What does couples therapy cost and how will it help?

So, you’re convinced that you and your partner could benefit from counseling, but you still have more questions. What will it cost? Does my insurance cover it? How will we find time in our busy schedules? What are possible outcomes? In this blog, Open Mind Health will help answer all those questions. Being in a relationship can be difficult but getting help doesn’t have to be.

Let’s start with the cost. The expense of couples therapy can vary widely so it’s important to do your research. Factors that can influence the cost include, the therapist’s experience level, their location and the length and frequency of sessions.

1. Average Cost per Session:

   In the United States, the average cost ranges from $100 to $200 per 50-minute session. However, in major cities or with highly experienced therapists, the cost can be higher, sometimes ranging from $200 to $300 or more per session.

2. Insurance Coverage:

   Now before you get scared off by the expense, some health insurance plans cover couples therapy. However, it is important to check with your provider first and also make sure the therapist that you choose is in network. You can use an HSA to cover some mental health expenses, including therapy to treat a diagnosed mental condition. However, therapy that isn't specifically designed for medical or mental health needs often won't qualify for HSA coverage.

3.  Online Therapy:

   Online therapy platforms such as Open Mind Health often offer more affordable options, and you have more control on scheduling. You have the benefit of being able to choose a time with a therapist that is convenient for you and your partner, and you can do the counseling from home which often is more comfortable and less stressful.

 What can you expect to get out of couples therapy?

Naturally, before you commit to a regular therapy schedule, you want to have some goals in mind and be realistic about what you can expect to achieve. The first thing to remember is that you can’t expect to solve your problems in one session. You need to be comfortable with the fact that it may take several months before you start seeing the lasting benefits. You didn’t develop the issues in your relationship in a single day, so you can’t expect challenges to be overcome without time, work and commitment. That said, you should start to see tangible improvements. In fact, studies from the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, show that roughly 70% of couples stay together after counseling.

1. Improves Communication:

   Therapists help couples develop effective communication skills, enabling them to express their thoughts and feelings more clearly and ensure that both individuals listen to each other rather than jumping to conclusions prematurely or getting defensive.

2. Creates a Safe Space:

   Consider therapy as a neutral zone where the counselor is there to remain objective and not take sides. The goal is to enable each person to be honest and have a chance to say exactly how they feel. 

3. Resolves Conflicts:

   Couples can learn more constructive ways to handle conflicts and disagreements, reducing the likelihood of arguments getting out of control or individuals saying things they will regret later. Therapists can assist couples in recognizing and altering unhelpful patterns of interaction such as blaming, criticism, or complete withdrawal. Resentment build when couples struggle to move past issues or decide to ignore issues rather than confront them head-on.

4. Strengthens Emotional Connection:

   Counseling can help partners rebuild trust and intimacy, enhancing their emotional bond and sense of connection. Whether couples are facing infidelity, sexual issues, financial stress or parenting conflicts, a therapist can help the couple take steps to address the issue together.

5. Provides Tools and Strategies:

   Therapists equip couples with practical tools and strategies to maintain a healthy relationship outside of therapy sessions.

6.  Prevents Future Problems:

   By addressing issues early and learning effective relationship skills, couples can prevent future problems from arising and maintain long-term relationship satisfaction.

The bottom line is that couples therapy does require commitment from both partners, an open mind and some out-of-pocket expense. However, if both individuals are willing to do the work, the results can be worth it. At Open Mind Health, we believe that relationships can be reworked to enhance interpersonal trust, intimacy, and reciprocity and we have a specific treatment plan or wellness track devoted to bringing couples closer together.

If you or someone you know is interested in couples therapy, please contact us. Open Mind Health is pleased to have recently won the 2024 Telehealth Innovator Award.

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