odern relationships come with a lot to manage. Between work, family responsibilities, and the general pace of daily life, finding space for support can be tough. That is why many couples are turning to therapy apps. Instead of trying to squeeze in an in-person session, you can check in with an expert, work through guided exercises, or set up a video session whenever it fits into your day. It makes getting help feel easier and more doable, even with a full schedule.
Couples therapy apps make support easier to access and often more affordable than traditional in-person sessions. Many offer:
- Guided communication exercises you can do together
- Chat-based counseling with licensed therapists
- Structured self-paced growth activities and check-ins
When couples use these tools consistently, they often find themselves talking more openly, feeling more connected, and working through challenges with a stronger sense of partnership.
In this article, we will explore:
- Why couples choose apps for relationship support
- The best couples therapy apps in 2026 and what they offer
- How couples therapy apps actually work
- Who can benefit most from using a relationship app
- How to think about safety, privacy, and limitations
- How to choose the right app for you and your partner
- How couples therapy apps complement in-person counseling
- Answers to the most common questions about couples therapy apps
Why Use a Couples Therapy App?
Convenience and Flexibility
One of the biggest reasons couples try a therapy app is convenience. Instead of commuting to an office at a fixed time each week, you can:
- Message a therapist from home, work, or while traveling
- Schedule video sessions that fit different time zones
- Complete exercises on your own schedule
This can be especially helpful for:
- Partners who travel often
- Long-distance couples
- Parents who struggle to find childcare
- Couples with very different work hours
Affordability
While prices vary, many apps for couples therapy are more affordable than weekly private sessions in person. Some offer:
- Flat monthly subscriptions
- Lower-cost chat-only plans
- Options to switch between self-paced tools and live sessions
The cost is still an investment, but it can be more manageable than traditional therapy for many couples. Many platforms let you adjust session frequency, switch between live and self-guided tools, or choose lower-priced messaging plans, which makes it easier to stay consistent without feeling financially overwhelmed.
Privacy and Psychological Safety
For some people, walking into a therapist’s office feels intimidating. The vulnerability of face-to-face conversations, the formality of the setting, fear of being judged, or not knowing what to expect can all make it feel intense. Others may have had negative experiences with therapy in the past or struggle with social anxiety, which can make it feel less inviting for some people to walk into. Using a couples therapy app from the privacy of your home can make it easier to open up. You can:
- Write messages at your own pace
- Think through what you want to say before sharing it
- Ease into vulnerable topics without feeling rushed
- Join shorter, focused virtual sessions that feel easier to fit into everyday life
- Start sessions from the comfort of home, which can feel more approachable than going into an office
- Build comfort gradually through a mix of check-ins, guided exercises, and expert-led sessions
This sense of control can reduce anxiety and help partners share more honestly.
Emotional Connection and Intimacy
Some couples think therapy is only for when things feel really hard or when there is a major issue to fix. But many people use these tools to keep their relationship strong, learn healthier ways to communicate, understand each other better, and stay connected when life gets busy. Apps for couples therapy do more than address conflict. Many focus on:
- Emotional connection
- Communication patterns
- Intimacy and physical closeness
- Shared goals and vision
Some platforms combine therapist-led sessions with exercises that help couples improve communication, feel more connected, resolve conflicts more calmly, and strengthen or rebuild intimacy, similar to what you might learn in traditional couples counseling.
Hybrid Support: Apps Plus Live Therapy
A hybrid approach can be especially helpful for couples who want steady support without relying only on weekly sessions. It gives you a way to stay connected to the work you are doing in therapy, practice new skills in real time, and check in when something comes up between appointments. Many couples find this mix keeps the momentum going and makes therapy feel more practical in daily life. You might:
- Use the app’s exercises and check-ins between sessions
- Meet with a therapist by video regularly
- Use messaging to ask questions or debrief after tough conversations
This combination helps turn the work you’re doing into progress you can actually feel, along with lasting habits that genuinely strengthen your relationship.
