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Online sex therapy is a type of talking therapy available to individuals, couples, and polyamorous partners. Therapists specializing in these areas can offer coping strategies and techniques. Here, we test and review our top picks.
According to the
If you are having difficulties in your sex life, you may wish to consider online sex therapy.
The following table compares the services in this article.
| Price | Specializes in | Ways to communicate with a therapist | Accepts insurance? | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Talkspace | $69 to $109 per week | anyone in need of mental health support | live video video and audio messaging phone call live online text chat | yes |
| ReGain | $60 to $90 per week | couples seeking therapy | live video text messaging phone call live online text chat | no |
| BetterHelp | $60 to $90 per week | anyone in need of mental health support | live video call phone call live online text chat | no |
| Modern Intimacy | varies by location and therapist | LGBTQIA+, ethical non-monogamy, trauma, relationships, and more | teletherapy or in-person | accepts reimbursements |
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Sex therapists are qualified counselors or healthcare professionals who help people with sexual difficulties.
They can help people experiencing various challenges, such as a lack of desire, difficulty having orgasms, pain during sex, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, or any other issue related to sex.
Sex therapy sessions usually involve talking therapy, during which you will discuss your sexual experiences, feelings, and therapy goals.
How does online sex therapy work?
Firstly, you will sign up for the online service by entering your personal details and giving information about your needs.
After you go through this sign-up process, you will either match with a therapist or choose one yourself. From here, you can schedule an online session in whichever format the platform provides. This could be via messaging, video calls, or phone calls.
The sex therapist will work with you to schedule appointments and work through the topics that come up during the sessions. The session will normally involve talking through issues and feelings, and the therapist may assign tasks for you to try at home.
Our picks for the best online platforms offer similar services at comparable prices. The best online sex therapy service for you may depend on your relationship status and personal identifiers, such as whether you identify as belonging to an LGBTQIA+ community and whether you have any partners. Some services specialize in specific focus areas or communities.
Your preferred means of communication with a therapist may also affect your decision. The services in this article offer a mix of live messaging, video calls, phone calls, and online group sessions.
Once you have found a sex therapist, you need to first decide whether you will attend sessions by yourself or with your partner or partners, if applicable. The length of a session will depend on your needs.
Sex therapists know that some people may feel awkward talking about sex, so they should try to make you feel more comfortable. Sex therapists are likely to start the first session by asking questions about your background, history, sex education, and any specific sexual concerns.
Sex therapists may also assign tasks or homework for you to do between sessions. The tasks are likely to vary from person to person but may include practicing communication and educating yourself on your and your partner’s anatomy.
It is important to note that sex therapy does not involve sexual activity or physical contact between the client and therapist. You should also be aware that if you feel uncomfortable with any aspect of the therapy, you can discuss this with the therapist, change therapists, or report the therapist to their licensing board as appropriate.
To find a local sex therapist, you can use directories that list local and licensed sex therapists. Examples include AASECT and SSTAR.
You can filter AASECT results by country or by state. The directory advises those currently residing in the United States to search by state.
You can also search the SSTAR website by a therapist’s name or location. Each therapist lists their address, email, website, and areas of specialization.
As well as individual online sex therapy sessions, there are also some services available offering online sex programs. These can often be self-guided programs.
Individual or couples therapy sessions would usually involve you having a video, messaging, or phone conversation with your therapist. In these sessions, the therapist will guide the conversation to discuss issues, concerns, and anxieties surrounding sex and intimacy.
The therapist works with you and your partner to tackle these issues. By opting for sex therapy sessions, you can have as many or as few sessions as you require.
For sex therapy programs, you may need to complete a number of sessions either in their own time or at a specific time. The content will be spread out among these sessions and you will not receive a personalized approach like you would in individual therapy. You will need to complete all the sessions in order to complete the program.
Individual and couples sexual therapy will cost the same as a regular therapy session, but it is likely to be much more costly than sex therapy programs.
The effectiveness of online sex therapy will vary between individuals. The psychiatrists delivering sex therapy will have specialized skills in this area and will be knowledgeable on how to work on sex-related issues.
One 2024 study examined the effectiveness of online mindfulness-based group sex therapy in breast cancer survivors. The researchers concluded that this online sex therapy was effective in improving sexual function.
Another
According to the International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM), the success of sex therapy depends on the commitment of the individuals receiving therapy.
A person can educate themselves on anatomy, sexual activity, and sexual health by themselves without speaking with a therapist. There are various free resources, including books, videos, and podcasts, that can provide sex education.
However, licensed sex therapists can help people get to the root of any concerns and provide tools to help them address sex in a healthier and more positive way.
Additionally, it is unnecessary for a person to bring their partner to a therapy session. People can attend sessions as an individual.
People wanting to speak about sex online with a qualified professional may wish to use services, like the ones in this article, or directories.
The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) and the Society for Sex Therapy & Research (SSTAR) provide listings of certified therapists.
People who cannot visit a sex therapist in-person can use online services. These may be more convenient, especially if one or more partners work longer hours, as many therapists offer non-traditional appointment times.
Other options include self-reflection apps that partners use together.
Talkspace offers couples counseling, which can include discussions around sex and sexual difficulties.
The cost of sex therapy varies between providers. For online services, a person can expect to pay around $60 to $110 per week.
However, in-person therapy may cost more per session. This is because in-person therapists have more overhead costs to pay, including office space and utility bills.
Although BetterHelp does not directly provide sex therapy, the company offers a variety of licensed therapists. Some of these therapists have specialisms in certain areas, including intimacy issues.
Sexual health is important for your overall well-being. If you have sexual difficulties, this could affect your mental health and your relationship with your partner or partners.
Online sex therapy, a type of talking therapy, is available to individuals and couples. You can discuss any sexual or relationship issues with a therapist typically specializing in these areas.
Many online therapy services involve a subscription fee, but you can cancel this at any time.