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Talking through complications surrounding sex can be a touchy, and sometimes embarrassing, topic to discuss to even loved ones. These online sex therapy services can help navigate those problems.
Sometimes, sexual dysfunction, mental health concerns,
Online sex therapy services can bridge the gap. An online therapy program is a convenient way to get the support you need via online sessions in the comfort of your home, car, or anywhere you can access a phone or the internet. Online therapy options are available via therapy apps and websites.
| Price | Available nationwide | Therapy formats | |
|---|---|---|---|
| TalkspaceM | $436 a month for couples therapy, includes both individuals $99 a week for individual therapy | yes | video, phone, messaging |
| Modern Intimacy | Consultation required for price estimate | no | live video conferencing |
| RegainM | $65–$95 a week | yes | video, phone, live chat, messaging |
| BetterHelpM | $65–$95 a week | yes | video, phone, live chat, messaging |
| AASECT | free to use | yes | varies based on provider |
M Mobile app offered
We based our choices on these important factors:
- Accessibility. All services offer online therapy options for ease of use wherever internet access is available.
- User reviews. The services chosen are highly rated and have extensive therapy reviews by clients.
- Attitudes toward sex positivity. All services promote a healthy exploration of sexuality without judgment.
- Qualifications. Mental health professionals are available through all services, and are licensed therapists, psychologists, or clinical social workers.
- Vetting. All services have been vetted to meet Psych Central’s medical, editorial, and business standards.
Sex therapy is a form of talk therapy that focuses on sexual health. During a sex therapy session, you can chat with a specialized mental health professional about all aspects of sexuality without judgment.
Online therapy is similar to in-person therapy, except it takes place through:
- online chat
- video conferencing
- phone conversations
Although research data on online sex therapy is limited, an article provided by the International Society for Sexual Medicine says if clients are willing to put in the effort, either alone or with a partner, sexual therapy may help them reach their sexual goals.
It’s important to keep in mind that many mental health professionals are not trained to treat sexual dysfunction.
When looking for an online sex therapist, searching for someone with the proper certification is vital. This means that if you’re interested in one of the larger online platforms above, it’s a good idea to review which therapists are trained in sex therapy or human sexuality.
Sex therapists do NOT request acts of sexual service
Sex therapists do NOT request or suggest any sexual act during a sex therapy session. Make sure you search for a certified sex therapist who has appropriate training and experience before booking your appointment.
Online sex therapy may be a better option than in-person counseling if you:
- prefer flexibility
- don’t want to or are unable to travel to attend appointments
- are concerned about anonymity
However, meeting with a counselor online may not be a good fit if you:
- prefer in-person interaction
- have slow or unreliable internet service
- are uncomfortable with video chat
Also, sexual health often intermingles with other health conditions. So, if you think there may be a medical reason for your sex-related issues, consider talking with a healthcare professional in person before exploring online therapy.
Online sex therapy is not the best choice if you feel you’re in a dangerous relationship situation. Instead, it’s advisable to seek help from a healthcare professional. You can also contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 800-799-7233 or starting a chat online.
If you prefer in-person traditional therapy or are uncomfortable with online counseling, you may be able to find a sex therapist in your area.
When conducting your search, you can ask potential therapists if they specialize in sex therapy or are AASECT certified. If you can’t find a provider that specializes in sex therapy, another option is to locate a therapist who specializes in adult concerns or couples therapy.
Here are some ways to find a therapist near you:
- Check your health insurance provider list for psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists covered under your plan.
- Post a “looking for recommendations” query on social media using phrases like “mental health professional” or “therapist” if you feel comfortable doing so.
- Conduct an internet search for sex therapists in your area.
- Ask trusted friends or family members for recommendations.
You could also consider making an appointment with a primary care physician or another healthcare professional to determine if there are any physical medical reasons behind the sexual challenges you’re having. They may then be able to recommend a local therapist that fits your needs.
Additional resources
If you want to learn more, you can find lists of clinic-based or online certified sex therapists by these organizations:
- American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT)
- American College of Sexologists (ACB)
Plus, if you’re looking for a therapist who shares your identity or lived experiences and worry that the services above may not be culturally competent enough, looking into the tools below may offer additional resources:
According to a large 2016 survey including a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults of all ages, more than
That’s why it’s vital to have access to support if you’re experiencing sex-related challenges. Online sex therapy can be an effective option if you decide it’s something that might work for you.
Online sex therapy offers distinct advantages over in-person therapy sessions depending on the service you choose, including:
- convenience
- anonymity
- cost-effectiveness
However, online sex therapy might not be the ideal choice if you prefer talking with a therapist in person or live in an area where internet connections are slow or unreliable. There are still ways to find local sex therapists or professionals who specialize in adult concerns to get the support you need.
Most online therapy programs offer a wide range of therapists, which may make it easier to find someone who fits your needs. If you worry about finding a trustworthy therapist online, you can take a look at therapy reviews from users. You could also contact the organizations listed below: many offer directories of vetted, certified sex therapists.
The most common approach to sexual problems is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This is a type of talk therapy that can help you look at how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence one another.
With this said, therapy is never a one-size-fits-all. While CBT may work well for one person or couple, others might benefit from other types of therapy, like psychodynamic therapy or mindfulness-based interventions.
Your sex therapist might also take an eclectic approach, combining elements of different types of therapy to suit your individual needs.
EFT sex therapy (emotion-focused therapy) is used to help individuals or couples treat sexual dysfunction. It’s based on the concept that our emotions are strongly tied to our identities.
When it comes to EFT-based couples therapy, the aim is to create a more secure bond between couples so that both individuals can ask for what they need and meet one another’s needs within the relationship. This can strengthen the emotional and sexual connection between you and your partner.
Many online services offer a brief assessment to determine your preferences and therapy goals. After you’ve completed the evaluation, you’re matched with a therapist based on your answers.
What online sex therapy looks like for you will depend on whether you choose to communicate through:
- messaging
- video conferencing
- phone calls
Messaging generally involves sending messages and waiting for a response, while video chats and phone calls are arranged at a time convenient for you.
Our picks for best online sex therapy programs run from $65 a week to upward of $250 a session.
Most online therapy services are more affordable than in-person counseling with a sex therapist. Of course, this depends on which sex therapist or practice you choose.
If the expected therapy cost is a bit out of your budget, consider more affordable therapy alternatives.
The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act ensures insurance companies cannot discriminate against people with mental health conditions. Because sex therapy is a form of psychotherapy, it may be fully or partially covered by your insurance policy.
However, this isn’t always the case depending on the service provider. If you opt to speak with a counselor online, it’s important to know that not all online therapy services take insurance. It’s advisable to contact the provider directly to find out whether it can work with your insurance.