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686,000 people sought help with Thriveworks in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a couples/marriage can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

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All SC providers are fully booked, but check back tomorrow — sessions become available daily!

Starting Couples/marriage therapy

What is couples & marriage counseling?

Couples therapy and marriage counseling, also known as relationship counseling, helps couples work through their specific relationship issues. Some examples of common focuses within couples therapy and marriage counseling include:

  • Jealousy
  • Trust issues
  • Infidelity
  • Opposing values
  • Different visions for the future
  • Disagreements in parenting
  • Lack of trust
  • Financial distress
  • Sex issues

What type of therapy is used in couples therapy?

The types of therapy used in couples and marriage counseling include:

  • The Gottman Method
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Emotionally-focused therapy (EFT)
  • Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT)
  • Strength-based therapy

What kind of therapist is best for couples?

At Thriveworks, Couples/marriage therapy is led by licensed professionals — often licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) — who are experts in their field and best-equipped to help couples.

What is the Gottman Method of couples therapy?

The Gottman Method of couples therapy is a research-supported approach designed to enhance relationships by bolstering the bond between partners, resolving conflicts, and fostering shared meaning in their relationship through comprehensive assessments and tailored interventions that improve communication, trust, and the overall health of the partnership.

How to tell if I need couples therapy?

If you’re facing persistent relationship problems, communication breakdowns, or unresolved conflicts that are impacting your emotional well-being and happiness, Couples/marriage therapy may be beneficial for you.

Should every couple go to couples therapy?

While marriage and couple’s counseling is typically recommended for couples who are experiencing persistent or severe relationship issues, any relationship can benefit from attending these sessions.

Is couples & marriage counseling conducted in person or online?

Marriage and couples counseling at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you and your partner.

How long does couples & marriage counseling last?

On average, couples attend marriage and couples counseling for 12 weeks. However, couples & marriage counseling may last longer or shorter, dependent on the couples’ needs, the challenges they’d like to work through, and the pace of their progress.

How much does couples & marriage counseling cost?

At Thriveworks, we accept most major insurance plans, allowing many clients to pay as little as $0–$50 per session with their co-pay. We also offer self-pay options for those out-of-network or without insurance. Self-pay rates for talk therapy range from $160 to $240 for intake sessions and $135 to $195 for follow-ups, depending on your state. For psychiatry services, self-pay intake sessions are $255–$375, with follow-ups ranging from $175–$300, also varying by state. More information on current self-pay costs is available on our pricing page.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our therapists and counselors accept 25 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Carolina Medicare Advantage

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Carolina | BCBS

  • Carelon

  • Carolina Behavioral Health Alliance (CBHA)

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

Show more
Self-pay costs at
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

