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If you feel like you may have a problem in the bedroom, it can be difficult to talk about, even with people you trust. That’s where sex therapy comes in. See how online sex therapy can help.
Over the past few decades, discussions about sex have become less and less stigmatized. Still, speaking about sex can be tough, which is why sex therapy is so important. A therapist can help you address sex-related issues that aren’t caused by underlying physical conditions.
Sex therapy may be helpful if you may have difficulty experiencing orgasms, worry about how often you and your partner engage in sexual activities, feel insecure about your performance during sex, or have fears of sex.
If you have any frustrations about sexual issues, it may be helpful to look into sex therapy or telehealth options, such as online sex therapy. And you can do this with or without your partner(s).
Here are the best online sex therapy programs you can access from the comfort of your own bedroom.
Sex therapists require certification to practice sex therapy
Look for a certified sex therapist (CST) on any of the platforms in this article or beyond. There is rigorous training and experience required before obtaining a sex therapy certification.
And remember: Sex therapy does not require any sexual acts to be performed during your session. Ever.
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We chose therapy companies that offer online therapy by licensed therapists. However, not all therapists may be trained to help with sexual health. We recommend making sure your assigned mental health professional is equipped with the proper skills by asking them about their experience, certifications, and affiliations.
To select the programs above, we considered:
- an open and inclusive lens of therapists and relationships
- an affordable price or insurance eligibility
- a commitment to privacy
- favorable customer reviews
- useful communication methods
- accessibility
We only list companies we stand behind as being credible and ethical and who have passed our vetting process.
Our Medical Standards and Insights team has carefully researched and vetted over 11,000 products and services. We evaluate services for consistency with standards of care and best practices, and we look into each brand’s reputation before sharing products and services on Healthline.
To choose the online therapy platforms on this page, we considered all the platforms that passed our vetting process. Then, we personally tested some of them to narrow down our list even further.
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Talking about past sexual experiences and concerns with a sex therapist can help develop sex positivity and address some of these problems.
Sex therapy is a type of talk therapy that addresses concerns related to sexual function, satisfaction, and intimacy in individual or couples counseling. It’s a specialized type of psychotherapy that involves sharing your feelings about sexual issues and your sex life in general.
Sex therapy can be effective for people of all ages, genders, and sexual orientations.
“It’s a time to kick back and have a good old heart-to-heart with no judgment, just a safe space for you to share what’s on your mind,” said Goody Howard, a Dallas-based certified sexologist and sex educator.
“Whether you’re dealing with performance issues, communication breakdowns, past traumas, or just want to spice things up, a sex therapist can lend an ear and offer some guidance,” Howard said.
Online sex therapy is a type of telehealth service that can be accessed from home or another preferred space via online video, audio, or chat.
A licensed mental health professional who’s trained in sex therapy will start by getting to know you and your sexual concerns. This involves back-and-forth conversations. They may ask you questions, and you may have questions for them. Therapy formats may vary.
It can be difficult to open up about something you may consider private, but your sex therapist’s job is to provide a safe space so you can discuss how you’re feeling freely.
Through conversation, they will learn more about your experiences and challenges and may share some advice to help you reframe your way of thinking about sex and develop sex positivity.
Talking through these issues with a sex therapist can help remove the stigma, guilt, and shame you may feel around these challenges.
A sex counselor or therapist is a qualified professional who has expert-level knowledge in sex therapy and mental health. They can be any of the following:
- doctor
- therapist
- counselor
- clinical social worker
Not all therapists undergo sex therapy training. Sex therapists are specialists who have expertise in sexual health. Many have been certified by AASECT, which requires specialized and rigorous training.
Unlike most therapists, sex therapists undergo specific training in matters of sexuality. This allows them to help you explore and navigate issues relating to sex and intimacy.
A sex therapist can help with various sexual-related problems, such as:
- lack of libido (no sex drive)
- unwanted sexual thoughts
- inability or difficulty reaching orgasm
- trouble with intimacy
- erectile dysfunction
- painful intercourse
Does a sex therapist touch you?
In general, no. They may hug you or shake hands, but a sex therapist will never ask you to remove your clothes or engage in sexual behaviors with them, yourself, or your partner. Performing sexual acts during your appointment is never part of sex therapy.
But your sex therapist might give you prompts to explore later on and discuss during a future visit. They may give you ideas on how to think or act during sex to relieve some of the negative feelings you have.
Sex surrogacy, or surrogate partner therapy, is used to help people who have issues with sexual function via demonstration, touching, and engaging in sex acts. But it’s not the same as sex therapy. These professionals are certified and trained through the International Professional Surrogates Association.
Sex therapists may use a number of different therapeutic techniques and modalities to address your needs.
Common types of sex therapy include:
- cognitive behavioral therapy
- psychodynamic therapy
- mindfulness-based interventions
Therapists may combine aspects of different modalities to help you.
It’s important to note that sex therapy is different from sex-related classes and courses.
While you might learn about sex and sexuality through your therapy sessions, the goal is to treat your psychological needs. Classes and courses, on the other hand, might be helpful for educational purposes.
- Qualifications: Make sure the professional you’re paired with is certified in sex therapy (look for AASECT certification) or at least has further training in human sexuality than a general therapist.
