How to find the right therapist for online counseling for couples

How to Find the Right Therapist for Online Counseling for Couples

With the expansion of digital technologies in recent decades, online counseling for couples has become increasingly popular. Some of the main reasons why more and more couples are reaching for relationship counseling online are convenience and privacy. Also, online therapy is a great option at times of a national crisis or a pandemic, such as COVID-19.

Relationship counseling online involves a very personal, face-to-face contact with a therapist and can be as effective as traditional in office couples therapy.

Sometimes our coping mechanisms are not appropriate or strong enough to handle relationship anxiety that we experience in today’s very busy and overstimulating world. Couples therapy is the best environment to address the first marriage breakdown signs and to start working on rebirth of your connection.

While there are many options for relationship counseling online available today, when choosing a marriage therapist you should consider things such as cost, experience, therapy style, personality fit, and convenience, to name a few.

However, one of the most important aspects you should consider when asking yourself “How to find the right therapist for online counseling for couples?” is whether the therapist is licensed and trained in a couples modality because only therapists with proper training receive a license.

Also, make sure that the therapist is experienced in dealing with your unique relationship concerns.

Inquire about the therapy fees, and whether your health insurance (if you have one) will cover the online marriage therapy. Most therapists, including myself, do not take insurance for various reasons.

Here are some tips on how to find the right therapist for online counseling for couples.

Ask Your Current Therapist (if you have one)

If you are already in therapy, check with your therapist if they specialize in couples counseling and have experience providing relationship therapy online. You want to make sure they are well versed in both of these areas because it’s easy to get sucked in in the content without being physically present with the therapist, thus making therapy ineffective.

Also, find out about your potential couples therapist’s theoretical orientation and whether the kind of therapy they provide matches your needs. Before you decide which is the best online counseling for you, it is good to know what forms of therapy you are open to.

Also, the awareness of the nature of your relationship issues can help you find the right therapist for online counseling for couples. For example, you’ll need different forms of counseling if you struggle with the aftermath of an affair, want to improve communication or to rekindle intimacy.  

Use the Internet

Do your search online – use Google or Psychology Today. Read therapist’s blogs or books, and watch their videos to get to know their style and decide whether they will be a good fit for your needs.

An online search will save you time and money. Instead of going from one therapist to another when you recognize marriage breakdown signs, google your counseling options. We live in an online age, so, the internet can be a helpful source when looking for a good therapist. Online databases such as Psychology Today or Psych Central have detailed listings of mental health professionals nationwide.

These listings provide information regarding the couples' therapist’s qualifications, areas of expertise, and years of practice. Also, you will find a lot of practical information such as whether the therapist provides relationship counseling online, their phone number, if they accept your insurance or not, and other useful details.

Ask Friends for Recommendations

If you have friends or family members who are already in therapy, ask if they can recommend someone. You may get some good referrals because your friends’ therapists may know someone who provides relationship counseling online and who would be a good fit for your relationship problems.

Consider Online Therapy Cost

If you have found an online counseling option that you like, discuss the rates, particularly if you don’t have insurance to cover the fees. If your budget doesn’t fit the therapist’s rates, ask if they can recommend someone who would provide similar services at a lower cost.

Take Time

Choosing an online therapist is deeply personal stuff. After you and your partner selected the best online counseling options, you may want to set up initial virtual appointments to see if they are a good fit.

Summary

Many people find online couples counseling highly beneficial. Relationship counseling online is convenient because it doesn’t limit you to your geographical area. Additionally, online counseling is accessible, affordable, and provides ongoing support.

If you want to learn more about the best online counseling, do not hesitate to give me a call at (703) 347 3200 and schedule an appointment online or in my Wake Forest office here.