Frequently asked questions.

The first step is a free 15-minute consultation. It is a chance to share what is bringing you in, ask any questions you have, and get a sense of whether working together feels like a good fit. From there, we will talk through next steps and get you scheduled.

It is common for one partner to feel hesitant about starting couples therapy. Time is taken at the outset to understand each person's perspective and move at a pace that feels comfortable for both partners.

A Relationship Checkup can also be a helpful first step. It is a brief, focused format that helps couples identify strengths and areas for growth. Research shows that even this short format can lead to meaningful improvements, and many couples choose to continue from there.

Discernment Counseling is designed for couples where one partner is leaning out and the other wants to keep trying. It is a short, structured process of up to five sessions that focuses on getting clear about direction before deciding whether to commit to couples therapy.

The services page gives an overview of every option, and the free consultation is a good place to talk it through. You are not expected to figure it out on your own.

The first few sessions of couples therapy usually focus on assessment, including understanding your relationship's history, its strengths, and what is bringing you in. How long this takes depends on what you are facing.

Couples therapy meets weekly for 50 minutes and typically runs 16 to 26 sessions, though this varies with the concerns you bring in. Once your goals are met, sessions become less frequent as you approach the end of therapy.

Some couples prefer shorter, focused work, like a Relationship Checkup or a Couples Intensive. This is something we can discuss during your consultation.

Meeting regularly builds momentum and helps make sure what you work on in session is being applied at home.

Yes. Research consistently shows that teletherapy produces outcomes comparable to in-person therapy. For many couples, the flexibility of remote sessions also makes it easier to attend consistently by removing barriers like travel time, scheduling conflicts, or finding a provider in your area.

You can read more in this post on online couples therapy.

All sessions are held over secure video. In-person couples intensives are also available and scheduled in advance. Reach out for more information.

For couples therapy, Discernment Counseling, and Couples Intensives, both partners need to be located in a state where Dr. Lenger is authorized to practice at the time of each session. You can see the current list here.

The Relationship Checkup and the Premarital and Before Baby Program are relationship education rather than therapy, so they are open to couples anywhere.

Yes. Partners can join from separate locations if needed, as long as both are located in a state where Dr. Lenger is authorized to practice.

That said, attending from the same physical space is strongly recommended whenever possible. Being in the same room tends to support connection, communication, and the overall flow of the session.

Sessions are generally scheduled on weekdays. Weekend sessions are available for couples intensives or in select circumstances. Reach out to discuss what works for your schedule.

The work focuses on helping couples understand the patterns that keep them stuck and developing more effective ways of responding to each other. Treatment draws on Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT) and Cognitive Behavioral Couple Therapy (CBCT), two of the most rigorously researched approaches in the field. Learn more on the Couples Therapy page.

Full fee information is on the Investment page. Payment is accepted by credit card and HSA/FSA accounts.

Relationship Health Collective is an out-of-network provider and does not bill insurance directly. In certain circumstances, a superbill can be provided for you to submit to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement. It is worth asking during your consultation whether one is available for the service you are considering.

When a superbill is provided, clients have free access to Reimbursify, a secure app that makes submitting claims quick and straightforward. You can also check your out-of-network benefits here.

Yes. The Relationship Checkup and the Premarital and Before Baby Programs are relationship education rather than therapy, so they are not billable to insurance.

No. Individual therapy is also available, with a particular focus on concerns that intersect with relationship health, including anxiety, OCD, trauma, and perinatal mental health.

Yes. Relationship Health Collective proudly serves all couples regardless of identity, orientation, or relationship structure.

Yes. Many couples come in to strengthen a relationship that is already good or to prepare for a big change, like marriage or a new baby. The Relationship Checkup, Premarital Checkup, and Before Baby Programs are built for exactly that.

Yes. Supervision and consultation is available for clinicians at any stage, including private practice support.