Psychotherapy Online Therapy Online Therapy Reviews Best Online Sex Therapy Programs These companies provide online counseling with a certified sex therapist By Stefani Goerlich Stefani Goerlich Award-winning author Stefani Goerlich is a private practice clinician, educator, and media consultant who specializes in working with issues related to gender, sexuality, and relationship diversity (GSRD). A Board-Certified Diplomate of Sexology, her insights on sexuality and relationships have been quoted in The New Yorker, Teen Vogue, Cosmopolitan, American Spectator, and Mic, among others. Learn about our editorial process Updated on March 29, 2023 Medically reviewed Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Ivy Kwong, LMFT Medically reviewed by Ivy Kwong, LMFT LinkedIn Twitter Ivy Kwong, LMFT, is a psychotherapist specializing in relationships, love and intimacy, trauma and codependency, and AAPI mental health. Learn about our Medical Review Board Fact checked Verywell Mind content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Haley Mast Fact checked by Haley Mast Haley has a professional and educational background reviewing, transcribing, and curating technical content. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Sex therapy is a form of talk therapy that focuses on your sexuality and the way that it influences your relationships and mental health. People usually seek this type of therapy to discuss issues related to gender identity, sexual expression, intimate relationships, body image, romantic and erotic relationships, kinks and fetishes, and sexual disorders. Sex therapy never involves nudity or sexual contact with the sex therapist. Sessions can be attended alone or with a partner and they can take place in person or online. A sex therapist can help clients to understand and have healthier relationships with their own desires as well help couples reconnect and foster healthy intimacy. Because "sex therapy" is not a legally protected term in most states, anyone can say they offer sex therapy but that doesn't mean they have the additional training in providing informed, sex-positive, and sex-affirming counseling that this specialty requires. When looking for a therapist, it’s important to consider their training (look for a postgraduate sex therapy certification or an AASECT Certification) and whether they are members in good standing with the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists. A qualified sex therapist should have both or at least one of these credentials. In our research, we surveyed over 10,000 users of 80 different online therapy companies and considered things like cost, accessibility, what services they offer, and who they treat. Here are some sex therapy resources we recommend that have at least one of the credentials noted above (if not more). Best Online Sex Therapy Programs of 2023 Best for Live Chat: Talkspace Most Sex Positive: Modern Intimacy Best for Couples: Lasting Best for Polyamorous Relationships: Golden Vibes Counseling Center Best for Culturally Inclusive Therapy: Council for Relationships Most Affordable: Thriveworks Best Sex Therapy Directory: AASECT When choosing an online therapy provider, we recommend that you read the company’s privacy guidelines before you sign up to better understand whether it is HIPAA-compliant and whether it shares any private information with third parties. There have been some concerns raised by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and several government officials about what user health information online therapy providers collect and what they do with any information they collect. Best Online Sex Therapy Programs View All Best Online Sex Therapy Programs Our Top Picks Talkspace Modern Intimacy Lasting Golden Vibes Counseling Center Council for Relationships Thriveworks AASECT See More (4) Final Verdict Compare Our Picks Guide to Choose FAQs Methodology Best for Live Chat : Talkspace Talkspace See Rates on Pxf.io Get $100 off your first month using promo code VERYWELL100. Key Specs Cost: $69-$400+ per monthPlatforms: App, laptop, tablet, phoneFree Consultation: No Why We Chose It While chat-based therapy is not for everyone, it might appeal to users who are too busy for traditional couples therapy or feel uncomfortable talking about sex or intimacy in live calls. Of all providers offering chat-based therapy today, Talkspace is the best option because of its accessibility and ease of use. Pros & Cons Pros Accepts some insurance Affordably priced monthly subscription without insurance Asynchronous text and audio messaging may feel more comfortable for some users Cons Experience may feel less personal due to the limitations of text format Some users may have concerns about data privacy Overview Founded in 2012, Talkspace was the first service to offer unlimited messaging therapy on a large scale with a variety of therapists available in all 50 