How To Find Effective, Affordable Counseling For You And Your Partner

Relationship counseling is a great resource for couples who are experiencing challenging times and want to mend their relationship. Regular counseling appointments can lead to positive changes that can help improve relationship quality and overall mental health.

Despite its potential benefits, though, many people avoid counseling because of the high prices for effective services. They may find themselves wondering, "Is it possible to find effective and affordable counseling today?" Here’s what you need to know.

How does couples counseling work?

Many people are aware of what individual counseling consists of of-an individual meeting with a counselor regularly to talk about their mental health and issues they are facing. Couple counseling is a bit different as two people meet with a counselor and discuss their relationship. The goal of couples counseling is usually to strengthen the couple's relationship and help them work together in the future.

The couple is often given advice, exercises, and resources from their counselor over a few months, or at least until the issue is completely resolved and the couple can work out their problems in a healthy manner. At first, relationship counseling can be very difficult for couples as they are discussing personal details with a stranger. Thankfully, it does get easier, as most counselors are great at making their clients feel welcome and comfortable in their sessions.

Relationship counseling is often a great option to work through the hardships that all relationships face. Even if a couple can move on from their current issue by themselves, it is still a great idea to work through their emotions with a counselor. They can tell their patients how to properly communicate with each other and help them understand how to navigate a healthy relationship. 

What makes counseling effective?

The counselor's experience

Most of the time, people choose to see a licensed counselor who specializes in the area they are struggling with. This is an excellent idea, as it ensures the counselor will know how to help their clients effectively. Their experience of working with similar cases can greatly benefit their new clients and can even lead to faster healing.

There are many different techniques used in the counseling and therapy field. Not every treatment will be effective for every case. For example, counseling sessions for a child with ADHD will look very different than a relationship counseling session. While a counselor can have experience in many different areas, it is most effective to find a counselor who specializes in providing solutions for your needs.

An experienced counselor will know which exercises and practices will help a specific issue a couple is having. They will also be able to pinpoint better the root cause of whatever issue their clients are facing and provide better services. If a counselor knows which treatment methods to provide the couple, counseling can be as effective as 75%. This is why it is very important to see a licensed counselor who has experience in couples counseling.

Feeling comfortable with the counselor

Every patient needs to feel comfortable with their counselor. With relationship counseling, it is even more important, so both people feel open to the counseling sessions. Making sure one person does not feel negativity or resentment towards the sessions will help the couple see success from the therapy. Going to relationship counseling as an individual without the other partner can lead to even more problems, so it is recommended both partners attend the sessions.

Start a conversation with your partner about what they prefer in a counselor and what it would take for them to go. Try to accommodate any realistic expectations they have when it comes to seeing a therapist. This will help them feel more comfortable and can help your relationship in the future.

Neither you nor your partner may want to drive long distances to your counseling appointments after a long workday. Try to find someone with an office in a convenient location for both of you. Location may not seem like a big deal now, but it can get tedious after an emotional counseling appointment.

If you do not have any counselors you are interested in using nearby, there are online couples counseling options available. These online counseling centers have licensed and professional counselors who are just as experienced and qualified as in-person counselors. Don't let a shortage of counselors in your area discourage you because there are other great options.

Being able to afford your counselor

Counselors' prices can vary by hundreds of dollars per month. The average rates are between $75 and $200 per counseling session. These numbers are why roughly 45% of surveyed people who need counseling say the treatment is too expensive to partake in. Many people feel it is impossible to receive affordable counseling, so they don't look at their options.

It is not effective to go to counseling if you cannot afford to attend regularly. Counseling is the most effective when the couple can attend sessions as often as recommended by the counselor. This is why it's important to look at your budget and see what you can afford to spend every month. That way, you don't have to quit because the counseling gets to be too expensive. Getting affordable counseling you need is possible if you know how to find it.

How to find affordable counseling

There are many different avenues you can take to find effective and affordable counseling. Depending on your budget and situation, you will need to find out which of the options below is the best for you and your partner.

Through your insurance provider’s website

If you have medical insurance, see if your provider covers any relationship counselors in your area. Chances are, your provider covers a handful of licensed counselors nearby who specialize in relationship counseling. To see if a counselor is covered, you can check your insurance's website or contact a counselor to see if they cover them.

Sometimes, even though your insurance provider covers a portion of the bill, the cost of counseling can still be very expensive. It is recommended that you see how much your provider is willing to cover before committing to counseling services with someone. As mentioned above, you don't want to start making progress and then have to quit because counseling prices are higher than expected.

Through referrals

If you know anyone who has attended relationship counseling before, you can ask them for a referral. If the other couple recommends the counselor, it may be a good idea to try the counselor out. Be sure you are close enough with the couple you are seeking a referral from, as you don't want to overstep boundaries with them. Relationship counseling is a very personal topic for many people, so be sure they are comfortable talking about it with you.

When asking for a referral to a relationship counselor, ask about the location of their office and their prices. As mentioned before, you must get affordable counseling services in a convenient location. Hopefully, the counselor's office is close by and is in your price range so you and your partner can see them.

Check local universities

Many universities offer free or low-cost counseling to people in the local area. The counselors are usually graduate students who are studying to get a degree in counseling, psychology, or psychiatry. The students are usually monitored by a licensed counselor or by one of their professors to ensure their sessions are effective. Do remember that the students are not licensed counselors, but they can still offer good advice in sessions.

If you are fortunate enough to live by a university that offers degrees in the mental health treatment field, this can be a great option to receive affordable counseling. Although the students may not have years of experience working with couples, it may be worth trying it out if they offer free relationship counseling. If you do not live near a university, the option is unfortunately not applicable for you but, there are other ways to find affordable counseling.

Online counseling services

Online counseling services like BetterHelp and Regain are often much more affordable than in-person counselors. They offer affordable counseling with a licensed counselor over a phone call, text message, or video chat. They also have dozens of counselors who specialize in different areas including couples counseling, so you are likely to get targeted, effective treatment.

Another great thing about online counseling services is that location is not a factor. You can receive online counseling if you have a device to connect with them. You are also able to list your preferences in a counselor, so you are sure to get matched with one who is perfect for you.

Additionally, online counseling has been proven to be effective for individuals and couples through multiple peer-reviewed studies. This means that you do not have to compromise on the effectiveness of your treatment to be seen online.

Most online counseling services cost between $60 and $90 per week. This is very affordable compared to in-person services-even with insurance! If you are seeking affordable low-cost counseling services, an online counselor may be the best option for you and your partner.