The 5 Best Online Marriage Counseling Platforms of 2023

Navigating relationships can be filled with highs and lows. Throw a pandemic into the mix and even the most stable marriage can be tested. Fortunately, there are online therapy platforms that provide counseling from the comfort of your own home. But how do you know when it’s time to seek out professional marriage counseling? Recommendations vary, but according to the Cleveland Clinic, earlier is generally better when it comes to seeking help for your marriage. That said, according to the Gottman Institute couples wait an average of six years of being unhappy before seeking help. Experts encourage couples to proactively start marriage counseling in order to fix conflicts before they become irreparable.

For couples with busy and conflicting schedules, the logistics of arranging recurring therapy appointments can be difficult. It isn't always easy — or inexpensive — to schedule weekly or monthly in-person appointments. That’s where online marriage counseling comes in.

Depending on the platform, couples may have the convenience of scheduling sessions by chat, phone, and video, with the added flexibility of being able to reach out to their licensed therapist whenever they need them for online couples counseling. The lower price point of online therapy compared with in-person therapy is another big perk, and some online marriage counseling platforms also operate on an income-based sliding scale for even more savings.

We’ve researched the most popular virtual marriage counseling platforms and compared and contrasted their services and pricing. Our reviews team’s picks for the best online marriage counseling programs are Regain, Talkspace, Growing Self, Couples Therapy Inc., and Our Relationship.

• Best Online Marriage Counseling Overall: ReGain
• Best On-Demand Marriage Counseling: Talkspace
• Best Online Premarital Counseling: Growing Self
• Best for an Intensive Online Couples Retreat: Couples Therapy Inc.
• Best Self-Paced Marriage Counseling Online: Our Relationship

Cost $60 to $90 per week

Insurance Not accepted

Session Format Chat room, phone, video

ReGain is a simple, user-friendly online platform owned by BetterHelp. While BetterHelp offers individual therapy, ReGain offers online relationship therapy, with couples sharing a joint account so they can both communicate with the counselor. Users also have the option to request individual marriage counseling separately from their partner. The simplicity of its platform and the option for private or joint sessions are why we rated it as the best overall platform for virtual relationship and marriage counseling.

ReGain’s user-friendliness extends to its scheduling. According to our April 2022 survey of 1,000 online therapy users, 48 percent of respondents who selected ReGain chose it because it offered appointments outside of traditional work hours or on weekends.

Nicknames are used to identify you and your partner or spouse in the system, which enables anonymity between your counselor and you and your partner. To sign up, you’ll answer questions designed to match you with a counselor, a process that will take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on therapist availability. Subscriptions don’t begin until you’ve been matched, and they can include unlimited messages and live sessions via phone or video. Note that while ReGain doesn’t take insurance, it’s worth checking with your provider to ask if they provide reimbursement for online counseling.

You and your partner will communicate with your therapist in a dedicated online “room.” In this space, you can write about yourself and your relationship and ask questions. When your therapist reviews your messages and replies, you’ll get a notification. All communication is visible to both parties. You don’t need to schedule sessions, and you can interact as frequently or as infrequently as you like. You can also schedule live phone or video sessions. Note that three-way live sessions aren’t supported, so you’ll need to be sharing a computer or smartphone with your partner for this.

For online marriage therapy, ReGain charges $60 to $90 per week. Prices depend on your location, preferences, and therapist availability. If you choose to cancel your subscription or change your payment plan, you can do so from your account dashboard.

ReGain’s app is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars on Google Play and 4.7 out of 5 stars on the Apple app store. Better Business Bureau (BBB) reviewers gave ReGain 3.19 out of 5 stars, and Trustpilot reviewers gave it 3.2 out of 5 stars. Positive reviews cited a convenient app and helpful therapists. Negative reviews cited billing issues and difficulty contacting customer service.

Most of the positive reviews on Trustpilot were from customers who were invited by ReGain to review the company, while most negative reviews were from people who were not invited. ReGain is not accredited by the BBB, which gives the online therapy platform an F rating due to 32 complaints filed against it and two unresolved complaints.

Pros

• Easy-to-use platform
• Flexibility

Cons

• Three-way live sessions by phone or video not currently supported
• All communication is visible to both partners

Read more about this virtual marriage counseling platform in our Regain review.

