About couples therapy
Couples therapy helps partners improve communication, handle conflict, rebuild trust after a crisis or make decisions together, including separation. Sessions are usually joint, sometimes with individual meetings. It is not about deciding who is right but about understanding the patterns between you.
Psychotherapists are professionals trained in one or more models of psychotherapy (psychodynamic, systemic, humanistic, cognitive-behavioural…). The protected title and requirements vary by country; profiles show each professional’s training and registration.
Getting mental health care in Iran
Public health system · Ministry of Health and Medical Education primary health care network
Mental health services have been integrated into the primary health care network since 1988, with referral between levels of care. Shortages of mental health staff and limited insurance coverage of mental health services remain problems.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Psychology and Counseling Organization of Iran (PCO). Psychologists and counsellors need a work licence (parvaneh-ye eshteghal) and membership number issued by the PCO to practise. Ask for the PCO licence number.
- Medical Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRIMC). The Medical Council licenses and registers doctors. Check the psychiatrist's Medical Council (nezam pezeshki) number and specialty.
Urgent help in Iran
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, en.wikipedia.org, jamp.sums.ac.ir
Signs to look out for
All couples argue. It may be time to seek help when the same arguments repeat without resolution, conversations quickly turn into criticism or silence, you feel lonely within the relationship, affection or sex have faded and that worries you, trust has been broken, or a big change such as a baby, illness or a move has unbalanced things. Considering separation is also a reason to talk.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Couples therapy approaches with good evidence include emotionally focused therapy, integrative behavioural couple therapy, cognitive-behavioural couples therapy and the Gottman method. Couples therapists, psychologists and psychotherapists with couples training usually lead the work, and a sex therapist can help when sexual concerns are central. Therapy can help couples reconnect, or separate with less damage, especially when children are involved.
When to seek urgent help
If there is physical violence, threats, sexual coercion, or you feel afraid of your partner, your safety comes first: contact your local emergency services if you are in immediate danger, and seek specialised support for domestic violence. Couples therapy is not recommended in these situations. Seek urgent help too if anyone has thoughts of suicide or harming others.
What you can do in the meantime
Choose calm moments to talk about difficult topics, rather than in the middle of an argument. Try to describe how you feel and what you need, instead of criticising. Take a break if things escalate and agree to come back to it. Make time for small moments of connection. Reading reliable information on relationships together can also open useful conversations.
What does a psychotherapist do?
A psychotherapist helps people understand and change emotional, relational and behavioural patterns through a structured therapeutic relationship. Their work is shaped by one or more models, such as cognitive-behavioural, psychodynamic, systemic, humanistic or integrative therapy. They meet individuals, couples, families or groups, usually in regular sessions, and spend time outside sessions on notes, preparation and their own supervision.
When to see a psychotherapist
Psychotherapy suits people who want to work in depth on recurring difficulties: anxiety, low mood, relationship patterns, self-esteem, the effects of past experiences or major life transitions. It can also help when you feel stuck without a clear diagnosis. If you need a formal diagnosis, a specific psychological assessment or medication, a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist may need to be involved.
How to choose
When choosing, check the licence and training, the approach they use and whether they have experience with what you need. Consider practical aspects too: language, price, location or online sessions and availability. The relationship with the professional matters a great deal; if after a few sessions it does not feel right, it is fine to change.
Frequently asked questions
Does the public health system in Iran cover psychological care?
Mental health services have been integrated into the primary health care network since 1988, with referral between levels of care. Shortages of mental health staff and limited insurance coverage of mental health services remain problems.
How do I check that a psychotherapist is licensed in Iran?
Psychology and Counseling Organization of Iran (PCO): Psychologists and counsellors need a work licence (parvaneh-ye eshteghal) and membership number issued by the PCO to practise. Ask for the PCO licence number.