75/100RP Score
Ranked #1 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 5.0★ from 14 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Best Couples Therapists in Merriam, KS (2026)
111 couples therapists ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →
The short answer
- 1
Best overall in Merriam: Anchoring Peace Therapy, LLC, RP Score 75/100; 5.0★ from 14 Google reviews.
- 44
Most-reviewed: LifeStance Therapists & Psychiatrists Overland Park, 214 Google reviews at 4.5★, the most of 111 ranked; ranked #44.
Rankings can't be bought. Psychologists can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank
111 Merriam couples therapists are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 28 open Saturdays and 10 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 5.0★ across 111 rated practices.
Top 10 couples therapists in Merriam at a glance
Ranked by the RP Score from public listing data, not by treatment outcomes; Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank.
| Rank | Business | RP Score | Google rating | Based in | Hours | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anchoring Peace Therapy, LLC | 75 | 5.0★ (14) | Overland Park, 3 mi away | — | Overall |
| 2 | Communication and Connection Therapy | 74 | 5.0★ (16) | Prairie Village, 5 mi away | — | — |
| 3 | Close Companions | 73 | 5.0★ (7) | Olathe, 8 mi away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 4 | Stay Golden Therapy | 70 | 4.8★ (6) | Kansas City, 3 mi away | Sat · Evenings | — |
| 5 | Alpas Counseling Services | 70 | 5.0★ (3) | Overland Park, 2 mi away | Sat · Evenings | — |
| 6 | Theresa M. Couture, MS | 68 | 1.3★ (4) | Overland Park, 7 mi away | — | — |
| 7 | Brian P Heydon | 68 | 4.6★ (51) | Kansas City, 6 mi away | Evenings | — |
| 8 | Core Counseling KC | 67 | 5.0★ (9) | Prairie Village, 4 mi away | — | — |
| 9 | Wah Joy | 67 | 5.0★ (88) | Merriam | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 10 | ASCEND Marriage and Family Therapy | 67 | 4.9★ (48) | Shawnee, 9 mi away | Evenings | — |
The 111 best couples therapists in Merriam, ranked
Ordered by RP Score, a 0–100 score from eight published factors. Paid placement never changes the order.
Ranked by the RP Score from public listing data, not by treatment outcomes; Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank.
Based in Prairie Village, 5 mi away
74/100RP ScoreRanked #2 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 5.0★ from 16 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Olathe, 8 mi away
73/100RP ScoreRanked #3 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 5.0★ from 7 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Kansas City, 3 mi away
70/100RP ScoreRanked #4 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 4.8★ from 6 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Overland Park, 2 mi away
70/100RP ScoreRanked #5 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Overland Park, 7 mi away
68/100RP ScoreRanked #6 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 1.3★ from 4 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Kansas City, 6 mi away
68/100RP ScoreRanked #7 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 4.6★ from 51 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Prairie Village, 4 mi away
67/100RP ScoreRanked #8 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 5.0★ from 9 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
#9 Wah Joy
Based in Merriam
67/100RP ScoreRanked #9 because of its Google rating and proximity: 5.0★ from 88 Google reviews, based in Merriam.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Shawnee, 9 mi away
67/100RP ScoreRanked #10 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 4.9★ from 48 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Overland Park, 7 mi away
67/100RP ScoreRanked #11 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 4.8★ from 32 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Overland Park, 5 mi away
66/100RP ScoreRanked #12 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 3.0★ from 4 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Overland Park, 7 mi away
66/100RP ScoreRanked #13 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 5.0★ from 28 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
#14 Elise Bennett
Based in Kansas City, 12 mi away
66/100RP ScoreRanked #14 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Overland Park, 9 mi away
66/100RP ScoreRanked #15 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 5.0★ from 29 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Merriam
65/100RP ScoreRanked #16 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.4★ from 5 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Olathe, 12 mi away
65/100RP ScoreRanked #17 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 4.2★ from 5 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Lenexa, 7 mi away
65/100RP ScoreRanked #18 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Lenexa, 8 mi away
64/100RP ScoreRanked #19 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 5.0★ from 8 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Overland Park, 7 mi away
64/100RP ScoreRanked #20 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Overland Park, 9 mi away
63/100RP ScoreRanked #21 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 3.9★ from 7 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
#22 Emma Wood, LCMFT
Based in Overland Park, 7 mi away
63/100RP ScoreRanked #22 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 2.3★ from 3 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Kansas City, 14 mi away
63/100RP ScoreRanked #23 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 5.0★ from 7 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Kansas City, 12 mi away
63/100RP ScoreRanked #24 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 3.6★ from 16 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Lenexa, 8 mi away
63/100RP ScoreRanked #25 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Couples therapists ranked #26 to #50
#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #50, in RP Score order; each links to its profile. We publish the top 50 of 111 ranked couples therapists here; the rest are on their profiles.
