If you and your partner are considering couples therapy, one of your first questions is probably how much it costs. Fees vary depending on the therapist, appointment length, and insurance arrangements, so knowing what to budget can help you decide where to start.
At Resolve Counseling Group, we offer couples therapy at different price points depending on the clinician's qualifications. Here's what our sessions cost, what affects the price, and how to plan for ongoing appointments.
Key Takeaways
Our 50-minute sessions range from $45 with a master's-level intern, $135 with a supervised clinician, or $135–190 with a fully licensed clinician.
Session length, therapist qualifications, specialized training, and appointment frequency can affect your total costs.
We're an out-of-network practice and don't accept insurance directly. Clients seeing fully licensed clinicians may request a superbill for possible reimbursement.
Lower-cost options may include appointments with supervised graduate interns, employee assistance benefits, and other financial resources.
How Much Does Couples Therapy Cost?
A 2024 study published in Health Affairs Scholar found that private-practice psychotherapy providers reported an average self-pay fee of $143.26 per session. Couples counseling fees vary by provider, location, and appointment length. At Resolve Counseling Group, standard 50-minute sessions cost between $45 and $190, depending on the clinician.
Our rates are:
| Clinician | Cost per 50-Minute Session |
|---|---|
| Master's-level intern completing graduate school | From $45 |
| Graduate-level clinician working toward full licensure under supervision | 120–130 |
| Fully licensed clinician | 130–190 |
Our full fee schedule is available on our Rates & FAQ page.
We also offer 90-minute and two-hour sessions for couples when a longer appointment is appropriate. Contact our team to discuss the cost of these appointments.
A therapist's fee may reflect their education, licensing status, experience, and specialized training. When comparing providers, consider their qualifications, therapeutic approach, and experience working with concerns similar to yours.
How Much Should You Budget for Couples Therapy?
Your total cost depends on the session fee and how many appointments you attend.
The table below shows the cost of 5, 10, or 15 standard 50-minute sessions at three of Resolve's price points.
| Number of Sessions | At $45 per Session | At $130 per Session | At $190 per Session |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 sessions | $225 | $650 | $950 |
| 10 sessions | $450 | $1,300 | $1,900 |
| 15 sessions | $675 | $1,950 | $2,850 |
The number of appointments will depend on your relationship concerns, treatment goals, and progress.
For a monthly budget, consider attending therapy at $130 per appointment:
Weekly sessions: Four appointments would cost $520 over four weeks.
Biweekly sessions: Two appointments would cost $260 over four weeks.
Your therapist can help you determine an appointment schedule based on your goals and budget. If you're interested in longer appointments, ask about their fees before including them in your budget.
What Affects the Price of Couples Therapy?
Session fees depend on the therapist's qualifications, appointment length, and treatment approach.
| Factor | How It Affects the Price |
|---|---|
| Therapist license and training | Fully licensed clinicians may charge more than graduate interns or clinicians working under supervision. |
| Session length | A 90-minute or two-hour appointment generally costs more than a standard 50-minute session. |
| In-person vs. online | Some practices charge the same rate for both formats, while others have different pricing structures. |
| Appointment frequency | Weekly appointments increase monthly expenses compared with meeting every other week. |
| Specialized training | Therapists with specialized training in couples counseling may have different fees. |
Longer appointments generally have higher individual fees, while meeting more often increases your total monthly cost.
At Resolve, our couples therapy services draw on Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), an approach that helps couples understand patterns of disconnection and the emotions and needs underlying those interactions.
In-Person vs. Online Sessions
We offer in-person appointments at our Murfreesboro office and online counseling throughout Tennessee.
Our fee schedule doesn't distinguish between online and in-person appointments. Contact our team to discuss pricing and availability for your preferred format.
For couples living in Smyrna or La Vergne, online sessions may be more convenient than traveling to our office. In-person appointments are also available for those who prefer meeting with a therapist face-to-face.
Our telehealth appointments use a HIPAA-compliant platform, and clients need a private location and a reliable internet connection.
Does Insurance Cover Couples Therapy?
At Resolve, we're an out-of-network practice. We don't bill or accept insurance directly, but some clients may be eligible to seek reimbursement through their plans.
You can learn more about our insurance arrangements on our Rates & FAQ page.
How Does Out-of-Network Reimbursement Work at Resolve?
Clients pay for their appointments at the time of service.
If you're seeing one of our fully licensed clinicians, you may request a superbill, which contains the information your insurance company may need to evaluate a reimbursement claim.
You can submit that document to your insurer if your plan allows out-of-network claims.
Reimbursement depends on your insurance benefits, including medical necessity requirements, deductibles, eligible services, and reimbursement limits.
Before scheduling, ask your insurance company about its out-of-network mental health benefits and whether your sessions may qualify.
Have questions about fees or payment arrangements? We offer a free 15-minute consultation where you can ask about our services, availability, and appointment options. Contact our team to get started.
Ways to Make Couples Therapy More Affordable
If you're concerned about the cost of regular appointments, consider these options.
1. Ask About Appointments With Graduate Interns
At Resolve, sessions with master's-level interns cost from $45 for 50 minutes. These clinicians are completing their graduate education and working under appropriate supervision.
Availability depends on the clinician and whether their services are appropriate for your needs.
2. Check Your Employee Assistance Program
Some employers provide Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that include counseling services or referrals to mental health professionals.
Ask your employer or benefits administrator whether relationship counseling is included, how many sessions are available, and which providers you can use.
3. Explore HSA or FSA Eligibility
Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to use a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for eligible mental health expenses.
General relationship counseling without a qualifying medical purpose may not be eligible.
