Lia CabreraI once believed that relationship problems always showed up loudly through heated arguments and obvious breaking points. In real life, though, many marriages begin to fall apart quietly. Sometimes it starts with hidden messages and conversations that slowly cross the line.
It often begins with a simple but unsettling thought: “Why does something feel off?” For many couples, this is the moment when they realize they need marriage counselling, hoping to rebuild trust after cheating or emotional affairs.
When honesty feels uncertain, and communication becomes strained, moving forward can feel overwhelming. However, with the right counselor, couples can work through the pain and find their way back to one another.
With that in mind, explore the top marriage counselling services in San Diego that focus on fostering lasting recovery.
How much do marriage counselling services cost in San Diego?
Marriage counselling services in San Diego typically cost between $120 and $250 per session, with most sessions lasting 50 to 60 minutes. However, credentials, specialization, and the availability of in-person or online services influence the rates.
1. San Diego Couples & Family Therapy
Address: 5230 Carroll Canyon Rd #100, CA 92121
Contact Details: +1 858-337-9884
Operating Hours:
- Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
If awards matter to you, San Diego Couples & Family Therapy has earned a ThreeBestRated Certificate of Excellence for 2026, demonstrating the quality of its work.
Led by Baya Mebarek, PsyD, LMFT with MFC #48379, the practice supports couples and individuals seeking clarity, repair, and lasting change. It applies specifically when emotional distance or major life transitions make connection difficult to achieve.
What really sets their marriage counseling apart is the depth of each session. Appointments last about 50 to 60 minutes and are grounded in evidence-based and emotion-based models, with practical communication tools.
Beyond couples work, the practice also offers discernment counseling, bi-cultural relationship support, and individual therapy.
Sessions are also priced at around $230 per appointment. It includes personalized treatment planning and access to both in-person and secure online therapy across California. Plus, a free 15-minute consultation is available for new clients.
However, note that this is a more in-depth, focused, and reflective style of therapy. So, it may feel slow if you are looking for quick solutions.
Insightful, empathetic, and brilliant
“Dr. Mebarek is so incredibly insightful, empathetic, brilliant, and understanding! I wouldn’t be half the woman I am today without her impeccable guidance and support. She truly and genuinely cares. Similarly, my relationship with my partner has improved drastically because of her knowledge and her ability to guide us in the right direction. Without any hesitation, I give her my highest recommendation for therapy. She is the BEST!”
– Danielle Devor, Google Review
Fundamentally helpful in my relationship
“Dr. Mebarek has been fundamentally helpful in my relationship and growth. She has also helped my family through difficult times. I highly recommend her counseling and will continue to see her!”
– James, Google Review
2. Estes Therapy
Address: 3333 Camino del Rio S, UNIT 215, CA 92108
Contact Details: +1 619-558-0001
Operating Hours:
- Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Estes Therapy makes a strong first impression on those seeking immediate access and real support. They offer in-person availability and begin with a free 10-minute matching call to help you find the right therapist.
Their couples work focuses on rebuilding connection, improving communication, and healing after conflict or infidelity.
Using Emotionally Focused Therapy, along with the Gottman Method and AEDP, sessions help couples understand emotional patterns and create a safer relationship.
I also appreciate that they welcome all relationship types, including LGBTQ+ and non-monogamous couples. They even offer support for premarital counseling, divorce counseling, and affair recovery.
Founder Jennine Estes Powell, LMFT, leads the practice and has been utilizing evidence-based therapy methods since the late 1990s. She even specializes in EFT, EMDR, and CBT.
Beyond couples therapy, the team here also provides individual counseling and full telehealth services across California.
However, their matching process uses a wide list of 18 therapists in the network. This may slow down decision-making for first-time clients and can be confusing if you want to start immediately.
Their clinicians are exceptionally well-trained
“Estes Therapy is an outstanding resource for couples therapy in San Diego, particularly for couples who have tried therapy elsewhere and are looking for a more structured, evidence-based approach. Their clinicians are exceptionally well trained, and it shows in the depth, clarity, and effectiveness of the work they do with couples. I have great confidence in their team and regularly recommend them to couples seeking thoughtful, effective support.”
– Rochelle Perper, Google Review
Helped us recognize our cycle and work through hard topics
“My partner and I have been seeing Lauryn for pre marital counseling for a few months now. Shes helped us recognize our cycle and work through some hard topics. We’ve made great progress and looking forward to our wedding in September!”
– Grace Grijalva, Google Review
3. Lori Underwood Therapy
Address: 2635 Camino del Rio S, Suite #302, CA 92108
Contact Details: +1 858-442-0798
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday-Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday-Monday: Closed
Lori Underwood Therapy is recognized as a Top 3 Marriage Counselor by ThreeBestRated after passing a rigorous 50-point inspection.
Led by Lori Underwood, LMFT, the practice brings over 25 years of professional experience working with complex relationship dynamics.
I really appreciate how her approach is thoughtfully designed for busy professionals and senior leaders who juggle demanding careers and family life.
Her marriage counseling is grounded in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), a short-term approach that usually runs 8 to 10 sessions. Sessions focus on understanding emotional patterns, repairing what’s not working, and rebuilding trust.
