How Much is Marriage Counseling: 6 Surprising Things You Should Know

On an average, couples spend $25,000 on their marriage!

Isn’t it strange that couples spend this much amount on their marriage, but step back when it comes to maintaining a healthy married life?

Most often, people think that marriage therapy is expensive. In reality, even without doing proper research, they come to this conclusion.

Moreover, at times, they think “Is It worth taking couple counseling given the daily fights? Will a counselor be able to save my marriage?”

Whatever be the reason, one thing you all will agree is to how important is it to have a beautiful and loving relationship.

In this article, we will answer the question “How much is marriage counseling?”. In addition, we will discuss the benefits and the costs associate with it.

So, let’s start!

What Is Marriage Counseling?

Before knowing how much is marriage counseling, let’s first know briefly what is it.

Every relationship has problems. However, we cannot always ignore those problems, especially if it’s a marriage. Why? In worse cases, issues in a marriage can be the reason for divorce. Despite that, people don’t take help. Sad.

To save you from such unlikely situations, marriage counseling comes into the picture. In other words, marriage counseling or couple therapy is a therapy that helps couples to improve their relationship. Besides, you have options for both pre and post-marriage counseling.

Furthermore, this could include advice on resolving conflicts, improving communication between partners, helping you solve arguments in a healthier manner, or to get back the spark in your sex lives.

You must be wondering that how can you involve a third person in your personal matter. Well, it doesn’t work like that. It’s not like taking advice from any random person. On the other hand, the person you’re discussing problems with is a trained therapist having appropriate skills. And therefore, you can rely on your therapist.

How Much Does Marriage Counseling Cost?

Typically, it costs couples somewhere between $100-200 per hour. And the sessions are of usually one-and-a-half-hour duration. It means that you will have to invest between $150-300 per session.

Moreover, it is also important to know that one session won’t be enough. Most therapists recommend 3 months or 12 weeks of regular counseling sessions. It not only gives them enough time to know your problems but also provide an effective solution.

Now let’s do some simple math. Suppose, your marriage counselor recommends you to take 2 sessions per week for 12 weeks. And the cost per session is $300. The total amount spends in such a case will be (24*300) $7,200 or $2400 per month. Is the amount “too much?”

In contrast, a nice dress or dining at a fancy restaurant costs much more! Moreover, it’s a one-time expense, not a monthly investment!

Need advises to some tips to save money? Check out our article on 3 Easy Tips to Manage Finances in Marriage

Factors that Affect the Marriage Counseling Cost:

Location

Above all, it is important to note that couple counseling varies based on the location. For example, couple counseling is between $150-300  in locations like Denver. Whereas, in big cities like San Francisco or New York, the cost can be 50-100% more than that in Denver. While, in some smaller cities, it might you cause a bit lesser. 

You must be thinking “How much a marriage counseling near me?”

The best way to find out the approximate counseling cost near you is to google marriage counselors near your location. For instance, if you live in San Francisco, search “marriage counselors near San Francisco” to get an idea.

Experience of the therapist:

Charges of couple therapy also differ based on the experience of your therapist. They also depend on whether the counselor has a license or not. Counselors who have a license charge more, as compared to ones working under a licensed therapist.

Moreover, a Doctoral level therapist charges around $150 per 45-min session. Whereas, a Master’s level therapist charges around $105 per 45-min session.

Sliding scale fees: 

Many advisers also have provisions for sliding scale fees. In sliding scale costs, the cost per session depends on your household income or the size of your family.

Apart from these options, you can also look for online couple counseling options. To do this, you can also Google “low-cost marriage counseling” or “free marriage counseling” to see if you find something relevant. Furthermore, you might get a trial session or your first session free, who knows? So, try your luck!

Benefits of Marriage Counseling

At times, you are also keen to know the benefits of marriage counseling. And why not? That’s the primary reason for taking a couple’s counseling in the first place.

So, let’s explore some of its benefits:

• Improves communication and understanding between you and your partner.
• Encourages you to have more fun in your sex lives.
• Helps you handle responsibilities more effectively after regular therapy.
• Can provide a new perspective to your marriage.
• Helps you resolve conflicts or disagreements between you and your significant other.
• If you find yourself disconnected after becoming parents, it can also reconnect you.
• Provides you with the best possible solution and advice to manage stress.