Best Couples Therapy Apps in 2026
Below is an overview of some of the most well-known couples therapy apps and platforms. Details such as pricing and specific features can change over time, so it is always a good idea to check each website for the most current information.
OurRitual
Platforms:
Available through the OurRitual mobile app (iOS and Android) and also on the web.
Best for:
Couples or individuals who want structured, relationship-focused support that blends guidance from relationship experts with practical tools for improving communication, emotional connection, and everyday relationship skills.
Main Features:
- Weekly virtual sessions with a trained relationship expert (for couples or individuals).
- Video content, exercises, and guided “Pathways” on topics like communication, conflict styles and patterns, and emotional connection.
- Short, focused sessions (often 20–40 minutes), with the flexibility to schedule longer sessions when needed, making it easier to fit relationship work into busy schedules.
- Self-paced learning tools that include short lessons, guided exercises, and practical prompts you can use between sessions to keep building skills week by week.
- A structured program designed specifically for relationship improvement rather than general mental health concerns.
Session Types:
- Live virtual sessions with relationship experts
- Self-guided digital tools and exercises
- In-app content and short lessons designed to support progress between sessions
Pricing:
OurRitual uses a subscription model, with plans starting from around $32 per week. Pricing varies based on whether you choose an individual or couples plan and the level of support you select.OurRitual was created for couples who want real guidance without the hassle of traditional therapy schedules. It blends weekly sessions with simple in-app exercises, helping couples improve communication, feel more supported, and grow together in a way that fits into everyday life.
Talkspace
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
Best for: Couples who want easy access to licensed therapists through messaging and live sessions
Main Features:
- Match with a licensed therapist who specializes in couples work
- Unlimited text, audio, and video messaging with your therapist
- Optional live video sessions for deeper conversations
- Access to educational content and mental health resources
Session Types:
- Asynchronous messaging
- Live video sessions
- Live audio sessions, depending on plan
Pricing:
Talkspace offers multiple subscription plans depending on how much live therapy you want. For example, their standard plan (messaging only) starts around $69 per week. When you include live video sessions and unlimited direct messaging, the cost rises to around $99 per week, and their full plan with live sessions, messaging, and workshops is about $109 per week.
BetterHelp
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
Best for: Couples or individuals who want flexible online therapy focused on relationship issues
Main Features:
- Large network of licensed therapists
- Options for individual therapy focused on relationship concerns
- Secure messaging, live chat, phone, and video sessions
- Ability to switch therapists if the first match does not feel like a good fit
Session Types:
- Messaging-based support
- Live video, phone, or chat sessions
Pricing:
BetterHelp operates on a weekly-subscription model (billed monthly), with pricing typically ranging from about $65 to $100 per week, depending on your location, therapist availability, and plan level. It isn’t specifically marketed as a couples-only app, but some therapists do offer joint sessions for partners.
ReGain
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
Best for: Couples specifically seeking online relationship counseling and marriage counseling
Main Features:
- A platform dedicated to relationship and marriage therapy
- A joint therapy chat room where both partners and the therapist can talk together in one place, so everyone sees the same messages and stays on the same page.
- Therapists specializing in couples dynamics
Session Types:
- Messaging for both partners
- Live video or phone sessions
Pricing:
ReGain offers a subscription model with standard pricing ranging from about $60 to $100 per week for couples therapy, depending on your location, therapist availability, and preferred service level. Some sources report monthly billing in the range of $240-$360 for a four-week period.
Calmerry.com
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
Best for: Individuals and couples seeking flexible online therapy with emotional health support
Main Features:
- Licensed therapists available for relationship concerns
- Text-based therapy with options for live sessions depending on plan
- Journaling tools and mood tracking features
- Some therapists work with couples, even though the platform is not couples-only
Session Types:
- Messaging
- Live video sessions, depending on subscription tier
Pricing:
Calmerry offers several subscription tiers depending on whether you want messaging only or messaging plus live video sessions. Messaging-only plans start at about $57 per week (billed monthly). Plans that include two live video sessions per month start at around $77.50 per week, and plans with four live video sessions per month begin at roughly $90 per week. Prices can vary by region and promotional discounts.
