Choose the focus that fits this season
Premarital Counseling by video across California.
Premarital or Couples Counseling?
Premarital counseling and couples therapy can involve some of the same conversations, but the reason for seeking them may differ. You may be preparing for a commitment, responding to a recurring problem or doing both.
You do not have to choose the perfect label before contacting Shoreline. Describe what brings you in and ask which service and clinician may fit.
Maybe this sounds familiar
01
You are engaged and also having recurring conflict.
02
You want preparation rather than a crisis response.
03
You are unsure which clinician to request.
04
You need to check the practical differences.
01 · Understand
Preparation and current concerns can overlap
Premarital work offers space to discuss expectations around communication, money, family and roles before a wedding or commitment. Couples work can focus on patterns such as recurring arguments, distance or broken trust.
A couple preparing to marry can still have current concerns that need attention. Being married does not prevent you from revisiting expectations. The useful question is what you want to work on, not whether you fit a rigid category.
02 · Practice
Check the provider match directly
All six treating clinicians at Shoreline offer premarital counseling. The current ongoing couples roster lists Holly, Emily Chen, Misty, Nicola, Dina and Aidé. Ask about the clinician's approach, language and availability for the work you are seeking.
Fees and insurance should be verified for the particular service and provider. Do not assume that a plan covers relationship work because it appears on a network list. The consultation can identify what needs to be checked before you schedule.
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
Is premarital counseling a test of whether we should marry?
It is a setting for discussion and reflection, not a pass or fail certification. You can ask the clinician how they approach your goals and uncertainties.
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 CounselingKeep exploring
Conversations Before Marriage
Planning a wedding can fill the calendar while bigger questions remain in the background.
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.
Make room for a different conversation
Start with a free 15 minute phone consultation. We'll help you consider provider fit and next steps.