Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

686,000 people sought help with Thriveworks in the last year

Discover how starting premarital counseling can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card), Capital BlueCross of Pennsylvania | BCBS | Blue Cross Blue Shield, +22 more
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My drive is to empower you to thrive -- a meaning that can only be defined by you. We will work together to understand and establish this meaning as a... My drive is to empower you to thrive -- a meaning that can only be defined by you. We will work together to understand and establish this meaning as a foundation for your healing process. Read more

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I believe everyone can live a purposeful and meaningful life without having to win a battle against themselves.

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I strive to provide a reflective atmosphere to help individuals authentically engage deeper aspects of themselves.

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As an advocate in the mental health field, my goal is to help those who are struggling with any form of obstacle and help them reach their desired goa... As an advocate in the mental health field, my goal is to help those who are struggling with any form of obstacle and help them reach their desired goal to reach their highest potential. Read more

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Kelly emphasizes the importance of learning how to love and be yourself.

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I believe that when we focus on strengths and solutions, inevitably we find exactly what we were looking for.

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As a woman who has been a client in therapy themselves, I understand the unique nature of reaching out for help when life becomes overwhelming.

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As a female who has experienced her own life's transitions, I understand the the importance of acknowledging the challenge of change.

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Behavioral Issues, Life Transition, Anxiety, Depression

As a Hispanic clinician with 15+ years of experience in different levels of care, I offer not only a culturally sensitive approach to therapy but one ... As a Hispanic clinician with 15+ years of experience in different levels of care, I offer not only a culturally sensitive approach to therapy but one that is well-rounded. Read more

Starting Premarital counseling

What is Premarital counseling?

Premarital counseling is a type of therapy that helps couples prepare for and build a happy, successful marriage. Premarital therapists at Thriveworks in Bethlehem, PA can help couples develop essential communication skills, identify potential conflict areas, and learn how to manage their specific relationship issues.

How does Premarital counseling work?

When you and your partner begin premarital counseling, your counselor will want to get to know you both as well as your relationship. In order to accomplish this, they will ask questions around the following:

  • Common interests and activities
  • Marital expectations
  • Budget and Finance
  • Children and parenting
  • Intimacy

If there is a particular area that they feel needs to be explored further (for example, you note that you and your partner have very different spending habits and views on money), they’ll guide the conversation in the given direction.

Is Premarital counseling conducted in person or online?

Premarital counseling at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and through Online therapy. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you and your partner.

How long does Premarital counseling last?

Generally speaking, Thriveworks premarital counseling in Bethlehem typically lasts for 8-10 weeks. This, however, can vary depending on the counselor’s approach as well as the clients’ preferences and needs. For example, some couples might request additional sessions to work through problem areas that they’ve identified in their relationship, pre-wedding.

Need more help deciding?

Many people dream about getting married their entire lives. At just 13 years old they’re thinking about their ideal wedding destinations, picking out potential dresses, and even daydreaming about what song they’ll have their first dance to. And when the time eventually comes to set these wedding plans in stone, excitement overrides all—even pre-marriage preparations that prove important to the foundation of a relationship moving forward.

“Many people spend more time in planning the wedding than they do in planning the marriage.” -Zig Ziglar

Premarital counseling is designed to help couples prepare for this life-long commitment. It helps couples to address any current problem areas, learn how to address problems that may arise in the future, and develop effective communication skills. This form of counseling is typically sought out during the engagement phase, but it can also prove beneficial to those still considering marriage.

If you fit into either of these categories, and you’re interested in working with a premarital counselor (or hearing more about this service), Thriveworks Bethlehem can help. Our providers are qualified, as they possess the proper skills as well as the compassion that makes for a successful counseling experience.

What Are the Benefits of Premarital Counseling?

As mentioned above, premarital counseling can help those who are engaged, as well as those who are still contemplating getting married. In fact, research shows that this intervention can help to lessen divorce rates and control those nerves many experience before getting married—whether there’s a problem the two of you would like to resolve, or you’d just like to further sustain the health and longevity of your relationship.

Premarital counseling equips couples with many effective tools, of which include communication strategies. Additionally, it can help to open up discussions that are otherwise uncomfortable to have. Some topics that are commonly addressed in premarital counseling include:

  • Role expectations
  • Budgeting and financing
  • Common interests/hobbies
  • Marriage dynamics
  • Sexuality and intimacy
  • Children and parenting
  • Visions for the future

What Does Premarital Counseling Look Like?

A premarital counseling session can vary from counselor to counselor, couple to couple. Some counselors like to first see each individual separately, so they can best observe and understand individual concerns and goals for counseling. Other therapists prefer to focus on the two as one unit from the very beginning. Either way, as the sessions continue, the couple identify problem areas, talk about their hopes and expectations for their marriage, and determine an effective plan for prioritizing the condition of their relationship.

Oftentimes, tools like Couples Resource Maps supplement premarital counseling. These assist each partner in determining resources as well as a healthy plan for dealing with conflict. Their action plan may involve going to counseling, sitting down to have a calm and productive conversation, or reviewing the resources they’ve determined can help during times of conflict.

Schedule a Premarital Counseling Session at Thriveworks Bethlehem Today

While it’s fun and important to get all of the wedding details down to a tee, it’s imperative that you take the necessary steps to preserve your relationship with your partner—as marriage brings with it new challenges. One way to get ahead of these challenges is to seek out premarital counseling; as this approach to counseling is designed to help you build a solid foundation for your marriage, before your marriage even begins! It will essentially act as a safety net for your relationship.

