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Get started with couples or family therapy

Learn how to book, prepare for, and attend couples or family therapy.

Couples and family therapy can be a meaningful step toward strengthening your relationships. This guide walks you through how to find a provider, book your first session, and prepare your partner or family member to join.

Key Points


  • Use the Grow Directory filters and select Couples Counseling or Family Therapy to browse available providers.

  • The primary insurance holder should schedule the appointment β€” your partner or family member doesn't need their own Grow account.

  • Only the person who booked the session needs to complete the intake form. Your partner or family member doesn't need to fill anything out separately.

  • If you and your partner or family member are in different states, your provider must be licensed in both states β€” confirm this before booking.

  • Your partner or family member joins using the telehealth link you share with them. They don't need a Grow account, but they should join from a browser, not the Grow iOS app.

πŸŽ₯ To watch this video with closed captions enabled, hover over the video and select the CC icon in the bottom right.


1) Schedule an appointment


To book a couples or family therapy session as a new Grow Therapy client:

  • Under the Needs tab, select Couples Counseling or Family Therapy to narrow your search to providers who offer these services.

Couples and Family Counseling options highlighted in the Specialties drop-down menu of the provider search tool
  • Browse the list of providers and select one who meets your needs.

  • Use the provider's availability calendar to choose a time that works for you.

  • Complete the booking form. The primary insurance holder should schedule the appointment, and the name in the Client information section should match the name on the insurance card.

⚠️ Important: Only the primary insurance holder's insurance is used for billing. Your partner or family member does not need to be on the same insurance plan or have their own Grow account to participate. Their name won't appear on the claim β€” billing runs through the account holder's insurance only.

Client information section of the booking form
  • Click Book now to confirm the appointment.

A confirmation message will appear. You will also receive a confirmation email with the appointment details at the address you provided.


2) Let your provider know


Grow's booking system doesn't label sessions by type, so your provider may not know both partners plan to attend. After booking, message your provider through your client portal to:

  • Confirm they offer couples or family therapy

  • Let them know both participants will be joining

  • Clarify whether you'll be in the same location or joining separately

  • Share any context that would help them prepare for your first session

If you and your partner are in different states, this is also a good time to confirm your provider is licensed in both. If they aren't, you'll need to search for a new provider who holds licensure in both states before your appointment.


3) Prepare for the session


Activate your client portal

After booking, you'll receive a confirmation email that includes a link to set up your client portal. For step-by-step instructions, refer to this guide.

Complete intake forms and check-ins

Before your first session, complete all intake forms in your client portal. Only the person who scheduled the session needs to fill them out β€” your partner or family member does not need to complete a separate intake.

For tips on setting up your device and connection ahead of your telehealth appointment, refer to How to prepare for your first Grow Therapy telehealth session.


4) Join the session


You can join your session using the telehealth link at your scheduled appointment time. The link is available in your client portal, your appointment reminder, and your calendar invite.

To share the session with your partner or family member, forward the telehealth link to them ahead of time. Both participants use the same link to join β€” no separate account or login needed.

⚠️ Important: Your partner or family member should join from a web browser, not the Grow iOS app. The app requires a Grow account to access telehealth sessions, so sharing the link via browser is the correct way to join.

To join your session:

  • Click the telehealth link.

  • Enter your first and last name when prompted, then click Enter waiting room.

Enter your name before joining the waiting room
  • Remain in the waiting room until your provider admits you.

Waiting room screen displaying prompt to complete a mental health check-in
  • Once your provider admits all participants, your session will begin.

πŸ’‘ Tip: For a smoother session, each participant should join from a quiet, private location with their own device. For additional telehealth tips, refer to the Grow Therapy telehealth FAQ.


Frequently asked questions


Can my partner or family member join from a different location? Yes. Each participant joins independently using the same telehealth link, so you don't need to be in the same place. If you and your partner are in different states at the time of the session, your provider must be licensed in both states β€” confirm this before your appointment.

Does my partner or family member need their own Grow account? No. Only the person who booked the session needs a Grow Therapy account. Your partner or family member joins directly through the shared telehealth link. They should open the link in a browser, not the Grow iOS app, since the app requires a login.

Does my partner need to be on the same insurance plan? No. Billing runs through the primary insurance holder who booked the session. Your partner doesn't need to be on the same plan or have their own insurance on file with Grow.

Does my partner or family member need to complete any forms? No. Only the person who scheduled the session fills out intake forms. Your partner or family member doesn't need to complete a separate intake before joining, though your provider may ask them to complete paperwork directly at or before the start of the session.

What if my partner or family member can't make it to a session? If the other participant can't join, contact your provider directly to let them know. Depending on your provider's preference and your treatment plan, the session may proceed as an individual appointment or may need to be rescheduled. Your provider will advise you on the best path forward.

How will my provider know it's a couples or family session? Grow's booking system doesn't label session types, so it's important to message your provider after booking to let them know both participants will be attending. See step 2 above.

Can I reschedule or cancel the session? Yes. Log in to your client portal to make changes to the appointment time, or contact your provider directly. Be sure to review your provider's cancellation policy beforehand.

Can I switch from individual to couples or family therapy? Yes. Start by messaging your current provider through your client portal to ask whether they offer couples or family sessions. If they don't, you can search for a new provider in the Grow Directory or request a match through the Client Success Team.

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