4.5 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
Samer has done a great job getting to know our son and providing best practices to help him. He is personable and professional. We look forward to seeing our son make progress and move in the right direction.
Read more Samer has done a great job getting to know our son and providing best practices to help him. He is personable and professional. We look forward to seeing our son make progress and move in the right direction.
Crystal Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★
I had a good therapist for 3 sessions and unfortunately, she had to leave the area for family reasons. I met for the first time with my new therapist and it went well, so all is good. So far, Thriveworks has been wonderful !
Read more I had a good therapist for 3 sessions and unfortunately, she had to leave the area for family reasons. I met for the first time with my new therapist and it went well, so all is good. So far, Thriveworks has been wonderful !
Roger Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My counseling has been caring and professional
Cynthia Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have only had great appointments with Melissa. She CARES about her patients and LISTENS to my concerns and follows up at each appointment.
Read more I have only had great appointments with Melissa. She CARES about her patients and LISTENS to my concerns and follows up at each appointment.
Susan Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have been seeing a therapist via Thriveworks every other week for several months and I couldn't be happier. The intake form was easy to fill out and somehow managed to put me with someone who works perfectly with me. She works at my pace, she understands and works towards our goals, and she helps me to see things more clearly as we process the issues at hand. She never 'tells me' what the issue is or how to solve but instead she leads me there so I can see it on my own as that is much more effective. I was very nervous about online therapy but after this experience with Kristen, I would recommend it to everyone, regardless of the severity of their issues. Kristen is a true professional and can ebb and flow as I am ready to process things. She has been a game changer for me, my family, and my colleagues.
Read more I have been seeing a therapist via Thriveworks every other week for several months and I couldn't be happier. The intake form was easy to fill out and somehow managed to put me with someone who works perfectly with me. She works at my pace, she understands and works towards our goals, and she helps me to see things more clearly as we process the issues at hand. She never 'tells me' what the issue is or how to solve but instead she leads me there so I can see it on my own as that is much more effective. I was very nervous about online therapy but after this experience with Kristen, I would recommend it to everyone, regardless of the severity of their issues. Kristen is a true professional and can ebb and flow as I am ready to process things. She has been a game changer for me, my family, and my colleagues.
Tar Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Counseling from counselor Barron has helped me in my day struggles of dealing with my trailer apartment burn-out, 9/11 (VCF) Washington DC [DOJ] claim, relationship of the future, and bear facts about how to handle family members who feel they can control your sexual, your income, your employment, and your future success.
Read more Counseling from counselor Barron has helped me in my day struggles of dealing with my trailer apartment burn-out, 9/11 (VCF) Washington DC [DOJ] claim, relationship of the future, and bear facts about how to handle family members who feel they can control your sexual, your income, your employment, and your future success.
Meshelle Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have been having Having my counseling sessions with Melissa Pate for grief counseling. She has been fantastic helping me thru the grief process since my husbands passing. I never thought it would be so hard but with her help I am starting to make progress. She gives me advice on references, books, and gives encouragement. I am so grateful to have found Melissa and Thriveworks. Lesley
Read more I have been having Having my counseling sessions with Melissa Pate for grief counseling. She has been fantastic helping me thru the grief process since my husbands passing. I never thought it would be so hard but with her help I am starting to make progress. She gives me advice on references, books, and gives encouragement. I am so grateful to have found Melissa and Thriveworks. Lesley
Lesley Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Mr Sachs has been outstanding with his handling of our sessions. Personally, I believe that therapy/counseling is truly a personal experience and the therapist needs to be matched to the patient as much as the patient with the therapist. I feel like he was a perfect fit for what we needed with our sessions.
Read more Mr Sachs has been outstanding with his handling of our sessions. Personally, I believe that therapy/counseling is truly a personal experience and the therapist needs to be matched to the patient as much as the patient with the therapist. I feel like he was a perfect fit for what we needed with our sessions.
Bill Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I had heard stories from friends and acquaintances about their therapists and counselors treating them wrongly. But am I glad to say that Howard did not live up to those expectations. Instead of being judgmental and disrespectful, he was kind, understanding and gave practical advice to take my problems head on.
Read more I had heard stories from friends and acquaintances about their therapists and counselors treating them wrongly. But am I glad to say that Howard did not live up to those expectations. Instead of being judgmental and disrespectful, he was kind, understanding and gave practical advice to take my problems head on.
Columbia Sep 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Virtual visits are a life saver for me in many ways. I love my counselor and psychiatrist. Response from Customer Service has always been timely and concise. I really do not have any complaints.
Read more Virtual visits are a life saver for me in many ways. I love my counselor and psychiatrist. Response from Customer Service has always been timely and concise. I really do not have any complaints.
