Divorce and separation rank among life's most stressful experiences—combining grief, identity upheaval, financial stress, and often ongoing conflict. Getting professional support isn't a sign of weakness; it's a wise investment in your wellbeing and your ability to move forward. This guide covers where to find counseling services that can help you cope with and heal from divorce or separation.
What's in This Guide
Types of Divorce Support
Different types of support address different aspects of divorce:
Individual Therapy
One-on-one work with a therapist to:
- Process grief, anger, and other emotions
- Work through depression or anxiety
- Rebuild identity and self-esteem
- Develop coping strategies
- Address underlying patterns that contributed to relationship issues
Divorce Coaching
Forward-focused support for practical and emotional aspects:
- Decision-making during the divorce process
- Communication strategies with ex-spouse
- Co-parenting planning
- Life rebuilding after divorce
Support Groups
Community with others going through the same experience:
- Reduced isolation
- Learning from others' experiences
- Normalizing your feelings
- Often free or low-cost
AI-Powered Support
24/7 availability for processing emotions:
- Always available when feelings hit
- No scheduling required
- Judgment-free space to vent
- Cost-effective supplemental support
Finding a Divorce Therapist
Where to Look
Therapist Directories
- Psychology Today: Largest therapist directory, filter by "divorce" specialty
- GoodTherapy: Vetted therapists with specialty search
- Therapy Den: Inclusive directory with specialty filters
Insurance Resources
- Your insurance company's provider directory
- Ask for therapists specializing in life transitions or divorce
- Many plans cover mental health services
Referrals
- Your primary care doctor
- Friends who've been through divorce (ask privately)
- Your divorce attorney (they often know good therapists)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
What to Look For
Qualities in a Divorce Therapist
- Experience with divorce: Specifically ask about their experience
- Appropriate approach: Some focus on grief, others on practical coping
- Understanding of your situation: Kids, custody, financial complexity
- Good fit: You feel comfortable and heard
- Availability: Can see you when you need it
Questions to Ask
- "How much experience do you have working with divorce?"
- "What's your approach to helping people through divorce?"
- "Do you work with high-conflict divorces?"
- "How do you typically structure treatment?"
- "What can I expect from our sessions?"
Online Therapy and Support
Marina AI: 24/7 Support
Marina AI provides always-available support for divorce and separation:
- Process difficult emotions: Grief, anger, fear, loneliness—whenever they hit
- Prepare for difficult interactions: Before conversations with ex, court dates, custody exchanges
- Late-night support: When 3 AM spirals about the future strike
- Non-judgmental space: Express even the "ugly" feelings
- Between-session support: Complement regular therapy
- Cost: $33.33/month unlimited
Why 24/7 support matters: Divorce emotions don't wait for your weekly therapy appointment. The anxiety before a custody hearing, the grief that hits at midnight, the rage after a difficult exchange—Marina AI is there whenever you need to process. Learn more.
Online Therapy Platforms
BetterHelp
- Features: Video, phone, chat, messaging with licensed therapists
- Divorce support: Filter for divorce/separation specialty
- Cost: $65-100/week
Talkspace
- Features: Video sessions plus unlimited messaging
- Insurance: Accepted by many major insurers
- Cost: $69-109/week; often covered by insurance
Regain
- Specialty: Relationship-focused platform
- Note: Can be used for individual divorce counseling, not just couples
- Cost: Similar to BetterHelp
Support Groups
DivorceCare
The most widely available divorce support group:
- Format: 13-week video seminar with group discussion
- Approach: Faith-based but welcoming to all
- Availability: Thousands of locations nationwide plus online
- Cost: Usually $15-25 for materials
Local Support Groups
Find groups through:
- Mental health centers
- Churches and religious organizations
- Community centers
- Meetup.com (search divorce support)
- Hospital wellness programs
Online Communities
- Reddit: r/divorce, r/Divorce_Men, r/Divorce_Women
- Facebook groups: Many active divorce support groups
- The Divorce Club: Online community and resources
Special Situations
High-Conflict Divorce
If your divorce involves significant conflict or a difficult ex:
- Therapist: Find someone experienced with high-conflict situations
- Divorce coach: Help with communication strategies
- Legal support: Ensure your attorney understands the dynamics
- Marina AI: Process frustration and prepare for interactions
Divorce with Children
Additional support for co-parenting:
- Co-parenting counseling: Joint sessions focused on children's needs
- Parenting coordinators: Help resolve parenting disputes
- Family therapists: Support for children's adjustment
- Co-parenting apps: OurFamilyWizard, TalkingParents
Domestic Violence Situations
If abuse was involved:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
- Trauma-specialized therapist: Essential for healing
- Legal advocates: Many domestic violence organizations provide
- Safety planning: Before, during, and after leaving
Long-Term Marriage Ending
After decades together, divorce involves unique challenges:
- Deeper identity entanglement
- Larger financial implications
- Adult children's reactions
- Starting over at an older age
Look for therapists experienced with "gray divorce" or late-life transitions.
Building Your Support System
Recommended Approach
- Primary support: Regular therapist or counselor
- Daily support: Marina AI for processing between sessions
- Community: Support group for connection with others
- Practical help: Divorce coach if needed for logistics
Self-Care Basics
While getting professional support:
- Maintain basic routines (sleep, eating, exercise)
- Limit alcohol (common but counterproductive coping)
- Lean on trusted friends and family
- Avoid major decisions in the first months
- Be patient with yourself—healing takes time
Take the First Step
Reaching out for support is an act of strength, not weakness. Whether you start with a therapist, a support group, or AI support, getting help makes the journey through divorce more bearable—and the life after more fulfilling.
Marina AI is available right now—no appointment, no waiting. If you're struggling with divorce or separation, you can start processing what you're going through immediately.
Need support coping with divorce? Try a free session with Marina AI—available 24/7 for the emotional journey of separation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start therapy during divorce?
As soon as you're struggling. There's no need to wait until it's "bad enough." Starting early gives you support through the entire process and can prevent problems from compounding. Many people benefit from therapy before even making the decision to divorce.
Should my ex and I do couples counseling during divorce?
Traditional couples counseling aimed at saving the relationship usually isn't appropriate during divorce. However, "discernment counseling" can help with the decision process, and mediation or co-parenting counseling can help with the practical aspects. Individual therapy is usually more valuable during divorce itself.
How long does divorce recovery take?
A common estimate is 1-2 years for significant healing, though it varies widely based on the marriage length, circumstances of the divorce, and individual factors. Recovery isn't linear— you'll have good days and bad days. The goal isn't to "get over it" quickly but to process genuinely and build a meaningful life.
Will therapy records affect my divorce case?
Therapy records are generally confidential and protected. However, in custody disputes, a court could potentially subpoena records. Discuss this concern with both your therapist and attorney. This rarely becomes an issue, and the benefits of therapy typically far outweigh this concern.