Compare 80 marriage & family therapists in Portola Valley, CA. Check ratings, insurance, and availability.
In a couples session, the therapist will typically meet with both partners together for the first visit. They will ask each person to share their perspective on the issues, learn about the relationship history, and identify patterns. For family therapy, multiple family members attend. Sessions are usually 50 to 90 minutes. The therapist stays neutral. Their role is to facilitate better communication, not take sides.
Consider seeing a marriage and family therapist if you and your partner are having persistent conflicts, trust has been damaged, you are considering separation, communication has broken down, or a major life event (new baby, job change, illness) is straining your relationship. They also help with parent-teen conflicts and family crises.
Couples session: $100-250 · Family session: $100-250 · Intensive weekend retreat: $2,000-5,000
When conversations keep turning into arguments or you have stopped talking about what matters, couples therapy provides tools and structure to rebuild communication from the ground up.
Rebuilding trust after betrayal is one of the hardest things a couple can face. Marriage counselors guide both partners through the process of accountability, healing, and deciding the future of the relationship.
Different parenting styles create tension that affects the whole family. A marriage counselor helps you find common ground, present a united front, and reduce conflict around raising your children.
Premarital counseling helps couples talk about finances, family expectations, conflict styles, and long-term goals before walking down the aisle. It builds the foundation for a stronger marriage.
Whether you are considering separation or have already decided, a counselor can help you navigate the emotional process, communicate effectively about logistics, and protect the well-being of your children.
Coverage for marriage and family therapy varies. Many plans cover it under mental health benefits, but some exclude couples therapy specifically (while covering family therapy or individual therapy with an MFT). Call your insurer and ask whether "couples counseling" or "family therapy" with CPT code 90847 is a covered benefit, and verify the therapist is in-network.