7 Austin, TX Premarital Counselors [No Waitlist]
Takeaway: Planning a wedding can be one of the most exciting times in your relationship—and one of the most stressful. As a premarital counselor in Austin, Texas, I’ve seen firsthand how getting some extra support during this key time can help couples thrive. Here, I’ll share about my approach and introduce some other local premarital therapists I trust so you can find the right fit for your situation.
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Alissa Camacho, MS, LPC, LMHC, CCATP: Good fit for couples facing wedding stress who want a strong foundation.
Carly Stout (Boeselt), LPC-S: Good fit for exploring family history and long-term relationship patterns.
Emily Harrington-Cheney, LPC, IRT: Good fit for those wanting to improve communication through specialized methods.
Steve Cheney, LPC, IRT: Good fit for aligning core principles and fostering deep connection.
Alex Jordan, LPC-Associate: Good fit for younger couples or those in small-town Texas looking for relatable support.
Rachel Burgreen, LCSW-S: Good fit for navigating major life transitions and building a resilient partnership.
Lisa Cantu, LPC: Good fit for bicultural couples and those seeking support in the San Antonio area.
Therapist highlight
Alissa Camacho, MS, LPC, LMHC, CCATP
Good fit for high-achieving couples needing tools for wedding stress and a strong foundation.
Hi, I’m Alissa! While you’re busy wedding planning (exciting stuff, by the way), I’m here to make sure your partnership is ready for the "forever" part. Many couples come to me feeling engaged but exhausted by the sheer volume of concerns that arise before the big day. My job is to help you and your partner navigate the tough stuff while building the actual tools you need for a lasting marriage. I focus on healthy relationships where both people feel seen and respected in their sessions. If you want to start your married life on the right foot, and maybe laugh a little through the process, we’re a pretty solid match.
Credentials: Licensed Professional Counselor (TX), Licensed Mental Health Counselor (WA), Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional
Specialty Areas: Individuals, Couples, Anxiety, Self-Esteem, Relationship Issues
More recommended Austin premarital counselors
I want you and your partner to have a loving relationship that lasts, which means finding a person you truly click with. In case my practice isn't the right fit for your specific needs, I’ve curated this list of amazing Austin professionals who provide couples therapy counseling services.
Carly Stout (Boeselt), LPC-S
Good fit for exploring family history and long-term relationship patterns.
Carly is an expert LPC-S who understands that marriage doesn't happen in a vacuum. Through couples counseling, she helps you and your partner look at your childhood history to see how it impacts your current relationship. If you’re struggling with navigating boundaries or just want to discuss how your early life shapes your expectations, Carly’s couples therapy style could be a great fit for engaged couples.
Credentials: Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor
Specialty Areas: Couples, Families, Supervision
Emily Harrington-Cheney, LPC, IRT
Good fit for those wanting to improve communication through specialized methods.
If you feel like you and your partner aren't on the same page, Emily can help. She utilizes Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT) and connection-focused techniques to help clients move forward together. Her sessions are designed to create a safe space for clients to address their deepest concerns and explore deeper intimacy.
Credentials: Licensed Professional Counselor
Specialty Areas: Relationship Recovery, Communication
Steve Cheney, LPC, IRT
Good fit for aligning core principles and fostering deep connection.
Steve is a certified Imago therapist who brings a unique psychobiological approach to couples therapy. He is great at helping you align your core principles and foundational beliefs. If you're looking for a licensed marriage professional who respects the unique bond of your committed relationship, Steve's counseling services could be the right fit for you and your partner.
Credentials: Licensed Professional Counselor
Specialty Areas: Relationship Dynamics, Couples
Alex Jordan, LPC-Associate
Good fit for younger couples or those in small town Texas looking for relatable support.
As an LPC-Associate, Alex brings fresh energy to premarital counseling. She is great at helping you and your partner navigate early-stage conflict and identity transitions. She makes the therapy environment feel personal and accessible for those looking for a relatable online experience.
