Amelia HallRelationships are never easy. One day, you’re arguing amidst the Vancouver traffic; the next, you’re wrangling each other for the missing milk on the grocery list. And that’s when you go ahead and think, “Well, maybe outside help helps.”
A marriage counsellor can help you through the rough times, whether it’s the lack of intimacy or the feeling of jealousy that seems to come from nowhere.
To make things easier for everyone, we reviewed some of the best marriage counsellors in the city – all highly recommended by couples. We did rounds of interviews, on-site inquiries, and technique assessments to compile this list.
For struggling couples, romance doesn’t have to die. Sometimes all it takes is booking the right professional.
How much does marriage counseling cost in Vancouver?
The cost of marriage counseling in Vancouver ranges from $135 to $250 for a 50-minute session. Certain treatments may be covered by insurance, and clinics may offer direct billing to insurers.
1. Dr. Stephen Madigan
Location: 2025 W 16th Ave
Contact: +1 604 688 7860
Opening Hours: Monday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Thursday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Dr. Stephen Madigan has 25 years of professional experience. But what stood out to us is his award-winning narrative approach.
This technique is collaborative, non-pathologizing, and focused on restoring couples’ shared values. It’s no surprise that he has helped with hundreds of cases involving conflicted couples.
We asked more about this approach and found that it’s not only focused on changes, but it’s also cost-effective – we find his rates to be average, so couples won’t have to break the bank.
Couples can generally complete their therapy in just 3 to 5 sessions.
Of course, the results aren’t always guaranteed. But what reassured our team were the client stories – the majority of the couples we talked to said they had lasting changes in their relationship.
We noticed that these changes are more prominent among couples who had struggled with recurring arguments, loss of intimacy, and disconnection.
That said, couples seeking long-term or weekly ongoing support may need to transition to another practitioner after initial progress. Availability is pretty limited too.
Great at helping simplifying life
“Stephen is an amazing human being and therapist. Highly recommended for both personal and couple therapy. When living in a hectic work and family environment sometimes you lose sight of the important things in life relationship and family. He’s great at helping simplifying life and going back to basics on both personal and relationship matters.”
Talal Yassin | Google Review
Helped strengthen relationships
“Dr. Stephen Madigan has to be one of my favorite people. My spouse and I worked with Dr Madigan as our therapist. He walked along side us to encourage and help strengthen our relationship, we could not be more appreciative and thankful for his guidance. We always look forward to seeing him again. Thank you Dr Madigan! See you soon.”
Shayla Hall | Google Review
2. Blue Sky Counselling + Wellness Clinic
Location: 999 W Broadway Suite 590
Contact: +1 604 428 6046
Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Friday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
We liked Blue Sky to be a great choice for the variety of services they offer. The best part is that they’re all offered in both in-person and remote formats.
As we value transparency in costs, we liked how clearly laid out their rates are – $180 for 50 minutes and $235 for 80 minutes. It’s just within the city’s median.
The clinic operates with a team of therapists, and we were happy to note that they’re all recognized by associations.
Beyond the credentials, the therapeutic approach also impressed us. To give you an idea, they integrate psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioural, narrative, and somatic methods.
Quite the mouthful, but don’t fret – instead of being overwhelming, this centers counseling on a more holistic approach.
According to the clients, they felt safe and grounded when communicating their concerns. We can’t use this to summarize the experience with individual therapists, but that’s the general expectation during sessions.
It’s important to take note, however, that they “match” you with a therapist. As with models like this, there will occasionally be problems with suitability.
Excellent listeners
“My wife and I have profited greatly from couples counselling sessions with Stephanie. She is an excellent listener, but also challenges us to reframe our assumptions. We always feel calmed after a session and more able to open up to each other. I would highly recommend working with Stephanie if you have the chance.”
Evan Duxbury | Google Review
Knowledgeable, patient, and so easy to talk to
“Sangeeta is a wonderful counsellor. Prior to starting therapy, I was hesitant and did not know what to expect. During the first session I immediately felt at ease. She is knowledgeable, patient and so easy to talk to. I appreciate her non-judgemental and inquisitive attitude and practical straight forward tools. I would highly recommend her to anyone who is in need of relationship / marriage counselling.”
Nick Wackwitz | Google Review
3. One Oak Counselling
Location: 4388 Still Creek Dr #207, Burnaby
Contact: +1 604 724 3542
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Saturday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
One Oak Counselling is another option that offers a big team of therapists. They specialize in relationship and marriage counselling through positive communication.
