ClientForms vs Gottman Relationship Checkup
Looking for a Gottman Checkup alternative? Compare clinical coverage, pricing, and instrument transparency.
The Gottman Relationship Checkup is built on 40 years of research. The Relationship Health Profile offers comparable clinical domain coverage using independently validated, peer-reviewed instruments — with transparent scoring, no per-couple fees, and no training requirement.
Feature Comparison
An honest look at how both platforms compare. We don't win everywhere, and that's okay.
| Feature | ClientForms | Gottman Relationship Checkup |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Domains | 10 validated dimensions with percentile scoring Strong | Sound Relationship House: 7 levels + 2 pillars Strong |
| Assessment Length | 93 items, ~28 minutes Strong | 337+ items, ~45 minutes Moderate |
| Per-Couple Cost | Included in $19/mo Professional plan, unlimited couples Strong | $39 per couple, every time Moderate |
| Instrument Transparency | 4 of 6 instruments publicly cited with psychometrics Strong | Proprietary — instrument details not published Moderate |
| Scoring Method | Norm-referenced percentiles against published norms Strong | Proprietary algorithm, percentile-based Strong |
| Research Pedigree | Individual instruments peer-reviewed; composite profile is new Moderate | 40+ years of Gottman Institute longitudinal research Strong |
| Report Output | 8-page PDF: radar chart, dimension cards, session prompts Strong | Online portal with detailed feedback and exercises Strong |
| Clinician Training | None required — percentile scoring is self-explanatory Strong | Gottman training recommended for full interpretation Moderate |
| Patient Experience | ND-friendly design, mobile-first, progress indicators, time estimates Strong | Standard web form Moderate |
| Progress Monitoring | Re-administer at no extra cost, compare radar charts over time Strong | Re-purchase at $39/couple each time Limited |
| Practice Management Integration | Cliniko sync, PDF export, dashboard trending Strong | Standalone portal, no PMS integration Limited |
10 validated dimensions with percentile scoring
Sound Relationship House: 7 levels + 2 pillars
93 items, ~28 minutes
337+ items, ~45 minutes
Included in $19/mo Professional plan, unlimited couples
$39 per couple, every time
4 of 6 instruments publicly cited with psychometrics
Proprietary — instrument details not published
Norm-referenced percentiles against published norms
Proprietary algorithm, percentile-based
Individual instruments peer-reviewed; composite profile is new
40+ years of Gottman Institute longitudinal research
8-page PDF: radar chart, dimension cards, session prompts
Online portal with detailed feedback and exercises
None required — percentile scoring is self-explanatory
Gottman training recommended for full interpretation
ND-friendly design, mobile-first, progress indicators, time estimates
Standard web form
Re-administer at no extra cost, compare radar charts over time
Re-purchase at $39/couple each time
Cliniko sync, PDF export, dashboard trending
Standalone portal, no PMS integration
Clinical Domain Coverage: Sound Relationship House vs RHP
The Sound Relationship House describes 9 components of relationship functioning (7 levels + 2 pillars). The RHP's 10 dimensions map to equivalent clinical constructs using independently validated instruments.
| Sound Relationship House | RHP Dimension | Measured By |
|---|---|---|
| Love Maps | Intimacy | Validated relationship quality measure (Fletcher et al., 2000) |
| Fondness & Admiration | Love & Fondness + Satisfaction | Validated measure + CSI-32 (Funk & Rogge, 2007) |
| Turning Toward | Partner Responsiveness | Brief PPR (Reis et al., 2017) |
| Positive Perspective | Satisfaction | CSI-32 (Funk & Rogge, 2007) |
| Manage Conflict | Constructive Communication + Conflict Patterns | CPQ-SF (Christensen & Heavey, 1990) |
| Make Life Dreams Come True | Shared Meaning & Growth | Validated functioning scale (Fowers et al., 2016) |
| Create Shared Meaning | Shared Meaning & Growth | Validated functioning scale (Fowers et al., 2016) |
| Trust (pillar) | Trust | Trust Scale (Rempel & Holmes, 1985) |
| Commitment (pillar) | Commitment | Validated relationship quality measure (Fletcher et al., 2000) |
The RHP achieves comparable domain coverage using fewer items (93 vs 337+) and shorter administration (~28 vs ~45 min). The key difference is provenance: the Gottman framework draws on proprietary longitudinal research; the RHP dimensions are measured by independently published instruments with transparent psychometric properties. Each instrument is cited with its original validation study.
Which Platform Fits Your Practice?
The right choice depends on your training, caseload, and how much instrument transparency matters to your practice.
Choose Gottman Relationship Checkup if...
- You are trained in the Gottman Method and want data mapping directly to the Sound Relationship House
- You want the Gottman brand on reports shared with clients
- You see couples infrequently — occasional $39/couple may be cheaper than $19/mo subscription
Choose ClientForms if...
- You see multiple couples and want unlimited assessments for a flat $19/month
- You value instrument transparency — knowing exactly which validated measures underpin each dimension
- You want assessment data in your practice management system (Cliniko sync)
- Your clients benefit from ND-friendly design (progress indicators, time estimates, calmer interface)
- You want to re-administer for progress monitoring without per-couple costs
- You use frameworks beyond Gottman (EFT, IBCT, systemic) and need a framework-agnostic profile
Both approaches serve couples well. The best assessment is the one your practice will actually use consistently.
Pricing Comparison
Transparent pricing, side by side.
ClientForms
- $19/mo
Professional
Unlimited responses, all 240+ forms, Profiles
Gottman Relationship Checkup
- $39
Per Couple
Per assessment, every time
At $19/month, your second couple assessment each month already saves you $59
And you get access to 240+ other clinical instruments included.
A transparent alternative to the Gottman Checkup
The instruments are published. The scoring is transparent. Assess as many couples as you need for one price.
Free tier includes 10 responses per month. All 240+ forms available.
Gottman Relationship Checkup and Sound Relationship House are trademarks of The Gottman Institute. This comparison is an independent clinical analysis and is not endorsed by or affiliated with The Gottman Institute.