We know that reaching out for therapy can feel overwhelming, especially when you are not sure what to expect. Below you will find honest, straightforward answers to the questions our clients ask most often. If you do not see your question here, contact us and we will be happy to help.
Without insurance, marriage counseling sessions in Florida typically range from $100 to $250 per session depending on the therapist’s credentials and session length. At Marriage and Family Services, we accept 15+ insurance plans, which means most of our clients pay only their copay — usually between $20 and $50 per session.
If you have insurance, we verify your benefits before your first appointment so you know exactly what to expect. For clients without insurance or with high-deductible plans, we can discuss your options during scheduling.
Research consistently supports the effectiveness of professional marriage counseling. According to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, over 97% of surveyed couples reported being satisfied with the therapy they received. The American Psychological Association reports that approximately 75% of couples who attend marriage therapy experience improved relationships.
Success depends on several factors, including how early you seek help, the severity of the issues, both partners’ commitment to the process, and attendance consistency. Couples who actively participate and practice skills between sessions tend to see the strongest results.
Studies vary, but research suggests that approximately 70-80% of couples who complete a full course of marriage counseling report staying together and experiencing meaningful improvement in their relationship. Couples who start counseling before problems become deeply entrenched tend to have the best outcomes.
It is important to note that “success” in marriage counseling does not always mean staying together. For some couples, therapy clarifies that the healthiest path forward is an amicable separation. A skilled therapist helps both partners reach the best outcome for their situation.
In everyday use, “therapist” and “psychotherapist” refer to similar roles. Both are licensed mental health professionals who provide talk therapy to help individuals, couples, and families work through emotional and behavioral challenges.
The term “psychotherapist” is sometimes used more specifically to describe practitioners who use structured, evidence-based therapy methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), or psychodynamic therapy. In Florida, both titles require a state license (such as LMFT, LMHC, or LCSW) and graduate-level education. Learn more about the difference between therapy and psychotherapy on our website.
Most couples attend therapy for 8-20 sessions, though the timeline varies based on the complexity of the issues and both partners’ engagement. Some couples notice meaningful progress in as few as 6 sessions, while others benefit from longer-term work over several months.
Your therapist will set goals with you at the start of treatment and check in regularly to assess progress. Sessions are typically weekly at the beginning and may shift to biweekly as you improve. The goal is to give you the tools to manage your relationship effectively on your own.
For most practical purposes, therapy and counseling are interchangeable terms. Both involve working with a licensed mental health professional to address emotional, behavioral, or relational concerns.
Some professionals draw a subtle distinction: “counseling” may refer to shorter-term, problem-focused work (such as navigating a specific life transition), while “therapy” can imply deeper, longer-term exploration of underlying patterns and emotional issues. At our practice, we tailor the approach to your needs regardless of which term you use to describe what you are looking for.
In most cases, no. If you have a PPO or Open Access insurance plan, you can typically schedule directly with a therapist without a referral from your primary care doctor. Some HMO plans do require a referral for mental health services, so check your plan details or call the number on the back of your insurance card.
At Marriage and Family Services, you can book an appointment directly through our website. If your plan requires a referral, we will let you know during the scheduling process.
Many insurance plans cover therapy sessions that involve a clinical diagnosis, such as anxiety, depression, or an adjustment disorder. While “marriage counseling” as a standalone category may not appear on your benefits summary, the sessions themselves are typically covered when a diagnosable condition is being treated.
At Marriage and Family Services, our licensed therapists assess for clinical conditions during your initial appointment. If a diagnosis applies, your insurance is billed accordingly. We accept Aetna, Cigna, Florida Blue, UnitedHealthcare, TRICARE, and many other plans.
We accept 15+ insurance plans, including:
For the most current list of accepted insurance, visit our insurance page or contact our office. We verify your specific benefits before your first appointment.
There are three ways to check your mental health coverage:
TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is a non-invasive, FDA-cleared treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. A device placed against your scalp targets the prefrontal cortex — the brain region involved in mood regulation — with brief magnetic pulses that activate underactive neural circuits.
TMS is primarily used for treatment-resistant depression, meaning depression that has not improved with medication. It is also FDA-cleared for OCD and shows promise for anxiety disorders. Treatment involves 36 sessions over 4-6 weeks, with each session lasting 20-40 minutes. You remain awake and alert throughout, and there is no recovery time needed afterward. Learn more on our TMS therapy page.
