Care without the wait

88 licensed therapists & providers in North Carolina—2 in Wilmington. Available as soon as today, in person and online

Therapy for every life stage

Our providers work with individuals, couples, families, & teens for anxiety, depression, grief, & more

#1 for in-network coverage

We accept UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, BCBS Plans, Humana, Aetna, & many more. Self-pay options available, no membership fees

Patients who get better

94% of patients feel truly understood by their provider. 3 out of 4 see improvement in depression & anxiety symptoms within 3 months

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1,404 people sought marriage counseling help at Wilmington in the last year

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

Meet with a therapist as soon as this week

Chapel Hill

As a clinician with over 30 years of experience, I have worked in multiple settings with widely differing populations and needs as...

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Charlotte

Empowerment is the goal we will seek together to overcome and manage mental health issues. It can be challenging but support and a...

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Raleigh

As someone who lost 100lbs, I understand the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle by having healthy hobbies in your life ...

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Cary

I pursued mental health initially to help myself with my own issues of anxiety, depression, and life transitions, and I understand...

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Chapel Hill

It is my honor to join with you in your counseling journey and help hold hope as you work to go and grow through life....

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Marriage counseling FAQs

What is marriage counseling?

Marriage counseling, also known as couples therapy and relationship counseling, helps couples work through their specific relationship issues. Thriveworks marriage counseling in Wilmington, NC is led by licensed professionals — often licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) — who are experts in their field and best-equipped to help couples. Some examples of common focuses within Marriage counseling include:

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

How does marriage counseling work?

Marriage counseling works by helping couples identify and better navigate their unique challenges. Following an initial assessment of the couple in terms of strengths and needs, the therapist would then discuss their therapeutic goals and any possible approaches or ways of working together as therapist and couple.
Couples attend sessions together, whether they meet in person or by video. In addition to regular marriage counseling sessions, each partner may also be asked to attend a few individual sessions to supplement their progress. This will allow their counselor to get to know each individual better, assess each of their personal needs, and develop the very best treatment plan moving forward.

Is marriage counseling conducted in person or online?

Marriage 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 marriage counseling last?

On average, couples attend marriage counseling for 12 weeks. However, 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. Marriage counselors and therapists at Thriveworks in Wilmington, NC work with their clients to create goals, decide on ideal timelines, and establish treatment plans.

Need more help deciding?

Marriage Therapy in Wilmington, NC

Many people love their spouse and they want a great marriage, but they may not know how to create it. Marriage therapy is often a safe place where spouses learn how to build the marriage they want. Sometimes, that marriage looks like a deeper connection. Sometimes, a better relationship means an amicable parting of ways. There are no guarantees, and marriage counseling is not a silver bullet.

Thriveworks in Wilmington offers marriage therapy. We have been a safe place for many couples as they create a better relationship, whatever that relationship may look like. If you think your marriage could benefit from an expert’s help, reach out to Thriveworks Wilmington today to schedule an appointment.

Could Marriage Therapy Help?

There are a number of reasons to go to marriage therapy, and in reality, there is no right time or right reasons to start counseling. There is also no wrong time or wrong reason to start either. Often, if people think marriage therapy can help, then it probably can. Here are just a few of the reasons clients have decided to pursue marriage counseling at Thriveworks Wilmington:

1) Escalating or Constant Arguments. It is normal and even healthy for couples to argue. Even intense fights can be good if they are done respectfully. After all, a marriage is comprised of two individuals, and no one agrees perfectly with their spouse on every issue. The problem comes when spouses cannot resolve the disagreement and move forward. Conflict can then linger, and spouses may feel as if they are arguing all the time. Another big problem is when disagreements escalate. One minute, spouses can be discussing what groceries to buy, and the next moment, they are calling each other lazy. This is escalation. Instead of tackling the problem, they attack each other.