states. Its breadth still makes it still stand out. Talkspace's therapists range from clinical social workers and marriage or family therapists to licensed psychologists. You can choose to work with a therapist over text, email, chat or video call, based on your comfort and budget. To sign up, you'll first choose from one of its available plans, which range in price from $69 (for text-only) to over $400 a month (and include live video calls). Then you'll fill out a short intake questionnaire about what you're looking for from therapy, which will help the algorithm match you with a selection of therapists from which you can choose a practitioner. This is your opportunity to specify that you would like to work with a sex therapist. However, there is no guarantee that you will be paired with a Certified Sex Therapist. You can continue searching through Talkspace's roster of therapists until you find one, or get re-matched, but this may be an inconvenience. As a result Talkspace is best suited for issues such as anxiety, depression, postpartum concerns, body image, trauma, desire discrepancy, intimate communication skills, and low libido that may effect your sexuality and sex life. People experiencing significant sexual dysfunction, physiological issues such as erectile dysfunction or vaginismus, or seeking kink- or poly-affirming care might not find Talkspace to be the best resource for their needs. Read Our Full Review of Talkspace Most Sex Positive : Modern Intimacy See Rates on Modernintimacy.com Key Specs Cost: $150-300 per session Platforms: Laptop, phone, or tabletFree Consultation: Yes; 30-minute free consultation, which you can schedule through the website Why We Chose It Modern Intimacy is highly regarded within the sex therapy community. Its team of clinicians is committed to providing the highest level of competent sex therapy services. Pros & Cons Pros Culturally diverse team of clinicians All therapists are certified or under supervision while training Serves clients across a wide variety of gender, sexuality, and relationship differences Offers psychological assessments and evaluations Cons Therapy services are only available in five states Doesn't accept insurance Overview Founded by licensed psychologist and Certified Sex Therapist, Dr. Kate Balestrieri, Modern Intimacy is a judgment-free and sex-positive space for clients to learn, heal, and grow without stigma or shame. It operates in several high-population states around the country and offers a variety of sexual health courses to anyone seeking information and resources on specific sexual health topics. Its staff of culturally diverse, highly-trained clinicians is well-versed in working with secular and religious clients, monogamous and polyamorous clients, folks exploring their gender identities, and people in non-traditional relationship models, such as BDSM/kink. Nearly every therapist on staff is either a Certified Sex Therapist or actively pursuing certification, and all are familiar with and trained in working across the sexual health spectrum. The therapists' areas of expertise includes sexual dysfunctions, infidelity, love, sex, porn addictions, alternative lifestyles, LGBTQI+ affirming therapy, trauma, and body image. Some of the clinicians also offer somatic therapies such as Trauma Yoga, EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), and NeuroEffective Touch (a form of somatic therapy). Sessions are available both in-person and via a HIPAA-secure telehealth platform to clients in New York, Florida, Illinois, Colorado, and California. People interested in working with a Modern Intimacy clinician can self-schedule a free, 30-minute consultation through the practice website. The cost for a sex therapy session ranges from $150 to $300 per session, with sliding scale pricing also available. However, Modern Intimacy does not accept insurance. Modern Intimacy also offers a wide variety of psycho-educational classes and webinars focused on topics such as toxic relationships, pornography use, body image, and more. Best for Couples : Lasting See Rates on Getlasting.com Key Specs Cost: $59.95 per monthPlatforms: Online platform accessible via proprietary app for laptop, tablet, or phoneFree Consultation: No (free trial available) Why We Chose It While Lasting cannot replace a Certified Sex Therapist, it is a unique app-based therapy program aimed at couples who may struggle to make time for traditional couples or sex therapy. It helps them work through their mild to moderate relationship challenges in a structured, yet self-directed way, improving their communication, mindset, and conflict around sex and intimacy. Pros & Cons Pros More affordable than traditional couples or sex therapy Utilizes attachment theory and emotionally-focused therapy Allows partners to participate in therapy asynchronously Cons Not tailored to unique user needs You will not be working with a live