Also serving Merriam
20 more couples therapists within 20 mi that we can't rank yet: too few reviews, or a specialty we couldn't confirm. Listed A to Z.
| Business | Google rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Anger Alternatives | 5.0★ (2) | In Merriam |
| Associates at Hope Harbor | 4.1★ (13) | In Merriam |
| Barbara A. Callaway, LCPC | In Merriam | |
| Doug Burford, DMin, LCPC, EMDR | 3.0★ (2) | 3 mi |
| Dr. Shari Grady, PhD | 5.0★ (1) | In Merriam |
| Grace Neiderhiser, PLPC-MO, LPC-KS, Birchwood Counseling Group | 5.0★ (5) | In Merriam |
| Intensive Family Counseling | In Merriam | |
| Jeneb Coleman | In Merriam | |
| Just Breathe Counseling, LLC | In Merriam | |
| Kaw Valley Marriage and Family Therapy | In Merriam | |
| KC Marriage and Family Life Clinic | 5.0★ (2) | 3 mi |
| Kinetic Cure Counseling | 5.0★ (4) | In Merriam |
| Moments Counseling | 5.0★ (1) | In Merriam |
| Morning Light Therapy | 5.0★ (1) | In Merriam |
| Open Invite Therapy | 5.0★ (1) | In Merriam |
| Rooted Connection KC | 5.0★ (2) | 4 mi |
| Stiles Counseling Services | 3.0★ (2) | 4 mi |
| The Greenhouse KC | In Merriam | |
| True North Counseling, LLC | 5.0★ (4) | In Merriam |
| Turning American Families Arnd | In Merriam |
How we ranked Merriam couples therapists
We scored 111 Merriam couples therapists on eight factors, weighted as shown. A practice is ranked when its specialty is confirmed and it has 3 or more Google reviews or a claimed profile. A practice with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency. Other unknown factors are left out, not counted as zero. Scores last refreshed November 9, 2026.
Paid placement never changes a rank or score. Sponsored businesses are paid, labelled, limited to 3 and shown above the ranking, outside it.
| Factor | Weight | Computed from | In Merriam data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reputation | 25% | Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back it | Measured |
| Review volume | 5% | Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed practice on the list | Measured |
| Recency | 5% | Share of Google reviews from the last 12 months | Not yet collected |
| Availability | 10% | Weekly open hours, Saturday, Sunday, and round-the-clock or same-day availability | Measured |
| Specialty focus | 25% | How clearly the practice does this specialty (its Google category and name) | Measured |
| Proximity | 15% | Based in the city scores highest, less the farther away it is | Measured |
| Claimed profile | 10% | The practice has claimed its Ranked Psychologists profile (free or paid earn the same) | Measured |
| Partnered | 5% | The practice links to Ranked Psychologists from its own website with our badge, checked periodically | Measured |
How to choose a couples therapist
- Check the license with the state or provincial board that issued it; most boards publish a free online lookup.
- Make sure couples and marriage counseling is a regular part of their work, and ask what approach they use and why.
- Ask what training they have in couples work specifically (for example the Gottman Method or Emotionally Focused Therapy).
- Ask about fees, insurance and the cancellation policy before the first session. In the US, if you are uninsured or paying yourself, you can ask for a good faith estimate of expected charges.
- Check practical fit: in-person or online sessions, evening times, and how soon they have an opening.
- After a few sessions, ask yourself whether you feel heard. Changing to a different provider is common and fine.
Questions to ask a couples therapist
- Are you accepting new clients, and how soon could I start?
- Which license do you hold, and in which state or province?
- How much of your work is couples and marriage counseling?
- Do you also see each partner on their own?
- What do you charge per session, and do you take my insurance or provide a superbill?
- Do you offer online sessions?
- What is your cancellation policy?
- What do you keep confidential, and when would you have to share information?
Terms explained
- PhD / PsyD
- Doctoral degrees in psychology. A PhD usually has a stronger research focus, a PsyD a stronger clinical focus; both can lead to a psychologist license.
- Licensed psychologist
- A person licensed by a state or provincial psychology board to practice psychology. The title is protected by law.
- Psychological associate
- In some states and provinces, a master’s-level practitioner licensed or registered by the psychology board, often with supervision requirements.
- LPC / LMHC / LCPC
- US licenses for professional or mental health counselors (the name differs by state). They provide counseling and therapy.
- LCSW
- Licensed clinical social worker: a master’s-level social worker licensed to provide therapy.
- LMFT
- Licensed marriage and family therapist: licensed to treat individuals, couples and families with a focus on relationships.
- RP / RCC
- Registered psychotherapist (Ontario) and registered clinical counsellor (British Columbia): Canadian titles for licensed therapy providers.
