Couples Therapy or Relationship Coaching:
Which is right for us?

When couples experience challenges in their relationship, they often look for professional guidance to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their bond. However, not all forms of support are the same. 

Two common approaches are couples therapy and relationship coaching, but these services differ in several important ways. If you are considering working with our practice, understanding the distinctions between therapy and coaching can help you make the best choice for your needs.

Couples Therapy

Couples therapy is a mental health service provided by clinicians who are trained to address psychological and emotional issues within relationships. In therapy, one or both partners are seen as the “identified patient,” meaning they have a mental health diagnosis, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma, which is contributing to the relationship difficulties. 

One of the key differences between couples therapy and coaching is that therapy can be covered by health insurance, as it is considered a medical service. To qualify for coverage, therapy must meet certain criteria, including being deemed medically necessary. If you will be using insurance for couples therapy, it is important to confirm your unique benefits prior to getting started to ensure you will qualify for coverage. 

Typically, couples therapy is a more structured process, lasting approximately 10 sessions. The goal is to help couples resolve specific issues that are negatively impacting their relationship. 

Couples therapy session fees are informed by your insurance plan, as you have unique benefits and criteria for copays and deductible requirements. 

Relational Coaching

Relational coaching is a goal-oriented service designed to help couples improve their relationship dynamics and reach their fullest potential together. 

Couples may choose to begin relational coaching for the following reasons:

  • Improving communication or conflict management 

  • Premarital or long-term commitment

  • Life transitions, like:

    • Making a big decision (e.g. deciding to stay together or have children together)

    • Moving in together

    • Planning for or welcoming a child

    • Planning a wedding

  • Defining terms of the relationship (e.g. exploring ethical non-monogamy or navigating co-parenting post-divorce)

Unlike therapy, relational coaching is not covered by insurance and couples pay out-of-pocket as it is not considered a medical service. There is no medical diagnosis or “identified patient” in coaching. The length of coaching is highly flexible and tailored to the couple’s preferences.

Relational coaching fees start at $150 per session and are determined by the clinician.

Which One Is Right for You?

Choosing between couples therapy and relationship coaching depends on your specific needs. If one or both partners are experiencing mental health challenges that are affecting the relationship, couples therapy may be the best choice, as it addresses both the relationship and individual psychological issues. However, if you are looking for support for your relationship without the need for a medical diagnosis or therapy, relationship coaching may be a better fit.

Both approaches can offer valuable support, but understanding the key differences will help you make an informed decision about the type of guidance that’s best for your relationship.

Please contact to our practice to learn more about or get started with therapy or coaching.