If you’re interested in premarital counseling and want to experience the benefits first-hand, schedule a session with a counselor at Thriveworks Bethlehem. All you have to do is give us a call at 484-241-2848 to get all set up with one of our experts. A scheduling specialist will greet you and assist you through this quick and easy process, as the following is guaranteed:

  • Punctuality: Many clients have their first session within 24 hours of speaking with a scheduling specialist. We want to get you started as soon as possible!
  • Flexibility: If daytime or weekday appointments don’t work for you, that’s okay. We offer evening and weekend appointments as well because we understand that sometimes “the norm” just isn’t practical.
  • Dedicated, professional care: You don’t have to worry about whether or not your provider has the proper skills or experience to help you. The professionals at Thriveworks are experts in their field, and they’re also completely dedicated to providing you with the care you deserve.

Let’s get started! Give us a call at Thriveworks Bethlehem to schedule your session. We’re looking forward to working with you.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Bethlehem therapists and counselors accept 28 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Capital BlueCross of Pennsylvania | BCBS | Blue Cross Blue Shield

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Geisinger Health Plan

  • Geisinger Health Plan Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

  • Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Pennsylvania | BCBS

Show more
Self-pay costs at Bethlehem
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

5.0 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
So far I have had good experiences with the clinicians and the management.
Susan Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My experience with Thriveworks and the Counselor I was assigned to has been good so far. The Counselor is I had hoped, compassionate and intelligent. I am looking forward to continuing with her.
Read more My experience with Thriveworks and the Counselor I was assigned to has been good so far. The Counselor is I had hoped, compassionate and intelligent. I am looking forward to continuing with her.
Susan Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Kenneth Fulton has been my psychologist for over a year and a half. He has brought meaning back to my life, after losing my mother in February 2020 and dealing with covid. I can never put into words what his counseling has done for me. I went from a very dark place back into the light again. He's the greatest at what he does. I could go on and on about this counselor but that would take too long. Thank you Ken for everything you've done.
Read more Kenneth Fulton has been my psychologist for over a year and a half. He has brought meaning back to my life, after losing my mother in February 2020 and dealing with covid. I can never put into words what his counseling has done for me. I went from a very dark place back into the light again. He's the greatest at what he does. I could go on and on about this counselor but that would take too long. Thank you Ken for everything you've done.
Bethlehem Oct 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Through my sessions with Lora I’ve been able to stop doubting myself and my capabilities. My life has changed drastically for the better through her teachings and spot-on feedback. I started seeing Lora because I was going through a tough breakup and not only were we able to acknowledge the toxicity of that relationship, we were also able to tackle my productivity issues at work and I have since completely turned my career around. I feel as though I’ve been running with a ton of weight on my shoulders and Lora was able to guide me on how to liberate myself from all of these burdens and run freely! Thank you Lora, don’t know where I’d be without ya!
Read more Through my sessions with Lora I’ve been able to stop doubting myself and my capabilities. My life has changed drastically for the better through her teachings and spot-on feedback. I started seeing Lora because I was going through a tough breakup and not only were we able to acknowledge the toxicity of that relationship, we were also able to tackle my productivity issues at work and I have since completely turned my career around. I feel as though I’ve been running with a ton of weight on my shoulders and Lora was able to guide me on how to liberate myself from all of these burdens and run freely! Thank you Lora, don’t know where I’d be without ya!
Bethlehem Feb 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I worked with Christiana for nearly four years in a clinical setting. In our agency, she was known as a compassionate counselor and was very sought-after by clients because of her caring nature and ability to hold clients accountable when needed. Her solid clinical skills made her a colleague I could always count on for solid feedback and a very thorough way of addressing client needs. She was able to look at clinical issues from multiple perspectives and with a real sense of fairness and respect for the client. Christiana is a rare find in this field!
Read more I worked with Christiana for nearly four years in a clinical setting. In our agency, she was known as a compassionate counselor and was very sought-after by clients because of her caring nature and ability to hold clients accountable when needed. Her solid clinical skills made her a colleague I could always count on for solid feedback and a very thorough way of addressing client needs. She was able to look at clinical issues from multiple perspectives and with a real sense of fairness and respect for the client. Christiana is a rare find in this field!
Bethlehem Jul 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Throughout my first job I have had a lot of stress. Christiana has helped me battle through my mental obstacles and become a better human being.
Read more Throughout my first job I have had a lot of stress. Christiana has helped me battle through my mental obstacles and become a better human being.
Bethlehem Mar 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I've known Camille Mackey many years and she has always cared for/helped people. She is a wonderful and very compassionate therapist. I feel very comfortable talking to her.
Read more I've known Camille Mackey many years and she has always cared for/helped people. She is a wonderful and very compassionate therapist. I feel very comfortable talking to her.
Bethlehem Mar 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Christiana is great! She is easy to talk to , ask the right questions to help me figure out how to get through my difficult time with my anxiety. I would recommend her to anyone looking for someone to just talk to or to help get through tough times!
Read more Christiana is great! She is easy to talk to , ask the right questions to help me figure out how to get through my difficult time with my anxiety. I would recommend her to anyone looking for someone to just talk to or to help get through tough times!
Bethlehem Mar 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Bethlehem is located off of Linden St, just north of Bethlehem Memorial Park. We currently share a building with Our Serenity Therapeutic Massage, and our office is neighbored by Purevon. The closest bus stop is Easton at Jennings, and parking is available in our parking lot at the front of the building. If you have trouble finding our office, please reach out to us! We'll be happy to provide specific instructions.

Phone number

(484) 246-8486

Languages spoken by PA providers

  • English
  • Mandarin
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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