Talk about money without losing each other
Couples Therapy by video across California.
When Money Becomes an Argument
A purchase, a bill or a question about spending can quickly become a conversation about trust, independence or security. You may agree on the numbers and still feel very differently about what they mean.
Couples therapy offers space to discuss that relationship side of money. It is not financial planning, debt counseling or advice about which account or investment to choose.
Maybe this sounds familiar
01
Every spending conversation turns personal.
02
You avoid looking at bills together.
03
Different ideas of security cause friction.
04
An old money agreement no longer fits.
01 · Understand
Explore the meaning behind the number
One partner may see saving as safety. Another may see spending as freedom or care for family. Those meanings can be influenced by experience, but they are not something to assume about each other.
Your therapist can help you ask what a money decision represents to each person and where the conversation becomes tense. Understanding a meaning does not mean you must agree with every decision. It can make the actual disagreement easier to name.
02 · Practice
Make agreements that can be discussed
You can use sessions to talk about shared decisions, separate choices and what information each partner needs. A useful agreement includes room to revisit it when circumstances change, rather than becoming another rule one person enforces.
If the question needs accounting, legal or financial expertise, that is a separate kind of support. If money is being used to control or threaten someone, disclose that privately when asking about fit. It is not simply a budgeting disagreement.
03 · Choose Your Next Step
A practical fit conversation
Ongoing couples support is listed with Holly Whitmore, Emily Chen, Misty Goldenberg and Nicola Loretto. Their approaches differ, so you can ask how they work with your particular concern rather than choose by a method name alone.
A free 15 minute phone consultation can help clarify availability, session format and next steps. Describe the broad concern and any provider preference. Keep detailed personal or health information for the practice's approved clinical process.
A therapist who fits you
These clinicians offer the related service. Availability and the right approach for your situation are part of the consultation.
Holly Whitmore
MA, LMFT
Gottman couples therapy and IFS
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Emily Chen
AMFT
EFT, attachment and inner child work
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Misty Goldenberg
AMFT
EMDR, perinatal and couples work
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Nicola Loretto
MA, AMFT
Grief, identity and Gottman couples work
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Dina Abdelaal
AMFT
Trauma and PTSD, in English and Spanish
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Aidé Merito
AMFT, APCC
Teens, identity and trauma, in English and Spanish
View profileFees in brief
We are in network with Aetna (PPO and EPO plans only), Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Optum and Blue Shield of California. Not every clinician is in network with every plan.
Seeing someone out of network? We provide superbills you can submit for reimbursement.
Rates and insuranceLicensed therapist
$180
per telehealth session
For adults, couples, children or families
Associate therapist
$150
per telehealth session
For adults, couples, children or families
Questions before you begin
Will the therapist tell us how to divide our money?
Couples work can help you discuss expectations and the relationship meaning of decisions. It does not replace individualized financial or legal advice.
How do I ask about this service?
Tell the practice the broad kind of support you are seeking, your language preference and whether you have a clinician in mind. Fit, availability and any fee or insurance arrangement need to be confirmed before an appointment.
A small first step
Start with a free 15 minute phone consultation to discuss provider fit, availability and the next step. Keep personal and health details out of an ordinary website inquiry. Ongoing sessions are offered by video within California.
Explore Couples TherapyKeep exploring
When You Keep Having the Same Fight
Explore recurring arguments, communication patterns and finding a couples therapist who fits your relationship.
When You Feel Like Roommates
You coordinate groceries, bills and calendars. You might work well as a team, yet miss feeling like partners.
Make room for a different conversation
Start with a free 15 minute phone consultation. We'll help you consider provider fit and next steps.