How long do people wait before seeking couples therapy? A research note

Abstract

A widely cited but poorly supported idea in the couples therapy field is that the average couple waits six years before starting therapy for serious relationship problems. This figure is often accompanied by the notion that many couples come “too late” and have poor prospects for recovery. This is the first large‐sample study on the delay between the onset of serious marital problems and entry into couples therapy (N = 270) and individual therapy (N = 101) for relationship problems. We found an average interval of 2.68 years from onset of problems and entering couples therapy, with the great majority of couples entering therapy within two years. Findings were similar for seeking individual therapy for relationship problems. The main clinical implication is that therapists have little reason to be pessimistic about the majority of couples waiting so long before starting therapy that their problems are not resolvable.

Marriage checkup in integrated primary care: A randomized controlled trial with active-duty military couples.

“…In a recent Air Force study, only 6% of Airmen in distressed relationships reported making use of couple counseling after returning from deployment (Snyder et al, 2016). Generally, distressed couples have been reported to wait an average of 2–3 years before seeking help (Doherty et al, 2021). Even lengthier delays (an average of 5.6 years) in seeking couples counseling have been found for military veterans and their partners (Jarnecke et al, 2020).…”

Understanding barriers to couples therapy

“…Despite its efficacy, people are not seeking help, or they are delaying help-seeking. A recent study found that couples who sought help for their relationship waited an average of two and half years after they noticed a problem (Doherty et al, 2021). We need more clarity on the barriers that fuel delays or refusals to engage in couples therapy.…”