10 Best Online Marriage Counseling Programs of 2021

Online marriage counseling is convenient for those interested in receiving marriage counseling therapy from the comfort and safety of the home. 

While there are various online marriage counseling programs available, some are more reputable than others. 

Here, learn about the top choices for marriage counseling at home. 

Related Reading: What is Online Marriage Counseling

10 Best online marriage counseling programs of 2021

The best online marriage counseling programs this year can be divided into several categories. 

They are listed below:

1. Best Overall: Marriage.com’s counseling programs

Marriage.com offers over 10,000 resources for healthy and happy relationships. One of these are its couple marriage counseling programs developed by experts.

Features: 

The platform offers you three courses – one for each stage of marriage. Depending on the phase of life you are in, you can opt for any of the Pre-marriage, Marriage, or Save my Marriage course at the platform. 

The courses are designed by experts and aim to equip you with the right tools and information to help you decide if you are ready for the commitment, how to sustain a healthy marriage, and what you can do if you think it is under trouble.

How it Works: 

All three courses can be accessed on the platform’s website. 

• Pre-marriage course: It provides helpful resources for transitioning from the single life to married life, helps improve communication, and manage expectations.
  It includes activity worksheets, communications starters kit, 30-day marriage calendar, recommended books, and more.
• Marriage courses: It touches upon important points such as how to have shared goals, have intimacy back, set marriage traditions, etc.
• Save My Marriage Course: It offers a guide on how to have a happier marriage. It includes videos, worksheets, an e-book guide, and more to help you recommit to, and restore your marriage.

Pricing: 

The pre-marriage course is priced at $49 for Gold package, and $99 for Platinum. Both the Marriage course and the Save My Marriage course are priced at $49 for Silver, $99 for Gold, and $199 for Platinum.

Mode of Therapy:

The programs do not offer therapy but have been specially designed by experts to help you understand your marriage better.

Services Offered: 

Transformational videos, motivational talks, e-books, worksheets, insightful advice articles

Mobile App: 

Does not have an app. These are web-based courses that can be accessed anytime, anywhere.

Related Reading: What Is a Marriage Course

2. Best for Long-Time Couples: ReGain

ReGain consistently ranks as one of the best online marriage counseling programs. 

Features: 

This platform allows you to talk to a therapist about relationship problems from the comfort of home, and all providers on the platform have a professional license. 

It could include licensure as a psychologist, clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist, or professional counselor. 

How it Works:

To utilize the platform, couples begin by completing a questionnaire, and the results automatically match couples with a therapist who is a strong fit for their needs.  

The partners share an account and receive live therapy sessions together with a therapist, with the option for each person to have individual sessions if there is a need. 

You must have access to a webcam to use the service, and you and your partner need to be in the same room during sessions, as the platform cannot support three-way video conferencing. 

Text messaging is also available, but couples’ participation in live sessions is preferred.

Pricing: 

The cost of ReGain ranges from $40 to $70 per week. 

Mode of Therapy: 

Text message, Live video sessions 

Services Offered: 

Individual and couples’ live video therapy, text messaging therapy 

Mobile App: 

iOS and Android 

Learn more about ReGain here. 

3. Best for LGBTQ+ Couples: Pride Counseling

Pride Counseling provides a safe space for members of the LGBTQ+ community to participate in online marriage counseling. 

Features: 

Therapists on this platform are specifically trained to work with LGBTQ+ populations, and all providers on the platform have professional licenses. 

How it Works: 

Within a few days of signing up for Pride Counseling, you will be matched to a licensed marriage counselor. 

But if the counselor is not a good fit, the platform allows you to switch to a different provider. 

Pricing: 

The cost of the program ranges from $90 to $120 weekly and is billed monthly. 

Users have the option to communicate with their counselor via live chat, exchanging messages, talking over the phone, or using video conferencing. 

Mode of Therapy: 

Live chat, Messages, Phone call, Video Conferencing

Services Offered: 

Online marriage counseling and messaging 

Mobile App:

iOS and Android 

Learn more about Pride Counseling here. 

Related Reading: Things to Know About the Marriage Counseling Process

4. Best for unlimited messaging: Talkspace

Talkspace offers extensive online mental health treatment options to cater to your needs.

Features: 

Talkspace ranks as the top online marriage counseling program for those who want unlimited messaging.

How it Works: 

To get started with marriage counseling at home, complete a short assessment, and then choose a counselor from a list of providers that have been matched to you. 

Pricing: 

Talkspace offers a program that runs $396 per month, which allows for unlimited audio, video, and text messages with your licensed marriage counselor, as well as four 30-minute live sessions per month. 

You can purchase additional 30-minute video sessions for $65 each. 

Mode of Therapy: 

Audio, video, and text messaging; Live video sessions 

Services Offered: 

Therapy and messaging 

Mobile App:

 iOS and Android 

Learn more about Talkspace here. 

