• Couples therapy costs vary. Factors like therapist’s qualifications and experience, as well as your insurance coverage would influence how much you pay.
  • Cost is just one factor. Therapist’s specialty, level of expertise, and style are other important pieces of information you need to ensure they’re the right fit for you.
  • Poor Match has a Hidden Cost. You need to assess if this therapist is qualified and able to respond to your needs. A licensed therapist might not have the specialized training or experience you need, or their personality and approach may simply not align with what feels right for you. As a result, it can make therapy less effective. If couples therapy doesn’t work as hoped, it can be disheartening to start over and seek help again. In the worst-case scenario, one or both partners may lose faith that therapy can help, leading to disengagement from the process and a reluctance to seek counseling.
  • Investing in your relationship is worth it! While couples therapy may have upfront costs, the positive impact on your relationship and your overall wellbeing, outweigh the financial investment.

 

Are you facing challenges in your relationship and wondering if you should go to couples counseling? Then in addition to being overwhelmed with the relationship issues, you are probably swamped with logistical questions about cost of marriage counseling services and how to determine who the right therapist for you is.

How much is couples therapy, couple counseling cost? Why marriage counseling costs differ? Does online therapy cost more than virtual? Is online couples counseling as good as in person? Can most therapist provide both individual therapy, family therapy and couples counseling? What are the benefits? How long should couples go to therapy? Is it covered by insurance? Is it worth it?

I got you! In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know about couples counseling cost in NYC, what factors influence pricing, and why this investment in your relationship is one of the most meaningful decisions you can make. As a licensed clinical psychologist and couples counselor who has been helping relationships for over 15 years, I provide answers to all these questions.

Understanding the average cost of couples counseling in NYC

The average cost of a therapy session in New York City typically ranges from $250 to $450 per session. What does marriage counseling cost depend upon?

Most importantly, therapist’s experience and if they have extensive training and specialize in working with relationships.

Secondly, location can be a factor. Namely, a marriage therapist located in Manhattan or Brooklyn would likely charge more than couples therapists in Bronx or Queens. However, in a post-pandemic world, where telehealth and virtual sessions are widely used- so the location of the therapist is less of an importance, as long as they are licensed to practice in your state.

Couples therapy sessions may cost slightly more than individual therapy sessions because they involve working with two individuals simultaneously, each bringing their own experiences, emotions, and perspectives to the process.

What influences the cost of couples counseling in NYC?

Let’s look at the several factors that do impact couples counseling costs and how these elements may shape what you’ll pay for marriage counseling sessions.

1. Therapist’s Degree

Therapists with advanced degrees bring more extensive education and specialized training to their practice. Here’s a quick guide to the differences between common types of therapists. Generally, the most expensive are Licensed Clinical Psychologists (PhD or PsyD), who have completed advanced doctoral training, though not all specialize in couples or relational work. Next are Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), whose focus on relationships and family dynamics places them in the mid-price range depending on their experience. Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSWs) and Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) typically have more accessible rates, with fees varying based on experience and specialization, making them a more affordable option for many seeking relationship counseling.

2. Specialization and advanced training

Generally, therapists with advanced training in marital counseling, where they have additional knowledge and expertise needed for a complex work with relationships, charge more.

Therapists trained in approaches like Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) or the Gottman Method undergo rigorous, specialized training to work effectively with relationships. These evidence-based methods provide valuable tools to help couples improve communication, reduce conflict and deepen their connection.

Marriage counselor with advanced training would bring specialized expertise to address unique needs. For instance, as an AANE-certified couples therapist, I’m trained to support neurodiverse couples effectively.

As a Certified Discernment Counselor, I am qualified to help those on the brink of divorce gain clarity about whether to work on their relationship, proceed with separation, or pause to consider their options in a thoughtful and compassionate manner. This approach helps couples make confident, well-informed decisions about their future.

3. Experience

As a rule of thumb, a marriage counselor would develop more solid expertise, insights and tools over years of practice, making them worth the cost.