Credentials: Licensed Professional Counselor Associate
Specialty Areas: Young Adults, Premarital, Career Transitions
Rachel Burgreen, LCSW-S
Good fit for navigating major life transitions and building a resilient partnership.
Rachel is a family therapist. She provides the support you and your partner need to navigate their future together. She is certified in the Gottman Method, allowing her to provide evidence-based strategies to help couples build a solid partnership that lasts through every life stage.
Credentials: Licensed Clinical Social Worker Supervisor, Certified Gottman Therapist
Specialty Areas: Life transitions, Women’s issues, Couples, Gottman Method
Lisa Cantu, LPC
Good fit for bicultural couples and those seeking support in the San Antonio area.
Lisa provides a warm and culturally sensitive approach to marriage counseling. She’s a great resource for engaged couples who want to explore their cultural beliefs and build a strong foundation that honors both partners.
Credentials: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Specialty Areas: Bicultural Couples, Anxiety, Trauma
How to choose the right premarital counselor for you and your partner
Choosing a therapist is important, and finding the right fit matters. You're going to be talking about deeply personal things with your partner, so your comfort matters. Sustaining a loving relationship means you need someone you can both trust.
Look at their background- Do they specialize in couples counseling or have a specific family therapist background that resonates with you?
Ask about their methods: Do they offer therapeutic methods, such as Gottman Method or other frameworks, to help you move from dating to a lifelong marriage?
Logistics: Do they have an appointment available? What is their session rate?
Clinical Fit: Does the person make you both feel heard?
Investing in your relationship now is the best benefit you can give your future marriage.
What to expect from the premarital counseling process
The process of premarital counseling in Austin, TX is about much more than just squeezing in some therapy before your wedding day. It’s an investment in the future of your partnership. You’re not looking to just get by in your relationship. You’re being intentional about building a strong married life. We’ll explore what you’re already great at as a couple while providing you with the practical habits and support you need for your marriage.
Step 1: The Consultation
Most couples therapists offer a brief introductory call. This is a low pressure way to ensure the provider offers the specific services you and your partner need and that you feel comfortable with their approach before you book your first full session.
Step 2: Assessment
During your initial sessions, we take a deep dive into your relationship. We’ll look at how you handle things like communication and conflict resolution. We’ll also identify both your strengths as a couple and any concerns you might be struggling with.
Step 3: Skill Building
This is where the real work happens. We spend time aligning your shared values and discussing practical topics like finances, intimacy, future dreams, and family boundaries. Our goal is to ensure you’re entering marriage with clarity and the tools you need to handle whatever comes your way in the future.
FAQs about pre-marriage counseling
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No, Texas does not require premarital counseling by law. Choosing to work with a counselor is a completely voluntary investment in the health and longevity of your marriage. It provides you with a dedicated community space to focus on your relationship’s specific premarital needs.
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It’s a good idea to start premarital counseling at least 3-6 months before your wedding. This gives you enough time to actually practice the tools we talk about without the pressure of last minute planning.
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Research shows that many couples (around 30%) who invest in premarital counseling report higher levels of marriage satisfaction. It significantly helps reduce the likelihood of future conflict by addressing expectations early.
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Every couple's journey is different, but we typically discuss topics like:
Finances and budgeting
Family dynamics and in-laws
Sex, intimacy, and affection
Child rearing and family planning
Shared values and spiritual beliefs
Our focus is to create transparency and alignment so you both feel fully prepared for your married life together.
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Premarital counseling usually lasts for 6–12 sessions. Some couples find that they may benefit from just a few sessions, while others may prefer a deeper dive into their relationship.
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No, premarital counseling isn’t usually covered by health insurance. Most coverage for therapy services requires a mental health diagnosis where the focus remains on one individual. This doesn't typically apply to traditional couples counseling, which focuses on the relationship as a whole.
Start working with a premarital counselor in Austin, Texas today
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