Cost $99 per week for live weekly sessions, billed monthly at $396

Insurance May be accepted under certain conditions

Session Format Chat room with video and audio messaging, live video

Talkspace is a robust online platform offering couples counseling among other services. It’s a flexible, on-demand approach to therapy that may appeal to busy couples, which is why it earned our designation for the best on-demand marriage and relationship counseling.

After signing up for Talkspace marriage counseling, you’ll complete a short questionnaire to clarify your preferences. After that you’ll be directed to a matching agent (who is a live person, rather than an automated service) who will use your answers to connect you with a therapist. All Talkspace therapists have at least a master’s degree, but not all Talkspace couples counselors are licensed marriage and family therapists.

The Talkspace platform gives you and your partner a secure, shared online therapy space to share details about your relationship at your convenience (think of it as a personal direct message or chat app between you, your partner, and your therapist). You can log on to this private chat room from your smartphone or desktop whenever it suits you, and receive notifications when your therapist has responded.

Talkspace allows you to message your therapist as needed, but your therapist’s responses will be limited to once or twice a day, five days a week, depending on their schedule. You’ll also be able to schedule four live video sessions with your therapist per month.

Therapists on Talkspace can help you identify issues, patterns, and problematic dynamics in your relationship, share communication tools to help you rebuild trust, and guide you in improving empathy and problem-solving skills.

Although Talkspace accepts insurance for individual therapy, it recommends contacting your insurance provider directly to see whether your benefits will cover the cost of your online marriage counseling sessions.

Customer reviews of Talkspace are mixed. It gets a B rating and 1.09 out of 5 stars on the BBB and 1.2 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot. The app store reviews are more favorable, with Google Play users giving it 4.1 out of 5 stars and Apple users giving it 4.7 out of 5 stars. Despite the higher app store ratings, recent negative reviews on the BBB and Trustpilot mentioned problems using the app, billing issues, unprofessional therapists, and difficulty reaching customer service. A few favorable reviews mentioned convenience and the ability to use insurance.

For more insight into how online therapy users felt about their experience with Talkspace versus other platforms, we conducted a focus group. One participant said she liked the Talkspace intake process because it empowered her to choose a therapist of color. When you’re looking for a marriage counselor, intersections of identity can be important factors to consider. A strong therapeutic alliance — or a trusting relationship with your therapist — can boost your chances of having a successful experience, per an article published in June 2020 in the journal Family Process. If you’re looking for a therapist who could better understand unique challenges you face based on a shared background or just feel more comfortable with a therapist of a specific gender, for example, Talkspace might be a good pick for you.

To gain even more intel, we also evaluated the results of our online therapy survey. Of the respondents who used Talkspace, 78 percent reported being satisfied with their therapist and the care they received. Furthermore, 81 percent reported their overall satisfaction with the platform as positive or highly positive. In another survey of Talkspace users we conducted, a majority of respondents said they enjoyed monitoring goals with the progress tracker and liked the unlimited messaging feature, which they often used.

Pros

• Flexible
• Convenient
• Ability to text with therapist

Cons

• Therapist response rates vary, although Talkspace promises responses five days a week
• Negative customer reviews that cite issues with customer service and receiving refunds

Dive deeper into this virtual marriage counseling platform in our Talkspace therapy review.

Use Talkspace promo code "EVERYDAYTS" for $100 off your first month.

Cost $105 to $160 per 45-minute session depending on therapist; income-based sliding scale available

Insurance May be accepted under certain conditions

Session Format Video conference

Growing Self has offered online marriage counseling for close to a decade and also provides counseling for couples who are not yet married. Growing Self's online premarital counseling helps couples learn essential relationship skills, prevent future problems, and develop a long-term plan to keep their marriage strong.

The platform pairs you and your partner with an experienced mental health professional who has earned at least a master’s degree in a mental health field, and is likely a licensed marriage and family therapist.

To get started, couples can schedule a free consultation session by completing a form online or over the phone. This gives couples an opportunity to share a few details about themselves and clarify what they're hoping to achieve in online relationship counseling. Couples also designate preferences for a therapist in terms of experience level, affordability, and availability. Growing Self will follow up to schedule your free session with a therapist based on your needs. If it’s a good fit, you can book your first therapy session and go from there. All sessions are conducted through a secure platform that’s compliant with data privacy laws, and three-way video calls are available for long-distance couples.

