7 Reasons to Use Rula for Couples and Family Therapy

Relationship strain, parenting stress and family conflict are some of the most common reasons people seek therapy, and also some of the hardest to schedule, because several people have to be free at once. This article sets out seven reasons couples and families consider Rula, followed by what to check first. Only a qualified clinician can assess your situation, so this is general information.

If you feel unsafe in your relationship, couples therapy is generally not the right first step. In the US, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-7233, and you can find more help on Get Help Now.

1. It offers couples and family therapy, not only individual care

Rula’s services include individual therapy for children from age 5, teens and adults, and couples and family therapy. That means you can start with one format and add another if needed, for example a parent and teen each seeing a therapist and then joining a family session. For background on what each involves, see couples therapy and family therapy.

2. Self-pay prices are published

Rula lists couples and family therapy at $165 per session, versus $150 for individual therapy, with no monthly membership fee. HSA and FSA funds can be used. Published prices make planning easier, though you should confirm current rates before booking. If you want a lower cost, see our affordable therapy guide.

3. Insurance may help, but check couples coverage

Rula is in network with more than 100 commercial plans, and says insured patients pay about $15 a session on average. Couples and family therapy is where insurance gets tricky: plans often require a diagnosis for one member, and some do not cover relationship counseling at all. Before you book, ask your insurer and Rula whether your plan covers couples or family sessions with that clinician, and what you would pay if it doesn’t.

4. Live video lets everyone join from where they are

Partners with different schedules, long-distance couples, or families with a relative away at school or work can all join from their own devices. For many common concerns, studies suggest therapist-delivered video therapy can work about as well as in-person therapy. Ask your provider how they run sessions with several people, and what happens if one person’s connection drops. See online therapy for what to expect.

5. You choose your provider

You browse profiles and pick, rather than being assigned. For couples and families, look for relevant training, such as an LMFT, and experience with your situation, whether that is communication, parenting, a life transition, infidelity or blended families. Our guide to how to find the right therapist lists questions that also apply to couples work, such as how the therapist handles disagreement between partners.

6. Scheduling can be quicker and more flexible

Rula says you can often meet a provider as soon as the next day, depending on your state, insurance and the clinician. Evening availability varies by clinician, so check profiles. Finding a time that works for two or more busy people is much easier without a commute.

7. One platform can cover related needs

Relationship stress often comes with anxiety, depression or other concerns. Rula also offers psychiatry from age 13, so one person can see a prescriber without leaving the service. Medication decisions belong to the individual and their clinician, not the couple.

How to get the most from sessions

Therapy works best with regular attendance and some practice between visits. Before your first session, each person can write down what they want to change, and what a good outcome would look like. Agree on a few ground rules, such as no interrupting and taking a break if a conversation becomes heated. Expect the first session or two to focus on history and goals. Give it several sessions before judging whether it is helping, and say so if you feel the therapist is taking sides.

What to check before you book

• Safety: couples therapy can be harmful where there is abuse or coercive control. A therapist should screen for this, and specialist domestic violence services are the right route.
• Coverage: confirm that couples or family sessions are covered, since this varies by plan.
• Fit: both partners should feel comfortable with the therapist. If one person feels outnumbered, say so, or consider a different provider.
• Privacy: agree on what is shared, and how, when individual and joint sessions are mixed.
• Not a crisis service: in the US, call or text 988 or call 911 in an emergency.
• Service issues: independent reviewers report some customer service problems and occasional therapist no-shows.

Compare your options

Read our Rula review, our guide to couples therapy services, or the paid comparison page for the best couples therapy. Other options include Talkspace and BetterHelp. See also our Talkspace vs. BetterHelp comparison.

The bottom line

Rula is worth considering if you want live video couples or family therapy with a clinician you choose, and you may be able to use insurance. Confirm coverage for relationship sessions, check prices on its site, and put safety first. Some links on this page are affiliate links and may earn us a commission, which never affects our conclusions. See our affiliate disclosure.