our services

Couples Therapy in Columbus for All Couples, at Every Stage

Relationships take work — and sometimes, an outside perspective makes all the difference. At Cook Counseling & Consulting Inc, our couples therapists in Columbus create a space where partners feel heard, understood, and supported as you work through whatever is bringing you in. Whether you’re navigating communication challenges, a major life transition, or simply want to build a stronger foundation, we’re here to help you find your way forward together.

Couple talking together during a therapy session

Why Choose Us as Your Couples Therapist in Columbus

At Cook Counseling, we believe couples therapy should feel like a conversation, not an interrogation. Our therapists bring a warm, laid-back style to every session — creating a space where partners feel heard, respected, and equally supported. Here’s what sets us apart:

We Get to the Root of the Problem

What couples come in saying is the issue may not be the core issue. Our therapists use thoughtful, high-level questioning to help you identify the patterns and underlying dynamics driving your conflict — so you’re solving the right problem.

We’re Trauma-Informed

Every therapist on our team is trauma-informed, which means we understand how past experiences show up in relationships and how to address them with care.

We’re Affirming for All Couples and Relationship Structures

We proudly work with LGBTQ+ couples, same-sex partnerships, and people in polyamorous relationships. It doesn’t matter what your orientation or relationship structure is — we’re not here to scrutinize your lifestyle. People with all types of relationship structures have challenges, and we’re here to help.

We Use Evidence-Based Approaches

Our team includes Gottman-certified therapists, Gestalt-trained providers, and eclectic clinicians who tailor their approach to what each specific couple needs.

We Can Get You In Fast

We work hard to get couples scheduled within 7 days. You shouldn’t have to wait months to get the support you need.

We Genuinely Care

Our patients are not just numbers. We’re invested in what we’re doing and in the people we work with.

“At Cook Counseling, we’ve come to see couples therapy a lot like preventative care — and it’s never too late to start. It’s not a sign that you’re weak or that your relationship is failing. It can be a crucial part of taking care of yourself and the people you love.”

— Shelby Cook, Owner & Psychotherapist

What To Expect

Our Process for Couples Counseling

Step 1: Reach Out

Call or email our team. The two questions we hear most often are “Do you offer couples therapy?” and “How much is it going to cost?” — and we have answers to both. Our billing team will verify your insurance coverage before your first session so there are no surprises.

Step 2: Schedule Your Intake Appointment

We’ll get you scheduled, typically within seven days. Before your first session, you’ll complete a brief set of consent forms and background information so we’re ready to hit the ground running.

Step 3: Your First Session — The Intake

Your first appointment is all about gathering history. Your therapist will ask questions about you as a couple and about each of you individually. It’s a little more structured than sessions that follow, and your therapist will let you know that upfront. Think of it as the foundation-building session.

Step 4: Set Goals Together

In the early sessions, you and your therapist will build a treatment plan together. What would it look like if you waved a magic wand and fixed everything? That vision becomes the roadmap. From there, you’ll work together on how to get there.

Step 5: Do the Work

Sessions are collaborative and conversational, not rigid or scripted. Your therapist will use Socratic questioning to help you come to your own conclusions, because you’re the expert in your own relationship. Over time, the goal is for you to develop the tools to solve problems together, with less conflict and a stronger foundation.

Step 6: Track Progress and Adjust

Progress is measured by your own feedback. Are you arguing less? Do you feel more like a team? Your therapist will help you put numbers and benchmarks to your goals so you can track improvement over time. If something isn’t working, we’ll figure out why and adjust.

Pricing for Couples Counseling

Almost all clients at Cook Counseling use insurance, and couples therapy is covered by most major plans. Our billing team will verify your specific coverage before your first appointment.

Intake session:
$200

Follow-up sessions:
$175 / 60 minutes

In-Network Insurance Plans

We’re committed to making therapy accessible and affordable. We accept many major insurance plans—check the list below to see if your provider is included.

What We Offer

Counseling Services for All Types of Relationships and Transitions

Cook Counseling offers support across a wide range of relationship needs — not just traditional couples. Here’s a closer look at the services we provide:

Premarital Counseling

Whether you’re moving in together, newly engaged, or expecting a child, premarital counseling helps you build a strong foundation by addressing communication habits, aligning expectations, and getting ahead of potential challenges before they become bigger problems.

Co-Parenting Therapy

Divorce doesn’t end the relationship — it changes it. We work with separated and divorced parents to develop healthy co-parenting dynamics, minimize conflict, and keep the focus on what matters most: the kids.

Family Therapy

When relationship transitions affect the whole family, we can bring everyone into the room — including minor or adult children if needed. Family therapy helps everyone adjust, communicate, and work through things together.

Online Couples Counseling

Can’t make it to one of our six Ohio locations? We offer online couples counseling for clients across Ohio and in the additional states where we’re licensed, including New York, Florida, South Carolina, Massachusetts, Oregon, New Mexico, Alabama, and Texas. Virtual sessions are just as effective and a lot more convenient.

Therapy for Polyamorous and Non-Traditional Relationships

We have specialists on staff who work specifically with polyamorous families and non-traditional relationship structures. These dynamics come with their own unique needs, and we’re equipped to meet them — without judgment, and with a therapist who truly understands.

our people

Meet Our Columbus Therapists & Counselors

Our therapy team is as diverse as the clients we serve. Get to know the Columbus therapists who will be in your corner.