Sessions vary in price, depending on the education and experience of your therapist, ranging from $105 to $160 per 45-minute session. You may pay less if you qualify for Growing Self’s income-based sliding scale rates, which are determined by your annual household income and the size of your family.

An important note: Marriage counseling is not typically covered by insurance unless either individual in the marriage has a diagnosable mental illness and therapy sessions are used to resolve their psychiatric symptoms. Although Growing Self’s therapists are out-of-network providers, they can help you use your insurance benefits when applicable or use sliding-scale payment options.

Growing Self does not have any customer reviews posted on the BBB or Trustpilot, and it doesn’t have an app.

Pros

• Offers premarital counseling as well as marriage counseling
• Sliding-scale rates
• Wide variety of free resources such as blogs and podcasts

Cons

• In-person therapist availability may be limited
• Lack of customer reviews online

Cost $119 to $220 per 55-minute session, $3,500 and up for intensive weekend retreats

Insurance Not accepted

Session Format Video conference

Couples Therapy Inc. operates similarly to other online relationship counseling platforms except for one thing: Its intensive virtual weekend retreats. The ability to dedicate one weekend to virtual marriage counseling instead of committing to a weekly schedule makes Couples Therapy Inc. our pick for the best online marriage counseling for an intensive online retreat.

Couples Therapy Inc. is a team of more than two dozen clinicians practicing across 30 states and four countries. For a list of the 20 states where Couples Therapy Inc. does not operate, click here.

Couples Therapy Inc.’s online relationship therapy sessions and intensive retreats use video conferencing with a structured approach. For online therapy appointments, you choose from a list of therapists on the platform, who detail their expertise and training. Then you schedule your session to begin therapy. You can choose from varying options to suit your budget, and you can meet individually with a therapist for guidance on your relationship if your partner isn’t ready.

If you choose the intensive couples retreat, you’ll start with what the platform calls “The Big Big Book,” which is a large survey that asks for a comprehensive history of your relationship. This gives your therapist insight and information to help them understand your needs and prepare for the retreat.

Expect to wait at least three weeks for the start of your intensive retreat, since therapist availability varies. Each session starts on a Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. You’ll walk your therapist through your relationship story, starting from the very beginning and meet again on Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The total cost for an intensive online retreat depends on the therapist’s training and experience, but you can expect to pay $3,500 to $6,500. Couples Therapy Inc. also offers sessions for couples who prefer therapy on a per-session basis instead of an intensive online retreat. Expect to pay between $119 and $220 per 55-minute session, depending on the therapist.

The platform doesn’t have any customer reviews posted on the BBB or Trustpilot, and it doesn’t have an app.

Pros

• Option for stand-alone couples sessions or an intensive three-day session
• Evening and weekend availability for stand-alone couples sessions

Cons

• Large investment
• Not available in all states

Cost One-time fee of $79 for the self-guided program, $199 for the coaching program

Insurance Not accepted

Session Format Online activities, video chat

Our Relationship doesn’t provide traditional online therapy. Its self-help, online programs are better described as a coaching process that guides couples in solving their own problems. The fact that couples can access relationship advice to work on their marriage when convenient for them and at their own pace makes Our Relationship our pick for the best self-paced program.

Our Relationship offers an alternative to therapy; it is not a type of therapy. For $79, couples can choose a self-guided plan, or they can pay $199 to work directly with a coach who is trained to help clients get the most out of the program. Some coaches are doctoral students, and some are licensed therapists. Each program features online activities that couples or individuals can complete to help solve relationship problems. If you opt for the more expensive program, you’ll also get five phone sessions with a coach.

The approach is based on integrative behavioral couples therapy, an approach focused on achieving both acceptance and change as positive outcomes for couples in therapy, according to the American Psychological Association. A study published in 2016 in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology found that 300 heterosexual couples who used the Our Relationship program reported significant improvements in relationship satisfaction, communication, emotional and sexual intimacy, emotional support and trust, and commitment to the relationship compared with a group who had not completed the program.

Our Relationship's relationship and marriage programs are designed for heterosexual couples, same-gender couples, military and veteran couples, as well as individuals who are looking for help strengthening relationships.

After choosing a program, you’ll set up an account. Once you’ve registered, you can begin exploring the program and schedule your first coaching session, if applicable. You can choose your coach based on their expertise or availability. You meet with that same coach throughout the length of the program.

