Rates/FAQs

A: While we are not in-network with insurance companies, many of our clients still use their insurance to help cover the cost of therapy. Most insurance plans reimburse between 50 and 80 percent of session fees for out-of-network providers, which often brings the actual cost of therapy very close to what people pay for in-network sessions. This also gives you the freedom to choose the therapist who is the best fit for your needs rather than being limited to whoever happens to be on an insurance panel. To make the process easy, we offer two simple options. We can provide a monthly superbill that you can submit directly to your insurance company for reimbursement, or you can use Thrizer, a secure platform that checks your out-of-network benefits in a minute or less and manages the entire reimbursement process for you. Thrizer allows many clients to pay only their portion of the session cost, similar to an in-network copay, while they handle the rest. You can check your benefits at any time on their website, and we can walk you through the setup step by step if you’d like support. Using Thrizer is completely optional, but it is by far the easiest way to get reimbursed without spending time on hold or doing insurance paperwork.
Why we are out-of-network: This is an intentional choice to protect the quality of care our clients receive. Insurance companies typically require a mental health diagnosis to cover therapy, and most plans do not cover couples therapy or therapy focused on relationship issues, personal growth, or prevention. They often place restrictions on the length, frequency, and goals of therapy, which can get in the way of truly effective treatment. Once a diagnosis is submitted, it becomes part of your permanent medical record and can affect future insurance options or costs. By remaining out-of-network, we can provide therapy that is confidential, customized to your goals, and guided by what will help you most, not what an insurance company requires. Many of our clients choose us because of our expertise and advanced training in methods developed and backed by decades of research, including Emotionally Focused Therapy and the Gottman Method, two of the most effective, evidence-based approaches for creating lasting relationship change. We are happy to answer any questions. Just reach out to us through email, contact form, or call.
Lower cost option: For clients seeking a more affordable rate, our therapist Vally Rodriguez offers sessions at half the standard rate. She has advanced training in the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy and provides excellent care at a reduced cost.

Q: How do I check my out-of-network benefits using Thrizer?
A: Many clients are surprised to find they can use their insurance with us almost as easily as they would in-network. The out-of-pocket cost is often very similar, and in some cases even lower. You also get to work with the therapist you choose rather than being limited to whoever is in-network.
Here is how to check your benefits, in a minute or less:
• Go to www.Thrizer.com
• Click “Get Started”
• Select “I am a client”
• Enter your insurance information to instantly see your out-of-network coverage, deductible status, co-insurance rate, and estimated reimbursement
Thrizer lets you:
• Avoid insurance phone calls and paperwork
• Know your costs up front before starting therapy
• Often pay only your co-insurance portion, while Thrizer handles billing your insurance
• Keep your therapy confidential and diagnosis-free when appropriate
• Choose your therapist based on the best clinical fit, not insurance restrictions
Thrizer Fees
• $0 fee while you are working toward your deductible
• $2 per session before deductible or $2 + 1% of the session fee after deductible if you upload your own superbill
• 1% of the session fee if you pay the full amount and wait for reimbursement
• 5% of the session fee if you use Thrizer Pay, which allows you to pay only your portion while Thrizer handles the rest
Using Thrizer is completely optional and does not commit you to starting therapy. For most clients, it is faster, easier, and more affordable than going through insurance directly. It also gives you access to a higher level of care without the restrictions that often come with in-network providers.
If you would like, our team can walk you through the Thrizer setup step by step so you do not have to navigate anything on your own. You can call, email, or reach out through our contact form to get started.

Q: Do you take Medicaid?
A: We do not take Medicaid and are not able to see Medicaid clients due to Colorado laws that do not allow such clients to see a self-pay therapist. Even if one individual in a couple or family has Medicaid, we are unable to work with clients who have Medicaid. If you or your family does have Medicaid, please let us know as soon as possible, and we will happily provide you with referrals for therapists who do take Medicaid.

Q: Do you offer reduced-fee or sliding scale therapy?
A: Yes! We offer reduced-fee therapy at half the standard rate with our graduate intern, Vally Rodriguez. In addition, Vally can provide sliding-scale options to make therapy even more affordable based on financial need. You can learn more about Vally and reach out to her here, or explore our reduced-fee program here.

Q: How long does couples therapy take?
A: The length of couples therapy depends on your goals and the patterns you’re working to shift. For many couples, therapy lasts anywhere from 8 to 20 sessions, though some stay longer for deeper relational work or to maintain progress over time.
At Heart of the Matter Therapy, we use evidence-based approaches like Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and the Gottman Method, which focus on helping couples create lasting emotional safety, not just short-term fixes. During your first few sessions, we’ll work with you to identify your goals and give you a clearer idea of what to expect. If you’re dealing with communication struggles, recurring conflict, or emotional disconnection, we’ll help you make steady progress each week while also honoring your pace and comfort level.