Online-therapy.com
Platforms: Web-based platform with mobile-friendly access
Best for: People who like structured CBT-based programs and want to apply those tools to relationship issues
Main Features:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy modules and worksheets
- Daily journal prompts and activity plans
- Ability to work with an assigned therapist through messaging
- Video or audio sessions, depending on plan
Session Types:
- Self-paced CBT modules
- Messaging with a therapist
- Video or audio sessions
Pricing:
Online-Therapy.com offers several subscription tiers, starting with a “Basic” messaging-only plan at approximately $48 per week. For live sessions, the “Standard” plan begins around $72 per week for one live 45-minute session per week plus unlimited messaging. The more intensive “Premium” plan starts around $96 per week for two live sessions weekly. Their couples therapy option begins at about $96 per week and above. All plans are billed monthly.
MDLIVE
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
Best for: Couples who want access to licensed mental health providers through a broader telehealth platform with insurance integration
Main Features:
- Telehealth platform offering medical, psychiatric, and therapy services
- Licensed therapists and psychiatrists, depending on the state and insurance
- Some providers offer couples or family sessions
- Integration with certain insurance plans to reduce costs
Session Types:
- Live video sessions
- Secure messaging, depending on the provider and plan
Pricing:
MDLIVE accepts many major insurance plans - if your plan includes coverage through MDLIVE, your virtual visit cost could be as low as $0. For self-pay clients without insurance, initial therapy sessions can cost up to $179, with follow-up sessions around $140, depending on the type of appointment and location.
How Do Couples Therapy Apps Work?
Although each app is different, most couples therapy apps share a few common elements.
Matching and Onboarding
When you sign up, many platforms:
- Ask questions about your relationship, goals, and challenges
- Let you specify preferences such as therapist gender, specialities, or language
- Offer a questionnaire for both partners to complete
Based on this information, the app may:
- Match you with a therapist
- Recommend specific programs or exercises
- Suggest a mix of live sessions and self-paced tools
Communication With Therapists
On platforms that include licensed therapists, communication might happen through:
- Asynchronous messaging, where you and your partner can write to your therapist at any time and receive responses within a set window
- Scheduled live video sessions, similar to traditional therapy but conducted online
- Occasional phone or live chat sessions, depending on the app
Some couples like messaging because it allows time to reflect. Others prefer live sessions where things can be addressed in real time.
Self-Guided Tools and Exercises
Even when live therapy is available, many couples therapy apps rely heavily on self-guided tools. These might include:
- Communication exercises where partners take turns answering prompts
- Worksheets or journaling activities about conflict patterns, attachment, or intimacy
- Check-ins about mood, stress, or satisfaction in the relationship
- Video or audio mini-lessons on topics like repair, active listening, or emotional regulation
These tools can be especially helpful between live sessions, giving couples ways to practice and integrate what they are learning.
Who Can Benefit From a Couples Therapy App?
Couples therapy apps can be useful for many different situations, including:
- Couples who want to improve communication before problems grow
- Partners navigating a stressful life transition
- Long-distance couples who need a structured connection
- Couples working through recurring conflict patterns
- Individuals who want to work on relationship skills on their own first
They are not a replacement for all forms of care. Situations that involve ongoing emotional or physical abuse, serious safety risks, or complex trauma typically require more intensive, in-person, or specialized support.
How to Choose the Right Couples Therapy App
When comparing apps, it can help to ask:
- Do we want live sessions with a therapist, self-guided tools, or both?
- How much can we realistically spend each month?
- Do we need an option that’s easy to use, no matter our schedules, routines, or time-zone differences?
- Are we more comfortable with structured programs or open-ended conversations?
Reading user reviews, exploring sample exercises, and checking therapist qualifications can also guide your decision. If you already work with a therapist, you can ask whether they recommend using an app in between sessions.