Related Reading: Benefits of Marriage Counseling

5. Best self-help program: Our Relationship

Some couples may prefer self-help options for online marriage counseling. If this is what you’re in the market for, the top choice is ‘Our Relationship’. 

Features: 

This program is not therapy but rather a self-paced program that allows you and your partner to complete relationship-boosting activities online at a speed that works for you. 

Most couples complete the program in about two months. 

How it Works: 

The program involves working through lessons on the computer and then applying them to your relationship. 

If you work with a coach, you will also have weekly phone calls to help you use what you have learned to improve your relationship. 

Among the marriage services available online, Our Relationship is one of the top marriage enrichment programs. 

Pricing: 

You have the option to work through the program without a coach for $50 or with a coach for $150. 

Sign up on their website and pay to begin the program, which offers options for same-sex couples, opposite-sex couples, and individuals. 

Mode of Therapy: 

Program does not offer therapy but is rather a self-paced relationship improvement program.

Services Offered: 

Self-help programming and relationship coaching 

Mobile App: 

N/A. This is a web-based program.

Learn more about Our Relationship here.

6. Best for solution-focused sessions: Growing Self

For those looking for help with short-term problems, Growing Self is the best online marriage counseling program. 

Features: 

Growing Self offers “solution sessions” for quick support and guidance with pressing relationship problems that can be resolved without ongoing counseling. 

If you have a conflict you just can’t seem to get past, a therapist at Growing Self can help you to develop a plan to resolve the issue and move forward. 

How it Works: 

You can schedule a “solution session” via phone or video on the Growing Self webpage. Growing Self also offers online marriage counseling via video calls. 

Pricing: 

The cost per session ranges from $95 for masters-level clinicians to $150 per session for the most experienced doctoral-level therapists. 

There is an option to use a sliding fee scale based on income, which can reduce the cost of sessions to as low as $55 per 45-minute session. 

Mode of Therapy: 

Video sessions and phone calls 

Services Offered: 

Marriage and premarital counseling, Relationship coaching, Couples’ counseling, Individual services 

Mobile App: 

N/A. This is a web-based program. 

Learn more about Growing Self here.

Related Reading: Best Marriage Counseling Tips

7. Best for an overall assessment: Couples Learn

Couples Learn stands out as the top choice for online marital counseling in terms of the overall assessment quality. 

Features: 

This platform offers a free 30-minute consultation and provides users with a thorough relationship assessment that evaluates strengths and needs. 

The assessment is in-depth and will also dig into unconscious patterns from childhood that you have carried into your relationship and may be harming it in the present.

Each licensed marriage counselor on this platform is truly a highly trained expert in online marriage counseling, so you can be sure that you are getting a quality assessment and services. 

How it Works: 

All sessions on Couples Learn to occur via live video conferencing with the Zoom app. 

Begin by booking a free 30-minute consultation on the program’s website, and a staff member will discuss the next steps with you.

Pricing: 

Sessions run between $125 and $450 each, depending upon the credentials of your therapist. 

While the platform is not in-network with any insurance companies, they will allow you to submit bills to PPO insurance providers for reimbursement, which may reduce costs for some users. 

Mode of Therapy: 

Live video conferencing 

Services Offered: 

Individual and couples’ therapy, Online courses, Relationship quizzes 

Mobile App: 

N/A. Sessions occur via the Zoom app.

Learn more about Couples Learn here. 

8. Best for insurance coverage: Amwell

Amwell offers the best online marital counseling services for those seeking a program that accepts insurance coverage. 

Features: 

With this platform, appointments are available 24/7. You will meet with your therapist face-to-face via the website or mobile app.

How it Works: 

Simply create an account,  access the platform via their website or mobile app, and schedule with the provider that works for you. 

The cost of Amwell is per visit, and this platform does not offer a subscription service. 

Pricing: 

The out-of-pocket cost for a 45-minute session with a therapist ranges from $109 to $129, depending upon whether the therapist has a master’s degree or a doctoral degree. Still, insurance may lower costs for some people. 

Mode of Therapy: 

Live video conferencing

Services Offered: 

Amwell offers individual counseling in addition to couples’ therapy, as well as psychiatry services, urgent care, pediatrics, women’s health, nutrition counseling, and breastfeeding support. 

Mobile App:

 iOS and Android 

Learn more about Amwell here.

Related Reading: Marriage Counseling Techniques

9. Best for easiest scheduling: MDLive

For those who want a no-fuss scheduling system, MDLive is the top choice. 

Features: 

This platform offers a behavioral health division, which employs therapists qualified to treat relationship and marital problems.  

How it Works: 

MDLive is consistently rated as the online marital counseling program with the easiest scheduling system. 

Visit the website to register, which takes only 15 minutes, and then search through available providers and schedule an appointment. 

Pricing: 

MDLive offers an easy-to-use app, and services are available via phone call or via video on SmartPhone or computer. 

The cost of a session ranges from $0 to $108, depending upon what your insurance might cover. 

