How Much Does Couples Therapy Cost in NYC?
Takeaway: The cost of couples therapy in NYC depends on factors like the therapist’s experience, location, and more. While therapy can be a significant investment, many couples find it invaluable for their relationship, and actually saves them money down the road (divorce is expensive!). This guide breaks down average pricing throughout NYC so you can get a sense of what to expect and whether it’s worth it for you and your partner.
If you and your partner are considering couples counseling, you might be at a spot in your relationship where you'll do anything to fix it. After all, your bond is invaluable, something that's impossible to put a price tag on—right?
While your relationship might be priceless, marriage counseling isn't. And the cost of couples counseling can, unfortunately, come as a shock to people seeking help, especially if it's your first time working with a marriage counselor.
That's why I wrote this blog post. Here, my goal is to break down the average price of a couples therapy session so you can have a better sense of what to expect. Plus, we'll dive into the "why" behind cost factors to help you understand exactly what you're paying for and why it's likely worth it.
Let's take a look.
How much does couples counseling cost in New York City?
On average, marriage counseling costs between $200-$450 per session in New York City.
Remember, this is just a range. Your exact out-of-pocket costs will depend on which provider you choose since each marriage therapist sets their own rates. Plus, the cost can vary depending on tons of factors that we'll explore in depth later in this blog post.
To hone in even further on the cost of marriage counseling in NYC, I've examined rates from 25 local mental health professionals in each borough.
| NYC Borough | Average Cost of a Couples Therapy Session |
|---|---|
| Bronx | $100-$325 |
| Brooklyn | $150-$465 |
| Manhattan | $175-$400 |
| Queens | $100-$350 |
| Staten Island | $100-$325 |
Keep in mind that the figures here are average ranges. They don't reflect the rates of any one particular practice or provider. Rather, they're for informational purposes so you can start to get a general sense of how much you can expect to pay. The best way to find out costs is to reach out to a specific provider and ask about their rates.
Why is couples therapy so expensive?
So, what actually determines the cost of couples therapy? Here are some of the major factors that can play into a therapist's rates.
Therapist experience & training
Think of this like choosing a specialist versus a general practitioner. Many couples therapists invest years (and significant resources) in advanced training for methods, such as Imago therapy.
When I did my Imago basic training in 2016, I first attended a Getting the Love You Want Imago couples weekend workshop, which is around 22 hours. Then I attended 12 full days of educational training (96 hours), assisted at another GTLYW workshop (another 22 hours), and then did 6 months of supervision (around 12 hours).
As you can see, it’s a big investment in time and resources to get certified! And then once you get certified, many therapists continue to attend advanced trainings in the couples therapy modality they trained in. I attended five advanced trainings (around 15 full days) to become a Certified Advanced Imago Therapist. While these specialized therapists often charge more, their targeted expertise can help you and your partner make progress more effectively.
Location
If you're in certain areas of NYC (think: midtown Manhattan), you might notice higher rates than in other parts of the city. This isn't because therapists in those areas are necessarily "better"—it's largely due to higher operating costs in areas with a high cost of living.
Therapy format
Not all couples therapy is delivered in the same format. While you and your partner might opt for traditional 50-minute marriage counseling sessions, some therapists such as myself may also offer extended 75-90-minute sessions that cost more due to the longer time frame. Some practices, such as myself, also offer intensive sessions or couples workshops—think of these as deep dives versus regular check-ins.
Payment method
Your out-of-pocket costs can depend on whether you use insurance coverage. My practice accepts out-of-network benefits, allowing you to be reimbursed up to 40-100% of the cost of therapy. I recommend checking with your specific insurance provider to get a better sense of what your plan covers. I am happy to help my clients navigate the confusing world of insurance and help you figure out what your benefits are.
Is couples therapy covered by insurance?
Couples counseling isn't always covered by insurance, but in my experience it often is. If you call your insurance company and ask if they cover couples therapy they may say no. However, that is technically not the case. That is because couples therapists often use a service code 90847, which stands for “family therapy with patient present.” That is a code that insurance companies recognize and cover.