Her services include couples and marriage counseling, individual and family therapy, and premarital counseling. She also offers support for depression, life coaching, and anger management.
Since earning her M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2011, Lori has continued using research-based methods to support lasting change.
For added flexibility, she also offers HIPAA-compliant teletherapy and, for an additional fee, even meets clients at their offices when time is limited.
However, her executive-style approach can feel a bit intense if you prefer a more open-ended pace.
Safe, warm, and welcoming space
“I’ve been seeing Lori for a while now, and I can truly say she is one of the most caring and compassionate professionals I’ve ever worked with. She creates a space that feels safe, warm, and welcoming—both in her beautifully calming office and in the way she engages with you as a person. What sets her apart is her ability to balance empathy with accountability. She lovingly holds you responsible for your growth while also helping you see the roles others may play in your experiences. It’s never about blame—it’s about understanding, healing, and moving forward. Her presence helps you feel seen, supported, and empowered to love yourself again. If you’re looking for someone who is both kind and honest, who will truly walk beside you on your journey, I can’t recommend her enough.”
– M Koz, Google Review
Lori is someone top of my referral list
“Lori is an esteemed colleague for many years and if you are lucky to snag a spot in her successful practice you are in fantastic hands. From the moment you are greeted until the end of session you feel seen, heard, and special to be in her presence. She is someone top of my referral list because so many clients rave about their individual or couples work together. You will reach your goals with Lori!”
– Kelly Ahearn, Google Review
4. Sarah Ruggera, LMFT
Address: Marriage Counseling in San Diego
Contact Details: +1 858-735-1139
Operating Hours:
- Monday-Saturday- 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
If you are tired of talking in circles and want real progress, Sarah Cook Ruggera gets things moving.
She earned multiple Top 3 recognitions from ThreeBestRated and brings over 30 years of experience helping couples work through infidelity, neurodiverse dynamics, and emotional disconnect.
She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a Certified Neurodiverse Couples Counselor, and an Affair Recovery Specialist. What I love most is her “let’s be honest and fix this” style, and her sessions focus on clarity.
Her signature framework, featured in her books Happy Me Happy We and The Happy Neurodiverse Marriage, helps couples stop walking on eggshells and start communicating with confidence.
Another standout is how personal her work feels. She draws on more than 25 years of marriage in a neurodiverse relationship and brings a rare layer of empathy and realism to her guidance.
Sadly, her combination of structured sessions and private PayPal or Zelle payments may feel limiting for clients who want insurance billing or a more relaxed pace.
Just do it, it’s definitely worth it
“I waited over a month to write this review to see if our session really made as much of a difference as I thought it did and… WOW… my bf and I were on the verge of breaking up. We had the initial 3 hour visit with Sarah and she gave us great tools but I honestly thought it was too late… we have been using all of the tools she gave us and it’s like a whole new relationship. I feel understood, loved and supported and my bf is surprised that my behavior has changed. I used to be sarcastic and disrespectful. Now, even when we argue, we don’t hurt each other like we used to and conflicts actually get resolved leaving us closer than before. If you are hesitant about the price, just do it – it’s definitely worth it.”
– Jacqueline H, Google Review
I am excited to continue my work with Sarah
“Working with Sarah for the past 4 months has been a life-changing experience. I am very appreciative of her approach and tact during every interaction. Her methodology is personable, empathetic, and helpful in framing up my experience in new ways to better understand my situation and what behaviors I need to focus on developing. I am excited to continue my work with Sarah!”
– Andrew Bisesi, Google Review
5. Couple Connection San Diego
Address: 5252 Balboa Ave 500 #500, CA 92117
Contact Details: +1 877-940-3047
Operating Hours:
- Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday-Sunday: Closed
If location and convenience matter to you, Couple Connection San Diego is a great place to start. Their office in Clairemont is easily accessible from La Jolla, Mission Valley, and nearby areas. It also offers free on-site parking.
Couples here work closely with John Bacon Gilbert, known for his judgment-free style. Sessions are grounded in Emotionally Focused Therapy, with a strong focus on understanding each partner’s perspective and breaking unhealthy patterns.
I love how clients often note that John starts on time and makes space for honest conversations without turning sessions into blame games.
In addition to marriage counseling services, he offers couples therapy, grief counseling, and specialized care for military members and their partners.
He also offers flexible weekday scheduling and virtual sessions, which help many couples stay consistent. However, appointments are limited to weekdays, so this may be challenging if you need evening or weekend options.
On the plus side, he works with Mentaya to support out-of-network insurance reimbursement, which helps make therapy more manageable financially.
We were able to understand each other more on an entirely new level
“This was our first couples therapy and it was nerve-wracking, but John is such a down to earth person that it felt natural to open up in discussion. With his help we were able to reflect and understand each other more in a entire new level. I whole heartedly recommend him! Thank you John once again for simply being you and shining new perspective into our marriage.”
– Jessica Silva, Google Review
Highly recommended
“Highly recommend!!!”
– Brian Weir, Google Review