clinician Some concern about user data privacy Overview Lasting is an app-based mental health service that is now affiliated with Talkspace, one of the largest providers of online and app-based mental health services. It offers couples an asynchronous app-based model of care that is accessible without limitation within your subscription and is available to users in all 50 states as well as the District of Columbia. While you will not work with a live therapist if you subscribe to Lasting, you will collaborate with your partner to learn communication and conflict resolution skills, as well as other relationship-related tools. The app uses quizzes (many of which are simple “agree” or “disagree” questions) to gauge where you and your partner are most and least compatible. From there, it guides users through collaborative exercises based on attachment theory and emotionally-focused therapy. However, because you do not interact directly with a therapist, it is best suited for couples experiencing challenges with anxiety, depression, body image, postpartum concerns, mismatched libido, arousal issues, conflict resolution, and communication around intimacy. More complicated sexual health needs, like distressing sexual thoughts or sexual dysfunction, might require a higher level of intervention than Lasting’s model can offer. A subscription to Lasting is $60 per month; however, the company does run specials occasionally offering a discounted rate to get started or a seven-day free trial. Best for Polyamorous Relationships : Golden Vibes Counseling Center See Rates on Goldenvibescounseling.com Key Specs Cost: Varies by providerPlatforms: HIPAA-secure telehealth or in-officeFree Consultation: Yes Why We Chose It Based in Madison, Wisconsin, Golden Vibes and its panel of over a dozen sex-positive, LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC-affirming mental health providers is another regional sex therapy provider that is a leader in the field. Offering telehealth sessions to clients throughout Wisconsin, Golden Vibes is a model of what polyamourous-affirming mental health care should be. Pros & Cons Pros Large team of clinicians working with clients to promote lifespan sexual health Offers a variety of therapeutic modalities including art therapy, EMDR, Internal Family Systems, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Diverse panel of therapists offers clients choice and flexibility in selecting a provider Cons Currently limited to clients based in Wisconsin Fees vary by provider and insurance Overview Serving clients throughout the state of Wisconsin, Golden Vibes is beneficial for anyone choosing an alternative relationship structure, who identifies as BIPOC or LGBTQIA+, or who is gender-questioning or seeking gender-affirming care. Many of Golden Vibe’s clinicians are also equipped to work with adolescents and children. Golden Vibes offers a breadth of specialized therapy treatments to support and affirm clients of all ages and all identities, including those in polyamorous partnerships and their families. Its blend of creative modalities and inclusive care sets the standard for what an inclusive and affirming sex therapy practice can look like. Potential clients accessing the elegant and comprehensive website will find answers to all of their questions, provider profiles, and information about accepted insurance. Offering therapy services in-office and via their HIPAA-secure telehealth platform in both English and Spanish, Golden Vibes therapists are equipped to help their clients navigate sexual dysfunction, infidelity, low libido, and desire discrepancies, Alternative lifestyles, LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy, trauma, body image, and gender identity exploration can also be addressed. Fees vary by provider and insurance; however, the practice does offer a sliding scale, and brief free consultations are available. Best for Culturally Inclusive Therapy : Council for Relationships See Rates on Councilforrelationships.org Key Specs Cost: $50-200 per sessionPlatforms: Telehealth therapy is available via an HIPAA-secure platform accessible by laptop, tablet, or phoneFree Consultation: No Why We Chose It A nonprofit mental health provider offering sex and relationship therapy to culturally diverse individuals and couples, the Council for Relationships has clinicians working across 45 treatment areas as well as psychiatric services. In addition to their work with clients, Council for Relationships also has a robust professional development arm, where it trains the next generation of sex therapists. Pros & Cons Pros Nonprofit committed to offering accessible sex therapy services Diverse clinical team who are leaders in the field of sex therapy Psychiatric services available in-house, a rarity for many mental health practices Cons Limited to clients in Pennsylvania and New Jersey Sliding scale rate may require client to work