Health insurance companies typically require a diagnosis to cover services. When working with a couple, the couples therapist will designate one partner of the couple as the client for insurance purposes. That person will receive a mental health diagnosis. If the person is coming in already with a mental health diagnosis from individual therapy or their doctor, couples therapists will often use that. If not, the diagnosis code of “Adjustment Disorder, unspecified,” is often used and covers when clients are dealing with a stressful event, such as issues in their relationship.
Again, I recommend checking with your specific health insurance provider so you can know what to expect. You can also look at my FAQ page for some questions to ask your insurance company when you call.
Investing in couples therapy at my practice
I'm an out-of-network provider, meaning that I don't work directly with insurance companies. Instead, I provide you with a receipt that you can then submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement. I am happy to help you navigate this piece if need be. I am happy to report that the majority of my clients do get reimbursed some money for sessions with me.
I recognize that starting couples counseling can feel overwhelming, especially when finding information about the cost isn't always straightforward. It's brave to reach out for help, and I want to reassure you that investing your time and resources into the process is often worth it for the couples I see.
This process involves hard work and commitment, but it can also be joyful and uplifting. I've been a therapist for over 10 years, and I've seen firsthand how transformative couples counseling can be. My extensive training in Imago therapy has enabled me to become an expert in relationships, and I'd love to help you and your partner deepen your connection as well.
Is it worth going to couples therapy?
The short answer is yes, couples therapy is often worth it.
While I can't make that decision for you and your partner, I can share something I've seen time and time again—couples who commit to therapy often tell me it's one of the best investments they've made in their relationship.
Here's what that investment could look like for you and your partner.
Improve your communication skills
Remember those conversations that seem to go in circles, where you both end up frustrated and misunderstood? That's where the communication tools you'll learn in therapy come in. I will teach you an invaluable skill called the Imago Intentional Dialogue, where you will learn a new and extremely effective way of communication. Together, we'll break down the barriers that keep you from truly connecting, replacing them with techniques that actually work. We're talking about real, practical skills here—not just being told to "communicate better."
Learn how to effectively resolve conflict
Conflict is normal in a relationship—it's just about learning how those moments can bring you closer together rather than push you farther apart. In Imago, we welcome conflict and see it as growth trying to happen in a relationship. In therapy, you'll learn how to navigate those tricky conversations in a meaningful way. Plus, you'll start to recognize those pattern triggers before they even start.
Rekindle your connection
If you're feeling more like roommates than romantic partners lately, you're not alone. Many couples I work with describe feeling like ships passing in the night. Therapy creates a safe space to rebuild that emotional bridge between you. And here's something people don't often talk about—when you strengthen your emotional connection, other aspects of your relationship (including physical intimacy) often naturally improve too.
In Imago, just as much as we work on issues, we also work on skills and exercises to help a couple reconnect and bring the romance and connection back into their relationship. One way I do this is with an appreciation exercise: I start and end every session with each person sharing an appreciation for their partner. While this may sound like a small thing, cultivating a culture of appreciation and gratitude is extremely powerful in cultivating a better relationship.
Get ahead of future issues
You don't have to be in the midst of a marital crisis to seek therapy. In fact, counseling can be a helpful preventative tool for many couples, even if you're feeling confident in your connection. Think of it like going to the gym for your relationship—you're building strength and flexibility before you need it. Research backs this up, showing that addressing relationship issues early can protect both partners' mental health down the line.
Final thoughts on the cost of couples counseling in New York
Will couples therapy magically solve every problem? No—and any therapist who promises that isn't being honest with you. But what it can do is give you and your partner the tools, insights, and support to build the kind of relationship you both want.
And here's something to consider: while the cost of therapy might feel significant now, many couples find it's far less expensive—both financially and emotionally—than letting relationship problems fester or, ultimately, separating. Your relationship is worth more than that.
Ready to take the next step? Reach out today to request more information about how couples therapy can help you and your partner build a happy, healthy relationship.