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

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

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Good news! We have 97 therapists in Virginia available for an online or in-person session.
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 29 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

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Carelon

  • Christus Health Plan Exchange

  • Christus Health Plan Medicare Advantage

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

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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

5.0 Thriveworks Richmond reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
I am a Certified Peer Support Specialist with Horizon Behavioral Health in Lynchburg, VA and I have known Ashley as a helpful and supportive Clinician. Ashley was always available for clients and co-workers, and she has always been friendly, empathic, and willing to go the "extra mile". I wish Ashley all the best in her new position and I am sure she will be an asset to Thriveworks. Please feel free to contact me anytime via my email. Best regards, Günter Gensbygel
Read more I am a Certified Peer Support Specialist with Horizon Behavioral Health in Lynchburg, VA and I have known Ashley as a helpful and supportive Clinician. Ashley was always available for clients and co-workers, and she has always been friendly, empathic, and willing to go the "extra mile". I wish Ashley all the best in her new position and I am sure she will be an asset to Thriveworks. Please feel free to contact me anytime via my email. Best regards, Günter Gensbygel
Richmond Oct 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
It was my esteemed pleasure to have worked with Ashley Groeper at Liberty University where she touched the hearts and minds of countless individuals. As a former colleague, I witnessed firsthand her unrelenting dedication and compassion for the plight of anyone in need. Ashley creatively applied her impressive intellect in search of effective and innovative ways to serve the needs of others and the community at large. Even in the rare occasions when an answer eluded her, she simply would not stop searching until she found it! I am fully persuaded that Ashley's positive outlook and intense desire to help people become the best version of themselves will allow her to partner with her clients in engaging ways. This will not only provide them with a trustworthy confidante, knowledge, and resources, but will also empower them with the confidence to be excited about their future and to become change agents in their own destiny! If you are looking for a competant professional counselor who will give you the respect and dignity you deserve, listen without judgment, someone who will never sacrifice quality for quantity, and has an unwavering commitment to helping you make sense out of life again, you will have found all that and more in Ashley Groeper!
Read more It was my esteemed pleasure to have worked with Ashley Groeper at Liberty University where she touched the hearts and minds of countless individuals. As a former colleague, I witnessed firsthand her unrelenting dedication and compassion for the plight of anyone in need. Ashley creatively applied her impressive intellect in search of effective and innovative ways to serve the needs of others and the community at large. Even in the rare occasions when an answer eluded her, she simply would not stop searching until she found it! I am fully persuaded that Ashley's positive outlook and intense desire to help people become the best version of themselves will allow her to partner with her clients in engaging ways. This will not only provide them with a trustworthy confidante, knowledge, and resources, but will also empower them with the confidence to be excited about their future and to become change agents in their own destiny! If you are looking for a competant professional counselor who will give you the respect and dignity you deserve, listen without judgment, someone who will never sacrifice quality for quantity, and has an unwavering commitment to helping you make sense out of life again, you will have found all that and more in Ashley Groeper!
Richmond Oct 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
It has been a pleasure working with Ashley Groeper for the past year. She has always displayed a positive attitude and has a very pleasant demeanor. Her strong work ethic and keen professionalism has been a great benefit in encouraging, empowering, and enriching the lives of the individuals we serve. She will be a great asset to your team and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with her. I wish her the best of success as a therapist with your agency. Thank you.
Read more It has been a pleasure working with Ashley Groeper for the past year. She has always displayed a positive attitude and has a very pleasant demeanor. Her strong work ethic and keen professionalism has been a great benefit in encouraging, empowering, and enriching the lives of the individuals we serve. She will be a great asset to your team and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with her. I wish her the best of success as a therapist with your agency. Thank you.
Richmond Oct 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com

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
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
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

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
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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