How Much Does Couples Therapy Cost in New Jersey?
Takeaway: In New Jersey, therapy sessions typically range from $50 to $250, though the exact cost can vary depending on various factors, such as the type of therapy, your provider’s credentials, and whether you’re using insurance or paying out-of-pocket. In this post, we’ll explore some frequently asked questions about the cost of therapy in New Jersey and explain why this kind of personal investment can be incredibly valuable for your well-being.
When thinking about starting marriage counseling as a couple, the financial aspect naturally plays a big role in that decision. That’s exactly why I wrote this blog post. My goal is to shed some light on the costs involved so you can approach this step with more clarity and confidence.
We’ll also explore the why behind the price: What factors influence the cost? What are you truly investing in when you choose to begin this journey together?
If you're ready to make a meaningful decision for your relationship, keep reading.
How much does couples counseling cost in New Jersey?
Before diving into the numbers, it's important to understand that therapy rates can vary depending on the type of service you’re looking for. Couples therapy, in particular, often has a higher price point than individual therapy due to the added complexity of working with two people in a shared process, but it ultimately can lead to healthier relationships .
In New Jersey, couples therapy typically ranges from $100 to $250 per session, with some therapists offering sliding-scale fees or lower rates through interns and provisionally licensed clinicians.
New Jersey Average Cost of a Couples Therapy Session
The chart below reflects average therapy costs per session in various New Jersey urban areas, based on a survey that polled 25 therapists in each city. Sadly, it does not specify whether these rates apply to individual or marriage therapy, so consider them a general reference point.
| NJ Borough | Average Cost of a Couples Therapy Session |
|---|---|
| Newark | $149 |
| Jersey City | $157 |
| Paterson | $139 |
| Lakewood | $182 |
| Elizabeth | $141 |
Why is couples therapy so expensive?
If you're considering starting marriage therapy for your mental health concerns, you’ve probably noticed that it can feel like a big financial commitment. So, what actually determines the cost? Here are the main factors that often influence a therapist’s rates
Therapist experience & training
Think of it like choosing a specialist over a generalist. Couples therapists often dedicate years to advanced degrees in specific modalities designed to support relationships (modalities like Imago Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, or the Gottman Method).
For example, when I completed my basic Imago training back in 2016, it began with a 22-hour “Getting the Love You Want” workshop. That was followed by 96 hours of educational coursework over 12 days, assisting another 22-hour workshop, and six months of clinical supervision. And that was just to become certified.
To grow as a therapist and offer my marriages even more support, I later completed five advanced trainings (roughly 15 full days) to become a Certified Advanced Imago Therapist. As you can see, there’s a significant investment of time, money, and energy involved, which is often reflected in the therapist’s higher fees. But that specialized knowledge can also mean you and your partner get more focused, effective support.
Location
Where your therapist is located also matters. Just like housing and groceries cost more in some places, therapy rates tend to be higher in areas with a higher cost of living. In cities like New York or parts of New Jersey, therapists face higher rent, taxes, and overhead, so their higher rates reflect that. It doesn’t mean therapists in those areas are necessarily “better,” but they do need to charge accordingly to keep their practices sustainable.
Therapy format and session length
Couples therapy is not one-size-fits-all. Some couples choose the traditional in-person weekly 50-minute session, but others opt for 75- or 90-minute sessions that allow for more depth. In my own practice, I offer longer sessions because I’ve found that some marriages benefit from having more time to explore what’s really going on.
There are also intensives and couple workshops, which can feel more like an immersive reset for your relationship compared to the rhythm of weekly sessions. These formats can cost more up front, but many marriages find them transformational and highly efficient.
Payment method
How you pay can also affect what therapy ends up costing you. If you’re using insurance, it depends on whether your provider covers couples treatment and if your therapist is in- or out-of-network.
My practice accepts out-of-network benefits, which means many of my clients are reimbursed for 40% to 100% of the cost of therapy, depending on their plan. If this feels overwhelming to figure out, don’t worry, when the time comes, I always help my clients understand their coverage and guide them through the reimbursement process.
Is couples therapy covered by insurance?
The short answer? Sometimes. While marriage counseling covered by insurance isn’t always guaranteed, in my experience, it often is, though not in the most straightforward way.
