Is Marriage Counseling Covered by Insurance?

The short answer? Kind of.

Marriage counseling may or may not be covered by insurance, depending on your provider, your plan, and how the therapy is billed. Unlike individual therapy, which insurance companies often recognize as essential mental health care, couples counseling is not always viewed the same way.

While some plans do offer partial coverage, insurance companies tend to prioritize individual therapy over relationship-based counseling—which means couples often end up paying more out of pocket.

Let’s break down how insurance works for marriage counseling and what you can do to find affordable options.

Why Doesn’t Insurance Fully Cover Marriage Counseling?

Most insurance companies base coverage on medical necessity—meaning they cover treatments for diagnosable mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or PTSD. Since relationship issues are not classified as medical conditions, many insurers don’t see marriage counseling as essential care.

That said, some plans cover couples therapy if it’s tied to an individual mental health diagnosis. That means one person has to carry a diagnosis. For example:

✅ If one partner has a diagnosed condition (like depression, anxiety, or PTSD), insurance may cover therapy if the sessions are focused on that partner’s treatment—even if relationship issues are also discussed.

✅ If your therapist is licensed in-network or if you have out of network benefits, some insurance plans offer partial reimbursement for couples therapy.

However, if therapy is solely for relationship support ( e.g. to address communication difficulties, betrayal, conflict management), insurance companies typically won’t cover it, considering it a personal expense rather than a medical necessity.

How to Check If Your Insurance Covers Marriage Counseling

If you want to see if your insurance will cover couples therapy, here’s what to do:

1. Call Your Insurance Provider

Ask these questions:

• Does my plan cover couples therapy or marriage counseling?

• What are the requirements for coverage? (Do we need a mental health diagnosis?)

• Are there in-network providers who offer couples therapy?

• How many sessions are covered per year?

• What is my copay or out-of-pocket cost?

2. Ask Your Therapist

Some therapists offer insurance-friendly billing options, such as:

✔ Using a mental health diagnosis to qualify for in network coverage or out of network reimbursement
✔ Providing superbills (detailed invoices) if using out of network benefits that you can submit for partial reimbursement.
✔ Offering sliding scale fees if insurance won’t cover therapy.

3. Look for EAP (Employee Assistance Program) Benefits

Some workplaces offer free or discounted couples therapy as part of their Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Check with your HR department to see if this is available.

How Much Does Marriage Counseling Cost Without Insurance?

Since insurance coverage for couples therapy is limited, many couples pay out of pocket. In New Jersey, the average cost of marriage counseling ranges from $150 to $320 per session.

Factors that influence cost include:
💰 Therapist’s experience – More experienced therapists often charge more.
💰 Session length – Some therapists offer longer, more intensive sessions at higher rates.
💰 Location – Urban areas tend to have higher costs than suburban or rural locations.

Is Paying for Marriage Counseling Worth It?

Even if your insurance doesn’t cover couples therapy, it’s still one of the best investments you can make in your relationship.

Consider this:
💡 Divorce costs thousands of dollars in legal fees, mediation, and asset division. Therapy is often more affordable in the long run.
💡 Emotional well-being matters. Relationship stress affects mental health, work performance, and daily happiness.
💡 Prevention is key. Addressing small problems before they become major issues can save your relationship from long-term struggles.

If cost is a concern, many therapists offer sliding scale pricing to make counseling more affordable.

Final Thoughts: Will Insurance Cover Marriage Counseling?

Maybe—but not always.

🔹 If therapy is tied to a mental health diagnosis, some insurance plans offer partial coverage.
🔹 If it’s strictly for relationship support, insurance likely won’t cover it.
🔹 Checking with your provider and therapist is the best way to determine your options.

Even if you have to pay out of pocket, couples therapy is often worth the investment—helping you and your partner strengthen your relationship, improve communication, and build a healthier future together.

Considering Couples Therapy in New Jersey?

At Bridging Bonds, we provide expert couples counseling near Montclair, NJ, helping partners strengthen their relationship or navigate a peaceful transition when necessary.