Couples and individuals in Los Angeles County can now access a free online program designed to help improve romantic relationships, according to a May 13 announcement. The OurRelationship program uses counseling methods developed at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and is available in English and Spanish for heterosexual, LGBTQ+, military, or veteran couples.
The initiative matters because it offers evidence-based support for relationship challenges without cost barriers. Backed by 15 years of research, the program aims to improve communication, trust, emotional distance, satisfaction, and other key aspects of relationships.
OurRelationship applies techniques from Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT), which was co-developed by UCLA psychologist Andrew Christensen. Since 2010, IBCT has been used as the relationship counseling method within the Veterans Administration. “IBCT is one of the most extensively tested, evidence-based approaches to relationship counseling. It’s probably fair to say that IBCT, whether through the VA system or in private counseling, has improved countless relationships over the years,” said Christensen. “And now we’ve developed a way to bring these benefits to even more people at no charge.”
The course consists of eight to ten hours of tailored content delivered over six weeks and includes five weekly 30-minute calls with a coach at no cost for Los Angeles County residents. Couples move through three phases: Observe (identifying core problems), Understand (gaining deeper insight into those problems), and Respond (developing strategies for improvement). Brian Doss, professor of psychology at the University of Miami who directs OurRelationship, said: “Couples can do the course together or as individuals if they don’t want to involve their partner or their partner isn’t willing… Coaches are available during the day, evenings and weekends because we know people need flexible schedules for those coaching calls.”
Doss began developing digital versions of this approach with Christensen after observing that stigma around counseling often prevented couples from seeking help. The resulting online platform has served thousands nationwide with a reported satisfaction rate of 94%. The free service in Los Angeles County began on April 1 thanks to support from an Administration for Children and Families grant.
The University of California Los Angeles operates within the University of California system on a 419-acre campus supporting academic and research activities; it is associated with Nobel laureates and MacArthur Fellows; fosters diverse perspectives through its programs; maintains excellence in scholarship; arts; athletics; and has gained national acclaim—all according to the official website.