If you call your insurance company and simply ask, “Do you cover couples therapy?” they may say no. But that’s not the full picture. Most couples therapists bill using the code 90847, which stands for “family therapy with patient present.” This is a recognized service code that many insurance plans do cover.
To meet insurance requirements, therapists typically need to designate one partner as the identified client and assign a mental health diagnosis. If that partner already has a diagnosis from individual therapy or a doctor, we can often use that. If not, a common diagnosis used is Adjustment Disorder, unspecified, which applies when someone is facing a significant stressor, like relationship challenges.
As always, I recommend reaching out directly to your insurance provider to find out what your specific plan covers, especially in cases of domestic violence . And if the process feels confusing, don’t worry: I’ve got you. You can check out my FAQ page for helpful questions to ask when you call, and I'm always happy to help clients understand their coverage and make the most of their insurance benefits.
Investing in couples therapy at my practice
I know that starting couples therapy can feel overwhelming, especially when the cost of therapy or details around insurance coverage aren’t always straightforward. The truth is, investing in your relationship and addressing mental health issues is a worthwhile investment, one that many marriages I work with say has brought lasting change. While therapy costs may vary depending on several elements like session duration, location, and therapist experience, many clients find the process deeply valuable.
I’m an out-of-network provider, which means I don’t work directly with insurance companies, but I do provide receipts (known as superbills) that you can submit to your insurance provider for possible reimbursement. Many of my clients are pleasantly surprised to find that their health insurance plans do offer some coverage for mental health services like family therapy or marriage counseling, often through the use of the 90847 code, which refers to “family therapy with patient present.” I’m always happy to help you with this part of the process so you can understand how to cover marriage counseling and I can offer support to maximize your benefits.
Over the past 10+ years as a licensed marriage and family therapist with specialized training in Imago therapy, I’ve worked with countless marriages on relationship issues, communication, conflict resolution skills, and even depression. The process takes commitment and honesty, but it can also be profoundly rewarding. My approach is warm, structured, and supportive, designed to help you and your partner gain a deeper understanding of one another and build a stronger, more connected foundation.
If you’re looking for marriage counseling in New Jersey that supports real growth and lasting change, I’d love to offer a space where you can do that work together.
Is it worth going to couples therapy?
Couples therapy, particularly through the lens of Imago Relationship Therapy, offers more than just conflict resolution; it provides opportunities for improved communication . It provides a path toward mutual growth, understanding, and lasting connection. Many marriages find the process transformative, as it creates a safe space to explore unmet needs, childhood influences, and the ways partners unconsciously trigger each other. The result is often not just a better relationship, but a better version of each partner within it.
Through this work, you and your partner can:
Develop conscious communication: Learn to speak and listen with empathy, even during conflict. Improved communication is possible with the right tools.
Identify and shift recurring patterns: Understand why you keep having the same arguments, and how to break the cycle.
Transform conflict into connection: Use tension as a doorway to deeper understanding and healing. Resolve conflicts and make the most out of that situation.
Feel seen and heard: Create emotional safety by recognizing the deeper needs beneath your partner’s words. Improve your overall well-being by cultivating greater flexibility in your couple's communication.
Rebuild trust and intimacy: Foster closeness by meeting each other with curiosity rather than judgment.
Co-create a shared vision: Reconnect around shared values, dreams, and what you want to build together.
As an Imago therapist, I don’t just treat the symptoms of disconnection; I address the root causes, offering couples a clear roadmap toward a more conscious and connected relationship.
Final thoughts on the cost of couples counseling in New Jersey
When you invest in couples therapy, you're not just paying for a session—you're investing in the future of your relationship. Finding the right therapist is indeed crucial because while therapy may not provide a quick fix, but it offers the tools and guidance you need to work through challenges and grow together.
While the cost might seem like a big commitment now, many couples find that it's far less expensive than letting unresolved issues take a toll on their connection. In fact, the value of investing in a healthier, more harmonious relationship is immeasurable.
If you're curious about whether this work is right for you, I’d love to connect. Reach out to schedule a consultation or learn more about how couples therapy could support your relationship. You're not just investing in therapy, you're investing in a more fulfilling life and future together.