Relational Agents are computer agents designed to form long-term, social-emotional relationships with their users. We are investigating the use of these agents in task domains in which human-agent relationships actually improve task outcomes, such as in coaching, counseling, psychotherapy and healthcare. Current research is focused on the design of empathetic dialogues for these agents and the development of agent dialogue and behavior that is effective at promoting long-term engagement with these agents and adherence to their recommendations.