Couples Counseling in North Carolina
Couples therapy in Durham for adults experiencing communication difficulties, conflict, and life transition challenges. Evidence-based treatment helps with improved communication, conflict resolution, emotional intimacy, and stronger relationship satisfaction.
Couples Counseling in North Carolina
Quick Facts
Who the therapy is for: Couples experiencing conflict, communication challenges, infidelity, life transitions
Conditions/issues treated: Communication issues, conflict, trust concerns, emotional disconnection, relationship stress
Modalities offered: Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), attachment-based therapy
Session types & length: 50–60 minute couples sessions, ongoing weekly or biweekly
Insurance, telehealth & location: Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, NC State Health Plan, telehealth across NC, in-person Durham & Cary
Does Couples Therapy Cover Every Stage of Your Relationship Journey?
Our expertise in couples therapy covers all stages of relationships from premarital to empty nest and retirement. Common issues with which we have helped couples include communication, adjusting to becoming parents, rebuilding after infidelity, navigating significant decisions together, processing the dissolution of the relationship, and increasing emotional and physical intimacy. If you’re ready to work with a relationship specialist and are a resident of NC, start couples counseling in North Carolina with Acacia.
How Does Therapy That Focuses on Mutual Understanding Break the Cycle of Blame?
One way we help couples is to be an objective third party to guide you in better communication about the issues that are preventing you from enjoying each other. Many people enter couples therapy expecting the therapist to “join forces” with their partner and continue the blame they feel at home. Our work with couples is quite the opposite and focuses on understanding each person’s point of view and coming to resolutions that work for everyone.
How Therapy Works
Intake: Initial consultation to understand relationship concerns, goals, and fit for therapy
Assessment: Exploring patterns in communication, conflict, and relational dynamics
Treatment: Ongoing sessions focused on improving communication, resolving conflict, and rebuilding connection
Integration: Applying new skills and insights in daily relationship interactions
Follow-Up / Intensives: Periodic check-ins or extended sessions as needed to support progress and maintain gains
Is Couples Therapy Covered By Insurance?
While we accept insurance for individual therapy, our couples and family therapy work is systemic, which focuses on relationships rather than an individual diagnosis. Insurance may reimburse sessions using code 90847 (Family Therapy with patient present) only if the focus is on the mental health of one identified client, with others attending in support. Ethically and legally, we cannot document couples therapy as individual treatment, as doing so would constitute insurance fraud. We understand the limitations of this system but must adhere to ethical and contractual guidelines.
How Do You Get Started?
STEP ONE: CONTACT US
At any point in your decision to pursue therapy or assessment, feel free to contact us with questions. We will gladly talk with you over the phone to determine if one of us will be a good fit. Visit our Contact Page.
STEP TWO: INTAKE
Once you have scheduled an appointment, you will be emailed forms to complete electronically prior to your first appointment. If we are in-network with your Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, or State Health Plan insurance benefits will be processed.
STEP THREE: FIRST SESSION
Your first appointment will be 60 minutes. In this first appointment, we will discuss what brought you in, your history, and will develop a “game plan” with you to work toward your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What issues can couples therapy help with?
Couples therapy can help with communication problems, conflict, trust issues, infidelity, and emotional disconnection.
How does couples therapy work?
Therapy typically involves exploring relationship patterns, improving communication skills, and working toward rebuilding connection and trust over time.
Do we have to be in crisis to start couples therapy?
No, couples therapy is helpful both for couples in distress and those who want to strengthen their relationship and prevent future issues.
How long are couples therapy sessions?
Sessions are typically around 50–60 minutes and are scheduled weekly or biweekly depending on the couple’s needs.
Do you offer virtual couples therapy sessions?
Yes, telehealth sessions are available for couples across North Carolina, along with in-person sessions in Durham and Cary.
Sources
EFT meets or exceeds the guidelines for classification as an evidence-based couple therapy outlined for couple and family research. - NIH 2016
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27273169/
Behavioral couple therapy (BCT) and emotionally focused couples therapy (EFCT) are well-established treatments to reduce couple distress. - NIH 2018
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29781200/
Therapists facilitate the conflict-resolution process to assist couples in reestablishing individual responsibility and accountability. - NIH 2024
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/famp.13072/
Contact Acacia Collaborative
Ask a question or book an appointment below.
Hours
Monday through Friday
9AM-8PM
Saturday: 9AM-3PM
Durham Office:
3710 University Drive #302, Durham, NC 27707
Cary Office:
570 New Waverly Pl #210, Cary, NC 27518
Online Therapy
All of North Carolina
Insurance
Accepting Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Home with UNC Health Alliance, State Health Plan, Out-of-Network Superbills & Private Pay. We are credentialed with the following Medicaid plans: Healthy Blue, Carolina Complete, and Wellcare.
Services
Mental Health Therapy & Psychological Assessments