with a clinical intern Overview Founded almost a century ago, Council for Relationships has a long-established track record of high-quality and effective mental health care. Praised by William Masters & Virginia Johnson (founding leaders in the fields of sex therapy and sexology), the Council for Relationships is a leading voice in the field of Culturally Inclusive Sex Therapy. Because its staff members are not only mental health providers but clinical educators, Council for Relationships has an exceptionally high level of skill represented among its clinicians and offers many services not only as direct-care therapists but also as sexuality educators and sex therapy instructors. This deep knowledge makes Council for Relationships therapists ideally suited to working with complex sexual and relational health concerns. Clients who identify as BIPOC, who are in multiracial relationships, or who want to work with someone well-versed in issues related to sexuality and culture would be well-suited to working with the team at Council for Relationships. Visitors to its website can learn about the history of the organization, browse provider profiles and learn more about the clinical and educational offerings available at Council for Relationships. As with many sex therapy practices, Council for Relationships does not accept insurance; however, they offer sessions with their team of clinical interns that begin at $15. Sessions with a fully licensed provider range from $50–$200 per session. Therapy is available in-person or via a HIPAA-secure telehealth platform and the Council is currently accepting clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Most Affordable : Thriveworks See Rates on Thriveworks.com Key Specs Cost: $15-$40 per session with insurance; $99 withoutPlatforms: In-office or HIPAA-secure telehealth platformFree Consultation: No Why We Chose It Thriveworks has locations around the country and a variety of providers working within each location, so clients can be confident that they will not experience a disruption in care should they need to move or travel. Its affordable subscription-based model also makes Thriveworks a solid option for folks looking for accessible therapy. Pros & Cons Pros Office locations in 42 states and the District of Columbia Affordable rates for uninsured Flexibility to move between telehealth and in-office care, depending on need and preference Cons Not available in Kansas, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia Number of available therapists may vary by location Not guaranteed to work with a Certified Sex Therapist Overview Founded by a former consultant for the American Counseling Association and columnist for Counseling Today magazine, Thriveworks is available in 42 states plus Washington, D.C. Users get access to therapeutic support via email and telephone, 24-hour “Ask a Coach” access, online psychoeducational content including the Thriveworks proprietary “Therapy Buddy” app, and live Success Navigator administrative support. With over 380 locations throughout the U.S., you can also see a Thriveworks therapist in person. The company does not offer a free consultation; however, there is a seven-day trial and a 100% satisfaction guarantee with membership. Thriveworks’s website is clean, transparent, and well-organized. Visitors will have no trouble getting their questions answered or scheduling an initial visit. Individuals looking for flexibility may find what they need at Thriveworks, which offers counseling for individuals, couples, adolescents, and children. The group offers a wide variety of types of therapy, but specifically mentions on its website that couples therapy is one of its most popular services. While it does not explicitly describe itself as LGBTQIA+ or kink/polyamorous affirming, you may certainly request to be paired with a therapist who identifies as such; however, you are not guaranteed to be matched with a Certified Sex Therapist. Once subscribed, users can connect with their therapist via email, or can schedule live sessions either in-office or via a secure telehealth platform. Live therapy sessions for clients without insurance are $99 each, but most insurances are accepted, so the actual out-of-pocket expense may be much less than this–typically in the $15-$40 range. Contact your local office or your insurance company directly to confirm coverage. Note that Thriveworks is not available in Kansas, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, Wisconsin, or West Virginia. Best Sex Therapy Directory : AASECT See Rates on Aasect.org Key Specs Cost: Free to usePlatfroms: Web browser Free Consultation: Varies by the provider Why We Chose It AASECT offers a one-stop resource to locate Certified Sex Therapists, Educators, and Counselors in nearly every state and many countries. All providers listed are vetted by AASECT to ensure the highest levels of education and sexual