- PSYPACT
- An interstate agreement that lets psychologists licensed in a member state provide telepsychology to clients in other member states once they hold the required authorization.
- Telehealth
- Sessions held by secure video or phone instead of in person. The provider generally needs to be licensed where the client is located.
- CBT
- Cognitive behavioral therapy: a structured talk therapy that works on the links between thoughts, feelings and behavior.
- DBT
- Dialectical behavior therapy: a form of CBT that teaches skills for managing intense emotions and relationships.
- ERP
- Exposure and response prevention: a form of CBT used for OCD.
Couples therapists in Merriam: frequently asked questions
Who is the best couples therapist in Merriam?
By RP Score, the highest-ranked couples therapist in Merriam, KS is Anchoring Peace Therapy, LLC with an RP Score of 75/100. It has 5.0★ from 14 Google reviews. Communication and Connection Therapy (#2) and Close Companions (#3) follow. We ranked 111 couples therapists on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.
How many couples therapists are there in Merriam?
RankedPsychologists ranks 111 couples therapists serving Merriam, KS. 4 of them are based in Merriam; the rest serve it from nearby towns. Another 20 within 20 mi are listed but not ranked yet. Counts are as of November 2026.
What should I do if I need help right now?
In crisis or thinking about suicide? Call or text 988 (US and Canada), any time. In an emergency, call 911. This site cannot help in an emergency.
Which couples therapists in Merriam work on weekends?
28 of 111 ranked couples therapists post Saturday hours and 10 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Close Companions (#3), Stay Golden Therapy (#4) and Alpas Counseling Services (#5). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.
What Google rating do Merriam couples therapists have?
The median Google rating among 111 rated couples therapists in Merriam is 5.0★, with a median of 7 reviews. LifeStance Therapists & Psychiatrists Overland Park has the most, 214 reviews, and ranks #44. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.
How does RankedPsychologists rank couples therapists?
Each couples therapist gets a 0–100 RP Score from eight published factors, led by reputation (25%), specialty focus (25%), proximity (15%) and availability (10%). A practice with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency; other factors we cannot measure are left out. Only practices with a confirmed specialty and 3 or more reviews, or a claimed profile, are ranked.
Do couples therapists outside Merriam count in this ranking?
Yes, if they are within 20 mi of the Merriam city center, our service radius for couples therapists. Each listing shows where the practice is based and how far away it is. Proximity is 15% of the RP Score, so a nearby practice gets a small edge.
Can couples therapists pay to rank higher on RankedPsychologists?
No. The RP Score never reads payment status, and this ranking has 0 paid placements. Up to 3 Featured practices may appear above the list, labelled Sponsored and showing their honest rank.
How are couples therapists in Merriam ranked?
Each practice gets an RP Score from 0 to 100 from 8 published factors, including its Google rating, how clearly it focuses on couples and marriage counseling and how close it is. Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank. The score does not measure treatment outcomes.
Do both partners need to come to couples therapy?
Most couples therapists prefer to see both partners, at least at first, but many will start with one. Ask how they handle individual sessions. If there is violence or fear in the relationship, tell the therapist privately; many do not offer joint sessions in that situation.
Can I see a couples therapist online?
Often, yes. Licensing generally follows where you are during the session, so the provider needs to be licensed or authorized there. In the US, psychologists in PSYPACT member states can offer telepsychology to clients in other member states; counselors and social workers have their own rules. In Canada, ask whether the provider is registered in your province.
What if I need help right now?
Do not wait for a consultation. Call or text 988 (US and Canada) if you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, at any time. In an emergency, call 911.
Update log for Merriam
- November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 111 couples therapists serving Merriam.
More couples therapists and Merriam pages
Couples therapists near Merriam
- Couples therapists in Shawnee, KS103 ranked
- Couples therapists in Overland Park, KS110 ranked
- Couples therapists in Prairie Village, KS114 ranked
- Couples therapists in Lenexa, KS105 ranked
- Couples therapists in Leawood, KS113 ranked
- Couples therapists in Kansas City, KS114 ranked
- Couples therapists in Olathe, KS83 ranked
- Couples therapists in Lansing, KS23 ranked
- Couples therapists in Gardner, KS64 ranked
- Couples therapists in Leavenworth, KS16 ranked
Other specialties in Merriam
- Psychologists in Merriam105 ranked
- Therapists and counselors in Merriam451 ranked
- Child and teen therapists in Merriam42 ranked
- Family therapists in Merriam96 ranked
- Trauma and PTSD therapists in Merriam25 ranked
- Eating disorder therapists in Merriam6 ranked
- Psychiatrists in Merriam119 ranked
- Clinical social workers in Merriam53 ranked
- Addiction counselors in Merriam49 ranked
- ABA therapy providers in Merriam29 ranked
- All psychologists in Merriam