Many couples who could benefit from counseling never start because they assume it will cost too much. Without insurance, a single session can cost $100 or more, and that can feel impossible when money is already a source of stress.

The good news is that couples counseling in Maryland can be much more affordable than many people expect. This guide walks through the most common ways to lower the cost, including Maryland Medicaid, private insurance and free support options.

How much does couples counseling usually cost?

Costs vary by provider, location and session length. Without insurance, many couples therapists charge between $100 and $250 per session. Since most couples meet weekly or every other week for several months, the total can add up quickly.

That is why it helps to explore coverage options before deciding counseling is out of reach.

Option 1: Maryland Medicaid

Maryland Medicaid covers outpatient mental health care, and at many practices, including Lartey Wellness Group, it can be used for couples sessions as part of treatment. For many Medicaid members, sessions cost little or nothing.

A few things to know:

• Coverage is tied to care. Couples sessions are often covered when they are part of treatment for a mental health concern, such as anxiety, depression or stress affecting the relationship.

• Not every provider accepts Medicaid. Many private couples therapists do not, so it is worth asking before you book.

• Your provider can check for you. A good practice will verify your coverage before your first session.

Learn more about seeing a therapist with Maryland Medicaid.

Option 2: Private insurance

Some private insurance plans cover couples therapy, and some do not. Coverage often depends on whether sessions are part of treatment for a diagnosed mental health concern.

Questions to ask your insurance company:

• Is couples or family therapy covered under my mental health benefits?

• Does it need to be tied to a diagnosis?

• What is my copay or coinsurance per session?

• Do I need to see an in-network provider?

If your plan does not cover couples therapy, you may be able to use a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) when sessions are part of medical treatment. Check with your plan administrator.

Option 3: Employee assistance programs (EAPs)

Many employers offer an employee assistance program that includes a small number of free counseling sessions each year. Some EAPs cover couples sessions. Check your benefits portal or ask your HR team. Even a few free sessions can be a helpful start.

Option 4: Military and veteran resources

If you or your spouse serves in the military, Military OneSource offers free, confidential non-medical counseling, which can include couples sessions. Veterans may also have access to couples and family support through the VA.

Option 5: Free and low-cost community support

While these are not a replacement for therapy, some couples find extra support through:

• Faith communities. Many churches and mosques offer marriage ministries, mentoring or workshops.

• Relationship workshops. Community centers and nonprofits sometimes host free or low-cost classes on communication and conflict.

• Books and online courses. Research-based resources from approaches like the Gottman Method can give couples shared tools to practice.

These can be a good starting point, especially alongside professional counseling.

Signs it is worth investing in couples counseling now

It can be tempting to wait until things feel worse, but couples often get the most out of counseling when they start earlier. Consider reaching out if:

• The same arguments keep happening without resolution

• You feel more like roommates than partners

• Trust has been broken, such as after an affair

• Stress about money, parenting or family is pulling you apart

• One or both of you are thinking about separating

If you are working through a betrayal, our guide to rebuilding trust after infidelity may also help.

Affordable couples counseling at Lartey Wellness Group

Lartey Wellness Group offers couples counseling in person at our Laurel office and online anywhere in Maryland. Here is what that means for cost:

• Maryland Medicaid accepted, with many clients paying little or nothing for sessions

• Most major insurance plans accepted

• Benefits checked before your first visit, so there are no surprises

• Online sessions statewide, which can save time and travel costs

Our couples therapists include clinicians certified in the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). For couples who want faith included, we also offer Christian counseling and Islam-based counseling

Learn more about couples counseling in Laurel and online.

Request an appointment or call (800) 994-5403