health competency. Pros & Cons Pros Directory offers listings for nearly all 50 states, plus Washington, D.C. and several countries Directory listings are heavily vetted with credentials verified Free to the public and easy to use Cons Users cannot search by specialty, which can make searches more cumbersome Some states do not have AASECT Certified Sex Therapists Therapists with sex therapy training who chose not to pursue certification are not listed Overview The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) is a national professional organization leading the way for sex therapy as a field and providing ethical guidance and educational standards to those who practice sex therapy. AASECT members approach their work with clients from a sex-positive, LGBTQIA+ and trans-inclusive, BDSM/kink, and polyam-affirming perspective. AASECT as an organization does not support a Sex Addiction Model of therapy, so clients seeking treatment from this perspective may not find a good match; however, there are many therapists who specialize in Out of Control Sexual Behavior who are listed. Every therapist included in this frequently-updated directory is a masters-level or higher qualified mental health provider, who has received at least a foundational level of training in kink/BDSM-aware therapy, LGBTQIA+ issues, gender-affirming care, and polyamory/ethical non-monogamy. Final Verdict Sex therapy is a field dominated by local, independent practices dedicated to providing empowering, scientifically accurate, and inclusive care. We love Talkspace for offering an all-in-one solution to whatever your therapy needs may be thanks to a roster of therapists ranging from clinical social workers and marriage or family therapists to licensed psychologistsAmong these, we’ve chosen Modern Intimacy as the most sex-positive therapy provider, due in no small part to its commitment to serving clients across several highly populated states and providing helpful psychoeducational resources to folks who might fall outside of their service areas. The flip side, of course, is that finding a local sex therapy provider can be quite difficult, but resources such as the AASECT directory certainly make the process easier. The size of many sex therapy practices can also mean that even when one is available in your area, they might not be taking on new clients. In situations such as this, it’s great to know that options such as Thriveworks (our choice for the most affordable therapist) offer flexibility and access to care. About The Companies That Did Not Make Our List Because of the sensitive nature of the topics discussed in sex therapy—ranging from erectile dysfunction and sexual orientation questions to childhood trauma and out-of-control sexual behavior—we’ve created a list of resources that minimize privacy concerns for those seeking care. Many large-scale providers, such as BetterHelp and PrideCounseling (to name a few) are still figuring out how to manage user privacy and data protection. For these reasons, we prioritized options that offer flexibility and choice in therapy platform delivery, as well as the safest tools possible for clients who are already dealing with deeply personal challenges. Compare the Best Online Sex Therapy Company Cost Platforms Free Consultation States Available TalkSpace Best for Live Chat $69-$400+/month Secure telehealth, app No 50 Modern Intimacy Most Sex Positive $150-$300 In office, secure telehealth Yes NY, CT, FL, IL, CO, CA Lasting Best for Couples $59.95/month App No 50 Council for Relationships Most Culturally Inclusive $15-$200 In office, secure telehealth Yes NJ, PA Golden Vibes Best for Polyamorous Relationships Varies by provider In office, secure telehealth Yes WI ThriveWorks Most Affordable $39.95/mo + $0-99 copay per session In office, email, app Yes 42 + DC AASECT Best Directory Free www.aasect.org Varies by provider Nearly every state + many countries Guide for Choosing the Best Online Sex Therapy Programs What Is Online Sex Therapy? Sex therapy and the discipline of sexology are specific academic and clinical disciplines that require a vast amount of medical, physiological, psychological, and relational knowledge to practice without harm. Sex Therapy never involves nudity, sexual behaviors in session, or physical contact with the Sex Therapist. The fact that most states allow anyone to describe themselves as a “sex therapist” can make online sex therapy feel odd, or even unsafe, for some clients. Clients want to know that a clinician is a qualified, competent, ethical mental health provider who’s able to meet their unique needs. Many Certified Sex Therapists are offering online therapy, but when someone first searches for online sex therapy, it's natural to worry about the quality of the practices, or assume that the only options are large, general mental health providers who have built a strong online presence. However, the best and