Connect with licensed Marriage & Family Therapists specializing in marriage counseling. Search by location, insurance, and telehealth availability across all 50 states.
Marriage counseling is a specialized form of therapy that helps married couples address conflicts, improve communication, and build a stronger, more satisfying partnership. Led by a licensed therapist — most commonly a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) — sessions provide a structured, neutral space where both spouses can express their experiences honestly and work toward shared goals.
While the term "marriage counseling" often implies crisis intervention, couples benefit most from seeking help early — before conflict becomes entrenched and resentment takes root. Research by Dr. John Gottman shows the average couple waits six years after problems develop before seeking professional help. Marriage counselors work with couples at every stage: those hoping to prevent problems, those in active crisis, and those navigating a major transition such as parenthood, job loss, infidelity, or the empty nest.
A skilled marriage counselor does not take sides or tell couples what to do. Instead, they help both partners understand the underlying emotional needs and fears driving their conflict — and develop the communication skills to meet each other's needs more effectively. Marriage counseling recognizes that most conflict is not about who is right, but about whether each partner feels seen, valued, and safe.
Licensed MFTs draw on evidence-based approaches proven to improve relationship satisfaction and reduce harmful conflict.
Based on 40+ years of research by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, this method targets the "Four Horsemen" — criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling — that predict relationship breakdown. Therapists work to build the couple's friendship foundation, improve conflict management, and help partners create shared meaning and life goals together.
Developed by Dr. Sue Johnson, EFT identifies and restructures the negative interaction cycles that drive disconnection in marriages. By addressing each partner's underlying attachment needs and fears, EFT helps couples move from defensive reactivity to vulnerable, secure connection. Research shows 70–75% of distressed couples recover from distress with EFT.
IBCT blends traditional behavior change techniques with acceptance-based strategies. Therapists help couples understand the personal histories and sensitivities behind their conflicts, fostering empathy and acceptance alongside practical communication and problem-solving skills. Particularly effective for couples with deeply ingrained, incompatibility-based conflicts.
Developed by Dr. William Doherty, this short-term approach is specifically designed for couples where one partner is "leaning out" of the marriage. Unlike standard marriage counseling, discernment counseling does not aim to fix the marriage — it helps each partner gain clarity about whether to pursue reconciliation, separation, or a period of status quo. Typically 1–5 sessions.
Showing 6 of 6,100+ verified marriage counselors
LMFT, PhD · 19 Years Experience
Denver, CO · In-Person & Telehealth
Dr. Hayes is a Gottman Method Level 3 certified therapist specializing in couples navigating infidelity and trust repair. She has a secondary specialty in working with couples where one or both partners have experienced childhood trauma that is impacting their marriage. She offers intensive weekend couples retreats in addition to weekly sessions.
Insurance: Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Self-Pay
LMFT · 13 Years Experience
Houston, TX · In-Person & Telehealth
Marcus uses EFT and Gottman-based approaches to help couples break destructive communication cycles and rebuild emotional intimacy. He has a particular focus on marriages under financial stress and the transition to parenthood. He works with a diverse clientele including Black and mixed-race couples, and is known for his direct, warmly challenging style.
Insurance: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana, Self-Pay
LMFT, MA · 10 Years Experience
New York, NY · Telehealth Only
Sunita specializes in intercultural and interfaith marriages, helping partners navigate differing family expectations, values, and communication styles rooted in distinct cultural backgrounds. She integrates EFT with culturally sensitive interventions to help couples develop a shared identity that honors both partners' heritage. Fluent in Hindi and Gujarati.
Insurance: Oxford Health, Cigna, Out-of-Network
LMFT · 16 Years Experience
San Diego, CA · In-Person & Telehealth
Robert is a bilingual (English/Spanish) marriage counselor working with couples across San Diego and Southern California. He integrates IBCT and Gottman methods to help couples dealing with chronic conflict, emotional disconnection, and the stress of blending families after remarriage. He has extensive experience with military couples and the unique stressors of deployment and reintegration.
Insurance: Tricare, Aetna, Kaiser, Self-Pay
LMFT, EdD · 23 Years Experience
Portland, OR · In-Person & Telehealth
With over two decades of experience, Dr. Nakamura specializes in helping long-married couples reconnect after years of emotional drift. She works extensively with empty nesters, couples navigating mid-life identity shifts, and those considering separation who want to make an informed, intentional decision. She is trained in Discernment Counseling and has a calm, deeply experienced presence.
Insurance: Regence, Providence, Out-of-Network Superbills
LMFT · 7 Years Experience
Nashville, TN · In-Person & Telehealth
Jasmine is a faith-sensitive marriage counselor who integrates EFT with a spiritually aware approach for Christian couples who want their faith values honored in therapy. She works with newlyweds through long-term marriages, with particular expertise in helping couples improve emotional intimacy and rebuild connection after having children. LGBTQ+ affirming.
Insurance: BlueCross BlueShield (TN), Magellan, Self-Pay
Filter by insurance, location, telehealth, and more.
Browse licensed marriage counselors in your state. All listings include in-person and telehealth options.