Unfortunately, I can’t recommend any online platforms, but I’ve heard they all suck in some way or another. Perhaps you can choose a good offline therapist in your area who also works online via Zoom or Skype and organize family therapy with her/him?

You can try psychologytoday.com

But I agree with the previous comment: if you know any therapist, perhaps even the one you’re going to, it’s best to ask them first. Most therapists do online sessions. I also think that most online sites may not accept insurance, so you’ll end up paying more in the end.

Since your boyfriend has insurance, I would start by exploring the options they offer. Those will probably be the most cost-effective, and you’ll know for sure his insurance will cover them. As for specialized online platforms that offer many therapists to choose from, I know there are many such platforms, and the price per hour is often lower there, but the therapists they promote are often underpaid or overworked and thus not interested in providing quality work. So be very specific about what you need from therapy, and if you don’t feel the right vibe with the therapist during a demo consultation, choose another one.

Ask your bf whether his employer provides an EAP program, just in case. It’s the best way to start counseling. AFAIK, it allows several *free* consultations which is super helpful for trying out therapy. If you don’t find the kind of therapy you need through it, at least no money will be lost and you can move on to other options.

Sorry, I don’t know anything about Compass therapy.

In terms of affordable therapy, I’ve had good experiences with graduates under supervision. I know not everyone is comfortable with young therapists, but I found them to be more passionate about their work and more open to new information and experimentation. As a bonus, their services are very cheap ;)

I might be mistaken, but I was under the impression most insurance companies do not cover couples therapy. 😒 I had OK-ish sessions with PsychologyToday and TherapyDen. I don’t know if LMFT status is important for you, but I recommend you stay away from therapists who seem to specialize in everything, ticking all the boxes on their PsychologyToday profile. Choose those whose main focus is couples therapy.

May I ask why you’ve decided you need compass therapy? Am I right in thinking it’s a variation of a CBT approach?

p/s I just want to say I respect your initiative. Everyone would benefit from some relationship therapy.

@Baldur’s Gates student therapists? are you serious?? that’s very strange advice. how can someone who has just looked up from his books help you with anything serious? imho it’s as good as reading self-help books...

Are you sure Medicaid covers couples therapy? Mental health issues would fall under personal health, but relationship therapy might not be the case. Perhaps you’d better ask your boyfriend to reach out to his insurance company. If they can cover the costs, they’ll point you in the right direction. If you’re OK with covering all the costs on your own, then you’re free to choose any therapist you like. I can recommend https://openpathcollective.org Not from my own experience but from my friends' reviews.

@~CravingSouls~ Yes, I am serious. The question was about affordable counseling. I don’t see any problem with consulting a student supervised by a professor, which is often how it works in modern clinics. You’ll be surprised, but low-cost therapy is in high demand, and there are not enough therapists.

If you think an experienced and licensed therapist will necessarily be much better, you're wrong. It's hit or miss. You'll find good ones and bad ones regardless of their age.