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Looking for sex therapy options online? These services may deliver the support you need to help overcome sex-related challenges.
Sex is a natural activity that can be a richly enjoyable and meaningful experience if you choose to make it a part of your life. Like all aspects of human existence, sexuality is personal and encompasses a wide range of needs and preferences.
Sometimes, sexual dysfunction, mental health concerns,
If you’re experiencing sexual health challenges, sex therapy may help.
However, obtaining the support you need for your sexual health is sometimes more difficult than acquiring mental health therapy. Access to sex therapy may be limited, or anonymity may be a factor.
Online sex therapy can bridge the gap. It’s a convenient way to get the support you need in the comfort of your home, car, or anywhere you have access to a phone or the internet.
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 sex therapy is similar to in-person counseling, except it takes place through online chat, video conferencing, or phone conversations.
Although research data on online sex therapy is limited, an opinion statement released by the International Society of Sexual Medicine says online treatment interventions provide effective opportunities for improving sexual health.
It’s important to keep in mind that many mental health professionals are not trained to treat sexual dysfunctions.
When looking for an online sex therapist, it’s vital to search for someone with the right certification. This means that if you’re interested in one of the larger online platforms below, it’s a good idea to review which therapists are trained in sex therapy or human sexuality.
If you want to jump directly to the sections for each platform, you can click the links below.
- Best for couples: ReGain
- Best for people without a partner: BetterHelp
- Best for LGBTQIA+ people: Pride Counseling
- Best for 24/7 access: Talkspace
- Most budget-friendly: Rethink My Therapy
- Best for people in polyamorous relationships: Dr. Roger Libby
We based our choices for the best online sex therapy websites on these important factors:
- Accessibility. All services offer online options for ease of use wherever internet access is available.
- User reviews. The services chosen are highly rated and have extensive reviews by clients.
- Attitudes toward sex positivity. All services promote a healthy exploration of sexuality without judgment.
- Qualifications. Mental health professionals available through all services are licensed therapists, psychologists, or clinical social workers.
- Vetting. All services have been vetted to ensure they meet Psych Central’s medical, editorial, and business standards.
Best online sex therapy for couples
ReGain
- Cost: $60–$90 a week
- Available nationwide? Yes
- Therapy format: video, messaging, phone
- Mobile app: yes
Specifically geared toward couples, ReGain aims to create honest and transparent communication between you and your partner while also offering private one-on-one sessions to discuss personal issues.
To begin sex therapy, you and your intimate partner complete a questionnaire to identify your needs and goals. You’re then matched with a licensed therapist.
You, your partner, and your therapist then have access to a secure and private space within the website, much like a chatroom, where you can leave messages at any time, day or night. You can also access therapy on their iOS or Android compatible apps.
People who have used this service say the therapists are empathetic to both people in the relationship and help create a better understanding of each partner’s perspective.
Why we chose it for ‘Best for couples’
- ReGain is specifically designed for couples or individuals seeking help with their relationships.
What we like
- Therapists specialize in intimate relationship counseling.
- The service offers convenient text-based messaging with options for video sessions.
- Partners share a joint account and speak with a therapist together for transparency, with individual sessions available if desired.
- The subscription can be canceled at any time.
- Membership and billing are straightforward.
What to look out for
- Response times from therapists can be longer than expected.
- Signing up for therapy is automated, with no human interaction involved in the process.
- The subscription bills monthly.
Best online sex therapy for people without a partner
BetterHelp
- Cost: $60–$90 a week
- Available nationwide? Yes
- Therapy format: video, messaging, live chat, phone
- Mobile app: yes
One of the largest online therapy platforms, BetterHelp is designed for individuals, while its sister site, ReGain, is geared toward couples. Counselors are licensed and accredited therapists, and matched to you based on responses to an intake questionnaire.
Therapy is available through:
- messaging
- live chat
- phone
- video conferencing
Signing up is anonymous using an email and a username. This service also has an app for iOS and Android devices.
User reviews are generally positive. Many people report they feel listened to and understood by their therapists.
Why we chose it for ‘Best for people without a partner’
- It’s a good option for people who wish to address challenges with sex or sexuality or explore sexual preferences and identities, but who prefer individual therapy.
What we like
- You can choose from a large pool of qualified therapists.
- It’s easy to use and offers the flexibility to access therapy through messaging, live chat, phone calls, or video conferencing.
- Services can be canceled anytime and for any reason.
- Therapists have a master’s or doctorate degree, at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of experience, and viewable profiles.
