Breaking Down Barriers to Couples Therapy for Underserved Communities

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Relationships should be supported and nurtured.

But for millions of couples in underserved communities across the country, getting help is much more difficult than it needs to be. From financial hurdles to societal stigma… far too many people who could benefit from couples counseling are left without support.

Fortunately…

There are solutions. And intense couples therapy is one of the best options for breaking down these barriers.

Here’s what you’re going to learn:

• Why it’s so difficult for underserved communities to access couples counseling
• The biggest barriers that keep couples from seeking help
• How couples intensive therapy is starting to change the game
• Real ways to break down these barriers for good

Barriers that Underserved Communities Face When Accessing Couples Therapy

If you want to understand the counseling gap between high-income and low-income communities… start here.

Income and geography have a huge impact on access to therapy.

While couples in affluent communities have spent decades building robust therapist networks, families in low-income or rural areas are left behind. And recent studies have started to quantify the problem.

According to HRSA data, over 169 million Americans currently live in a Mental Health Professional Shortage Area. That’s 55% of the country unable to access mental health professionals.

This is unacceptable.

Coupled with low mental health coverage rates in most insurance plans… the result is a system that dramatically favors the wealthy or well-connected.

But as awareness of this issue grows… couples intensive therapy options are popping up nationwide. Short-term counseling programs provide condensed services that rival traditional weekly sessions.

Denver relationship counseling and intensive relationship retreats are leading the way with tailored programs for busy families.

Let’s dive into exactly what’s holding couples back from accessing the care they deserve.

The Biggest Barriers Couples Face When Accessing Therapy

Ok so… what does prevent couples from accessing help?

There are a number of recurring themes that consistently prove to be the largest barriers.

Financial Cost

Couple’s therapy isn’t cheap.

Hourly sessions range from $75 to $250 and most insurance companies won’t cover any costs because “relationship issues” aren’t considered a medical illness. For families living paycheck-to-paycheck… that cost is prohibitive.

In fact… one recent survey found that 55% of respondents said the cost of counseling was the single greatest barrier to couples therapy.

It’s a vicious cycle. Relationship problems can create financial stress. But the cost of therapy prevents people from seeking help.

Lack of Therapists

There just aren’t enough providers to go around.

And if you live in a rural community… you’ll notice the issue even more. Rural families are far more likely to seek mental health support from their primary care physician rather than a specialist. And when specialists are available… waitlists are often extremely long.

Even the therapist workforce lacks diversity.

While approximately 31% of the US population is Hispanic or Black… only about 11% of practicing psychiatrists are from these racial/ethnic groups. Minoritized couples face even more challenges finding therapists that they feel understand their experiences and backgrounds.

Societal Stigma

Seeking therapy is still taboo in many communities.

Especially when it comes to relationships. There can be a negative connotation that comes from asking for couples counseling. Many people see it as admitting defeat.

36% of men felt that way compared to 26% of women according to one study.

The truth is: Couples that wait until things are too bad to handle before seeking help will always struggle more than those that go at the first sign of tension. Prevention is key.

Logistical Reasons

Sometimes life just gets in the way.

Maybe you want therapy and can afford it. But what about taking time off work to go? Who’s going to watch the kids? How will you fit it into your already busy schedule?

These are logistical hurdles that many families face. And they compound whenever weekly counseling is recommended.

Why Couples Intensive Therapy Can Help

Let’s talk about how couples intensive therapy can help solve these issues.

Couples intensive therapy tackles many of the barriers just discussed.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Couples intensive therapy drastically reduces the time commitment needed to see a therapist.
• Fewer trips means you don’t have to deal with childcare, transportation, or taking as much time off of work.
• Couples are able to go deeper into their problems faster due to the condensed nature of the treatment.
• Colorado Relationship Recovery and other intensive programs around the country are offering virtual intensive couples therapy to underserved communities. Removing the barrier of distance.

Research shows that people who seek therapy enjoy tremendous benefits. Upwards of 75% of couples who attend counseling report positive outcomes.

That should be the goal. And intensive therapy can help make that a reality for more families.

Breaking Down Barriers To Couples Therapy

This isn’t a problem with a one-size-fits-all solution. But there are things that can be done to start bridging the gap.

Look For Sliding Scale and Community Counselors

Many therapists offer sliding scale rates based on your income. There are also non-profit counseling centers as well as university training clinics that provide highly affordable counseling options. They just might be harder to find.

Embrace Online Counseling

Online couples counseling is just as effective at treating many relationship issues. Not to mention… it opens up the world of therapy to families who live in rural or remote areas. If traveling to a weekly in-person session wasn’t accessible… online therapy might be able to help.

Stop Mental Health Stigma

Everyone can do their part to normalize mental health and couples counseling in the community. When community leaders speak openly about getting help… it allows others to do the same. Let’s change the conversation from weakness to strength.

Advocate for Insurance Coverage

Couple’s therapy probably won’t be covered by insurance until relationship distress is recognized as a medical condition. But that doesn’t mean the fight for better coverage should stop. Advocating for expanded insurance coverage of counseling services is one way to start creating change.

Wrapping Up

Millions of people who would benefit from couples therapy are unable to access it. Financial barriers, lack of available therapists, societal stigma, and logistical challenges prevent families from seeking help.

But there are solutions.

Couples intensive therapy is a great way to start dismantling these barriers. By spending less time in treatment, decreasing the travel burden, and allowing for virtual services… intense couples therapy is providing hope for families that were previously left without options.

Everyone deserves the opportunity to have a healthy relationship. Let’s continue working to break down these barriers for good.