Comparing Telehealth Platforms for Couples Therapy: A Practical Guide
Overview: Why Compare Telehealth Platforms for Couples Therapy
Choosing the right telehealth platform for couples therapy matters. Online therapy for relationships has evolved from a niche offering to a mainstream option. It is especially popular among busy couples, those in rural areas, or partners with differing schedules. This guide helps you compare telehealth platforms for couples therapy. It focuses on the features of telehealth couples therapy. Additionally, it considers pricing, reviews, and real-world fit.
The rise of online therapy for relationships: trends and benefits
Teletherapy grew rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic and has remained a common route to care. According to the Pew Research Center and industry reports, telehealth adoption rose sharply in 2020. Many patients now prefer continued remote options for behavioral health. Teletherapy expands access, reduces logistics friction, and often lowers stigma for people seeking relationship help.
Benefits of online couples therapy include:
- Greater scheduling flexibility and reduced commute time
- Access to specialized clinicians outside your geographic area
- Frequent, lower-cost touchpoints (messaging, short check-ins)
- Digital homework, shared exercises, and progress tracking
Online couples counseling can combine evidence-based interventions with the convenience of remote delivery. This makes it easier for more couples to get help.” — paraphrasing common findings from telehealth reviews and clinical guidance
Key considerations when choosing a couples therapy platform
When you compare online couples therapy services, focus on several decision-making levers:
- Clinical quality: Are therapists licensed and experienced in couples work?
- Platform features: Does the service support video sessions, asynchronous messaging, and shared activities?
- Pricing and payment model: Pay-per-session, subscriptions, or sliding scale?
- Accessibility: Hours, language support, and mobile apps
- Reputation: Reviews, clinical outcomes, and trust indicators (HIPAA compliance, secure video)
How this guide uses couples therapy platform reviews and comparisons
This guide synthesizes platform features, pricing models, therapist qualifications, and reputable reviews so you can make an evidence-informed choice. Use the comparisons and checklist to try platforms efficiently and find a good therapeutic match.
Core features to evaluate: Features of Telehealth Couples Therapy
Selecting a platform requires understanding core platform capabilities and clinical offerings.
Session formats and tools (video, chat, asynchronous messaging)
Common session formats:
- Live video sessions: The closest analog to in-person therapy; look for stable, HIPAA-secure video.
- Synchronous chat/video: Real-time text or call options for short check-ins.
- Asynchronous messaging: Useful for ongoing communication between sessions—share thoughts, homework, or quick updates.
- Self-paced modules: Programs or worksheets couples can complete independently.
Why it matters: Couples may need a mix—weekly video sessions for deep work combined with messaging for in-between support. Platforms vary in whether messaging is included or sold as an add-on.
Clinical features: licensed couples therapists, specialty approaches
Look for:
- Licensed clinicians (PhD, PsyD, LCSW, LMFT) with experience in couples therapy
- Therapists trained in evidence-based approaches: Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for relationships, or Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT)
- Initial assessment tools and measurable treatment goals
- Options for joint sessions and individual check-ins
Tip: Platforms that clearly list therapist credentials and specialties make it easier to match with someone experienced in relationship interventions.
Platform usability: scheduling, secure video, shared activities
Evaluate:
- Ease of booking and rescheduling
- Reminders and calendar integrations (Google, Apple)
- Platform security (HIPAA, end-to-end encryption, data privacy policies)
- In-platform shared activities: homework, shared journals, interactive exercises
- Mobile app quality and notifications
A usable platform reduces friction, helping couples stick with treatment.
Comparing services: Compare Online Couples Therapy Services
Platforms generally fall into a few service models. Understand these to set expectations.
Service types: therapist-matching vs. subscription programs
- Therapist-matching marketplaces: Connect you to licensed clinicians for sessions (per-session or subscription billing). Examples: ReGain, BetterHelp.
- Subscription coaching/education programs: App-based coaching, self-guided modules, and relationship curricula (may not always include licensed therapists). Examples: Lasting, Relish, OurRelationship.
- Hybrid models: Combine therapy with digital tools and frequent messaging support.
When to choose which:
- If you need clinical couples counseling for complex issues (infidelity, mental health comorbidities), prioritize licensed therapist platforms.
- If you’re working on communication skills, stress management, or preventative care, a subscription program may suffice.
Scope of care: brief therapy, long-term couples counseling, workshops
Consider the intended scope:
- Brief therapy (6–12 sessions) focuses on targeted issues — common with short-term teletherapy plans.