most capable online Sex Therapists are probably in an office just down the street from you. The ability to verify competency, via resources such as the AASECT directory, and to have the option to meet with a provider in person can go a long way towards helping people in need of sex therapy feel reassured and confident about online sessions. People seek online sex therapy for all sorts of issues across the sexual health spectrum, including sexual dysfunctions; infidelity; love, sex, and porn addictions; alternative lifestyles such as polyamorous relationships; LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy; trauma; and body image. However, more intensive sexual health issues might require in-person therapy rather than an online model. Are Online Sex Therapy Programs Worth It? Sex therapy, as a mental health treatment, can be just as effective online as it is in-office, even for unique needs. Sex therapy may be worth it for you if: You are experiencing distress or discomfort in your sexual or intimate relationships. You’re worried about whether or not your sexual behaviors are “normal.” You and your partner aren’t connecting intimately the way you used to. You and your partner want different things in the bedroom (sexual frequency, kinks/fetishes, etc.). You and your partner are BOTH interested in participating in the sex therapy process. You’ve experienced sexual trauma. You’ve felt guilt or shame around your gender, sexuality, or sexual behaviors. You’re living with cancer, disabilities, or other medical conditions that are disrupting your relationship with your body and/or your sexual functioning. You or your partner are experiencing menopause, pregnancy, postpartum challenges, vaginismus, premature ejaculation, or erectile difficulties. You’re worried that you’re not making “good” choices around sex and sexuality. You or your partner are gender questioning. You’re struggling with general mental health or relationship concerns and want to work with a therapist who will understand and not stigmatize your non-traditional relationship (such as polyamory, swinging, BDSM/kink). Comparing Online Sex Therapy Programs When selecting a Sex Therapist to work with, there are several factors to consider. Your first step might be to consult a directory such as AASECTs or www.kapprofessionals.org to narrow your search down to the providers working in your area. Next, logistical variables such as online versus in-office availability, insurance coverage, and out-of-pocket costs will likely help you winnow down your initial search results. If you choose a group practice or a larger company such as Thriveworks, you will need to inquire into who within your local office is accepting new clients. Be sure to ask potential therapists about their specific training in sex therapy if their profile does not explicitly state it, especially regarding continuing education courses, certificate programs, or certifications they may hold. The gold standard is an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, but there are many highly competent non-certified therapists working in the field as well. If you are a member of a gender, sexuality, or relationship minority community (such as genderqueer, kink, or polyam), ask about their experience working with clients similar to yourself. Don’t be afraid to inquire whether they are gender-affirming, kink-affirming, or support any other relevant community you identify with. If you are looking for help related to porn use, infidelity, or ethical non-monogamy, it may be wise to ask a potential therapist if they approach these issues from a Sex Addiction or an Out of Control Sexual Behavior treatment perspective. Frequently Asked Questions How Is Sex Therapy Different From Other Kinds of Therapy? You might have noticed that there are many smaller practices on this list. That’s because the field of sex therapy is one that requires specialized training and advanced supervision above and beyond that which all therapists receive through the course of their regular training. It can be difficult to find a qualified, competent, and properly trained Sex Therapist. Certainly, the AASECT directory listed above can help, as can the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom’s Kink Aware Provider directory and the Poly-Friendly Providers Directory. The best way to find a sex therapist is to start with one of these three guides and search for someone in your area who may be practicing in a setting more like Golden Vibes or Modern Intimacy than a resource like Talkspace. How Is Online Sex Therapy Different From Couples Counseling? Sex therapy focuses on issues related to gender, sexuality, intimacy, and the body. Sex therapy clients can be in a relationship, but many individuals seek out sex therapy to deal with challenges such as guilt/shame, gender identity, sexual behaviors, and more. Couples in sex therapy will likely work on