Mode of Therapy: 

Phone and video sessions

Services Offered: 

Aside from relationship and individual counseling, MDLive can offer dermatology services, as well as urgent care services to treat common conditions like allergies, insect bites, and sinus infections. 

Mobile App: 

iOS and Android

Learn more about MDLive here.

10. Best for budget-friendly: 7 Cups

7 Cups is the top choice for marriage counseling services for those in need of budget-friendly online options. 

Features: 

7 Cups offers users the option to receive free emotional support from trained volunteers and provides a chat room where you can connect with others experiencing similar struggles. 

How it Works: 

Create an account on the 7 Cups website and choose either the free option or a paid subscription. If you choose the free option, you’ll have instant access to emotional support. 

If you opt for a paid subscription, which is the best option if you need the assistance of a licensed professional, you will need to provide some additional information to link you to a therapist who is a good match for you. 

Pricing: 

While health insurance typically does not cover the marriage counseling cost on this platform, a monthly subscription is just $150, which is the most affordable option available. 

Once you are matched, you will receive unlimited messaging services from your therapist for $150 per month. 

Mode of Therapy: 

Messaging 

Services Offered: 

Messaging with therapists, free emotional support from trained volunteers, chat room

Mobile App: 

iOS and Android

Learn more about 7 Cups here.

Related Reading: The 10 Best Online Marriage Counseling Programs of 2020

Factors to keep in mind when selecting a program

While the online marital counseling programs listed here are top choices, there are other options available that may be a good fit for some people. 

If you are looking into other options, it is important to look for the following factors: 

1. Licensed professionals 

If you want to enjoy the true benefits of relationship counseling, keep in mind that the best online marriage counseling programs will employ licensed professionals, such as clinical social workers, professional counselors, psychologists, and marriage and family therapists. 

Some platforms may use “life coaches” or “relationship coaches” who are not actually trained in effective counseling techniques and may have no professional license. 

It is important to choose a licensed provider who is held to the ethical and legal standards of their licensing board and who has been trained in effective counseling procedures. 

2. Therapy niche 

Beyond looking for programs with licensed therapists, you should consider the therapy niche that each program offers. 

For example, some programs specialize in working with military families, whereas others may be geared toward LGBTQ+ families. 

Choosing a platform that offers a therapy niche that suits your needs can make online marriage counseling more successful for you. 

3. Years of experience 

Finally, you may want to look into the years of experience that your therapist has. 

Online therapy can be different from face-to-face therapy, especially if you are completing marriage counseling over the phone because it can be harder to read body language and develop a relationship virtually as opposed to in person. 

This means that it is important to choose a therapist who has some experience in the world of online marriage and family therapy programs. 

Related Reading: How to Choose a Marriage Counselor

How to afford counseling?

Counseling is an investment in the future of your relationship, but it can be costly. You may be able to lower costs by choosing a program that accepts insurance. 

Not all providers accept insurance or are in-network with major insurance companies, but it is worth checking to see if insurance will reimburse you for offsetting the costs of treatment. 

If cost is a concern, you may have to choose a program that accepts insurance. 

You may also consider budget-friendly choices, like ReGain, which runs as low as $40 per week, or 7 Cups, which offers messaging with a therapist for $150 per month. 

Self-help programs like Our Relationship can also be beneficial since the program costs only $50 without a relationship coach. 

E-Therapy Cafe, which offers single sessions for $50 each without a subscription, may be a cost-effective option for those who need infrequent sessions or who can resolve marital problems with just a few appointments with a licensed marriage counselor online. 

Related Reading: Reasons Why Marriage and Family Therapy Is Essential

Comparison Chart

For a quick overview of marriage counseling prices, as well as whether marriage counseling insurance coverage is available for each program, the following comparison chart is helpful:

Related Reading: Tips for Choosing and Working With a Relationship Therapist

How we chose the best online marriage counseling programs

There are numerous online marriage counseling programs available. 

To determine which platforms are the best, the Marriage.com team and I conducted a thorough evaluation of available programs.

The programs included on this list were determined as being the top-ranking programs, based upon an analysis of the services offered, the credentials of therapists working for each program, and an evaluation of online reviews of the programs. 

We also considered the cost of each program, who they cater to, and how easy their platform is to use. 

Related Reading: Things You Can Expect from Marriage Counseling Sessions

Conclusion

Online marriage counseling programs can be helpful for couples who want to participate in counseling but, due to time constraints or convenience, are seeking counseling from home. 

There are a variety of programs that offer marriage counseling at home, but it is important to choose a quality provider that is a good fit for your situation. 

The choices listed here have been thoroughly reviewed and are top-ranked, but there are other providers that offer marriage counseling online.

If you are looking to improve your relationship, there are choices of online marriage and family therapy programs that meet a variety of needs and budgets. 

Also, if you are interested in taking up an online marriage course, you might want to check out the following video link.