- Weigh your options: It’s OK to shop around! You can totally try out a few therapists before you find one who’s the right fit for you and any partners.
- Insurance or cost: Most therapy apps don’t take insurance, but if that’s important to you, do a little research to find out whether they accept yours. If they don’t, consider the out-of-pocket therapy cost that’s right for your budget.
- What they cover: A good sex therapist addresses sexual issues, but a great one takes into account physiological experiences, too. Their therapy services may help you explore how your mental, emotional, spiritual, and relational health affect your symptoms.
- Specialties: You can seek out sex therapists who specialize in attributes specific to your sex life:
Occasional sexual dysfunction or anxiety around sex can be a natural part of life. However, if you find that you’re unable to have a fulfilling sex life or your sexual problems are especially distressing or interfering with your relationships, it may be time to consider working with a sex therapist.
Talking with a sex therapist doesn’t always mean you’re experiencing issues with your partners, though. If you generally have anxiety surrounding sexual performance, you may benefit from talking with a sex therapist.
You might also seek sex therapy to heal from issues surrounding:
- sexual trauma
- relationship trauma
- body image difficulties
- insecurity
- jealousy
- a lack of connection or intimacy
- bereavement
“Some sex therapy is also trauma-informed,” said Dr. Avigail Lev, a licensed psychotherapist specializing in couples therapy. Her practice offers sex therapy at the Bay Area CBT [Cognitive Behavioral Therapy] Center in San Francisco.
“For people who have experienced sexual abuse, rape, trauma, or any type of sexual molestation or assault, sex therapy will also help them reconsolidate and process trauma memories so that these past experiences don’t impact their current sex life,” Lev said.
If you have been a victim of domestic violence or sexual abuse, please contact:
For immediate assistance, dial 911.
For domestic violence:
- Call or text the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 or text “START” to 88788
- Visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/
- Visit the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence: https://ncadv.org/get-help
For sexual abuse:
- Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-4673
- Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) for resources: https://www.rainn.org/resources
If you experience sexual challenges or sexual dysfunction, or if you have frustrations related to sex, you may benefit from sex therapy. There are many reasons to see a sex therapist.
For individuals, sex therapy can be helpful if you’re:
- questioning your sexual orientation
- experiencing low libido
- processing sexual trauma
For couples, sex therapy can be helpful if you have mismatched desires or fetishes, difficulties communicating, or interest in opening up your relationship.
Online sex therapy may be right for you if you’re comfortable with online communication and if you’re more comfortable doing therapy from your own home.
Online therapy also gives you more options compared with limited local sex therapy options. Depending on your needs and expectations, telehealth services may be a better option.
Yes. Some platforms like BetterHelp and Regain offer individual sessions rather than ones for couples therapy. Check with the platform you’re interested in to learn more.
Any of our recommended services offer sex therapy that’s done via an internet connection or over the phone in the privacy of your own home.
However, some also offer “homework” or online courses that can be done at home and on your own time, like Couples Learn.
Online sex therapy is structured using telehealth. Since online sex therapy can be for individuals or couples, you may attend with a partner.
Using a smartphone, tablet, or computer, you’ll connect to a secure video chat, where you can privately and comfortably speak with your therapist. This requires an internet connection.
Sexual acts do not occur during online sex therapy. You, your partner, and your therapist do not engage in sexual intercourse or romance. You will not be asked to disrobe, nor will your sex therapist disrobe in front of you.
Your sex therapist may assign homework for you or for you and your partner to do on your own time and speak about during later sessions.
Sex therapy is typically more expensive than traditional therapy since it’s a more specialized therapy service. However, online sex therapy is usually more affordable than in-person therapy.
The cost of online sex therapy covers a wide range. It can cost as little as $55 or more than $195 per session. Couples counseling tends to cost more than individual counseling. Online sex therapy cost varies depending on:
- the telehealth service you use
- if you have health insurance
- if your health insurance covers sex therapy
- the therapist
- where you live
No. It’s common to attend sex therapy with a partner for concerns that affect both parties in a relationship, but you may also attend solo for issues that only affect you.
Yes and no. Marriage counseling or couples therapy may cover sex and intimacy, but sex therapy focuses specifically on sex and doesn’t require you to be married or in a relationship.
Sex therapy is a specialized service and can be a form of couples counseling, but marriage and couples counseling isn’t sex therapy.
Because sex therapy is designed around evidence-based techniques that have been proven effective, some insurance companies will cover the service.
If you receive a diagnosis from a doctor, such as erectile dysfunction or female orgasmic disorder, insurance will most likely cover the treatment.
Whether it’s covered will also depend on which service provider you use. Some companies don’t take insurance directly.
If you want to use your health insurance for sex therapy, check with the therapy service to see if you’re covered and which insurance companies are in network.
A healthy sex life can be a fulfilling and natural part of life. For many, having a sexual connection with their partner has emotional and physical benefits. However, fears and frustrations surrounding sex can lead to sexual dysfunction and other challenges.
Online sex therapy is one way to talk through your feelings and experiences related to sex and work toward increased sexual satisfaction and good sexual health. Seeing a sex therapist can help individuals and couples achieve healthier sex lives.