The IRS explains qualifying expenses in Publication 502. Check with your plan administrator or tax adviser before using these funds for couples counseling.
4. Discuss Appointment Frequency With Your Therapist
Weekly appointments are common, but some couples may attend less frequently depending on their concerns and treatment goals.
If you're managing a budget, talk with your therapist about a suitable schedule. You can also ask whether longer appointments are appropriate and compare their cost with standard sessions.
5. Ask About Sliding-Scale Couples Therapy
Some counseling practices offer sliding-scale fees based on income or financial circumstances.
Resolve doesn't currently list a sliding-scale program on its Rates & FAQ page. Our team can discuss the appointment options and fees available at the practice.
Other possibilities include community mental health organizations, university training clinics, and providers offering reduced fees.
6. Check Your Out-of-Network Benefits
Your insurance policy may include reimbursement benefits for eligible out-of-network mental health services.
Contact your insurer to confirm whether couples counseling qualifies, how claims are processed, and what portion of the expense you may be responsible for paying.
Is Couples Therapy Worth the Cost?
Couples therapy can help partners understand recurring conflicts, improve communication, rebuild trust, and address concerns affecting their relationship.
You might find yourselves having the same argument repeatedly or avoiding certain conversations because they usually end in frustration. Some couples experience emotional distance, while others struggle with changes in responsibilities, intimacy, or family life.
A couples therapist works with both partners to identify patterns in their interactions, understand each person's concerns, and develop different ways of communicating.
Couples often seek counseling after experiencing recurring conflict, communication difficulties, or emotional distance. Therapy provides an opportunity to explore those concerns and work toward shared goals.
The cost of treatment depends on the therapist's fees, appointment frequency, and how long therapy continues. Your therapist can discuss your goals and help you plan an appropriate schedule.
How to Choose a Couples Therapist in Murfreesboro
When choosing a couples therapist, consider their qualifications, experience, therapeutic approach, and availability.
Licensing and qualifications: Look for a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or another appropriately qualified mental health professional. You can verify Tennessee licenses through the Tennessee Department of Health license lookup.
Couples-specific training: Ask about the therapist's experience working with relationship difficulties and any specialized approaches they use.
Therapeutic approach: Find out how the therapist works with communication problems, conflict, broken trust, or differing levels of motivation.
Comfort and fit: Both partners should have opportunities to speak and feel respected during sessions.
Availability and fees: Confirm appointment times, session lengths, online options, cancellation policies, and payment arrangements.
You can also ask how the therapist handles difficult conversations during sessions, what the first few appointments involve, and how progress is evaluated.
At Resolve, our founder, Missy Loftis, LMFT, has completed an Emotionally Focused Therapy externship and core skills training. You can learn more about her background and our clinicians on our About page.
We offer a free 15-minute phone consultation where you can ask questions about our approach, fees, and appointment availability. You can arrange a consultation through our contact page.
What Happens in a First Couples Session
Your first couples therapy appointment typically begins with the therapist getting to know both partners and understanding what brought you to counseling.
You may discuss your relationship history, recurring disagreements, recent changes, and what each of you hopes to gain from therapy.
The therapist may also explain their approach, discuss confidentiality and session expectations, and begin identifying goals for future appointments. They may also talk about what subsequent sessions could involve.
For more information, read our guide on what to expect in your first couples therapy session.
You can also explore our article on whether couples therapy works.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do Most Couples Stay in Therapy?
The length of couples therapy depends on the concerns you're addressing, how frequently you attend, and your treatment goals.
Some couples participate for several weeks or months, while others benefit from longer-term support. Your therapist can help you establish goals and review your progress to determine whether additional sessions may be helpful.
Does Couples Therapy Work if Only One Partner Wants It?
Couples therapy generally involves both partners, but they may have different levels of motivation when starting.
A therapist can help explore those differences and discuss concerns about attending. If your partner isn't willing to participate, individual counseling can provide an opportunity to work through your own concerns and consider possible next steps.
Can We Do Couples Therapy Online?
Resolve offers online counseling throughout Tennessee, including virtual appointments that can make attending sessions more convenient.
You'll need a private space, a reliable internet connection, and an environment where both partners can participate comfortably.
Contact our team to discuss whether virtual couples therapy is appropriate and available for your situation.
Is a Sliding Scale Available?
Sliding-scale pricing adjusts therapy fees based on a client's financial circumstances.
Resolve doesn't currently list a sliding-scale program. You can contact our team to discuss current fees and appointment options.
Do You Take Insurance?
We're an out-of-network practice and don't accept insurance directly.
Clients pay for sessions privately. Those seeing fully licensed clinicians may request a superbill for possible reimbursement through their insurance provider.
Coverage depends on your policy. Our Rates & FAQ page explains the arrangement in more detail.
What Is the Cheapest Option for Couples Therapy?
Lower-cost options may include supervised graduate clinicians, community mental health programs, university counseling clinics, or practices offering sliding-scale fees.
At Resolve, sessions with master's-level interns cost from $45 for 50 minutes, subject to availability and suitability.
Contact the provider you're considering to confirm current fees and services.
Is Two Months of Couples Therapy Enough?
Two months may be enough for some couples to begin recognizing recurring patterns and practicing different ways of communicating.
More complex relationship concerns may require additional sessions. Your therapist can help you assess progress, review your goals, and determine whether continuing counseling would be beneficial.
Ready to Talk It Through?
If you're considering couples therapy and have questions about cost, availability, or what to expect, we offer a free 15-minute consultation.
Book your free consultation or call us at 615.900.4008.
