Question 1

How does a first couples session work?

Accepted Answer

You and your partner may picture this differently, and that is worth talking about before you book. Ask a therapist how they structure sessions, how often they suggest meeting, and how they handle a hard conversation in the room. On Alma, filter therapists in Santa Monica who work with couples and save a few profiles you both like.

Question 2

What if I feel ganged up on in couples therapy?

Accepted Answer

It helps to know that you can name this in the room. A therapist can tell you how they handle it when one partner feels judged and how they keep the conversation about the relationship rather than a verdict. In Alma's Santa Monica directory, save a few therapists who work with couples and ask each one this question first.

Question 3

Can we have some sessions on our own in couples therapy?

Accepted Answer

You may want a session on your own to say something you are still sorting out. A therapist can explain whether they offer individual sessions within couples work and how they handle what is shared in them. On Alma, read profiles of therapists in Santa Monica who work with couples and ask about this before you book.

Question 4

Can I start couples therapy if my partner is hesitant?

Accepted Answer

A hesitant partner is a hard place to start from, and it does not mean therapy is off the table. Ask a therapist how they work with a partner who is unsure and what a first session would ask of them. On Alma, save a few therapists in Santa Monica who work with couples and share the profiles with your partner.

Question 5

Can unmarried couples see a couples therapist?

Accepted Answer

Your relationship does not need a particular label to be worth working on. Ask a therapist whether they see partners at your stage and how they would approach what you want to change. On Alma, browse therapists in Santa Monica who work with couples and read who each one says they see.

Question 6

Will insurance pay for couples therapy in Santa Monica?

Accepted Answer

Wondering whether your plan covers joint sessions is a reasonable place to start. Ask a therapist how they bill couples sessions, and Alma checks your benefits before you book so your expected cost is clear up front. On Alma, filter therapists in Santa Monica who work with couples for your plan. FSA, HSA, and HRA cards can be added to Autopay at enrollment.

Question 7

Can my partner and I join a session from different places?

Accepted Answer

If you live apart or travel for work, joining from different places may be the only way to meet. Ask a therapist whether they run sessions with partners in separate locations and how that works for them. In Alma's Santa Monica directory, filter for therapists who work with couples and offer virtual sessions, then reach out with your situation.

Question 8

How do I find therapists in Santa Monica who work with couples close enough to keep?

Accepted Answer

A therapist you can reach without a long trip is easier to keep seeing. Venice is next door and West Hollywood is close if the Santa Monica list runs short. Filter the Santa Monica list for therapists who work with couples, favor offices you can reach easily from home or work, and add virtual sessions if you want to widen the list to the rest of Los Angeles.

Therapy for couples in Santa Monica

Therapists who work with couples in Santa Monica, CA

This is what finding the right therapist feels like

Know your
cost per session

1 million people have found care with Alma

Questions about couples sessions in Santa Monica

Find nearby CA-licensed therapists who work with couples

Finding the right fit in Santa Monica