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Best Couples Therapists in University City, MO (2026)

136 couples therapists ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall in University City: Penalba Valentina PHD. St. Louis Couple and Family Therapy LLC, RP Score 70/100; 5.0★ from 8 Google reviews; open Saturdays until 12:30 PM.

  2. 23

    Most-reviewed: LifeStance Therapists & Psychiatrists Richmond Heights, 221 Google reviews at 4.6★, the most of 136 ranked; ranked #23.

Rankings can't be bought. Psychologists can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank

136 University City couples therapists are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 36 open Saturdays and 13 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.7★ across 136 rated practices.

Most of this list also appears on the Couples therapists in St. Louis ranking. See Couples therapists in St. Louis

Top 10 couples therapists in University City 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.

Top 10 couples therapists in University City at a glance
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursBest for
1Penalba Valentina PHD. St. Louis Couple and Family Therapy LLC705.0★ (8)St. Louis, 2 mi awaySat · EveningsOverall
2Linda Weiner, Sex Therapist St. Louis695.0★ (12)St. Louis, 2 mi away——
3Dance of Change Counseling684.5★ (8)Affton, 2 mi awayEvenings—
4Marriage & Family Institute683.3★ (3)St. Louis, 2 mi awayEvenings—
5Agape Christian Counseling Services684.4★ (45)St. Louis, 8 mi awaySat · Evenings—
6Dr. Davorka Marovic-Johnson, Ph.D., LPC Individual and Couples Therapy; Brainspotting; Clinical Hypnotherapy675.0★ (7)Clayton, 2 mi awaySat · Sun · Evenings—
7Personal Growth675.0★ (7)St. Louis, 7 mi awaySat · Evenings—
8The Premarital Architect664.7★ (13)Belleville, 17 mi awaySat · Sun · Evenings—
9Luminous Therapy665.0★ (14)St. Louis, 10 mi awaySat · Evenings—
10Greenway Therapy644.9★ (54)Clayton, 2 mi awaySat · Sun—

The 136 best couples therapists in University City, 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.

  1. Ranked #1 in University City

    #1 Penalba Valentina PHD. St. Louis Couple and Family Therapy LLC

    Based in St. Louis, 2 mi away

    70/100RP Score

    Ranked #1 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.

    • 5.0★ from 8 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon closed · Tue–Wed 8 AM–12 PM · Thu 5 PM–8 PM · Fri closed · Sat 9:30 AM–12:30 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    7750 Clayton Rd Suite 204, St. Louis, MO 63117
    View profile for Penalba Valentina PHD. St. Louis Couple and Family Therapy LLC(314) 437-9791

  2. #2 Linda Weiner, Sex Therapist St. Louis

    Based in St. Louis, 2 mi away

    69/100RP Score

    Ranked #2 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 5.0★ from 12 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 12 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 10 AM–6 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    7750 Clayton Rd Suite 204, St. Louis, MO 63117
    View profile for Linda Weiner, Sex Therapist St. Louis

  3. #3 Dance of Change Counseling

    Based in Affton, 2 mi away

    68/100RP Score

    Ranked #3 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 4.5★ from 8 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.5★ from 8 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 9 AM–5 PM · Tue 9 AM–8 PM · Wed–Thu 9 AM–5 PM · Fri 9 AM–3:30 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    View profile for Dance of Change Counseling(314) 827-5448

  4. #4 Marriage & Family Institute

    Based in St. Louis, 2 mi away

    68/100RP Score

    Ranked #4 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 3.3★ from 3 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 3.3★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–8 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    222 S Meramec Ave #303, St. Louis, MO 63105
    View profile for Marriage & Family Institute(314) 863-8734

  5. #5 Agape Christian Counseling Services

    Based in St. Louis, 8 mi away

    68/100RP Score

    Ranked #5 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 4.4★ from 45 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.4★ from 45 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–9 PM · Sat 8 AM–4 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    12801 Flushing Meadows Dr Apt 100, St. Louis, MO 63131
    View profile for Agape Christian Counseling Services(314) 994-9344

