Bring your real relationship, not a presentation
Couples Therapy by video across California.
Your First Couples Therapy Session
You may worry that the first session will become another argument or that you will forget everything you wanted to say. There is no need to prepare a perfect account or agree on every detail before asking about couples work.
The consultation is the place to clarify the clinician's process. Shoreline's ongoing sessions are by video, with the schedule discussed with your therapist.
Maybe this sounds familiar
01
You are unsure what to say first.
02
You remember the problem differently.
03
You want to know how online sessions work.
04
You have questions you would rather ask privately.
01 · Understand
Choose a few starting points
It can be useful to think about what led you to reach out, what you each hope will be different and a recent example of the pattern. That is different from collecting evidence to prove a case against your partner.
You can also name what makes the idea of therapy difficult. Being nervous, uncertain or skeptical is information the clinician can work with. You do not have to perform confidence to deserve a fit conversation.
02 · Practice
Check the practical setup
Ask how both partners should join the video session, what privacy is needed and whether there are forms to complete through the practice's approved system. Do not send a detailed relationship history through an ordinary website form.
If there are circumstances that make speaking together unsafe or difficult, raise them privately before the joint appointment. The clinician can discuss appropriateness and next steps. The website cannot determine whether a particular format is safe or suitable for you.
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
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
Will the first meeting fix the argument we are having?
No specific outcome or timeline can be promised. The first part of care often includes understanding the concern, discussing goals and considering whether the approach fits.
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.