2) Never Disagreeing or Arguing.  Just as arguing too much can be harmful to a marriage, so can never arguing. Fire is destructive, but so is ice. Lack of arguments can signal several problems. It may mean that one or both spouses are so tired of arguing that they have given up. Instead of continuing to be frustrated and never making progress, they are withdrawing completely. Another possibility is that one spouse’s thoughts and feelings and opinions so dominate the relationship that there is no room for disagreement. The lack of argument is not grounded in respect but in domination.

3) One or both spouses have cheated. Adultery can rock a relationship. It is often a crisis point, and at the very least, each spouse has some serious decisions to make. Some know they want to try and repair the relationship. Others know that they want out of the marriage. Many have no idea what they want. Affairs decimate trust, and without trust, it can be difficult to move forward in the relationship—even if forward means divorce.

4) Each spouse is trying to fix the other. In healthy relationships, each individual takes responsibility for their own growth, thoughts, responsibilities, feelings, attitudes, and choices. This is particularly true within a marriage. When spouses are trying to change each other, they rarely succeed. Instead, they often introduce shame, frustration, and tension into the marriage. It is appropriate to hold each other accountable and responsible, but this is very different than trying to control or change a spouse.

5) The marriage is abusive.  Personal safety is the most important part of any relationship. If one spouse is physically, emotionally, or sexually abusing the other, seek help. Abuse is always wrong, and in many cases, it is illegal.

Scheduling Marriage Counseling at Thriveworks in Wilmington, NC

If you and your spouse are having trouble, consider reaching out for help. Marriage therapy is often the guidance spouses need to find clarity and a path forward for their relationship. The marriage therapists at Thriveworks in Wilmington have helped many couples, and we want to help you.

We know that fighting for a marriage is challenging—scheduling therapy should not be. When you call our office, know that one of our scheduling specialists will answer the phone and help you make an appointment. New clients often meet with their counselor the same week. We offer evening and weekend sessions. We also accept many different forms of insurance. Let’s work together for a better relationship. Call Thriveworks in Wilmington today.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurance and we offer self-pay options too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling at Thriveworks.

Our therapists and counselors in Wilmington accept 28 insurance plans

  • Adventist Health Associates | Employee Health Plan

  • Adventist Health Associates | Non-Employee Health Plan

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS Medicare Advantage

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Compsych

  • Devoted Health | Medicare Advantage

  • Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network

  • First Health Network

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Self-pay costs at Wilmington
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
★★★★★
Listening, guiding, good rapport
Daniela Mar 2026
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Ms. Clay is compassionate and skilled. She understand the needs and listens to her clients. She exemplifies respect and professionalism.
Wilmington Dec 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Shannon Clay is phenomenal with mental health practices. She is trustworthy, honest, patient, and she understands the impact of her profession. Ms. Clay has a wealth of knowledge and applies it thoroughly. She believes in what she does and it shows through her amazing work.
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Wilmington Nov 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I have known the owner, Jaimie Orndorff, for a long time. Her work ethic and authentic caring for people has always been her priority. She is compassionate and well educated in all aspects of her clients situations. I highly recommend contacting Thriveworks in Wilmington.
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Wilmington, NC Mar 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I have known the owner Jaimie Orndorff for years. She is very knowledgeable in her field and desires to assist her clients in anyway in order to bring stability to their lives. I highly recommend her. Her work and business ethics are impeccable and she is highly dependable.
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Wilmington, NC Feb 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
5 of 5 reviews

Where to find us

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Address

3333 Wrightsville Ave Suite G112
Wilmington, NC 28403

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Wilmington is located in the Windermere Building near Wrightsville Ave and S College Rd, off Hwy 17. It is close to the University of North Carolina Wilmington and a short distance from Empie Park.

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Phone number

(910) 714-4942
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Languages spoken by NC providers

  • English
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Hours

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

Shown in ET

Tuesday 8:00am - 11:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 11:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 11:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 11:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 6:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 11:00pm

Shown in ET

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