TMS is generally not painful. Most patients describe the sensation as a tapping or light knocking on the scalp during treatment. This feeling typically becomes less noticeable after the first few sessions as you adjust.
The most common side effect is mild scalp discomfort or a light headache during or after sessions, which usually resolves within an hour. TMS does not cause the systemic side effects associated with medications, such as weight gain, nausea, or sexual dysfunction. There is no sedation or anesthesia involved.
TMS has a favorable side effect profile compared to psychiatric medications. The most commonly reported side effects include:
These effects are usually mild and diminish over the course of treatment as you become accustomed to the sessions. Serious side effects are extremely rare. There is a very small risk of seizure (less than 0.1%), which is comparable to the seizure risk associated with many antidepressant medications.
Most major insurance plans now cover TMS therapy for treatment-resistant depression, including Aetna, Cigna, Florida Blue, UnitedHealthcare, and TRICARE. Coverage typically requires documentation showing that you have tried at least one or two antidepressant medications without adequate improvement.
Our team handles the entire pre-authorization process. We gather your clinical records, submit the request to your insurance company, and confirm approval before starting treatment. If you are unsure whether your plan covers TMS, contact us for a free benefits check.
A standard TMS treatment course consists of 36 sessions delivered over 4-6 weeks, with sessions five days per week (Monday through Friday). Each session lasts approximately 20-40 minutes.
Most patients begin noticing improvement 2-4 weeks into treatment, with the full benefit often apparent by the end of the course or shortly after. After completing the initial series, some patients benefit from periodic maintenance sessions to sustain their results. Your provider will create a personalized plan based on your response.
Yes. We understand that work schedules, childcare, and other commitments make daytime appointments difficult for many people. Our offices offer flexible scheduling options, including evening appointments. Select weekend availability may also be offered depending on your location and therapist.
When you book your appointment, you will see available time slots for your preferred location. If you need help finding a time that works, our scheduling team can assist.
Yes. We offer secure telehealth therapy sessions for individuals, couples, and families anywhere in Florida. Virtual sessions use a HIPAA-compliant video platform and are covered by most insurance plans at the same rate as in-person visits.
Telehealth is an excellent option if you live outside the areas served by our Plantation, Tampa, or North Miami offices, or if you simply prefer the convenience of meeting from home. Research consistently shows that telehealth therapy is equally effective as in-person sessions for most conditions.
Yes. Your therapy is confidential. If you schedule individual sessions, your therapist will not disclose your attendance or anything discussed in sessions to your spouse or anyone else without your written consent. This applies whether you are attending therapy for personal concerns or for issues related to your relationship.
If you use insurance, keep in mind that an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) may be sent to the primary policyholder. If privacy is a concern and you share an insurance plan with your spouse, discuss this with our scheduling team so we can help you understand your options.
Consider seeking marriage counseling if you notice patterns that are not improving on their own. Common signs include: repeated arguments about the same issues without resolution, communication that has become hostile or nonexistent, emotional distance or feeling like roommates, broken trust due to infidelity or dishonesty, disagreements about parenting or finances that create ongoing tension, or one partner considering separation.
You do not need to wait for a crisis. Couples who seek help earlier in the process typically see better outcomes. If you are unsure, schedule a first session and discuss your concerns with a therapist who can help you determine the best path forward.
These terms are closely related and often used interchangeably. The main differences are subtle. Marriage counseling typically focuses on resolving specific issues within a marriage, such as communication breakdowns, infidelity recovery, or parenting conflicts. It tends to be more structured and goal-oriented.
Couples therapy takes a broader approach, exploring deeper emotional patterns, attachment styles, and relationship dynamics. It is also available to unmarried couples, including those who are dating, engaged, or in domestic partnerships. At our practice, your therapist tailors the approach based on your specific needs and goals.
Our team is here to help. If you did not find the answer you were looking for, contact us by phone or through our website. We are happy to answer your questions about therapy, insurance, scheduling, or anything else before you book your first session.
Meet our team to learn more about the licensed therapists at our Plantation, Tampa, and North Miami offices.
Marriage & Family Services is proud to announce the opening of our newest office in Stuart, Florida. We are welcoming clients at our new location and look forward to supporting even more individuals, couples, and families in the community.
Stuart Location
1111 SE Federal Highway Suite 120
Stuart, FL. 34994