Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

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 DC 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 24 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield DC | BCBS HMO

  • CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield DC | BCBS PPO

  • Carelon

  • Carelon DC | Medicare Advantage

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

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 Thriveworks reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
I’ve really been helped by Thriveworks. I have a wonderful counselor who has been able to arm me with resources and knowledge surrounding my mental illness so I can be more prepared against my own future thoughts or environments. I’ve been able to request a different psychiatrist when one was not entirely a correct match for me, and I always get great positive feedback and respect from my mental health care professionals. It seems like they actually want you to have a good match with someone and will help you along the way.
Read more I’ve really been helped by Thriveworks. I have a wonderful counselor who has been able to arm me with resources and knowledge surrounding my mental illness so I can be more prepared against my own future thoughts or environments. I’ve been able to request a different psychiatrist when one was not entirely a correct match for me, and I always get great positive feedback and respect from my mental health care professionals. It seems like they actually want you to have a good match with someone and will help you along the way.
DC Dec 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
As an educator of students with a variety of special needs, I can attest to Sam's pedigree as a counselor. He is a skillful communicator, a staunch advocate for his clients, and he demonstrates an uncanny ability to remain calm and knowledgeable despite every and any difficult situation. Sam has been an invaluable resource to me in understanding the underlying conditions and trauma that provoke certain behaviors in children. In short, he has made me a better teacher!
Read more As an educator of students with a variety of special needs, I can attest to Sam's pedigree as a counselor. He is a skillful communicator, a staunch advocate for his clients, and he demonstrates an uncanny ability to remain calm and knowledgeable despite every and any difficult situation. Sam has been an invaluable resource to me in understanding the underlying conditions and trauma that provoke certain behaviors in children. In short, he has made me a better teacher!
Washington, D.C. Jun 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
As the mother of a son with behavioral challenges finding an advocate to join your team is essential. Sam, my son’s therapist, came into our lives and changed our lives. We is extremely competent, caring, committed, tenacious and firm, unrelenting as an advocate and therapist for my son. He has also encouraged me and assured me of my successes. Everyone NEEDS a Sam...he’s available!
Read more As the mother of a son with behavioral challenges finding an advocate to join your team is essential. Sam, my son’s therapist, came into our lives and changed our lives. We is extremely competent, caring, committed, tenacious and firm, unrelenting as an advocate and therapist for my son. He has also encouraged me and assured me of my successes. Everyone NEEDS a Sam...he’s available!
Washington, D.C. Jun 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I've known Sam for many years and I can honestly say he truly cares. If you have Sam on your side, he'll give you the shirt off his back if you need it. He is hardworking, ethical and completely committed to his clients and their wellbeing.
Read more I've known Sam for many years and I can honestly say he truly cares. If you have Sam on your side, he'll give you the shirt off his back if you need it. He is hardworking, ethical and completely committed to his clients and their wellbeing.
Washington, D.C. Jun 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I really love our counselor. She has been very helpful in addressing our marital concerns/ issues. She has also been flexible in getting us into her schedule during a time that works for us.
Read more I really love our counselor. She has been very helpful in addressing our marital concerns/ issues. She has also been flexible in getting us into her schedule during a time that works for us.
Washington, D.C. Nov 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
So far i am very happy with my counselor. He is understanding and sympathetic and his mindful methods are helping me deal with past hurts and manage stress and anxiety. The environment of the office is also very soothing and calming once you step through the door
Read more So far i am very happy with my counselor. He is understanding and sympathetic and his mindful methods are helping me deal with past hurts and manage stress and anxiety. The environment of the office is also very soothing and calming once you step through the door
Washington, D.C. Aug 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
First time trying it and definitely going back.
Washington, D.C. Jul 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Very welcoming office. Beautiful atmosphere. Different from any other counseling office that I've seen. Highly recommend
Read more Very welcoming office. Beautiful atmosphere. Different from any other counseling office that I've seen. Highly recommend
Washington, D.C. Dec 2017
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Phone number

(202) 908-6553

Languages spoken by DC providers

  • English

Support Hours

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
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm

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