As you can see, these are great benefits! And the benefits are worth more than the cost.

Is Marriage Counseling Covered By Insurance?

Unfortunately, couple counseling is not covered under insurance in most cases.

Since insurance companies don’t pay for marriage counseling, you have to invest in it on your own.

However, insurance companies typically cover marriage counseling in case of medical necessity. For example, if one of the partners is suffering from mental disorders such as anxiety disorder or bipolar disorder, most insurance plans will cover the cost. Otherwise, you have to be responsible for meeting the cost.

In case, you get insurance coverage, it will have its limitations. In most cases, you need to provide your prescription and other evidence to avail the benefit of insurance. As a result, your diagnosis will be a part of your permanent health record. And literally nobody wants that!

Besides this, insurance companies also limit the therapist you can consult and the number of sessions you can take. At the same time, there are high chances that you don’t get to consult the therapist of your choice.

Nevertheless, you can talk to your therapist directly to know if he or she accepts your health insurance. Or, you can also contact your insurer to get more information regarding the same.  

How Many Sessions Do I Need for Couple Counseling?

The number of sessions you need for couple counseling are not fixed. Nevertheless, it’s certain that one counseling session won’t suffice.

One session is not enough for you to get comfortable with your therapist nor it is enough for your therapist to know you as a couple, let alone your problems.

On an average, therapists suggest regular sessions of 3 months. However, it can differ based on the severity of the situation. In other words, if the problems are too many, it might even require you more than 3 months. On the other hand, if it’s a minor problem, a month of regular counseling might also be enough.

Hence, the number of sessions you need is not something estimable as how much is marriage counseling.

 Above all, it totally depends on your relationship and the issues you have. Apart from that, it also depends on the time you take to recover as a couple. So, don’t worry about the number of sessions rather look forward to the solution.

Is Couple Counseling Worth It?

The main question that strikes every couple is whether the couple counseling worth or not. Well, it’s absolutely worth the feelings you share with your partner.

According to the American Psychological Association survey, marriage counseling is effective in 75% of the cases. Moreover, with couples with kids, it proves to be priceless.

But more than that, it’s always worth investing in growing your relationship. You don’t even need to give it a second thought.

Let’s take a simple example. Suppose that you get hit by a car and you develop an injury. Over time, your injury gets worse. What will you do? In spite of everything, would you prefer to live with it see a doctor? Obviously, you will visit a doctor.

So, let’s now apply the same to your marriage. If with time you develop certain issues with your partner, what will you do? Would you sit and watch the situation get out of control? Instead, a sensible couple will definitely reach out for a therapy.

Hence, couple counseling is not just worth it but it’s also a necessity.

Before thinking how much is marriage counseling, have you ever thought about divorce? How expensive it is? How stressful it is? Above all, a marriage counseling is definitely worth all this.

Besides, marriage counseling has some amazing benefits. It not only makes you more responsible towards your better half, but also keeps the spark alive in your relationship!

Do I Need Marriage Counseling?

You should ask this question to yourself. Since, nobody else knows it better than you!

If you are facing issues in your married life, it’s not advisable to let it continue. It can not only take away your mental peace, but will also have a negative effect on your other family members.

Furthermore, the situation can be worse if you have kids. Consequently, the tension in your relationship can impact them and their health. And seriously, which parents want that? Not even in the toughest of situations.

A timely decision of consulting a marriage therapist can save your relationship.

Conclusion

There are times when most of us feel stuck in a relationship. Nonetheless, there are always solutions to get out of this situation. Marriage counseling is one such effective solution. From seeking advice on maintaining a healthy relationship to get to know your partner better, a marriage therapist can help you with any relationship-related problem.

So, what’s stopping you from consulting a therapist? Are you thinking, “How much is marriage counseling? Is it worth spending on marriage counseling?” Or anything else?

Good marriage counseling will cost you around $150-300 per session. Who said that it is not affordable? It’s the least you can spend to save your precious relationship. Moreover, it’s worth your mental stress.

Therefore, it’s advisable to consult a marriage counselor at the earliest if you are facing any issues in your relationship. Remember that it’s always worth investing in your relationship!

Love Our Article? Make sure you Pin It and add to your “Marriage & Relationship” Board