Why Couples Therapy Costs More—and Why It’s Worth It

How Much Should Couples Therapy Cost?

Investing in your relationship through couples therapy is one of the most impactful choices you can make, often with benefits that extend well beyond the therapy room. Couples therapy tends to cost more than individual therapy, largely due to the specialized training and experience needed to work effectively with relationship dynamics. Below, we’ll break down average costs across major Texas cities and discuss why couples therapy is not only a worthwhile investment but also an invaluable resource for both personal and relational growth.

Average Cost of Couples Therapy in Texas (2024)

Here’s an overview of average costs for couples therapy in various Texas cities based on recent data:

Couples therapy rates tend to reflect the advanced skill level of practitioners who have invested years in post-graduate training and supervised practice. Therapists specializing in couples therapy are trained in relationship-specific, evidence-based approaches, such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), the Gottman Method, or Imago Relationship Therapy. This expertise requires years of continued learning and practice in sessions making seasoned couples therapists some of the most specialized practitioners in the field.

Why Couples Therapy Often Costs More Than Individual Therapy

Couples therapy requires a distinct skill set that goes beyond traditional individual therapy. Working with a couple as a "dyad" — focusing on their dynamics as a unit — is fundamentally different from treating one person’s individual concerns. This means that couples therapists must not only be versed in psychological principles but also deeply knowledgeable about systemic patterns and attachment dynamics that influence relationships.

Additionally, couples therapists approach therapy without “taking sides.” This balance requires a skillful, neutral stance that can only be achieved with specialized training and years of experience. Consequently, many seasoned couples therapists operate as private-pay practitioners to prioritize effective, ethical care.