- Long-term counseling for deep relational patterns — may need a consistent therapist over months.
- Workshops and intensives: Some platforms/organizations run weekend intensives or group workshops (check for live intensive options or referral pathways).
Accessibility: hours, language support, mobile apps
Important accessibility features:
- After-hours or evening appointments for working couples
- Multilingual therapists or interpretation services
- Mobile-first experience for on-the-go check-ins
- Accessibility options for hearing or vision-impaired users
Pricing and plans: Couples Therapy Platform Pricing
Cost is a practical concern. Here’s how to decode pricing.
Typical pricing models: per-session, subscriptions, sliding scale
- Per-session: Common for matched therapy—rates often range from about $75 to $250 per 60-minute session in the U.S., depending on provider credentials and region.
- Subscriptions: Some platforms bill weekly or monthly for a bundle of services. These services include messaging and periodic sessions. The cost often ranges from $40 to $400 per month, depending on inclusions.
- Sliding scale: Available on some platforms or via independent therapists—income-based discounts help affordability.
Note: These ranges are typical as of recent industry snapshots—always confirm current rates on provider sites.
What’s included in price: assessments, worksheets, partner accounts
Ask what the fee covers:
- Initial intake or assessment
- Weekly sessions vs. shorter check-ins
- Access to worksheets, modules, or partner accounts (allowing both partners to track progress)
- Unlimited messaging vs. limited messages
- Therapist matching or ability to choose your clinician
Insurance, refunds, and discounts: what to ask before signing up
Key questions:
- Does the platform accept insurance or offer superbills for out-of-network reimbursement?
- What’s the cancellation and refund policy?
- Are there promo codes, sliding scale options, or community discounts?
- How do refunds work for subscriptions or pre-paid bundles?
Tip: For insurance coverage, ask whether the clinician is in-network and whether telehealth is covered by your plan.
Reviews and reputation: Couples Therapy Platform Reviews
User reviews and independent evaluations can reveal real-world strengths and weaknesses.
How to interpret platform reviews and therapist ratings
When reading reviews:
- Look for patterns (e.g., consistent praise for ease of use or repeated complaints about scheduling)
- Distinguish platform reviews from individual therapist reviews
- Pay attention to verified reviews and professional endorsements
- Consider clinical outcome reports if available (some platforms publish outcome data)
Common pros and cons across top-reviewed services
Pros often cited:
- Convenience and flexibility
- Access to specialized clinicians
- Helpful structured modules and homework
Cons often cited:
- Variable therapist fit or turnover
- Some platforms have limited specialized couples therapists
- Messaging can feel impersonal; not all issues are suited to online delivery
Verifying credentials and outcomes: evidence-based indicators
Indicators of quality:
- Clear listing of therapist licenses and specialties
- Use of evidence-based modalities (EFT, Gottman, IBCT)
- Published outcome metrics or third-party evaluations
- Partnerships with research institutions (some platforms collaborate on trials)
For deeper reading on efficacy and telehealth guidance, consult various resources. These include the American Psychological Association’s telepsychology guidance. You can also view peer-reviewed reviews at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).
Top contenders: Best Telehealth Platforms for Couples & Top Platforms for Couples Therapy
Below are profiles of well-known options, plus a side-by-side comparison you can adapt.
