2026 Couples Therapy Survey: Key Findings on Relationship Growth

Many people want lasting relationships, yet a new survey from Grow Therapy shows a striking difference between how effective couples therapy can be and how rarely couples actually use it. Although 71% of those who attended couples therapy reported meaningful improvements, only 15% of U.S. adults have ever tried it.

That gap becomes clearer when we examine when people seek help: 26% of divorced respondents had tried couples therapy, compared with just 20% of married respondents. This suggests too many couples turn to therapy only when the relationship is already in crisis or ending, rather than as a preventive measure.

To explore these patterns, we surveyed more than 2,500 American adults and spoke with field experts to identify common barriers that keep couples from seeking help and the specific improvements reported by those who do.

Most divorced couples never tried therapy

Despite rising awareness of mental health, many couples still avoid relationship counseling. Two-thirds (66%) of people say they have never attended couples therapy and have not considered it. That means many major relationship decisions—like divorce—often happen without consulting professionals trained to repair relational damage.

Only 26% of divorced respondents reported attending couples therapy with a former partner. This highlights a significant missed opportunity: some couples are consulting lawyers before they consult therapists.

This tendency to bypass counseling is particularly evident among older generations. Baby Boomers (18%) are slightly more likely than younger groups to have tried couples therapy, yet they are part of a growing “gray divorce” trend: divorce rates for people over 50 have been rising even as overall divorce rates fall. For many in this age group, therapy often comes late—after other options have failed.

Parenting responsibilities also influence therapy use. Adults with children under 18 are more likely to seek help—22% have attended therapy compared with 9% of those without children. Addressing relationship health during high-pressure parenting years can prevent smaller problems from becoming crises.

More reasons to try couples therapy than most people realize

The survey shows the biggest barrier to couples therapy is often a perceived lack of necessity rather than resources. Fifty-four percent of those who never attended couples therapy said they simply hadn’t had a reason to go—suggesting many believe therapy is only for relationships in crisis.

When specific obstacles do arise, they’re frequently practical: tied as the top reasons for not attending were concerns about insurance or cost and a partner who wasn’t interested (each 11%). Many couples assume counseling is an out-of-pocket expense, and uncertainty about coverage can stop them from even searching for help.

Logistical hurdles combined with a hesitant partner often mean appointments never happen. Providers commonly advise that therapy works best as preventive care—routine maintenance rather than emergency surgery—because starting earlier allows couples to learn communication and conflict-resolution skills before resentment and defensiveness take hold.

“Couples therapy works best as preventative care, or routine maintenance, not emotional emergency surgery. When couples start therapy early, they’re usually calmer, less defensive, and more open to learning. That means we get to focus on strengthening communication, building emotional safety, and understanding patterns instead of just trying to stop the relationship from actively bleeding.”

Jessica Frederic, LCSW and Grow Therapy provider

Gender also shapes obstacles and motivations. Women were twice as likely as men (15% vs. 8%) to say a partner’s lack of interest kept them from attending. Conversely, men were twice as likely as women (22% vs. 10%) to say they began couples therapy because a partner asked them to. In short, women more often try to be proactive, while men more often respond to direct requests.

Communication struggles drive couples to seek counseling

Most people only seek help when conflict becomes impossible to ignore. Forty-five percent of therapy attendees reported ongoing or unresolved conflicts as their primary motivator, and 43% cited communication difficulties.

Generational differences are clear in motivations:

• Baby Boomers (47%) were most likely to use therapy as a last attempt to prevent separation or divorce.
• Gen X (51%) most often report struggling with effective communication.
• Gen Z is the most proactive—35% want to strengthen their relationships early.
• Gen Z (38%) are also the most likely to start therapy after a friend’s recommendation.

Waiting for a breaking point raises the stakes. Among divorced adults who sought therapy, 56% did so as a final attempt to prevent separation, and 34% cited infidelity or broken trust—both higher than the national averages—indicating many couples only enter therapy after severe issues emerge.

“Most couples don’t come to therapy because of one single argument, but because the same issues keep repeating without resolution. It’s not just the topic of the argument, but the pattern of feeling unheard, misunderstood, or stuck in cycles where neither partner feels truly seen. Therapy becomes a place where couples can finally slow those patterns down and understand what’s really driving the conflict beneath the surface.”

Erika N. Jackson, LMFT and Grow Therapy provider

Therapy produces positive results, but many wait too long

Overall, the results are encouraging: 7 in 10 people who attended couples therapy reported noticeable improvement. Only 19% concluded their relationship was no longer sustainable after therapy, suggesting that counseling often helps rather than simply confirms a relationship’s end.

Common practical benefits reported by attendees included:

• Improved communication (34%)
• Strengthened relationship overall (30%)
• Increased emotional connection (26%)

While improvement rates are similar across genders, men and women often leave therapy with different takeaways. Men reported higher rates of improvement across several categories, particularly in overall relationship strength, while women were more likely to gain clarity about whether the relationship was healthy enough to continue.

Parents of children under 18 reported higher success rates in almost every category, suggesting that couples raising families may see particularly strong returns from therapy in the form of fewer or less intense conflicts.

In sum, couples therapy is an underused tool that can build resilience and improve communication long before problems become unmanageable. You don’t need a crisis to benefit from learning how to work together more effectively.

Couples want a neutral, skilled advisor

When choosing a therapist, objectivity ranks highest. Many couples explore both in-person and online options to find an unbiased professional who can mediate without taking sides.

Survey respondents prioritized these therapist qualities:

• Doesn’t take sides (54%)
• Affordability and insurance coverage (52%)
• Expertise in communication and conflict resolution (51%)

Other preferences vary by community. For instance, 27% of Black respondents valued a therapist who shares cultural background or values, reflecting the importance of spiritual and cultural perspectives in mental health for some communities. In regions where faith plays a central role, people may first turn to clergy or pastoral counselors; while spiritual leaders offer essential guidance, licensed therapists provide clinical training needed for complex or long-standing marital issues.

Couples facing deep-rooted problems often find the best outcomes with licensed providers who combine cultural sensitivity and clinical expertise.

You’ve found your partner—now find your therapist

Choosing a therapist is similar to choosing a partner: fit matters. It’s normal to meet with several professionals until you find someone who understands both partners and creates a sense of safety and progress.

Whether you want a therapist who shares your cultural values or a neutral guide to navigate a transition, the right support is available. Prioritizing relationship health now can create a more resilient, connected future.

Methodology

The survey was conducted online by YouGov with a total sample size of 2,514 adults. The results were weighted to be representative of U.S. adults aged 18 and older. Fieldwork took place from December 18 to December 22, 2025, using randomized invitations to YouGov panel members who completed the survey online.