Jacalyn Pridemore

Jacalyn Pridemore, SWT

by | Jun 8, 2026 | Team | 0 Comments

Khalia Washington

Khalia Washington, LSW

by | Jun 8, 2026 | Team | 0 Comments

Lauren Polk, MSW, LSW

Lauren Polk, MSW, LSW

by | Apr 20, 2026 | Team | 0 Comments

Erin Bryant

Erin Bryant, LISW

by | Mar 24, 2026 | Team | 0 Comments

Ayden Howell, Ed.S.

by | Mar 24, 2026 | Team | 0 Comments

Courtney Werts

Courtney Werts, MSW, LSW

by | Dec 17, 2025 | Team | 0 Comments

Liesa Boyd

Liesa Boyd, PMHNP-BC

by | Sep 3, 2025 | Team | 0 Comments

Roy McClelland

Roy McClelland, LPCC

by | Sep 3, 2025 | Team | 0 Comments

Terri Hemphill

Terri Hemphill, LICDC, LISW

by | Aug 27, 2025 | Team | 0 Comments

Joe Stork

Joe Stork, LISW

by | Aug 27, 2025 | Team | 0 Comments

Nan MacLean

Nan MacLean, PMHNP-BC

by | Aug 27, 2025 | Team | 0 Comments

Tova Shilian

Tova Shilian, MSW, LSW

by | Aug 27, 2025 | Team | 0 Comments

Diamond McCoy

Diamond McCoy, LISW

by | Jun 11, 2025 | Team | 6 Comments

Sophie Berger

Sophie Berger, SWT

by | Jun 11, 2025 | Team | 0 Comments

Rashonda Harvey

Rashonda Harvey, MSW, LSW

by | Jun 11, 2025 | Team | 0 Comments

Maria Schlaegel

Maria Browning, MA

by | Jun 11, 2025 | Team | 6 Comments

Briana Wood, MSW, LSW

by | Jun 11, 2025 | Team | 0 Comments

Allison Dorr

Allison Dorr, MSW, LSW

by | Jun 11, 2025 | Team | 3 Comments

Randra Simkins

Randra Jones, MSW, LSW

by | Apr 30, 2025 | Team | 0 Comments

Kelly Close

Kelly Close, LISW-S

by | Apr 30, 2025 | Team | 3 Comments

Erin DePaulo

Erin DePaulo, MSW, LSW

by | Apr 30, 2025 | Team | 0 Comments

Leslie Banks

Leslie Banks, MSA, LCDCII

by | Feb 25, 2025 | Team | 3 Comments

Kumar (Mohammad) Alam

Kumar Alam, LPC

by | Feb 25, 2025 | Team | 3 Comments

Denise Chambers

Denise Chambers, LISW, LICDC

by | Feb 24, 2025 | Team | 3 Comments

Sophia Mustric

Sophia Mustric, MSW, LSW

by | Feb 24, 2025 | Team | 3 Comments

Shelby Cook

Shelby Cook, LISW-S, LCSW-QS

by | Feb 24, 2025 | Team | 0 Comments

Sara Arrington

Sara Johnson, Clinical Intern

by | Feb 24, 2025 | Team | 0 Comments

Sabine Dodson

Sabine Dodson, LISW

by | Feb 24, 2025 | Team | 0 Comments

Renee Biney

Renee Biney, DHA, LISW-S

by | Feb 24, 2025 | Team | 0 Comments

Patrice Treadwell, LPCC-S

by | Feb 24, 2025 | Team | 0 Comments

Olivia Gamble

Olivia Gamble, MSW, LSW

by | Feb 24, 2025 | Team | 0 Comments

Myliekia Francois

Myliekia Francois, LISW, LICSW, CEAP

by | Feb 24, 2025 | Team | 3 Comments

Frequently Asked Questions About Couples Therapy in Columbus

Is couples therapy covered by insurance?

Yes, in most cases. Couples therapy is covered by the majority of insurance plans. There are a small number of plans that don’t include it, which is why our billing team verifies your specific coverage before your first session — so you know exactly what to expect before you walk in the door.

How long does couples counseling take?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. Some couples come in for a handful of sessions to work through a specific issue and then return as needed. Others benefit from longer-term work. What matters most is what you’re working toward, and that’s something you’ll define together with your therapist in the first few sessions.

What if one of us doesn't really want to be there?

That’s more common than you’d think. If one partner is hesitant about being there, the first priority is building trust and finding a goal that both partners are willing to work on. The goal isn’t to make anyone feel worse about themselves — it’s to understand what’s going on and find a path forward together.

Do we both need individual therapy too?

Not always, but it’s something your therapist may recommend. If one or both partners are carrying unresolved trauma that’s affecting the relationship, individual therapy can be a powerful complement to couples work. At Cook Counseling, we’re able to provide all three therapists — the couples therapist, and an individual therapist for each partner — all within the same practice.

How soon can we get an appointment?

We aim to get couples in within 7 days for couples counseling in Columbus. If you need individual therapy, we can often get you scheduled within 48 hours. We know that when you’re ready to reach out, waiting weeks for an appointment isn’t helpful — so we work hard to make sure you don’t have to.

Ready to Find Your Columbus Therapist?

New patients are typically seen within 48 to 72 hours. Our Columbus therapists and counselors make it easy to get started with the right therapy match for your unique needs.