My Husband and I Tested Teladoc's Couples Therapy: Our Experience in 2024

My husband and I are proactive in investing in our relationship and believe in the benefits of couples therapy even before issues arise. We value open communication and aligning our goals, habits, and communication styles to strengthen our partnership.

Navigating the world of online therapy has been a journey, especially when seeking options that cater to couples and offer flexible therapist availability. We recently tried Teladoc Health, a popular telehealth platform that provides online mental healthcare services to individuals, couples, and teens.

After a month of utilizing Teladoc's couples therapy, we were pleased with our experience and decided to share what we learned:

Best Online Therapy Programs We've Tried

We've tested and reviewed various online therapy programs, including Talkspace, BetterHelp, and Regain, to help you make an informed decision.

Signing Up for Teladoc's Couples Therapy: A Straightforward Process

1. Visit Teladoc Health's homepage and click "Get started."
2. Fill in personal details such as your name, email, country, ZIP code, and birthdate.
3. Provide insurance information if applicable.
4. Self-pay clients pay $99+ per visit.
5. Create a username, password, and answer security questions for added account protection.
6. Enter your address, phone number, and preferred language.

The sign-up process is designed to be simple and user-friendly, making it easy to navigate the website and create your account.

Understanding the Cost and Insurance Coverage

• Teladoc Health operates on a pay-per-session model.
• Online therapy, including couples therapy, is priced at $99+ per 45-minute session without insurance coverage.
• An initial 45-minute session with a psychiatrist costs $299, followed by $119 for each 15-minute follow-up visit.
• Teladoc Health accepts payments from over 60 insurance companies, including Medicaid and Medicare.

It's worth noting that determining which insurance plans are accepted before creating an account can be a challenge. Consider contacting Teladoc Health directly for more information.

Next Steps After Account Creation: Preparing for Your Therapy

• Complete a detailed medical history to provide your therapist with necessary information.
• Request a first visit to initiate your therapy sessions.
• Download the Teladoc app on your smartphone for convenient access to your therapy sessions.

Choosing a Therapist: Finding the Right Fit for Your Needs

• Browse through a list of available providers that align with your specific requirements.
• Each provider's bio includes their credentials, educational background, therapeutic modalities, spoken languages, and medication management services.
• Filter results based on gender identity, preferred language, or therapy type to narrow down your choices.
• Select a therapist and schedule an appointment that fits your schedule.

Scheduling Therapy Sessions: Flexibility and Convenience

• Therapy sessions can be conducted via live video or audio chat, providing flexibility in how you connect with your therapist.
• Each session lasts 45 minutes, allowing ample time for productive conversations.
• Fill out an emotional health questionnaire before each session to help your therapist better understand your current state of mind.
• Confirm your appointments by entering credit card information, ensuring payment is processed seamlessly.
• Receive verification of your appointment time through text, in-app message, and email for easy reference.
• Opt-in or out of notifications about new secure messages, upcoming appointments, and post-visit summaries to customize your communication preferences.

Adding Family Members: Expanding Your Support System

• Teladoc Health allows you to add family members to your account, providing them with access to the therapy sessions.
• You can join sessions together using one smartphone, making it convenient for couples or family therapy sessions.

First Therapy Session Experience: Establishing a Strong Connection

• Sign into the Teladoc Health app and enter the virtual waiting room for your live video chat with your therapist.
• Your therapist will arrive on time and review the information you provided beforehand, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of your situation.
• A ground plan for future sessions will be laid out, providing a structured approach to your therapy journey.

Communicating With Your Therapist: Bridging the Gap

• Teladoc doesn't allow direct communication with therapists via text or through a patient portal, limiting communication outside of scheduled sessions.
• There is no secure messaging portal available for ongoing communication between sessions, which may be a drawback for some.

Switching Providers: A Smooth Transition

• Teladoc Health doesn't offer subscription-based services, so switching providers is a straightforward process.
• There are no extra fees or waiting time associated with changing therapists, allowing you to find the right fit for your needs.

Pros and Cons: Weighing the Benefits and Drawbacks

Pros:

• Comprehensive therapy services for adults, couples, and teens
• Licensed and experienced providers ensure quality care
• Accepts insurance, making it accessible to a wider range of individuals
• Psychiatric care and medication management services for adults
• User-friendly app and website enhance the user experience
• Flexibility to switch providers without hassle or additional costs
• No cancellation fee, providing peace of mind

Cons:

• Limited communication with therapists outside of sessions due to the lack of direct messaging or a secure portal
• No text therapy option, restricting communication methods
• Inability to view therapist bios and exact prices before signing up, which may limit informed decision-making
• Finding insurance plan coverage information can be challenging without direct contact with Teladoc Health

Our Final Thoughts: Embracing the Positive

Our experience with Teladoc Health's couples therapy was positive. The user-friendly interface, simple account creation process, and streamlined appointment scheduling made it convenient to access therapy. The therapist we worked with was experienced and skilled in guiding our conversations.

The drawbacks, such as the lack of direct communication with therapists and inability to view therapist bios upfront, were minor inconveniences that didn't detract from the overall benefits of the service.

We would recommend Teladoc Health to couples seeking to strengthen their relationship, improve communication, or navigate life's challenges together. The platform offers a supportive environment for couples to grow and connect on a deeper level.