Profile of leading platforms: features, pricing, target users
- ReGain (by BetterHelp)
- Focus: Couples and relationship counseling via licensed therapists
- Features: Video sessions, messaging, therapist matching
- Pricing: Subscription or per-session-style billing (ranges vary)
- Target users: Couples seeking licensed therapy remotely
- BetterHelp
- Focus: Broad mental health platform with therapists who may provide couples counseling
- Features: Messaging, live sessions, worksheets
- Pricing: Subscription model; often billed weekly/monthly
- Target users: Individuals and couples seeking flexible, frequent access
- Talkspace (includes couples options)
- Focus: Therapist-matching with messaging and live sessions; has couples offerings in some plans
- Features: Text/video/audio messaging, scheduled sessions
- Pricing: Tiered plans (messaging-only to live session bundles)
- Target users: Users preferring a mix of messaging and scheduled therapy
- Lasting
- Focus: Relationship health app with structured modules grounded in research (Gottman-influenced)
- Features: Guided sessions, partner exercises, daily check-ins
- Pricing: Low-cost subscription (affordable monthly rate)
- Target users: Couples focused on skill-building and prevention
- Relish
- Focus: App-based relationship coaching based on research-backed tools
- Features: Personalized plans, coaching exercises, community content
- Pricing: Monthly subscription (often lower than full therapy)
- Target users: Couples looking for coaching and skill practice rather than clinical therapy
- OurRelationship
- Focus: Structured online program for couples based on clinical research (often used as adjunct to therapy)
- Features: Curriculum-based modules, exercises, sometimes clinician support
- Pricing: One-time fee or sliding payment options
- Target users: Couples seeking a research-backed self-guided program
Side-by-side comparison table (suggested metrics to compare)
| Platform | Clinical Staff | Formats | Typical Cost Range | Best for | Notable features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ReGain | Licensed therapists | Video, messaging | $–$$ (varies) | Licensed couples counseling | Therapist-matching for relationships |
| BetterHelp | Licensed therapists | Video, messaging | $–$$ | Flexible access | Large therapist network |
| Talkspace | Licensed therapists | Messaging + sessions | $–$$$ | Mixed messaging + sessions | Messaging focus, med check for psychiatry (select) |
| Lasting | Coaches/app modules | App modules, exercises | $ | Skill-building | Gottman-influenced modules |
| Relish | Coaches/therapists | App + coaching | $ | Coaching & everyday skills | Personalized plans |
| OurRelationship | Program-based | Self-guided modules | $ | Structured program | Research-backed curriculum |
(Use these as starting points — verify current pricing and features on each service’s site.)
Niche and emerging platforms worth considering
- Local telehealth practices on platforms like SimplePractice or Doxy.me — for therapists who accept insurance
- University-affiliated programs or research-based online interventions (e.g., OurRelationship)
- Niche offerings for LGBTQ+ couples (e.g., Pride Counseling by BetterHelp) or specialized trauma-informed couples therapy
Choosing the right platform for your relationship
Selecting the platform is as much about goals and fit as it is about features.
Matching platform features to therapy goals and relationship needs
- If your goal is to work through a crisis, choose licensed couples therapists with relevant experience. For complex comorbidity such as substance use or major mental health disorders, ensure they have the necessary expertise.
- If your focus is communication skills, preventive maintenance, or affordable ongoing support, consider app-based programs or coaching subscriptions.
- If both partners have different schedules or health needs, prioritize platforms with asynchronous messaging and flexible hours.
Practical tips for trialing platforms and evaluating fit
- Start with a short trial or a single session to evaluate therapist fit.
- Ask about therapist experience with couples work and specific modalities (EFT, Gottman).
- Set short-term goals (3–6 sessions) and review progress before committing long-term.
- Use built-in assessments, if available, to track outcomes.
- Confirm administrative details up front: cancellations, billing, and privacy.
When to switch platforms or seek in-person care
Switch platforms if:
- You can’t find a therapist with the right specialization
- Technical problems persist or platform usability is poor
- You feel treatment progress has stalled and a different approach might help
Seek in-person care if:
- There’s ongoing violence, safety concerns, or active substance withdrawal
- Sessions consistently require hands-on interventions that aren’t feasible remotely
- One partner lacks technology access or the private space for confidential sessions
Conclusion: Making an informed choice about online therapy for relationships
Summary of key takeaways: features, pricing, reviews, and top platforms
- Evaluate platforms by clinical quality, format flexibility, pricing, and reputation.
- Choose therapist-matching platforms for clinical needs; subscription apps for skills and prevention.
- Expect typical per-session costs from roughly $75–$250, while subscription models vary widely.
- Use reviews and published outcome data where available; verify therapist credentials.
Action steps: short checklist for starting couples therapy online
- Identify your therapy goals (crisis, communication, prevention)
- Choose 2–3 platforms that match goals and budget
- Book a trial session or enroll in a short program module
- Evaluate fit after 1–3 sessions using concrete progress metrics
- Ask about insurance, refund policies, and therapist credentials before committing
Final recommendations and resources for further reading
- If you need licensed clinical couples therapy: consider ReGain and BetterHelp as starting points for therapist-matching.
- For affordable, structured skill-building: try Lasting, Relish, or OurRelationship.
- For research on telehealth and therapy outcomes, see the American Psychological Association on telepsychology. Check telehealth trend summaries from the Pew Research Center.
Next step: pick one platform, schedule a short intake or trial, and set a clear 4–6 week goal. Small, consistent steps often yield the best results in couples work.
If you’d like, I can:
- Compare two specific platforms side-by-side for your exact needs
- Draft a message to a therapist describing your goals and scheduling preferences
Call-to-action: Ready to pick a platform? Tell me your therapy goals and budget and I’ll recommend the top 2–3 options to try first.