Before marriage, talk about what money means
Premarital Counseling by video across California.
Talking About Money Before Marriage
You may know each other's favorite meal before you know how each person thinks about shared expenses, saving or financial privacy. A wedding budget can reveal differences that were easy to miss when your finances were more separate.
Premarital counseling focuses on the relationship conversation around money. It does not replace financial planning, tax advice or legal guidance about marriage and property.
Maybe this sounds familiar
01
You have different ideas about shared expenses.
02
Family support affects financial expectations.
03
One partner prefers more financial privacy.
04
You want a way to revisit agreements later.
01 · Understand
Ask before you assume
Discussing money before marriage can include how decisions will be made, what information you want to share and what each person considers a shared responsibility. Existing obligations and support for family may also be part of the conversation.
The therapist's role is not to select the right financial arrangement for you. It is to help both partners participate, explain their expectations and hear the meaning behind each other's preferences. You can disagree while still becoming clearer.
02 · Practice
Leave room for change
Income, employment, caregiving and health can change over time. An agreement that seems straightforward now may need to be revisited later. You can talk about how you would raise a concern or request a change without treating that conversation as a failure.
If a decision requires a lawyer, accountant or financial professional, identify that as a separate next step. Do not share account numbers, passwords or detailed financial documents through an ordinary website inquiry to the practice.
03 · Choose Your Next Step
Six clinicians, with room to find your fit
All six treating clinicians offer premarital counseling: Holly, Emily Chen, Misty, Nicola, Dina and Aidé. Ask about the approach, language and availability that fit your needs. Emily Harris supports the team as a supervisor and does not see clients at the practice.
The consultation can clarify the service and practical next steps. You do not need a complete plan for the relationship before asking questions. No fixed package, result or number of sessions is promised here.
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 premarital counseling tell us whether to combine bank accounts?
It can help you discuss expectations and concerns. Choosing a financial or legal arrangement may require advice from an appropriately qualified professional outside therapy.
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 Premarital Counseling
Make room for a different conversation
Start with a free 15 minute phone consultation. We'll help you consider provider fit and next steps.