Choosing a Couples Therapist
An available appointment matters, but so does knowing who you will meet and how they approach couples work. A group practice can offer several options without requiring you to guess which profile fits.
At Shoreline, Holly Whitmore, Emily Chen, Misty Goldenberg and Nicola Loretto are listed for ongoing couples work. Your consultation can help you consider approach, availability and practical needs.
Maybe this sounds familiar
01
You want to understand the different approaches.
02
You need a schedule you can actually keep.
03
Insurance or self-pay cost affects your choice.
04
You want a clinician both partners can speak with.
01 · Understand
Ask how the clinician works
Holly uses Gottman Method in couples work. Misty and Nicola have Level 1 Gottman training, and Emily draws on emotionally focused and attachment-informed work. Those labels can be a starting point for a question rather than the whole decision.
Ask what sessions tend to look like, how goals are discussed and how the therapist works when partners disagree. A clear explanation in ordinary language may tell you more about fit than a long list of modalities.
02 · Practice
Check the practical match
You can ask about session availability, video participation and the fee or coverage that applies to the particular clinician. Not every clinician participates in every listed network, and a plan name alone does not confirm benefits.
The right fit also includes being able to raise concerns about the process. Ask how the therapist invites feedback and what happens if one partner feels misunderstood. You can take those questions seriously without expecting certainty from a short consultation.
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
View profile
Emily Chen
AMFT
EFT, attachment and inner child work
View profile
Misty Goldenberg
AMFT
EMDR, perinatal and couples work
View profile
Nicola Loretto
MA, AMFT
Grief, identity and Gottman couples work
View profile
Dina Abdelaal
AMFT
Trauma and PTSD, in English and Spanish
View profile
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
Is the most experienced clinician always the best fit?
Experience is one consideration, alongside approach, communication, availability and your needs. Associates and licensed clinicians have different roles; ask about training and supervision rather than assuming a title alone settles fit.
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.