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

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

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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 Bethesda, MD 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 Bethesda 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?

Premarital Counseling in Bethesda, MD—Premarital Counselors and Therapists

Marriage is the natural next step for many couples who are serious about each other and want to build a life together. But marriages don’t just magically work out. Believe it or not, they actually take hard work, time, and a whole lot of effort. We often forget that it isn’t all smooth sailing because we’re so busy fantasizing about our wonderful future with our significant other. And while it’s perfectly okay to fantasize, to dream about all of the good times you will share, it’s important that you also prepare for the obstacles your relationship might encounter as you take on this life-long commitment.

So, how can you do your due diligence and prepare your relationship for the next step? You can work with a premarital counselor at Thriveworks Bethesda. We have premarital counselors on staff who are experts on marriage—they have relevant skills and experience to help you and your partner ready for this life-long commitment. Our providers are ready to get started when you are. All you have to do is call us when you want to schedule an appointment or hear more about our services, and we’ll get it taken care of for you.

Important Conversations in Premarital Counseling

The premarital counselors at Thriveworks Bethesda want to help you build your forever relationship. If you have concerns about marriage or there is a problem that needs to be addressed in your relationship, now is the time to talk about it and counseling is the place to do it. Here are some common issues or topics discussed in premarital counseling:

  • Intimacy issues
  • Parenting decisions
  • Marital roles
  • Childbearing
  • Visions for the future
  • Work schedules
  • Career paths

Say you and your partner disagree about how to discipline your children; or, you don’t have children and you want to keep it that way, but your partner has always dreamed of having a big family. Your Thriveworks Bethesda premarital counselor can help you to understand if these are problems you can work through and how.

What Can I Expect from Working with a Premarital Counseling?

You’ll probably be happy to know that your experience in premarital counseling is based on you and your significant other. There isn’t a generic process for every couple seen in premarital counseling; instead, your counselor will meet you and your partner, assess your relationship, listen to your needs, and then develop a treatment plan customized just for you.

Your counselor might find it beneficial to meet with you and your partner together as well as individually. This way, they can understand individual needs and concerns, especially if you’re scared to speak up in front of each other. Ultimately, you and your partner will work with your premarital counselor to overcome current obstacles in the relationship, better understand what to expect from marriage together, and develop tools for overcoming issues that might arise in the future.

Schedule Premarital Counseling at Thriveworks Bethesda

We’re happy that you’re excited about marrying the love of your life. And we want to make sure you build the long-lasting relationship you look forward to. To ensure your relationship is able to weather the storms that may come, consider working with a premarital counselor at Thriveworks Bethesda. They are experts on helping couples to take this next step in their relationship and build a joyful life together.

If you are ready to book an appointment, or you want to hear more about our services, reach out to Thriveworks Bethesda. Call (240) 513-3093 to speak with a scheduling specialist and set up your session. You’ll get to choose from flexible options, including evening and weekend appointments.

We hope to hear from you soon and look forward to helping you prepare for the life-long commitment of marriage.

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 Bethesda therapists and counselors accept 22 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Maryland | BCBS HMO

  • CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Maryland | BCBS PPO

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

  • Humana Medicare Advantage

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Self-pay costs at Bethesda
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
★★★★★
I couldn't have asked for a better therapist. Nina Zuriff is such a good fit for me. She is very knowledgeable and compassionate. She has really helped me cope with this very hard time I am currently experiencing and makes herself reachable should an emergency arise. I am very happy I selected Nina. I would highly recommend her to anyone.
Read more I couldn't have asked for a better therapist. Nina Zuriff is such a good fit for me. She is very knowledgeable and compassionate. She has really helped me cope with this very hard time I am currently experiencing and makes herself reachable should an emergency arise. I am very happy I selected Nina. I would highly recommend her to anyone.
Roseann Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Carolina, is a caring and empathetic individual. I felt heard and understood since I walked in to see her. She is helping me grow as an individual l, and for that I am forever grateful.
Read more Carolina, is a caring and empathetic individual. I felt heard and understood since I walked in to see her. She is helping me grow as an individual l, and for that I am forever grateful.
Bethesda Mar 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I am glad that I made the decision to work with Stacey Scott. She is an exceptional listener. Ms. Scott is committed to her clients. Stacey is intentional about ensuring her clients are successful and thrive. Stacey takes the the time to listen and helps with developing strategies that are effective. Stacey Scott is a professional. I am so glad I had an opportunity to talk with her and even happier that she listened.
Read more I am glad that I made the decision to work with Stacey Scott. She is an exceptional listener. Ms. Scott is committed to her clients. Stacey is intentional about ensuring her clients are successful and thrive. Stacey takes the the time to listen and helps with developing strategies that are effective. Stacey Scott is a professional. I am so glad I had an opportunity to talk with her and even happier that she listened.
Bethesda Oct 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Bethesda is located at 4401 E W Hwy #504, Bethesda, MD 20814, near Bethesda Chevy Chase High School.

Phone number

(240) 647-5625

Languages spoken by MD providers

  • English
  • Spanish
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
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm

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

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