Switch to Accessible Site
Helping Couples Find Their Way
Hands Holding Plant

Online Couples Counseling:

Help is Available Wherever You Are

   
         Dr. Roger Ballou
 
Currently, I am not accepting new clients.  My caseload is full.  For couples counseling in the Concord/Manchester area, I recommend Between Us Associates (Manchester) and Warren Street Family Counseling (Concord).  Both can be found through an Internet search.
 
My goodness, relationships can be difficult at times. Did all of us sign on for this?

Yes, there are many moments of joy in most intimate relationships. Those sort of save us. And then there's the anger, and the anxiety, and the sadness. And many times, these feelings are the result of our problematic assumptions and misunderstandings.

And that's what I treasure about my work as a marriage and family therapist -- helping couples regain their footing and get back on track.

HOW I WORK

I see couples online.  We do this through a safe web platform.  I send you a passcode that allows you to enter our sessions.

Appointment times:

  • Monday-Friday, 9:00 and 10:30 AM and 2:30 and 4:00 PM
  • Wednesday and Thursday, 7:00 PM
  • Saturday, 9:00 and 10:30 AM

My preference is for each partner to be on his or her computer in a separate room.  Sessions are more productive when partners are not sitting next to one another huddled around the same screen.

And you both must be present for each session.  If we’re going to work on the relationship, the relationship must be present.  That means both partners in attendance.

After learning about you as two unique individuals and the issues you are dealing with as a couple, I focus on your skill set using my 16 Essentials for a Healthy Couple Relationship (see page on this website).  We assess which essentials you're doing well and where improvements need to be made.

I typically see couples for 5-8 sessions, then we evaluate how it's going. If I do a good job of teaching as part of couples therapy, then the two of you learn what's needed to make it on your own.

CREDENTIALS

I hold the PhD in Counseling/Marriage and Family Therapy from Purdue University and MEd in Counseling and Guidance from the College of William and Mary.  I am a Diplomate in Adlerian Psychology from the North American Society of Adlerian Psychology.  I am also a Clinical Member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.  I am licensed to practice in New Hampshire and Maine.

INSURANCE AND PRIVATE PAY RATE

I do not work directly with insurance companies -- only indirectly.  I am what is labeled a “fee for service” practice.  You pay me, then submit my receipt to your insurance company should you wish to do so.  My rate is $120.00 for a 1-hour session.

The primary reason that I do not work directly with insurance companies is the fact that, when clinicians submit claims to insurance companies, they must put a mental health diagnosis on clients.  In other words, if I accept your insurance, I will have to label one of you (the one whose plan you are using) with a mental disorder.

And this is not the case with most couples who seek me out for relationship help.  They are not mentally ill.  What they need is encouragement, support, education, and possibly some skills training (communicating more effectively, problem solving more collaboratively, etc.).

As mentioned, this does not mean that, in seeing me, you may not benefit from using your health insurance.

Following each session, I send you a special type of receipt that you can:

 (a) submit to your insurance company for out-of-network benefits reimbursement (depending on your policy).

 (b) use for payment from your health savings account (HSA).

 and/or

 (c) list as a medical deduction on your annual tax filing.

At the very least, what you pay me will count toward your annual insurance deductible. You simply need to send in the receipt that I will email to you following each session.

PERSPECTIVE

Over the years, I've worked with more than 1,000 couples. I'm passionate about making a difference in people's lives. I educate, coach, and support you in your efforts to get better. And, in the end, I trust you to know what's best for yourself individually and what's best for your relationship.

I've made a life's work of studying relationships and what helps them run smoothly.

If you feel like I would be a good fit for what you need, e-mail me at [email protected].

Sincerely,

Roger Ballou

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (NH and ME)