Starting couples therapy is a meaningful step, and we want the process to feel as smooth as possible for both of you. Because the way Rula handles accounts and communications is a little different for couples therapy than for individual therapy, this article walks through what each partner can expect.
Account setup
Only one partner — referred to as the primary patient — creates a Rula account. This is typically the person whose insurance is being used to cover the sessions. The primary patient manages the account, handles billing information, and accesses the patient portal.
The secondary patient does not have a separate Rula account. You’ll be asked to provide some basic information (name, date of birth, contact information, and emergency contact before or during the initial appointment) so your provider can identify you and communicate with you if needed, but you won’t have your own portal login.
Appointment reminders and notifications
All appointment reminders, scheduling updates, and telehealth access links are sent to the primary patient’s email address on file. There is currently no option to copy the secondary patient on these automated communications.
What this means for you: The primary patient is responsible for sharing appointment details — including the telehealth link — with their partner ahead of each session. We recommend doing this as soon as a confirmation email arrives so nothing gets missed close to appointment time.
Joining telehealth appointments
Couples therapy sessions at Rula take place over the telehealth platform (Zoom). Since only the primary patient receives the session link by email, the secondary patient will need to receive it directly from their partner.
A few reminders for joining sessions:
- Both partners must be located in the same state at the time of the session, and that state must be one where your therapist is licensed to practice.
- Both partners should be in a private, quiet space. Headphones are recommended.
- Your therapist will verify your location at the start of each session.
If the connection drops during a session, your therapist will attempt to reconnect through the platform first, then reach out to the primary patient by phone.
Pre-session check-in surveys
Rula sends brief check-in surveys before appointments to help your provider track progress over time. These are sent to and completed by the primary patient only. The secondary patient is not asked to complete a check-in survey.
Communicating with your provider between sessions
Because the secondary patient doesn’t have a Rula account, there is no way to message your provider directly through the Rula platform. All in-platform messaging is tied to the primary patient’s account.
That said, your provider can establish communication methods outside of Rula that work for both partners. If you have questions or concerns between sessions, bring it up with your therapist so you can agree on the best way to stay in touch.
Summary at a glance
| Primary Patient | Secondary Patient | |
| Rula account | Yes | No |
| Receives appointment emails | Yes | No |
| Receives telehealth link | Yes | Via Primary Patient |
| Completes check-in surveys | Yes | No |
| Can message provider via Rula | Yes | No |
For information about your rights, confidentiality, and the structure of couples therapy at Rula, see Couples Therapy: Agreement & Informed Consent.
Updated