4. Type of Therapy

  • Online couples therapy or in person?So online couples counseling will cost you the same as in-person marriage therapy. Research suggests that online therapy offers the same effectiveness as traditional face-to-face therapy. Therefore, couples can choose the format that best fits their preferences and circumstances without compromising the quality of care.
  • Gurman, A. S., & Fraenkel, P. (2002). The history of couple therapy: A millennial review. Family Process, 41(2), 199–260.
  • Doss, B. D., & Atkins, D. C. (2021). Telehealth-based couple therapy: A viable alternative to face-to-face interventions. Family Process, 60(3), 543–558.
  • Barak, A., Hen, L., Boniel-Nissim, M., & Shapira, N. (2008). A comprehensive review and a meta-analysis of the effectiveness of Internet-based psychotherapeutic interventions. Journal of Technology in Human Services, 26(2-4), 109-160.A study published in Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare notes that mental health professionals often set uniform pricing for in-person and virtual sessions to maintain consistency and because preparation time and effort remain the same across formats. Additional studies from the APA and Family Process corroborate that most therapists base cost of couples therapy on their credentials, expertise, and session length, rather than whether the session is virtual or face-to-face.
  • Weekly therapy or two-, three-days intensive?Weekly therapy creates a steady rhythm, giving couples the space to absorb insights between sessions and apply new skills in their everyday interactions. This approach offers a manageable pace, allowing partners to uncover and work through deeper patterns over weeks or months, one layer at a time.Couples intensives, on the other hand, compress months of work into just 2-3 days. These focused sessions provide uninterrupted time to delve into relationship dynamics, tackle calcified negative cycles, and address conflicts head-on. Intensives are action-packed, equipping couples with practical tools they can begin using immediately. Think of those as a way to jumpstart your relationship.In NYC, a three-day intensive typically costs $5,000–$6,000. While the upfront expense may seem significant, the concentrated progress makes it a cost-effective option for couples ready to gain the momentum, to address urgent challenges or make transformative changes in a shorter timeframe.
  • Can most therapist provide both individual therapy, family therapy and couples therapy? And which one do I need?It’s important to find a therapist with specialized training for the type of support you need.If your concerns are personal, individual therapy might be the best option.If your main focus is your relationship but your partner isn’t ready for therapy, Hopeful Spouse Counseling is the best way to go. This approach, led by a couples therapist, considers the systemic dynamics of your relationship, goes beyond just your perspective and your mental health, offering mindset shift and tools you can implement for change.For relationship challenges, couples therapy is the way to go, while family therapy is ideal for navigating issues involving multiple family members.

    Schedule a consultation to clarify which approach fits your situation!

5. Session Duration

The typical length of therapy sessions, ranges from 50-60 minutes to extended sessions of 90-120 minutes, based on the client’s needs and the therapeutic goals. Longer sessions can be particularly beneficial for deep processing work, or crisis intervention, where the extended time allows for thorough exploration and resolution of complex issues. There is a direct correlation between the cost of the session and its duration.

6. Health Insurance and Reimbursement

Some insurance companies cover marriage counseling. Also working with in-network couples counselors, or counseling centers and public health clinics trainees can be a good option if you are interested in a low cost therapy.

Many therapists do not accept insurance. For example, as an out-of-network provider I issue a superbill that my clients can submit to their insurance. For more information, reach out to your insurance company to see if you have mental health services and marriage counseling covered by your plan and how much they would reimburse.

And if you are lost in the jungle of codes and specific questions they ask, schedule a free 15-minute consultation with me and I will help you to figure out what information they are looking for, including potential mental health diagnosis, therapeutic treatment codes and how other mental health conditions including substance abuse can be a part of the picture.

Is therapy worth it for couples?

You might be wondering: How successful is marriage counseling? Do couples really see results? The good news is that research shows around 70% of couples experience significant improvements in their relationships after counseling. Statistically, the odds are in your favor for positive change.

And the biggest question: “Is marriage counseling worth it?” Without a doubt—yes!

Here’s why marriage counseling cost brings a good return on your investment:

  • Improved Communication: Develop skills to discuss issues openly and honestly.
  • Better Conflict Resolution: Learn ways to navigate disagreements with empathy and understanding.
  • Greater Intimacy: Discover anew your emotional and physical connection to feel more in sync with your partner.
  • Renewed Commitment: Foster a stronger partnership by aligning on values, goals, and shared aspirations.

And not only that! Marriage counseling also encourages individual growth within the relationship and improves mental health of each partner. Couples therapy often times provides an opportunity to learn about yourself, about the ways you show up in the relationship and what needs to be healed and worked through in you. Consider cost of couples counselling a worthwhile investment!

Investing in your relationship

Taking the step toward marriage counseling is a significant decision that demonstrates your commitment to a thriving partnership. As a licensed psychologist in private practice, I’ve spent my career creating a safe space where couples feel supported and heard. In our work together, I incorporate years of training and expertise to offer a comprehensive approach to each couple I work with.

Why consider my practice?

  • Personalized Approach: I draw from multiple evidence based therapeutic modalities and techniques to meet your unique needs.
  • Advanced Training and Expertise: I have an advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy, Gottman Method to help relationships and couples thrive
  • Specialization: I am trained and certified to effectively work with neurodiverse couples. As a certified Discernment Counselor, I am equipped to work with high couple distress, including couples on a brink of divorce.
  • Flexibility: Both in-person (for the 2-3 days intensives) and online (for regular weekly sessions) couples counseling are available.
  • Insurance-Friendly: I provide documentation you need for insurance reimbursement.

My practice offers a supportive with proven expertise environment to help couples reconnect and grow.

how much do marriage counselors cost

Final thoughts

Taking the leap into marriage counseling is a powerful act of love and commitment—to yourself, your partner, and the relationship you both deserve. It’s your chance to break free from long-standing patterns and communication problems, deepen your connection, and rediscover sex life and relationship satisfaction, joy, vitality, and understanding that you are longing for. With professional guidance, you can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and build fulfilling and healthy relationship.

Your future together starts here—schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward the love and connection you both deserve!

Importantly: Marriage counseling can help with many issues, including highly escalated conflicts. However, if you or someone you know is unsafe, and you need an immediate help- do not wait- contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit their website.