What to look out for
- Not all therapists are sex therapists, so it’s important to research their qualifications.
- The onboarding process can feel impersonal.
- Response times from therapists can vary.
- Some users report that responses from counselors seemed scripted or generic.
Best online sex therapy for LGBTQIA+ people
Pride Counseling
- Cost: $60–$90 a week (billed every 4 weeks)
- Available nationwide? Yes
- Therapy format: video, messaging, live chat, phone
- Mobile app: yes
Pride Counseling matches you with counselors who understand LGBTQIA+ communities.
Though the service doesn’t outright offer sex therapy, some counselors in the network are specialized sex therapists. Plus, for some people, finding a therapist who’s LGBTQIA+ friendly and knowledgeable may be more important than finding a sex therapist specifically.
During signup, Pride Counseling matches you with a therapist based on your answers to an initial questionnaire. You’re then able to interact with and leave messages for your counselor in a private online room. If you feel like this therapist isn’t a good match, you have the option to switch.
Pricing depends on counselor availability and your location. Cancellation is possible at any time for any reason.
This service also has an app available for iOS and Android devices.
Pride Counseling users generally praise the service and consider it flexible, convenient, helpful, and worth the price.
Why we chose it for ‘Best for LGBTQIA+ people’
- Pride Counseling is tailored to LGBTQIA+ people as well as those who are exploring their sexual identity.
What we like
- If you think the counselor you’re initially matched up with isn’t a good fit, you can switch to find a better match.
- The service offers video, messaging, live chat, and phone support, as well as an app.
- It’s available nationwide.
- Subscriptions can be canceled at any time.
What to look out for
- Services are not an option for minors or people with a legal guardian.
- Only a few counselors specialize in sex therapy specifically.
Best online sex therapy for 24/7 access
Talkspace
- Cost: Starting at approximately $260 a month with monthly, quarterly, and biannual payment plans available. Subscription rates vary depending on where you live.
- Available nationwide? Yes
- Therapy format: video, messaging, phone
- Mobile app: yes
Whether you’re seeking couples sex therapy, need individual support, or are looking for therapists who understand LGBTQIA+ people, Talkspace encompasses a wide range of needs.
Once you’ve completed a brief intake assessment, you can pick from an extensive list of qualified therapists and begin counseling. Talkspace offers:
- 24/7 access
- unlimited messaging with secure, fully encrypted communications
- the ability to switch therapists for no extra cost
- phone and live video sessions
- three subscription options including Unlimited Messaging Therapy Plus, Premium, and Ultimate plans
- couples therapy
The service also has an app available on iOS and Android for access on the go.
User reviews are positive. Many recommend Talkspace because of its easy accessibility, empathetic and experienced therapists, and ability to find a therapist who understands individual needs.
Why we chose it for ‘Best overall’
- Talkspace has many therapists to choose from to fit a wide range of therapy needs.
What we like
- Users have the flexibility to access therapy on demand.
- It’s easy to enroll and cancel your subscription.
- You have choices in a wide range of licensed professionals.
- You can cancel your subscription at any time.
- Some individual and couples therapy plans offer live video sessions.
What to watch out for
- Because of the number of available therapists, finding one who’s right for you may take some time.
- Not all therapists on the platform are sex therapists, so it’s important to inform yourself about their qualifications.
- Some users have had issues with the Talkspace app functioning properly.
- Wait times for responses from therapists can sometimes be longer than expected.
Most budget-friendly online sex therapy
Rethink My Therapy
- Cost: $99 a month for individuals or $129 a month for couples
- Available nationwide? Yes
- Therapy format: video, messaging, phone
- Mobile app: no
If you’re concerned you may not be able to afford the sex therapy you need, Rethink My Therapy is an option to consider.
The service offers a 7-day free trial and therapy via secure messaging, video calls, or phone calls. There’s no limit on how many sessions you do per month and you can choose from many mental health professionals.
After completing a short screening questionnaire, you can access a list of therapists who match your needs and goals.
Many users say they’ve had positive experiences with this platform and especially like its affordability.
Why we chose it for ‘Most budget-friendly’
- Rethink My Therapy is cost-effective and a viable option for people who might not be able to afford counseling otherwise.
What we like
- There’s a free trial to decide whether it’s right for you.
- Couples have separate accounts to access individual support.
- There’s flexibility with scheduling both individual and couples sessions with the couples pricing plan.
- There’s no limit on the number of sessions per month, as frequency is based on provider availability.