many of the same things as they might in traditional couples counseling—such as communication skills and relationship repair—but will also receive specific coaching and guidance around their sexual and intimate life together as well. How Do Online Sex Therapy Programs Work? Because sex therapy is a specialized form of talk therapy, it works much the same whether you’re online or in the office. All homework or activity suggestions received in sex therapy (such as sensate focus touch exercises) are meant to be implemented by the client outside of the session, at home alone or with their partner. No Sex Therapist, whether online or in office, will ever ask you to do sexual acts with or for them or to send sexual images to them. Are Online Sex Therapy Programs Right for Me and My Partner? From newlyweds just figuring out their intimate life together to retirees navigating changing bodies and relationships, many people can benefit from sex therapy. Relationships go through dry spells, differences in desire or fantasy, physical or emotional changes, and changes in family size and structure—any of which can cause problems in the bedroom. Whatever your worry is, it’s neither too big nor too trivial. Don’t be afraid to seek out a Certified Sex Therapist. How Much Do Online Sex Therapy Programs Cost? Sex Therapy can vary widely, depending upon availability and insurance coverage. For some, the cost will be their standard insurance copay. For those seeing an out-of-network or private pay sex therapist, session rates can vary from $50-$300, depending upon your location and need. Do Online Sex Therapy Programs Accept Insurance? Many insurances will cover individual sex therapy. However, coverage for couples counseling (whether Sex Therapy or general) is often more restrictive. If you want to see a therapist together with your partner, check with your insurance first to see if marriage/couples counseling is covered under your plan. Methodology Our methodology for evaluating online therapy companies is comprehensive and data-driven. To review the best online therapy programs, we sent questionnaires to 33 companies and surveyed 100 current users of each. This allowed us to directly and fairly compare services offered by gathering qualitative and quantitative data about each company and users’ experiences. Specifically, we evaluated each company on: Website usabilitySign-up process Therapist qualifications Types of therapy offeredQuality of careClient-therapist communication optionsSession lengthSubscription offerings Client privacy protections Cost and value for moneyInsurance coverageAverage out-of-pocket costsTherapist assignment processEase of changing therapistsOverall user satisfactionLikelihood clients would recommend them Finding a Local Sex Therapist If you are looking for a local sex therapist who can see you either in person or online, the best way to find a reputable therapist is to visit one of the two organizations that certify sex therapists. Both the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) and the American College of Sexologists offer lists of certified sex therapists, some of whom practice online. Today, many therapists have transitioned part or all of their practice online. Therefore, local sex therapists may well be able to see you virtually. Individual costs will vary, but many individual sex therapists take insurance. As certified sex therapists are licensed professionals, reimbursement may also be possible for individuals who have out-of-network behavioral health coverage. However, it is important to check with your insurer about your coverage before starting to work with a new therapist. They may only cover certain types of therapy, or a single therapist if you are also seeing another therapist for other reasons. Moskat / Getty Images Article Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Langarizadeh M, Tabatabaei MS, Tavakol K, Naghipour M, Rostami A, Moghbeli F. Telemental health care, an effective alternative to conventional mental care: a systematic review. Acta Inform Med. 2017;25(4):240-246. By Stefani Goerlich Stefani Goerlich is a private practice clinician, author, educator, and media consultant who specializes in working with issues related to BDSM/Kink and other erotic minority communities. Edited by Hannah Owens Hannah Owens Hannah Owens is the Mental Health/General Health Editor for performance marketing at Verywell. She is a licensed social worker with clinical experience in community mental health. Learn about our editorial process and Simone Scully Simone Scully Simone is the health editorial director for performance marketing at Verywell. She has over a decade of experience as a professional journalist covering mental health, chronic conditions, medicine, and science. Learn about our editorial process See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! 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