Couples
Therapy
Intentional care that fosters deeper connection.
Couples come to us for all kinds of reasons — you‘re stuck in the same argument loop, feeling more like roommates than partners, or unsure how to move forward after a breach of trust. Whatever brought you here, we’re not here to judge. We’re here to help you slow down, tune in, and figure it out — together.
At Avena, we don’t believe in picking sides or prescribing quick fixes. We care about nuance, healthy conflict, and helping people love each other better. Our sessions are a mix of insight, curiosity, and down-to-earth tools you can actually use outside the therapy room. This work isn’t always easy. But it is worth it. When two people are willing to show up and get honest — with themselves and each other — things start to shift in powerful ways.
We help couples move from disconnection to deeper understanding, from reactive patterns to intentional connection — and from surviving to building something new.
Here's what we'll work on in couples therapy:
Learning how to break out of the same argument patterns and reconnect in ways that feel more honest and less exhausting
Getting better at naming what you need — and asking for it without shutting down or blowing up
Rebuilding trust after it’s been strained, whether from a major rupture or the slow drift of disconnection
Creating more room for closeness and intimacy, not just logistics and life maintenance
Communicating with more clarity, less tension, and fewer “wait, that’s not what I meant” moments
Staying connected through transitions, growth, and the inevitable changes life throws your way
Do We Need Couples Therapy or Just Better Communication?
Communication skills can help, but if you’re stuck in the same argument loop or feeling more like roommates than partners, the issue is often deeper than word choice. Couples therapy gets underneath the pattern itself, helping you understand why the same conflicts keep resurfacing and building tools that go beyond a script.
Is Couples Therapy Worth It?
This work isn't always easy, but it is worth it. When two people are willing to show up and get honest, with themselves and each other, things start to shift in powerful ways. Couples we work with move from disconnection to deeper understanding, from reactive patterns to intentional connection, and from surviving to building something new.
Marriage Counseling vs. Couples Therapy — What's the Difference?
The terms are often used interchangeably, and at Avena, the approach is the same whether you're married or not. What matters is the work itself, learning how to communicate with more clarity, rebuilding trust where it's been strained, and creating room for real closeness rather than just managing logistics together.
Can Couples Therapy Be Done Online?
Yes. We offer couples therapy through video call sessions via Zoom, allowing both partners to join from the comfort of your preferred location. Virtual sessions make it easier to fit therapy into two busy schedules without sacrificing the depth of the work.
How Do I Convince My Partner to Go to Couples Therapy?
Framing therapy as a space for growth rather than a last resort can help. It may also help to point out that therapy isn't about picking sides or prescribing quick fixes, it's about slowing down and getting curious together. Sometimes starting with a single consultation, low pressure and no long-term commitment, makes the idea feel more approachable.
Real People. Real Expertise. Real Change.
At Avena Psychological Services, we offer holistic, individualized therapy designed to help you understand yourself more deeply and create meaningful, lasting change. Our licensed psychologists tailor each session to your specific concerns and goals, drawing from your full life experience—including your childhood, culture, relationships, physical health, and personality. Whether you’re struggling with depression, relationship challenges, or feeling stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, therapy can help you break your issues down into manageable pieces and begin moving forward. Left unaddressed, mental health concerns can impact every area of life—from work and school to physical health and relationships. But with the right support, you can shift your mindset, make empowered choices, and experience real transformation.
Virtual Mental Health Therapy Tailored For Your Comfort
Video Call Therapy
Online therapy conducted via Zoom. Video meetings allow you to see your therapist from the comfort of your preferred location.
Phone Therapy
Full service therapy conducted via a phone call. Have full conversation with your therapist without the need to be seen.
Concierge Therapy
Personal appointments can be tailored to special locations through a prior approved agreement with Dr. Avena.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my relationship needs couples therapy?
If you’re stuck in repeating arguments, feeling disconnected or more like roommates than partners, or working through a breach of trust, couples therapy can help you sort through what’s actually going on. It’s also useful proactively, even for relationships that feel stable but want to build stronger tools for communication and connection.
Does insurance cover couples therapy?
We accept Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and United Healthcare (including Optum, Oscar, Oxford, and UMR plans), and we also offer private pay options. Coverage for couples therapy specifically can vary by plan, so reach out and we’ll help you figure out what applies to you.
Can we do couples therapy virtually?
Yes. Couples therapy is available through video call sessions via Zoom, so both partners can join from wherever is most comfortable. This makes it easier to coordinate around two schedules without giving up the depth of in-person work.
How long does couples therapy typically take?
There’s no fixed timeline, it depends on what you’re working through and how deep the patterns run. Some couples come in for a specific issue and see progress in a handful of sessions, while others use ongoing therapy to keep building connection over time.
How soon can we get an appointment?
Openings for new patients are typically available within one week. Reach out to our team and we’ll help match you with a therapist and get your first session scheduled.
Schedule An Appointment
If you're experiencing a mental health emergency, please follow instructions found here.
Phone
therapy@avenapsych.com
Mailing Address
99 Wall Street #4424 New York, NY 10005