Q: Should we go to therapy before marriage?
A: Yes! Pre-marital or pre-commitment counseling is one of the most powerful investments you can make in your relationship. Therapy isn’t just for couples in crisis, it’s also for couples who want to build a solid foundation before entering marriage or long-term partnership. In pre-marital counseling, we explore:
~ Communication and conflict resolution skills
~ Family backgrounds and core values
~ Sex, intimacy, and affection
~ Finances, parenting, and shared vision
~ Attachment styles and emotional needs
Even if you’re already feeling close and aligned, therapy helps you get ahead of future challenges and understand each other more deeply. It’s a proactive way to strengthen your bond before major life transitions.

Q: How do we know if our relationship needs counseling?
A: If you’re wondering whether your marriage needs counseling, that’s often a sign it’s worth exploring and that therapy can be helpful. Some common reasons couples seek therapy include frequent arguments, feeling distant or disconnected, struggling to communicate, recovering from a breach of trust, or simply wanting to strengthen your bond. You don’t have to be in crisis to benefit, many couples use counseling as a proactive way to deepen connection and improve their relationship. If something feels off or stuck, therapy can help you find clarity and a path forward.

Q: Is therapy only for couples on the brink of separation?
A: Not at all. Many of the couples we work with are still deeply committed and want to grow together, not just “fix” things when they’re falling apart. In fact, early intervention leads to the best outcomes. Therapy can help you:
~ Break cycles of miscommunication
~ Rebuild emotional or sexual intimacy
~ Navigate major decisions together
~ Heal after betrayal or emotional disconnection
~ Reignite curiosity, connection, and joy
Whether you’re newly dating, cohabiting, married, or somewhere in between, we’re here to help you feel more seen, heard, and understood.

Q: What types of couples therapy do you offer?
A: At Heart of the Matter Therapy, we specialize in evidence-based approaches that help couples create lasting, meaningful change in their relationships. Our therapists are trained in the most respected and research-supported models available:
Emotionally Focused (Couples) Therapy (EFT)
EFT is one of the most effective forms of couples therapy, helping partners identify negative cycles, understand their deeper emotional needs, and build a stronger emotional bond. It’s especially helpful for couples experiencing disconnection, conflict, or past attachment injuries.
Gottman Method Couples Therapy
Based on decades of research, the Gottman Method offers practical tools for improving communication, resolving conflict, increasing intimacy, and rebuilding trust. We use Gottman assessments and interventions to help couples reconnect and feel like a team again.
Sex Therapy & Intimacy Work
We also offer therapy focused on sexual concerns, mismatched desire, or emotional blocks around physical closeness. Our therapists are trained to approach these topics with sensitivity, warmth, and clarity, creating space for honest dialogue and healing.
Trauma-Informed Couples Therapy
If one or both partners have a history of trauma, we integrate trauma-informed principles to ensure safety, pacing, and connection are honored throughout the process.
We work with couples at every stage from dating, engaged, married, co-parenting, separated, or navigating nontraditional relationship structures. Whether you’re stuck in a cycle of conflict or looking to deepen an already strong bond, we tailor therapy to your unique goals and strengths.

Q: Where are you located in Fort Collins?
A: Our physical office is located in at 109 Coronado Court, Building 7, Fort Collins, Colorado. We are conveniently accessible from College Avenue. We offer a calm, welcoming space designed to support deep emotional work for individuals and couples. Free parking is available right outside the building, and we have ADA-accessible options. If you’re not in Fort Collins or prefer the flexibility of virtual sessions, we also offer secure, HIPAA-compliant online therapy to clients across Colorado. Many of our couples appreciate the ability to connect from the comfort of their home or even while traveling. We also offer online coaching to clients in any area of the world. Whether you’re local or anywhere in the state, we’re here to support your relationship growth and healing.

Q: Do you offer online therapy in Colorado?
A: Yes, we offer online therapy to clients in Colorado. Our secure telehealth platform makes it easy to connect with your therapist from the comfort of your home or office. Whether you’re seeking couples therapy, individual counseling, or family support, you can access the same high-quality care online as you would in person.

Q: Do you offer online life or relationship coaching across the world?
A: Yes, we offer online life and relationship coaching to clients around the world. Coaching sessions are available virtually, making it easy to get support no matter where you’re located. Whether you’re working on personal growth, relationship challenges, or emotional wellness, our expert coaches are here to help you make meaningful, lasting change.

Q: How do we get started?
A: We offer a free 15-minute consultation to help you explore whether couples therapy or individual counseling is the right next step. You can meet with one of our warm, highly trained therapists who will listen to your concerns and answer any questions you have, no pressure or commitment required.
We provide in-person sessions in Fort Collins, Colorado, and also offer online therapy statewide. We also offer online coaching across the world.
Ready to begin? Reach out to us here to schedule your consultation.