NYC 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
What does couples therapy actually involve, and how many sessions are typical?
Couples therapy typically starts with an initial assessment to understand your relationship history and current concerns, followed by ongoing sessions focused on specific goals. The number of sessions varies widely depending on the issues involved, but many couples begin to see meaningful shifts within a few months of consistent work.
Do you offer in-person sessions in NYC or only virtual?
We primarily offer virtual sessions for convenience and flexibility, though availability can vary. Telehealth allows both partners to join from wherever is easiest, which can be especially helpful for busy NYC schedules.
Do you accept insurance for couples/marriage counseling?
Insurance coverage for couples therapy depends on your specific plan, since many insurers classify it differently than individual therapy. We accept Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and United Healthcare (including Optum, Oscar, Oxford, and UMR plans), and we're happy to help you understand your benefits. Private pay is also available.
What issues do you help couples work through (communication, infidelity, conflict)?
We work with couples on a wide range of concerns, including:
- Communication breakdowns and recurring conflict
- Infidelity and rebuilding trust
- Emotional disconnection or feeling like roommates
- Life transitions (moving in together, marriage, parenthood)
- Differences in values, finances, or long-term goals
Do you offer premarital counseling too?
Yes. Premarital counseling can help couples build a strong foundation before marriage, addressing topics like communication styles, finances, family dynamics, and shared expectations before they become sources of tension.
What therapy approach or method do you use (Gottman, EFT, etc.)?
Our therapists draw from evidence-based approaches tailored to each couple’s needs. Depending on your therapist and your specific concerns, this may include Gottman Method techniques, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), or other integrative approaches suited to your relationship.
How do we know if couples therapy is right for us vs. individual therapy?
If your primary concerns center on your relationship dynamic, communication, or conflict between you and your partner, couples therapy is usually the right fit. Individual therapy may be more appropriate if one partner's personal mental health concerns are the main driver of distress, though the two are not mutually exclusive.
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
Does insurance typically cover couples therapy?
Coverage varies by insurer and plan, as some classify couples therapy differently than individual sessions. We recommend verifying your specific benefits, and our team can help with that process.
How long does couples therapy usually take to see results?
Every relationship is different, but many couples notice initial improvements in communication within the first several sessions, with deeper, lasting change developing over a few months of consistent work.
Do both partners need to attend every session?
Typically, yes, since couples therapy focuses on the relationship dynamic itself. That said, your therapist may occasionally recommend an individual session depending on the situation.
Can couples therapy help even if only one partner wants to attend?
It can still be valuable, though progress may look different. Some therapists offer individual sessions focused on relationship patterns as a starting point, which can sometimes encourage the other partner to join later.
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