Educational draft · Clinical review pending. Read our review status. Treatment decisions belong with your care team.
Behavioral couples therapy (BCT) brings a partner into addiction care. It works on both recovery and the bond between partners. It is one approach discussed in SAMHSA’s treatment and family therapy guide.
This page explains topics to discuss with a trained clinician. It is not a therapy plan to carry out on your own.
What sessions may address
A therapist may help you talk, support each other, and plan time together. Ask which approach they use and how they adapt it to each partner’s needs.
Goals may include these steps.
- Making space for honest conversations.
- Agreeing on helpful support and personal boundaries.
- Planning time together without substance use.
- Knowing whom to contact when either partner needs help.
Ask how couples sessions fit with private appointments and other addiction care. Partners do not need to share a bedroom for joint therapy to be offered.
Questions about the evidence
Ask the clinician what research supports the approach for your situation. A study involving one partner with a substance use disorder may not answer questions about two partners who both need treatment.
We have removed unsourced numerical outcome claims from this draft. This guide does not promise a recovery rate, a fixed course length, or a result for a particular couple. A full clinical and research review is still pending.
When couples therapy is not recommended
Tell a clinician privately if there are threats, violence, or coercion. Ask whether joint sessions are safe. SAMHSA’s family therapy guide covers safety checks and when to involve a partner.
Do not rely on a couples session to handle an immediate crisis. Call 911 for immediate danger or a medical emergency. Call or text 988 for crisis support.
If joint sessions are unsuitable, ask about individual care and other support. That decision does not by itself mean either person needs residential treatment.
How to find a trained therapist
Ask your treatment team for options or start with FindTreatment.gov. Check a therapist’s license with the relevant state board.
Ask about training in BCT for substance use, experience with your circumstances, privacy rules, and how progress is reviewed. Ask about open slots and costs before you book. See our cost guide and how-to-choose guide.
Planning beyond sessions
Ask how to reach the therapist between appointments and what to do if care needs change. Our relationships guide offers more discussion topics. For residential options, use our program search guide.