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Marriage Quest

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Recommended

A private Vermont marriage intensive with Dr. David Helfand, helping one couple at a time work on their relationship or decide on its future.

David Helfand, pictured on the Marriage Quest website
David Helfand, pictured on the Marriage Quest website. Image source
Program price
From $7,200USD per couple
Program length
2–4 days
Format
Private
Approach
Secular

A CLOSER LOOK

What to know about Marriage Quest

Marriage Quest operates with Dr. David Helfand, a licensed psychologist, in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. Founders Israel and Cathie Helfand have retired. Couples in crisis generally attend for three or four days; the website also lists two-day programs. Three days cost $7,200 per couple and four days cost $9,200, with accommodation arranged separately. The program can focus on rebuilding the relationship or reaching clarity about separation.

Locations

  • St. Johnsbury, Vermont

BEFORE YOU GO

The experience, in more detail

Arrive with room to settle in

The provider recommends arriving the day before the retreat; some couples arrive two days ahead. This separates travel from the first working session and leaves time to get oriented. Ask whether your own schedule includes any preparation or appointments on the arrival day.

Time to work, reflect and practice

Sessions usually run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a shorter final day. Afternoons and evenings leave room for reflection and practicing communication skills together. Dr. Helfand recommends a fourth day when trauma work is part of the program.

Reservation terms to understand

A deposit of half the total fee reserves the retreat. The website describes the deposit as nonrefundable, with a possible one-time transfer in some circumstances. Review the transfer conditions before booking.

Support after you return home

The program includes two follow-up sessions with Dr. Helfand within the first three months, plus automated accountability support for one year. Couples also leave with a personalized aftercare plan.

Customer feedback

Marriage Quest’s LoyaltyLoop widget displays 4.5 out of 5 from 64 customer feedback responses. These survey responses are recorded separately from Google reviews.

THE PRACTICAL DETAILS

Programs & prices

Prices below refer to the named program or package. Check the inclusions and separate costs before comparing totals.

PROGRAM 1

Private retreat in Vermont

  • St. Johnsbury, Vermont

When it runs By arrangement

Private couples intensive with Dr. David Helfand in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, for couples working on their relationship or deciding whether to stay together.

Cost & stay
Program / package price
From $7,200USD per couple
Packages & pricing details
3 days: $7,200 per couple; 4 days: $9,200 per couple. Two-day pricing is not published.
What’s included
Private sessions, preparation questionnaire, online course, personalized aftercare plan, two follow-up sessions and one year of automated accountability support
Additional costs / exclusions
Accommodation is booked separately; meals and travel are not listed as included
Lodging
Separate cost
Meals
Not stated
Schedule & approach
When it runs
By arrangement
Program length
2–4 days
Sessions
Usually 9 a.m.–1 p.m.; shorter final day
Format
Private
Approach
Secular
Program type
Private intensive
Concentrated, tailored sessions for one couple are the main offering. A provider may market this as a retreat; accommodation and time outside sessions are separate considerations.
Published dates
Not published
People & support
Qualifications
David Helfand: licensed psychologist, according to Marriage Quest.
Who it is for
Not published
Follow-up support
Two sessions with Dr. Helfand within three months, plus automated accountability support for one year
Location details
Location
St. Johnsbury, Vermont
Location coverage
Listed locations
View this program on the provider’s website

MAKE YOUR SHORTLIST COUNT

Questions to ask before booking

Use these questions when you contact Marriage Quest.

  1. Can you help us decide whether to stay together or separate?
  2. Will every session be with Dr. Helfand?
  3. How do you measure outcomes, and when do you follow up?
  4. What dates are available?

THE REVIEW PICTURE

Reviews & GuideDoc score

GuideDoc scoreRecommended

A summary of what helps and what holds it back.

What helps

  • Business verified by GuideDoc
  • Positive ratings from customers
  • Led by a licensed psychologist

What holds it back

  • Some inclusions aren’t clear

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE PROGRAM

Meet David Helfand

David Helfand

Retreat leader · Licensed Psychologist

Dr. David Helfand is a licensed psychologist who leads Marriage Quest in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. He specializes in marriage counseling and private, intensive retreats for couples, with a focus on communication, trust, emotional connection, and intimacy.

Full author profile

ON GUIDEDOC

Articles by David Helfand

Helpful reading