As you move through the program, you’ll complete lessons individually and then come together as a couple to share what you’ve learned. If you’re working with a coach, you’ll be able to schedule four more 20-minute phone calls — usually one per week — for guidance on how to apply what you’re learning to your relationship.

Our Relationship programs are self-paced and generally take 8 to 10 hours, and are completed over five to eight weeks.

Another unique perk: Our Relationship offers a free activity first to see if the program is right for you. Visit the homepage and enter your email for the free materials.

Our Relationship does not have any customer reviews posted on the BBB or Trustpilot, and it doesn’t have an app.

Pros

• Self-paced
• Users reported increased satisfaction with their relationship
• Tailored to heterosexual, same-gender, military and veteran couples, and individuals

Cons

• Coaching, not therapy

Online marriage counseling is relationship therapy that’s conducted online. It provides tools so you can learn how to identify bad habits and have a healthy relationship. Expect the same kind of professional therapy you would get if you and your partner drove to an appointment and sat on a sofa in a therapist’s office, except your session is facilitated through text messaging, phone calls, or video chats. Research suggests that online counseling sessions can be effective. According to a meta-analysis published in 2020 in The Lancet, online cognitive behavioral therapy was just as effective — if not more so — than face-to-face counseling.

The best online therapy programs are convenient, flexible, and discreet. They let you receive marriage counseling at home, which can help reduce travel and scheduling issues. They may also cost less than in-person sessions.

Online marriage counseling also has potential drawbacks. Receiving marriage counseling at home may lead to more distractions. Screen-based sessions may feel less personal, and body language cues can be easier to miss. Technology issues can be a challenge, especially if you’re dealing with a spotty web connection. Depending on the platform you’re using, there could be delays while you wait for a therapist to respond to your messages.

Online marriage counseling takes place online through video, phone, or text. You and your partner, if they’re attending the sessions with you, discuss your relationship concerns and goals with your therapist. Some platforms may also offer marriage programs or self-guided sessions you can do with your partner.

Who Is Online Marriage Counseling Meant For?

Online marriage and relationship counseling is an opportunity for you and your partner to discuss your relationship needs, goals, and issues. You can seek online marriage counseling for ways to improve communication, address and resolve problems in the relationship, or if you’re considering separating.

How Much Does Online Therapy Cost?

The cost of online marriage or couples counseling will depend on your state as well as the platform and provider you work with. Some marriage counseling platforms may accept insurance, and others may offer financial aid or a sliding scale.

Should I Attend Online Marriage Counseling Alone or With My Spouse?

Some marriage counseling platforms allow you to meet with a therapist without your partner, while others will require you and your partner to attend sessions together. If you would prefer to attend counseling by yourself, search for a platform that allows for individual marriage counseling sessions.

Online marriage counseling offers convenience and affordability so you can get the help you need for relationship obstacles from the comfort of your own home.

When comparing providers, ReGain earns our distinction as the best overall online marriage counseling due to its user-friendly platform and affordability. Growing Self is our pick for the best online premarital counseling to help couples develop the framework for a strong marriage. If you’re looking for an intensive online therapy session that gives you guidance over the course of one weekend, Couples Therapy Inc. could be right for you. For those who prefer a less structured experience, Our Relationship offers easy-to-follow, self-paced online marriage coaching. If you value therapy that works on your time schedules, we recommend Talkspace for its flexible, on-demand approach.

For some couples in strained relationships, in-person therapy and a physically present mediator will provide a more comfortable environment. If you are not safe with your partner, seek help immediately for domestic abuse by contacting the National Domestic Abuse Hotline via phone (800-799-7233) or texting START to 88788.

We independently investigate and recommend products and services we believe will enrich the lives of our readers and meet their specific needs. We’ve spent many hours carrying out in-depth research on the online therapy market. You can trust our review because we did the legwork for you in these specific ways:

• Engaged in ongoing independent research
• Spent over 245 hours testing eight brands, deployed surveys that included over 200 participants each, and interviewed focus groups
• Went behind the paywall for two months with eight brands to mystery shop our best online therapy choices
• Contacted the brands’ customer service teams to ask questions and gauge responsiveness
• Consulted six leading psychologists and psychiatrists
• Became customers of online therapy providers ourselves
• Reviewed academic research about the efficacy of online therapy versus in-person therapy
• Read hundreds of verified customer reviews from trusted third parties such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot

Learn more about how we researched and evaluated the best online therapy brands via our online therapy methodology page.