Rock Hill Sep 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Howard was so influential to my life changing for the better, I will always be thankful to him and to God for helping this relationship come to pass. I will take what I have learned from him with me forever. Thank you Thriveworks and thank you Howard!
Read more Howard was so influential to my life changing for the better, I will always be thankful to him and to God for helping this relationship come to pass. I will take what I have learned from him with me forever. Thank you Thriveworks and thank you Howard!
Columbia Sep 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Mrs. Darby is an amazing LPC! She was my preceptor while attending MUSC. She came highly recommended by my colleagues and definitely met the expectations! She went above and beyond for her students and her clients. Very professional, caring, empathetic, practices excellent communications and dedicated to improving mental health for her clients and the community! I highly recommend her services!
Read more Mrs. Darby is an amazing LPC! She was my preceptor while attending MUSC. She came highly recommended by my colleagues and definitely met the expectations! She went above and beyond for her students and her clients. Very professional, caring, empathetic, practices excellent communications and dedicated to improving mental health for her clients and the community! I highly recommend her services!
Charleston Aug 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Kathy Hope is certainly committed to following Jesus Christ and is grounded in her beliefs and knowledge of the Bible. She offers wise counsel based on these beliefs, but is nonjudgmental and attentive to listening to others with compassion, understanding and care. She is thoughtful and wise in her counsel. She can be counted on to be trustworthy and ethical.
Read more Kathy Hope is certainly committed to following Jesus Christ and is grounded in her beliefs and knowledge of the Bible. She offers wise counsel based on these beliefs, but is nonjudgmental and attentive to listening to others with compassion, understanding and care. She is thoughtful and wise in her counsel. She can be counted on to be trustworthy and ethical.
Greenville Jul 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I've used your Thriveworks services for the past month or so and I have to say I'm so thankful I made the call. From the Customer Service Staff, to the Therapists themselves everyone has just been wonderful in the willingness to give and listen. Howard Malpass is extremely professional in his work and made me feel so welcomed and at home during our sessions, I honestly can't thank him enough. Thank you Thriveworks!
Read more I've used your Thriveworks services for the past month or so and I have to say I'm so thankful I made the call. From the Customer Service Staff, to the Therapists themselves everyone has just been wonderful in the willingness to give and listen. Howard Malpass is extremely professional in his work and made me feel so welcomed and at home during our sessions, I honestly can't thank him enough. Thank you Thriveworks!
Columbia Apr 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Howard Malpass is a very loving, caring, & great listener!
Columbia Apr 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I've known Howard for years and counselors don't come any better! Howard has a wealth of experience and knowledge and his skill and empathy is unsurpassed!
Read more I've known Howard for years and counselors don't come any better! Howard has a wealth of experience and knowledge and his skill and empathy is unsurpassed!
Columbia Apr 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I have known of the counseling services of Howard Malpass for many years. He listens well and is committed to the needs of each person with whom he works. He cares about each person but allows them the dignity of working through their own partiular challenges. He's a reliable and trustworthy professional!
Read more I have known of the counseling services of Howard Malpass for many years. He listens well and is committed to the needs of each person with whom he works. He cares about each person but allows them the dignity of working through their own partiular challenges. He's a reliable and trustworthy professional!
Columbia Mar 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Howard Malpass has been a colleague of mine for many years during which I was serving children, youth and adults in SC. Howard listens well and is trustworthy. He is committed, experienced and professional.
Read more Howard Malpass has been a colleague of mine for many years during which I was serving children, youth and adults in SC. Howard listens well and is trustworthy. He is committed, experienced and professional.
Columbia Feb 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Howard Malpass is a wonderful Counselor and Supervisor. He is skilled and a wealth of knowledge. Any person will be beyond satisfied with him as a therapist.
Read more Howard Malpass is a wonderful Counselor and Supervisor. He is skilled and a wealth of knowledge. Any person will be beyond satisfied with him as a therapist.
Columbia Feb 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Kathleen Horn was so understanding and non-judgmental. She was really nice to work with and had a way of making me look at and think about things differently. She worked with me on coping skills and changing my thoughts so I could change behaviors and feel better. She helped me through a tough time and now I feel a lot less depressed and anxious. I would go to her again. Thank you for all of your help!
Read more Kathleen Horn was so understanding and non-judgmental. She was really nice to work with and had a way of making me look at and think about things differently. She worked with me on coping skills and changing my thoughts so I could change behaviors and feel better. She helped me through a tough time and now I feel a lot less depressed and anxious. I would go to her again. Thank you for all of your help!
Greenville Jan 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Phone number

(803) 636-8059

Languages spoken by SC providers

  • English

Support Hours

Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm

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