  6. #6 Dr. Davorka Marovic-Johnson, Ph.D., LPC Individual and Couples Therapy; Brainspotting; Clinical Hypnotherapy

    Based in Clayton, 2 mi away

    67/100RP Score

    Ranked #6 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 7 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 7 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 9 AM–5 PM · Wed 9 AM–7:30 PM · Thu 9 AM–6 PM · Fri 9 AM–7:30 PM · Sat–Sun 9 AM–5 PM
    Address
    230 S Bemiston Ave Ste 1213, Clayton, MO 63105
    View profile for Dr. Davorka Marovic-Johnson, Ph.D., LPC Individual and Couples Therapy; Brainspotting; Clinical Hypnotherapy(314) 406-7281

  7. #7 Personal Growth

    Based in St. Louis, 7 mi away

    67/100RP Score

    Ranked #7 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.

    • 5.0★ from 7 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 10 AM–3 PM · Tue–Thu 10 AM–7 PM · Fri–Sat 10 AM–3 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    443 N New Ballas Rd Ste 201, St. Louis, MO 63141
    View profile for Personal Growth(314) 567-3040

  8. #8 The Premarital Architect

    Based in Belleville, 17 mi away

    66/100RP Score

    Ranked #8 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 4.7★ from 13 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.7★ from 13 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 12 AM–12 AM
    Address
    1549 Frank Scott Pkwy W, Belleville, IL 62223
    View profile for The Premarital Architect(618) 994-3400

  9. #9 Luminous Therapy

    Based in St. Louis, 10 mi away

    66/100RP Score

    Ranked #9 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 5.0★ from 14 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 14 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 10 AM–8 PM · Wed closed · Thu–Sat 10 AM–8 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    3 The Pines Ct Ste B, St. Louis, MO 63141
    View profile for Luminous Therapy(314) 266-9188

  10. #10 Greenway Therapy

    Based in Clayton, 2 mi away

    64/100RP Score

    Ranked #10 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.9★ from 54 Google reviews, 2 mi from University City.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.9★ from 54 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 9 AM–5 PM
    Address
    230 S Bemiston Ave Ste 920, Clayton, MO 63105
    View profile for Greenway Therapy(800) 353-6402

  14. #14 Open Bedroom Doors

    Based in Chesterfield, 14 mi away

    60/100RP Score

    Ranked #14 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 5.0★ from 16 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 16 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5:30 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    PMB 1112, 1734 Clarkson Rd, Chesterfield, MO 63017
    View profile for Open Bedroom Doors(314) 973-7997

  15. #15 Sacred Healing Practices - Anxiety and Trauma Specialist

    Based in Clayton, 2 mi away

    60/100RP Score

    Ranked #15 because of its Google rating and proximity: 5.0★ from 21 Google reviews, 2 mi from University City.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 21 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 9 AM–5 PM · Wed 9 AM–9 PM · Thu 12 PM–9 PM · Fri 9 AM–7 PM · Sat 11 AM–3 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    225 S Meramec Ave UNIT 203, Clayton, MO 63105
    View profile for Sacred Healing Practices - Anxiety and Trauma Specialist(314) 467-8345

  16. #16 Avenues Counseling Center

    Based in St. Louis, 2 mi away

    60/100RP Score

    Ranked #16 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.2★ from 24 Google reviews, 2 mi from University City.

    Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 4.2★ from 24 Google reviews
    Address
    1612 S Big Bend Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63117
    View profile for Avenues Counseling Center

  17. #17 STL Couples Counseling

    Based in Kirkwood, 8 mi away

    59/100RP Score

    Ranked #17 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.

    Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews
    Address
    699 W Woodbine Ave #1NW, Kirkwood, MO 63122
    View profile for STL Couples Counseling(314) 441-5509

  20. #20 Gateway Wellness Associates

    Based in Clayton, 2 mi away

    58/100RP Score

    Ranked #20 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.4★ from 7 Google reviews, 2 mi from University City.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.4★ from 7 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–8 PM · Sat 8 AM–4 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    1034 S Brentwood Blvd #555, Richmond Heights, MO 63117
    View profile for Gateway Wellness Associates(314) 932-7424

  21. #21 Sound Mind Therapy

    Based in Creve Coeur, 7 mi away

    58/100RP Score

    Ranked #21 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 19 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 19 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 10 AM–7 PM · Fri–Sun 10 AM–5 PM
    Address
    662 N New Ballas Rd, Creve Coeur, MO 63141
    View profile for Sound Mind Therapy(314) 499-9144

  22. #22 Tamara Runge, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

    Based in University City

    58/100RP Score

    Ranked #22 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.7★ from 25 Google reviews, based in University City.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.7★ from 25 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8 AM–5 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1034 S Brentwood Blvd #1250, Richmond Heights, MO 63117
    View profile for Tamara Runge, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner(314) 328-7958

  23. #23 LifeStance Therapists & Psychiatrists Richmond Heights

    Based in Clayton, 2 mi away

    58/100RP Score

    Ranked #23 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.6★ from 221 Google reviews, 2 mi from University City.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.6★ from 221 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8 AM–5 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1034 S Brentwood Blvd #1250, Richmond Heights, MO 63117
    View profile for LifeStance Therapists & Psychiatrists Richmond Heights(314) 328-7958

  25. #25 The Care Collective

    Based in Clayton, 2 mi away

    57/100RP Score

    Ranked #25 because of its Google rating and proximity: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, 2 mi from University City.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–6 PM · Sat 10 AM–2 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    1034 S Brentwood Blvd, Richmond Heights, MO 63117
    View profile for The Care Collective(617) 640-6883

How we ranked University City couples therapists

We scored 136 University City 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.

Read the full method: formula, sources and exclusions

RP Score factors and weights
FactorWeightComputed fromIn University City data
Reputation25%Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back itMeasured
Review volume5%Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed practice on the listMeasured
Recency5%Share of Google reviews from the last 12 monthsNot yet collected
Availability10%Weekly open hours, Saturday, Sunday, and round-the-clock or same-day availabilityMeasured
Specialty focus25%How clearly the practice does this specialty (its Google category and name)Measured
Proximity15%Based in the city scores highest, less the farther away it isMeasured
Claimed profile10%The practice has claimed its Ranked Psychologists profile (free or paid earn the same)Measured
Partnered5%The practice links to Ranked Psychologists from its own website with our badge, checked periodicallyMeasured

How to choose a couples therapist

  1. Check the license with the state or provincial board that issued it; most boards publish a free online lookup.
  2. Make sure couples and marriage counseling is a regular part of their work, and ask what approach they use and why.
  3. Ask what training they have in couples work specifically (for example the Gottman Method or Emotionally Focused Therapy).
  4. 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.
  5. Check practical fit: in-person or online sessions, evening times, and how soon they have an opening.
  6. 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 University City: frequently asked questions

Who is the best couples therapist in University City?

By RP Score, the highest-ranked couples therapist in University City, MO is Penalba Valentina PHD. St. Louis Couple and Family Therapy LLC with an RP Score of 70/100. It has 5.0★ from 8 Google reviews. It is open Saturdays until 12:30 PM. Linda Weiner, Sex Therapist St. Louis (#2) and Dance of Change Counseling (#3) follow. We ranked 136 couples therapists on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many couples therapists are there in University City?

RankedPsychologists ranks 136 couples therapists serving University City, MO. 1 of them is based in University City; the rest serve it from nearby towns. 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 University City work on weekends?

36 of 136 ranked couples therapists post Saturday hours and 13 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Penalba Valentina PHD. St. Louis Couple and Family Therapy LLC (#1), Agape Christian Counseling Services (#5) and Dr. Davorka Marovic-Johnson, Ph.D., LPC Individual and Couples Therapy; Brainspotting; Clinical Hypnotherapy (#6). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.

What Google rating do University City couples therapists have?

The median Google rating among 136 rated couples therapists in University City is 4.7★, with a median of 10 reviews. LifeStance Therapists & Psychiatrists Richmond Heights has the most, 221 reviews, and ranks #23. 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 University City count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 20 mi of the University City 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 University City 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 University City

  1. November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 136 couples therapists serving University City.

More couples therapists and University City pages