We heard many great stories about them. Some of the couples we spoke to said the counsellors were down-to-earth and non-judgmental.
They also felt that their approach was realistic. This is because their counselling approach includes practical tools like homework exercises to promote lasting behavioural change.
There’s a good balance of compassion and accountability, too. Across many therapists, we can say open feedback is encouraged. Couples appreciate this approach as they say they feel heard.
Commitment to tracking progress is also evident. This helped couples stay on course and see tangible improvement over time.
The rates are favourable – sessions are competitively priced, and they even offer a free 15-minute initial consultation.
We do think that’s a big advantage. As couples are matched with a therapist, they may find themselves with an unsuitable professional at first. The initial consultation may help avoid this.
Offers support that feels genuine
“Marianna is an experienced effective marriage counsellor. She listens well and is realistic in creatung change that is meaningful to both partners. She is flexible and offers support that feels genuine. She is open to feedback and committed to helping.”
Colleen Calderwood | Google Review
Tremendous help to couples
“Naushina was a tremendous help to my wife and I. Reaching out and connecting with a professional of her caliber was the best decision we could have made for our marriage. Thank you Naushina for your kindness and compassion!”
Vincent C. | Google Review
4. An Elegant Mind Clinic Counselling – Ketamine Therapy – EMDR
Location: 1090 Homer St #300
Contact: +1 604 800 9285
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM
An Elegant Mind offers a wide range of specialized services. The clinic takes a holistic and neuroscience-informed approach, integrating mind-body healing with psychological and emotional care.
When it comes to expertise, we can say they work best with rebuilding communication, trust, and sexual connection. The couples we interviewed said that they were guided through issues like infidelity, jealousy, and emotional distance.
What makes them stand out from the rest is their inclusivity. In fact, the clinic is best known for its expertise in LGBTQ+ and polyamory counseling.
Based on client stories, the approach to counselling is always warm and non-judgmental. A great sign of this is the fact that they’re able to discuss vulnerable topics without anxiety.
As for costs, this clinic wins in affordability. They have a low-cost counselling program, as well as a free 20-minute consultation. This makes them one of the more accessible options here.
Just take note – some treatments, including the Ketamine-Assisted Therapy (one they’re known for), may not be covered by insurance. Do check with your provider to confirm.
Very knowledgeable practitioner
“Angela is a very knowledgeable practitioner and someone that I look up to because she is able to synthesize many different frameworks into her work. The KISS Method is something she has developed and she’s also very knowledgeable about relationships. Would recommend”
Michael Oliver | Google Review
Super welcoming and non-judgmental
“It was not easy to find a clinic specialized in polyamory counselling. I’ve tried other clinics but none was as professional as An Elegant Mind about it. Angela was super welcoming and non-judgmental and created a safe space for me to explore and understand my relationships better. If you’re in a polyamorous relationship and need guidance, I highly recommend An Elegant Mind.”
Barbara Heliodora Franca | Google Review
5. Vancouver Counselling Clinic
Location: 1200 W 73rd Ave 11th floor
Contact: +1 604 343 4357
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Vancouver Counselling Clinic provides therapy for individuals, couples, families, children, and teens. To connect clients to therapists, they use a matcher system to pair them with the most suitable therapist.
Though, as we’ve said previously, sometimes it doesn’t work in the beginning.
A key advantage at this clinic is that they have highly qualified registered clinical counsellors and social workers.
On top of that, their professionals are multilingual. They speak languages such as English, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Punjabi.
We liked how well-structured their couples therapy program is. Their program includes three sessions, which focus on relationship understanding, emotional regulation, and communication building.
They also have an inclusive and culturally sensitive approach, in particular, for LGBT+ clients and Asian cultural backgrounds.
As for appointments, they have both in-person and virtual sessions. Prices are also competitive, with virtual options costing $185 and in-person options costing $195 for 60 minutes.
Incredibly skilled
“I highly recommend this clinic. Jocelyn is incredibly skilled at making you feel listened to and creating a safe space to express what you are going through. She has provided me with the knowledge and perspective to understand my partner better and approach our relationship with more empathy. I am grateful for the space Jocelyn has created with this clinic.”
Januaria Bryan Lam Somarriba | Google Review
A pleasure to work with
“Mariah has been an amazing counsellor and it has been a pleasure working with her. Her holistic approach has provided various perspectives and strategies that have been helpful in navigating certain difficulties. She is attentive and passionate, which really speaks volumes to the level of care for her clients.”
Nick | Google Review