FAQs
What is the best couples therapy app for communication issues?
The best couples therapy app for communication issues is one that helps partners slow down, talk more openly, and break out of the same arguments that keep showing up. Apps with structured prompts, guided exercises, and access to a relationship expert tend to be the most effective.
Many couples find that OurRitual’s step-by-step communication tools and weekly expert sessions give them a clearer way to practice healthier conversations day-to-day. Ultimately, the “best” app depends on your relationship goals, how much support you want, and whether you prefer self-guided tools or live sessions with a licensed or trained therapist.
Are therapy apps as effective as in-person couples therapy?
Therapy apps can be effective for many couples, especially when they offer evidence-based techniques or access to licensed therapists. They make support easier to access and can help couples practice skills between sessions. While they may not replace in-person therapy for complex or crisis situations, many couples find that online support feels more convenient, less intimidating, and easier to maintain long-term.
Can a relationship therapy app really help rebuild trust or intimacy?
A relationship therapy app can help rebuild trust or intimacy when it includes tools that focus on communication, emotional awareness, and consistent practice. These skills matter because trust grows when partners feel heard, understood, and emotionally supported on a consistent basis. Many apps offer exercises that help partners understand each other’s needs, share feelings more openly, and create new habits that make the relationship feel safer and more predictable. Results depend on how regularly the couple uses the tools and whether both partners are willing to participate in the process.
What features should I look for in the best therapy app for couples?
When choosing a therapy app for couples, look for features that match your goals. Helpful elements might include guided communication exercises, options for live therapy sessions, therapist profiles with credentials, clear pricing, strong privacy protections, and tools that support conflict resolution, emotional attunement, and ongoing connection. The app should be easy to navigate and feel comfortable for both partners to use.
How much do the best couples therapy apps cost?
The cost of couples therapy apps varies widely. Some offer lower-priced self-guided plans, while others include weekly or monthly live sessions with licensed therapists and are priced closer to traditional therapy. Most apps use a subscription model, and the total cost depends on the level of support, how many live sessions you use, and whether messaging-only or live-session features are included.
Do these apps offer sessions with licensed therapists or just self-help tools?
Different apps offer different levels of support. Some provide access to licensed therapists through video, phone, or messaging. Others offer primarily self-guided tools such as exercises, prompts, and educational content. Many platforms fall somewhere in between, giving couples the option to choose self-help tools, live therapy, or a combination.
What if my partner is resistant to using a couples therapy app?
If your partner is hesitant about using a couples therapy app, it can help to have an open conversation about why it matters to you and what you hope it could bring to the relationship. Instead of pushing for a big commitment, invite them to look at the app with you or try something small, like a short prompt or exercise. Some people need time to feel comfortable with the idea of structured support, especially if therapy feels unfamiliar or intimidating. And if they still prefer not to join, you can still use many of the tools on your own. Building your own communication habits often influences the relationship in meaningful ways.
How often should couples use therapy apps for real progress?
Couples typically see the most progress when they use therapy apps consistently, even if only in small amounts. Working through guided exercises once or twice a week, sending check-ins, or completing communication prompts can create meaningful change over time. The key is steady practice rather than intensity, so the effort you put in naturally carries over into how you and your partner connect.
Can single individuals use these apps to prepare for healthier relationships?
Yes. Plenty of people use therapy apps on their own to build healthier relationship habits before they're even in a relationship. Tools that focus on communication, boundaries, and emotional awareness can give you a stronger foundation, so your next relationship starts off on more solid ground.
Strengthen Your Relationship with OurRitual
If you and your partner want structured guidance, practical tools, and expert support that fits into everyday life, OurRitual offers a clear path forward. With weekly sessions, step-by-step exercises, and short lessons you can use between sessions, it gives couples a way to stay connected and grow together at a pace that feels manageable. You can start from home, on your own schedule, with support designed specifically for relationships.
