a therapist.

What you want

Therapists bring different skills, areas of focus, and therapeutic approaches. Having a clear sense of what you want (and don’t want) will make narrowing choices easier.

Opportunity to ask questions

Many clinicians and platforms offer a complimentary introductory call — a good chance to determine if they provide what you need and whether you connect well with them.

Even very experienced professionals won’t be effective if you don’t feel comfortable sharing personal details with them.

When to see a couples therapist

Simply put, online therapy is counseling delivered via the internet by a licensed clinician, enabling you to explore relationship matters, usually through video calls.

“Like individual therapy, you and your partner(s) will talk to your therapist about the challenges that you are facing both as individuals (such as anxiety, substance use, or depression) and together (topics like differences in desire, communication challenges, and infidelity),” said Stefani Goerlich, LMSW, of Bound Together Counseling in Royal Oak, MI, and a member of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health.

The pandemic increased the popularity of online therapy, and it offers several advantages.

“Online couples therapy can help romantic interpersonal relationships,” said Sam Nabil, CEO and lead therapist for Naya Clinics. “It is typically relatively inexpensive, accessible, and flexible compared to in-person sessions.”

You or your partner might seek couples therapy for trauma or infidelity, premarital guidance, parenting support, LGBTQIA+ affirming care, or other concerns.

Frequently asked questions about online couples therapy

Does online couples therapy work?

As with any therapeutic approach, if you’re ready to engage and do the work, couples therapy can produce meaningful change in your relationship and the issues you address.

Some question whether virtual therapy is as effective as in-person sessions.

Rabbi Shlomo Slatkin, a marriage and family therapist in Maryland, notes that “Even if the therapist is on the screen, it does not take away from the vital work that can be done. While some do prefer to be in person, we have seen just as beneficial results working online.”

Ultimately, dedication to the process and mutual commitment from partners are essential.

What are the benefits of online couples therapy?

Each partner will probably have topics or problems they want to address during therapy.

“I’ve noticed that some folks find it easier to say something difficult or bring up a challenging topic if they’re talking to a therapist, rather than directly to their partner,” Goerlich said. “Having a neutral third person to help facilitate hard conversations can be a wonderful resource for any couple struggling to get on the same page.”

“Online couples therapy is convenient, you can do it from the comfort of your home, you can join from separate devices in separate locations, and both partners are engaging to learn and grow together,” said Dr. Donna T. Novak, a licensed psychologist in Simi Valley, CA.

How do you know if you can benefit from online couples therapy?

“Don’t assume that your relationship has to be bad in order to benefit from therapy,” Goerlich said. “I work with lots of couples who want to focus on a goal like improving communication, co-parenting effectively, and improving their sex lives. If you feel as if your relationship could be stronger, you’re a candidate for therapy.”

Anyone can gain from online couples therapy, since sessions let partners examine their relationship more thoroughly and work on maintaining their partnership.

As noted, both partners need to commit to the process for it to succeed.

What’s the difference between couples counseling and couples therapy?

The terms “counseling” and “therapy” are often used interchangeably, but there are distinctions that can shape your experience.

Counseling tends to concentrate on current problems affecting a relationship and usually doesn’t delve as deeply into past relationships, long-standing issues, or trauma as therapy does.

Therapy often addresses more complex, long-term concerns than typical counseling.

What can I do instead of couples therapy?

If you and your partner prefer not to do live or telehealth counseling, several online services provide self-guided or educational resources.

You can also take practical steps on your own to strengthen your relationship, such as:

• making your relationship a priority over other obligations
• scheduling regular date nights
• carving out time to reconnect and converse
• reading a relationship book together
• planning a getaway
• talking about the positives — not only the negatives — in your partnership

What type of therapist is best for couples therapy?

A licensed marriage and family therapist or a licensed couples therapist with dedicated training in couples work is generally the best choice for those seeking couples therapy.

How much is couples therapy in the United States?

Costs for couples therapy in the U.S. vary considerably, with in-person appointments averaging $100 to $250 per session on average.

Online platforms can offer more budget-friendly alternatives, including options that take insurance. Some clinicians may also use sliding-scale fees based on income.

Takeaway

If you’re committed to improving your relationship, online therapy could be a solid option.

With the expansion of remote services, it’s possible to pursue counseling from home, which can be especially helpful if discretion is important.

Given sliding-fee arrangements and many sites offering relationship-focused therapy, finding the help you and your partner need has become more accessible than ever.