Is Couples Therapy Covered by Insurance?

Contrary to what you may have been led to believe, most health insurance companies do not cover couples counseling. 

Why? 

Because it’s not considered “medically necessary,” which is the criteria they use to gauge whether or not they will pay for a medical or behavioral health service. 

Yet there are some cases in which couples counseling is covered. Let’s take a look at when and why couples counseling is covered by insurance.

A Note on Insurance Plans…

There are countless insurance companies each with different plan options and their own somewhat confusing lingo. 

When dealing with insurance in any capacity, don’t assume anything. It is important to reach out to your insurance provider directly with questions about what you plan does and does not cover. 

(Pro tip: Get the name of the person you spoke with and a call reference number any time you speak with insurance, just in case.)

Instances Where Insurance Covers Couples Counseling

Usually, insurance companies will only reimburse for couples counseling if these two conditions are met:

1. The mental health provider is part of their network of providers, or the plan is a preferred provider organization (PPO), where a portion of your fee will be reimbursed to you. 
2. One or both of the people seeking couples counseling has been officially diagnosed with an insurance reimbursable mental health diagnosis, such as anxiety or depression

If those two criteria are met, then insurance companies are more likely to cover couples counseling sessions. But the trick is, the counseling you receive should be applicable to helping the one with the diagnosis relieve symptoms. 

When you are not communicating well, have intimacy issues, are recovering from an affair, or  growing distant, the insurance company usually doesn’t see that as medically necessary. This is why we provide a fee for service model at the Relationship Therapy Center. 

Again, it is important to speak with your insurance company directly to ascertain the level of coverage they will provide, if any. 

Other Couples Counseling Coverage Options

Check with your employer. Many companies provide Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that offer free confidential short-term counseling and other mental health related assistance.

If finances are an issue, some clinics offer a sliding scale fee. Many places have interns working for them who are on a quest to obtain their hours. These people have just completed their masters degree, and are working closely with a licensed therapist as they get their bearings. Seeing an intern for couples counseling can be an excellent option if money is tight.

The Importance of Prioritizing Your Relationship

One thing to keep in mind is just because insurance doesn’t consider couples counseling medically necessary, it’s imperative you make it a priority. Don’t skip out on it just because you may have to foot the bill yourself. Many people allow rigid principles or beliefs interfere with their happiness.

The reality is, it’s your life. If your relationship is suffering, you’re suffering, plain and simple. 

At the Relationship Therapy Center, we have a host of different options such as:

• Courses
• Individual couple’s retreats
• Traditional couples counseling sessions 

These options mean there’s something for everyone, including those with financial and time constraints. 

We have helped countless couples in all sorts of situations rekindle their spark and deepen their love and appreciation for each other.

Don’t suffer needlessly when help is available. If you’re in Northern California, give us a call. We’d love to go over options with you.

Begin Couples Counseling in the Sacramento Area:

If you are ready to learn how to deal with the problems in your relationship, the therapists at The Relationship Therapy Center in Fair Oaks, CA and Roseville, CA can help! Our therapists are ready to support you and your partner in your journey towards creating a healthy and happy relationship. To begin marriage counseling in Roseville, CA area, or marriage counseling in Fair Oaks, please follow these three simple steps:

1. Contact our counseling office to get more information about couples counseling and to schedule a free consultation.
2. Make an appointment with one of our Gottman Method trained therapists.
3. Find support and healing in your relationship!

Other Services Offered at The Relationship Therapy Center in California:

In addition to couples counseling, Our Sacramento area counseling clinics located in Roseville and Fair Oaks, CA are pleased to offer a variety of mental health services. Our couples counseling services include: Counseling after infidelity, sex therapy, co-parent counseling, family therapy, divorce counseling, couples therapy retreats, and premarital counseling. Our individual therapy services include, anxiety treatment, trauma therapy, teen therapy, therapy for children, codependency counseling, depression treatment, and individual relationship counseling. We also offer online counseling to California residents. Please contact our office to learn more about the many ways we can help you and your loved ones.