Private therapy practices push back on corporate couples platforms

A Port Jefferson psychologist is arguing that online couples-therapy platforms may prioritize scale over personalized care, while independent practices offer more tailored treatment. The contrast matters as corporate-backed services have expanded their reach and reshaped how clients choose therapy.

Why it matters: - Couples seeking therapy may face a choice between faster, more accessible online platforms and more individualized care in private practice. - The difference can affect training level, treatment depth and how closely therapy matches a couple’s needs. - Independent psychologists say corporate-owned platforms have changed the market by dominating ads and airtime. - That shift has also reduced caseloads for some private-practice psychologists.

What happened: - Licensed psychologist Dr. Faye Lennon, based in Port Jefferson, NY, highlighted the gap between corporate-owned therapy platforms and independent psychology practices. - Dr. Lennon has more than 30 years of experience working with individuals and couples. - Dr. Lennon said couples could miss out on more in-depth and customized care when they choose higher-volume platforms.

The details: - Therapists working for corporate-owned platforms may be less highly trained than psychologists in private practice. - Therapists at those companies may also feel pressure to see more clients. - Psychologists in independent practices typically bring more experience and can adapt treatment to nuanced individual needs. - Dr. Lennon’s work centers on Imago Relationship Therapy, an evidence-based approach that treats conflict as an opportunity for understanding, healing and connection. - Dr. Lennon also uses other evidence-based approaches in treatment. - Dr. Lennon works with people dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, workplace stress, relationship difficulties and major life transitions. - Her practice serves individuals and couples across Long Island, including Port Jefferson, Roslyn, Manhattan and The Hamptons. - Her specialties include Imago Relationship Therapy, marital counseling, premarital counseling, anxiety, depression, trauma, workplace stress and major life transitions. - Dr. Lennon tailors each treatment plan to the unique needs, experiences and goals of each client or couple.

Between the lines: - The rise of digital therapy has expanded access, but it may also push some clients toward standardized care models. - The industry shift favors brands with bigger marketing budgets, which can make smaller independent practices less visible. - Dr. Lennon’s comments reflect a broader tension in mental health care between scale and personalization.

What’s next: - Couples choosing therapy will likely keep weighing convenience against depth of care. - Independent psychologists may continue to compete on experience, customization and evidence-based treatment. - Dr. Lennon is positioned to keep observing how market changes affect consumer access and treatment quality.

The bottom line: - Online therapy has made counseling easier to reach, but private practices argue that more access should not come at the expense of personalized care.