Find Online Therapists Offering Sex Therapy

Sex therapy is a form of talk therapy that focuses on sexual concerns, intimacy, communication, identity, desire, shame, relationship patterns, trauma, or emotional barriers that affect sexual wellbeing. It is conducted by a licensed mental health provider, and some therapists have additional specialized training in sex therapy.

Sex therapy does not involve sexual contact, physical touch, nudity, or physical exams. Sessions are based on conversation, education, emotional support, and collaborative goal-setting.

Sex therapy may help individuals, couples, and partners who want support with intimacy, desire differences, sexual anxiety, body image, shame, communication, trust, boundaries, pain or discomfort, sexual trauma, identity, compulsive sexual behavior, infidelity, changes after childbirth or menopause, or changes related to health, stress, medication, or aging.

You do not need to be in a relationship to benefit from sex therapy. Many people use individual sex therapy to better understand their own experiences, needs, values, identity, or patterns.

No. Sex therapy can be helpful for individuals, couples, and partners. Individual sex therapy may focus on personal concerns such as anxiety, shame, trauma, identity, body image, desire, confidence, or past experiences. Couples or partner-based sex therapy may focus on communication, desire differences, trust, intimacy, boundaries, or rebuilding connection.

If your primary concern is broader relationship conflict, couples counseling may also be helpful. If your concern is more personal or emotional, individual therapy may be a better starting point.

During online sex therapy, you meet with a licensed therapist through secure video sessions. The therapist may ask about your concerns, goals, relationship history, emotional wellbeing, sexual history, health factors, and what you hope to change. You can share at your own pace.

Sessions may include education, emotional processing, communication support, values clarification, coping strategies, boundary-setting, or guided conversations with a partner. Any between-session exercises should be discussed collaboratively and should never involve pressure or anything outside your comfort level.

No. You can begin with what feels comfortable. A sex therapist may ask questions to better understand your concerns, but you should be able to move at a pace that feels respectful and safe. Many people start by talking about emotions, relationship patterns, communication, anxiety, or general concerns before discussing more specific details.

A good therapist should explain why they are asking sensitive questions and should respect your boundaries throughout the process.

Sex therapy can be helpful for partners who experience differences in desire, mismatched expectations, avoidance, resentment, pressure, or difficulty talking about sex. Therapy may help partners understand what contributes to the difference, improve communication, reduce blame, and explore ways to rebuild emotional and physical connection.

Desire can be affected by stress, trauma, relationship dynamics, medication, hormones, health conditions, sleep, parenting, aging, and many other factors. When medical or medication-related issues may be involved, a therapist may recommend speaking with a healthcare provider as part of a broader care plan.

Sex therapy may help with the emotional, relational, and communication aspects of pain or discomfort, but it is not a replacement for medical care. If you are experiencing pain, new symptoms, pelvic floor concerns, erectile changes, arousal changes, or other physical symptoms, it is important to consult a qualified healthcare provider.

Some people benefit from coordinated care that includes a therapist, physician, pelvic floor physical therapist, psychiatrist, or other specialist depending on the concern.

Many sex therapists offer LGBTQIA+ affirming care, but provider experience varies. Review each therapist’s profile for language about sexual orientation, gender identity, relationship diversity, kink-aware care, non-monogamy, trauma-informed care, and other areas that may be important to you.

You deserve a therapist who respects your identity, values, boundaries, and relationship structure. If those factors are central to your care, it can be helpful to ask about the therapist’s experience during a consultation or first session.

Sex therapy is generally confidential, like other forms of mental health care, with standard legal and ethical limits.

Your therapist should explain confidentiality, privacy, telehealth policies, and any limits at the beginning of care. If you are attending with a partner, ask how the therapist handles individual disclosures, secrets, records, and communication between sessions.

Online sex therapy may not be the right fit if you are in immediate danger, experiencing coercion or abuse, feeling unsafe with a partner, or dealing with a crisis that requires urgent support. In those situations, emergency services, a crisis line, domestic violence resources, or in-person care may be more appropriate.

Online sex therapy is also not a substitute for medical evaluation when symptoms may have a physical cause. If you have pain, sudden changes in sexual functioning, medication side effects, hormonal concerns, or other medical symptoms, consider speaking with a medical provider in addition to therapy.