A Deliberate First Step
A relationship assessment is designed for couples who want a clear, clinically grounded understanding of the current state of their relationship before deciding on next steps.
Some couples seek assessment because previous therapy has not led to meaningful change. Others want a focused, goal-oriented roadmap before committing to treatment. In some cases, couples need to determine whether further intervention is likely to be helpful at all.
At Enrich Relationship Center, relationship assessment provides a comprehensive, research-based evaluation of relational functioning, without assuming a particular outcome.
The Purpose of Relationship Assessment
Relationship assessment is not therapy itself. It is a structured clinical evaluation designed to:
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Clarify how the relationship is functioning
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Identify strengths that may be overlooked
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Understand recurring challenges and patterns
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Determine whether intervention is appropriate
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Inform realistic and ethical treatment planning
The result is a clear framework that supports informed decision-making, whether that leads to therapy, alternative care, or a different next step.
What the Assessment Includes
ERC relationship assessment combines clinical interviews with standardized, research-based measures. This allows the clinician to evaluate both relational dynamics and individual contributions with depth and accuracy.
Joint Couple Interview (90 minutes)
The assessment begins with a joint session in which the couple meets together with the clinician. This interview explores the relationship from its beginning to the present, including major transitions, losses, accomplishments, and periods of increased or decreased connection.
Each partner’s perspective is heard and integrated into the clinical understanding of the relationship.
Individual Interviews (45 minutes each)
Each partner then meets individually with the clinician to discuss:
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Personal background
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Individual experience of the relationship
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Current concerns and goals for assessment
Information from these sessions is not held in secrecy. Individual perspectives are incorporated transparently into the overall assessment process.
Standardized Relationship Measures
Each partner completes the Gottman Relationship Checkup, a comprehensive, research-based questionnaire developed by the Gottman Institute.
This assessment includes 337 questions examining areas such as:
Friendship and intimacy
Emotional connection
Conflict patterns
Values, goals, and commitment
Trust and repair
Parenting, finances, household roles, and extended family
The Gottman Relationship Checkup is grounded in over 40 years of longitudinal relationship research.
Personality & Individual Style Measures
Depending on clinical needs, individuals also complete one of the following standardized assessments:
Millon Index of Personality Styles – Revised (MIPS-R)
Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory–IV (MCMI-IV)
These tools help clinicians understand personality patterns, thinking styles, and interpersonal tendencies that may influence relationship dynamics. Results are used to guide clinical judgment and tailor recommendations, not to label or diagnose unnecessarily.
Feedback & Clinical Recommendations (60 minutes)
After interviews and questionnaires are completed, the couple and clinician meet for a feedback session.
This session includes:
An overview of relationship strengths and challenges
Discussion of patterns using the Sound Relationship House framework
Integration of personality and individual style factors
Review of what research indicates may or may not be helpful for couples with similar dynamics
If Gottman Method therapy is not indicated, alternative recommendations are discussed. In some cases, certain aspects of the relationship may be appropriate for couples work while others are not; these distinctions are addressed clearly and professionally.
Determining Next Steps
Following feedback, several paths may be considered:
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Proceeding with structured couples therapy
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Exploring individual therapy or alternative services
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Deciding not to pursue intervention at this time
If the clinician determines that intervention is unlikely to be beneficial, this is discussed openly, and appropriate referrals or recommendations are provided.
ERC does not assume that assessment leads to treatment. Clinical integrity guides all recommendations.
When Therapy Is Indicated
If intervention is agreed upon, goals are established collaboratively and a treatment plan is developed based on:
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The couple’s strengths and challenges
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Level of distress
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Lifestyle and scheduling constraints
When appropriate, therapy may begin with longer or more frequent sessions and gradually taper as skills are practiced and integrated. Session length and frequency are matched to clinical needs rather than default formats.
Fees & Scheduling
Fees are determined based on the education, training, and experience of the clinician providing services.
Please contact ERC to request current fee information or to schedule a consultation to determine whether a relationship assessment is appropriate for your situation.
If you are seeking a structured, research-based approach to relationship or individual therapy, a consultation can help determine whether ERC is the right fit.
*If you are insured with Medicaid, due to state laws, you must see a Medicaid provider or risk losing your insurance coverage.
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