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

Discover how starting couples/marriage therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO, +22 more
Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, Relationships, Anxiety, +2 more

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO, +6 more
Military / Veteran, LGBTQIA+, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, +11 more

As a mother, wife, daughter, and college student, I have come to terms with the fact that all individuals are unique in their experiences, how they pe... As a mother, wife, daughter, and college student, I have come to terms with the fact that all individuals are unique in their experiences, how they perceive these experiences, and their reactions and responses to these experiences. Read more

187 more therapists available in Virginia

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Andrew Smith

Hear from Andrew Smith, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

View Andrew Smith's profile

What is your go-to approach for couples/marriage counseling?

My go-to approach for helping couples is to build effective communication skills. I frequently pull material and perspectives from Gottman's.

What tools do you teach in couples/marriage counseling?

I teach couples the importance of active listening, reflecting empathy, breaking negative feedback loops, avoiding communication pitfalls, and improving gratitude and appreciation.

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in couples/marriage counseling?

I know couples are making meaningful progress when they report in sessions that the tools being taught are effective in decreasing the frequency and intensity of conflicts. The goal for the therapist isn't to stop the arguing, but to be able to do so more productively with the purpose of making the relationship ultimately feel stronger in the end because both sides feel heard and understood.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement couples/marriage counseling?

I often encourage couples to read recommended books, listen to podcasts, or watch recommended content.

What should someone do to prepare for starting couples/marriage counseling?

To prepare for your first session, you can talk with one another about what you would each like to ultimately get out of counseling overall, as well as some specific issues/topics that you would like to specifically address in the first few sessions.

Starting Couples/marriage therapy

What is couples & marriage counseling?

Couples therapy and marriage counseling, also known as relationship counseling, helps couples work through their specific relationship issues. Some examples of common focuses within couples therapy and marriage counseling include:

  • Jealousy
  • Trust issues
  • Infidelity
  • Opposing values
  • Different visions for the future
  • Disagreements in parenting
  • Lack of trust
  • Financial distress
  • Sex issues

What type of therapy is used in couples therapy?

The types of therapy used in couples and marriage counseling include:

  • The Gottman Method
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Emotionally-focused therapy (EFT)
  • Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT)
  • Strength-based therapy

What kind of therapist is best for couples?

At Thriveworks, Couples/marriage therapy is led by licensed professionals — often licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) — who are experts in their field and best-equipped to help couples.

What is the Gottman Method of couples therapy?

The Gottman Method of couples therapy is a research-supported approach designed to enhance relationships by bolstering the bond between partners, resolving conflicts, and fostering shared meaning in their relationship through comprehensive assessments and tailored interventions that improve communication, trust, and the overall health of the partnership.

How to tell if I need couples therapy?

If you’re facing persistent relationship problems, communication breakdowns, or unresolved conflicts that are impacting your emotional well-being and happiness, Couples/marriage therapy may be beneficial for you.

Should every couple go to couples therapy?

While marriage and couple’s counseling is typically recommended for couples who are experiencing persistent or severe relationship issues, any relationship can benefit from attending these sessions.

Is couples & marriage counseling conducted in person or online?

Marriage and couples counseling at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you and your partner.

How long does couples & marriage counseling last?

On average, couples attend marriage and couples counseling for 12 weeks. However, couples & marriage counseling may last longer or shorter, dependent on the couples’ needs, the challenges they’d like to work through, and the pace of their progress.

How much does couples & marriage counseling cost?

At Thriveworks, we accept most major insurance plans, allowing many clients to pay as little as $0–$50 per session with their co-pay. We also offer self-pay options for those out-of-network or without insurance. Self-pay rates for talk therapy range from $160 to $240 for intake sessions and $135 to $195 for follow-ups, depending on your state. For psychiatry services, self-pay intake sessions are $255–$375, with follow-ups ranging from $175–$300, also varying by state. More information on current self-pay costs is available on our pricing page.

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 Richmond therapists and counselors accept 24 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | Exchange

  • CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS HMO

  • CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Carelon

  • Carelon | Medicare Advantage

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

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Self-pay costs at Richmond
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

4.9 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
Jaclyn creates a safe space for you to let your guard down. She goes at your pace. She challenges you in love. She asks what you need, and it's up to you to communicate that need. She makes herself available. And, you never feel like a bother.
Nichole Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Great Person to talk to.
Joseph Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have recommended Thriveworks to co-workers and friends that are going thru tough times. #1 reason is Johanna Hunt. Johanna is professional, attentive and sympathetic. Johanna helped me get out of a dark place and back on track to living a happy more healthy life. Johanna is the best :)
Read more I have recommended Thriveworks to co-workers and friends that are going thru tough times. #1 reason is Johanna Hunt. Johanna is professional, attentive and sympathetic. Johanna helped me get out of a dark place and back on track to living a happy more healthy life. Johanna is the best :)
Matt Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
In person sessions are valuable. The office environment and happy lobby space make a big difference in the experience. Our therapist has amazing recall and memory. She can often link past statements to current situations. She does have an expansive view of the big picture. She also helps prepare us for what is happening, what may be happening and how best to be prepared. This has been a frightening experience and having our Thriveworks therapist in our toolbox helps us navigate these unknown waters. It helps us move forward knowing she is on our team.
Read more In person sessions are valuable. The office environment and happy lobby space make a big difference in the experience. Our therapist has amazing recall and memory. She can often link past statements to current situations. She does have an expansive view of the big picture. She also helps prepare us for what is happening, what may be happening and how best to be prepared. This has been a frightening experience and having our Thriveworks therapist in our toolbox helps us navigate these unknown waters. It helps us move forward knowing she is on our team.
Brian Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Ease of discussion and good ideas
Robert Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★
CJ is present, thoughtful, and engaged in the process. One of the best therapists I've had.
Timothy Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Fantastic provider! Highly recommend.
Megan Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My therapist's listening skills are paramount in helping me navigate my issues. She readily ties my historical issues to show impact, improvement. She's helps me greatly.
Elizabeth Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Richmond is located in the neighborhood of Newtowne West on W Broad St. We share a building with Silk Hair Studio and Milano Market. We’re also right next to Grace Park and only a few blocks away from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU).

Phone number

(804) 312-3118

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • English
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
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

Shown in ET

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

Shown in ET

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