How to Choose a Couples Therapist

Updated September 30, 2026 · Information, not medical advice · How we write guides

Most couples find a therapist the same way: a search, a few websites, a short call. This guide covers what to check along the way, so that the person you book is licensed, works with couples and fits how you want to work.

Who does couples therapy

Marriage and family therapists (usually LMFT, sometimes LCMFT or MFT) are trained specifically to work with couples and families. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, they typically need a master’s degree, a state-specified number of hours of supervised clinical experience after the degree, and a passing score on a state-recognized exam, and every state requires them to be licensed.¹

Other licensed clinicians also work with couples, including licensed professional counselors (LPC, LMHC), clinical social workers (LCSW) and psychologists. For them, check that couples work is part of their practice, not just a line in a long list of services.

You may also see associates or interns (for example AMFT or LMFT-A). They are pre-licensed and practice under a licensed supervisor, and they may charge less. Our directory doesn’t list them.

Check the license

Each state has a board that licenses marriage and family therapists, and many let you look up a license online by name. The Association of Marital & Family Therapy Regulatory Boards lists its member boards for every state.² Counselors, social workers and psychologists are licensed by their own state boards.

Online sessions and state lines

Telehealth is generally considered to take place where the client is located, so a therapist typically needs to be licensed in the state where you are during the session.³ If you and your partner live in different states, or travel often, ask about this before you start.

Approach

Many couples therapists name a specific approach, such as the Gottman Method or Emotionally Focused Therapy. Our guide to the Gottman Method and EFT explains how the two differ. Many therapists in our listings mention more than one approach.

Questions to ask in a first call

How much of your practice is couples work, and for how long have you done it?
Which approach do you use, and what does a typical first month look like?
Do you see us together, separately, or both?
What do you charge per session, and do you offer a sliding scale? See what couples therapy costs.
Do you take our insurance? If not, can you give us a receipt to submit to our insurer?
Do you offer online sessions, and are you licensed in our state?
What happens if only one of us wants to keep going?

When couples therapy isn’t the right step

If one partner is abusive, the National Domestic Violence Hotline does not recommend couples counseling and suggests individual support instead.⁴ You can reach the Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. In a crisis, call or text 988.

Looking for someone near you? Search couples therapists by city.