Relationships can be tough, but when couples hit a rough patch, therapy can be a real game-changer for improving communication and understanding. We surveyed more than 1,000 Americans currently in relationships to learn about their experiences and views of couples therapy.

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Nearly 1 in 3 Couples Are Currently in Therapy

More than half (52%) of coupled respondents have gone to couples therapy. When broken down by generation, 50% of Gen Zers have attended, 56% of millennials, 48% of Gen Xers, and 45% of baby boomers. Nearly 1 in 3 (32%) say they are currently in couples therapy — among them, 38% are married or engaged, and 27% are dating.

Couples therapy statistics among Americans infographic from DatingNews.com

Of those surveyed who have attended couples therapy, 56% said therapy was better than expected. The primary goals for attending couples therapy among respondents include improving communication, conflict resolution skills, and strengthening emotional connection.

The most difficult challenges faced in therapy include:

  1. Opening up about feelings
  2. Partner’s unwillingness to participate fully
  3. Finding the right therapist

More than 4 in 5 (86%) said couples therapy has helped their relationship become stronger, and 93% would recommend couples therapy to others. Despite this, 55% say others don’t know they are in couples therapy, and 1 in 5 are embarrassed to share they’ve gone to couples therapy. 

The average cost of a couples therapy session comes out to $141, and 90% of respondents believe couples therapy is a worthwhile investment in their relationship. More than 3 in 5 (64%) attend couples therapy in-person, while 1 in 4 attend virtually, and more than 1 in 10 (11%) do a combination of in-person and virtual sessions. 

3 in 5 Believe There Is a Stigma Around Couples Therapy

Despite many couples benefiting from couples therapy, 60% of all coupled respondents think there is a stigma around attending couples therapy. This may be due to 1 in 4 believing therapy is only for relationships in crisis, and 30% believe attending couples therapy means a relationship is failing.

Perceptions of couples therapy in the U.S. infographic from DatingNews.com

Despite these feelings, the majority of those surveyed (90%) believe couples therapy can be beneficial even if there are no major issues in the relationship. According to respondents, the top benefits of attending therapy proactively include improving communication skills, learning conflict resolution techniques, and preventing small issues from becoming bigger problems. In fact, 70% would consider attending couples therapy as a form of relationship maintenance.

When asked at what point in a relationship would Americans consider therapy, the top answer was during a major conflict or crisis. This was followed by working on minor issues before they escalate, and improving communication before getting married.

Nearly 2 in 5 (38%) would be willing to spend $50-$99 on couples therapy per session, and 79% say if couples therapy was more normalized, they would be more open to attending it proactively.

The top misconceptions about couples therapy, according to respondents, include: 

  1. It’s only for couples with serious issues
  2. It means there’s something wrong in the relationship
  3. It’s not necessary if you are happy

What’s Stopping Couples From Seeking Therapy?

Among those who haven’t been to couples therapy, 50% have considered it. The top factors preventing them from seeking therapy include not thinking they need it, cost, and embarrassment or discomfort. As a result, it’s no surprise 91% believe couples therapy should be covered by insurance.

The top barriers stopping Americans from seeking couples therapy infographic from DatingNews.com

Overall, there is still some hesitancy and negative perceptions of couples therapy: 1 in 10 respondents don’t believe society is becoming more accepting of it. Couples therapy has proven to be beneficial for many, yet stigma and cost concerns still deter some from seeking help.

As more couples embrace therapy for relationship maintenance and growth, changing perceptions could make it a more accepted and accessible option in the future.

Methodology

In January 2024, we surveyed 1,004 Americans who are currently in a relationship, engaged, married, or in a civil union about their experiences and perceptions of couples therapy. Among respondents, 49% were men, 49% were women, and 2% were nonbinary. Respondents ranged in age from 18 to 78 with an average age of 39. 

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