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Finding a Couples Therapist
Practical steps to find a qualified couples therapist — credentials to look for, approaches, costs, online options and questions to ask.
What to look for
- Training in couples therapy: licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) and other clinicians with specific couples training.
- Evidence-based approach: such as emotionally focused therapy or integrative behavioral couple therapy.
- Neutrality: both partners should feel heard.
- Practical fit: cost, availability and format.
Questions to ask
- How much of your practice is couples work?
- What approach do you use?
- How do you handle sessions if one of us feels unsafe?
Safety first
If there is abuse or coercive control, couples therapy may not be appropriate. Seek individual support first.
Learn more about couples therapy or compare couples therapy options.
Best Couples Therapy Options — How to Compare
Comparing online and in-person couples therapy options.
Updated Sep 2026
When to seek professional help
Consider talking with a doctor or licensed mental health professional if symptomslast for more than two weeks, keep coming back, or make it harder to manage work, school, relationships or daily tasks. You don’t need to wait until things feel severe — getting support early often makes things easier.
If you’re thinking about harming yourself or are in immediate danger, call your local emergency number. In the US, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).Crisis resources in other countries.
Explore care optionsReferences
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About this article
Written by
ExploreMentalHealth Editorial Team
Our editors research and write every article using government health agencies, professional medical organizations and peer-reviewed research, following our published editorial standards.
- First published
- September 18, 2026
- Last updated
- September 23, 2026
- Last medically reviewed
- Review pending