What to look out for
- Not all therapists are sex therapists, so it’s important to do some research on their qualifications.
- Therapists are scheduled and not on demand.
- There’s no iOS or Android app available.
- The website may be challenging to navigate.
Best online sex therapy for people in polyamorous relationships
Dr. Roger Libby
- Cost: Estimated at $200–$250 a session
- Available nationwide? no
- Therapy format: Skype video
- Mobile app: no
Finding an online sex therapist who understands ethical polyamory and non-monogamous relationships can be challenging. One that stands out is Dr. Roger Libby, an AASECT certified sex therapist based in Washington state.
Dr. Libby offers sex positive counseling for polyamorous individuals or couples, online or in person, at his two clinic locations. He’s also known as the doctor who coined the term “sex positive” in the sexual health profession.
Scheduling an appointment involves contacting his office to set up a time that’s convenient for you. Sex therapy sessions are video-based using Skype.
People who have used his services say his vast knowledge base and experience offered actionable solutions to improve their sexual health and relationships.
It’s important to note that Libby is only licensed in Washington state. Mental health professionals cannot practice teletherapy over state lines. They must be registered and licensed in the client’s state to practice. Therefore, Libby’s services are accessible only to residents of Washington state.
If Libby is not an option for you, these resources may help you find polyamory-friendly professionals:
- Polyamory-Friendly Professionals Directory
- The Kink Aware Professionals Directory (KAP)
- The Open List
- The Polyamory Loving More Member Professionals List
- The “Meet our Experts” section of The Affirmative Couch
Why we chose it for ‘Best for people in polyamorous relationships’
- Although limited to people in Washington state, Dr. Libby offers difficult-to-find expertise in consensual non-monogamous relationships and navigating polyamory.
What we like
- Libby is highly credentialed and an American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (ASSECT)-certified sex therapist.
- Therapy is sex-positive and geared toward people who are in all stages of their polyamorous relationships.
- If you live in Washington, you can access this type of sex-positive therapy even if you live in a rural area.
What to look out for
- Only one therapist is available for sessions.
- The service is restricted to residents of Washington state.
- Therapy can be expensive, and insurance may not cover the cost.
- Scheduling sessions is limited to set office hours.
| Price | Available nationwide | Therapy format | Mobile App | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ReGain | $60–$90 a week | Yes | Video, messaging, and phone | Yes |
| BetterHelp | $60–$90 a week | Yes | Video, messaging, live chat, and phone | Yes |
| Pride Counseling | $60–$90 a week | Yes | Video, messaging, live chat, and phone | Yes |
| Talkspace | Starting at about $260 a month | Yes | Video, messaging, and phone | Yes |
| Rethink My Therapy | $99–$129 a month | Yes | Video, messaging, and phone | No |
| Dr. Roger Libby | Estimated $200–$250 a session | No | Skype video conferencing | No |
Is sex therapy right for me?
If you prefer flexibility, don’t want to or are unable to travel to attend appointments, or are concerned about anonymity, online sex therapy may be a better option than in-person counseling.
However, this type of therapy 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 before exploring online sex 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 through a healthcare professional. You can also contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 800-799-7233 or starting a chat online.
How is online sex therapy structured?
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, or 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.
What does online sex therapy usually cost?
Our picks for best online sex therapy services run from $60 a week to upward of $250 a session. Still, most online therapy services we found cost less overall than visiting a clinic-based service provider.
Is sex therapy covered by insurance?
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, depending on the service provider, this isn’t always the case. So, it’s advisable to contact the online therapy service you choose to find out whether it can work with your insurance.
If you prefer in-person therapy or are not comfortable with online counseling, there may be options available to you closer to home.
However, finding a therapist who specializes in sex therapy might be challenging in some locations, especially rural areas.
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 sex therapy-specific provider, another option is to locate a therapist who specializes in adult concerns.
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 your primary care physician or another healthcare professional to determine if there are any medical reasons behind the sexual challenges you’re having. They may then be able to recommend a local therapist that fits your needs.
According to 2016 research, sexual health and satisfaction are associated with better overall quality of life.
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, including convenience, anonymity, and cost-effectiveness, depending on the service you choose. In most cases, you can choose from a wide range of therapists, which may make it easier to find someone that fits your needs.
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.
Additional resources
If you want to learn more, the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) and the American College of Sexologists offer lists of clinic or online-based certified sex therapists.
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 diverse enough, looking into the tools below may offer additional resources: