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BetterHelp and Modern Intimacy—among others on our short list—pass our vetting for top online sex therapy services to help you talk through complications surrounding sex.
If you’re experiencing sexual health challenges, sex therapy can help.
Sometimes, sexual dysfunction, mental health concerns,
However, finding therapy and the support you need for your sexual health is sometimes more difficult than finding mental health therapy.
Anonymity may be a factor. Finding a sex therapist might be challenging in some locations, especially in rural areas.
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.
We based our choices for the best online sex therapy services 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.
Best online sex therapy for couples
Regain
- Cost: $65–$90 a week (billed every 4 weeks)
- Available nationwide? Yes
- Therapy formats: video, phone, live chat
- Mobile app: yes
Specifically geared toward couples, Regain aims to create honest and transparent communication between you and your partner while offering private one-on-one sessions to discuss personal issues.
To begin couples 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 have access to a secure and private space within the website, much like a chatroom, where you can leave messages anytime, 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. Some couples use it for a few weeks, while others prefer long-term therapy.
If you’d like to learn more about Regain, you can take a look at our in-depth Regain review.
Why we chose it for ‘Best for couples’
- Regain is specifically designed for couples or individuals seeking help with their relationships.
Pros
- Regain therapists specialize in intimate relationship counseling.
- The service offers convenient text-based messaging with options for online video sessions.
- Partners share a joint account and speak with a therapist together for transparency.
- Individual sessions are available if desired.
- The subscription can be canceled at any time.
- Membership and billing are straightforward.
Cons
- 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 every 4 weeks.
Best online sex therapy for people without a partner
BetterHelp
- Cost: $65–$90 a week (billed every 4 weeks)
- Available nationwide? Yes
- Therapy formats: 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. Still, BetterHelp online therapy can be a great option for an individual working through sex-related difficulties.
Counselors online 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. The length of time you use this therapy depends on your needs.
For more information about BetterHelp, consider reading our BetterHelp review.
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.
Pros
- 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 online 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.
Cons
- 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 online counselors seemed scripted or generic.
Best online sex therapy for 24/7 access
Talkspace
- Cost:
- $436 a month for couples therapy, including both partners, spouses, parent/child, sibling/sibling, friend/friend
- $99 a week for individual therapy
- Available nationwide? Yes
- Therapy formats: video, phone, messaging
- Mobile app: yes
Whether you’re seeking couples sex therapy, need individual support, or are looking for therapists who have a background working with LGBTQIA+ experiences, 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 online 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. You can use this therapy program as long as you need, based on your needs and goals.
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.
For more information on Talkspace, you’re welcome to check out our latest Talkspace review.
Why we chose it for ‘Best online sex therapy for 24/7 access’
- Talkspace has many therapists to choose from to fit various therapeutic needs.
Pros
- Users have the flexibility to access therapy on demand.
- It’s easy to enroll and cancel your subscription.
- You have choices from a wide range of licensed professionals.
- You can cancel your subscription at any time.
- Some individual and couples therapy plans offer live video sessions.
Cons
- 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.
Best online therapy for sex positivity
Modern Intimacy
- Cost: Consultation is required for a cost estimate
- Available nationwide? no
- Therapy formats: Live video sessions
- Mobile app: no
An online therapist who focuses on sex positivity can help you let go of your negative thoughts surrounding it. Modern Intimacy can help you shift your perspective on:
- victim blaming
- other sex-negative thoughts
If you’ve experienced sexual abuse, Modern Intimacy can help alleviate the impacts of trauma.
They can also help you improve your connection with your partner or determine how to address your sexual needs.
Reviews are limited since there is no app, but Yelp reviews are positive. Also, the podcast by Modern Intimacy founder and therapist Kate Balestrieri has a 4.5 rating (out of 5) on the Apple Podcasts app.
Why we chose it for ‘Best online therapy for sex positivity’
- It focuses on sex-positivity and overcoming trauma or stigmas surrounding sex.
Pros
- They offer a free 30-minute consultation.
- You can access therapy from the comfort of your home.
- Insurance may cover the cost.
- They have a blog and podcast you can access for free
Cons
- The service is restricted to California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, New York, Texas and Washington, D.C., residents.
- There’s no iOS or Android app.
- You can’t access pricing until setting up a consultation.
Best one-stop resource for sex therapists
AASECT
- Cost: Free to search
- Available nationwide? yes
- Therapy formats: Various
- Mobile app: no
AASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists) is a directory chock-full of licensed therapists certified by said nonprofit organization.
Although AASECT isn’t an online counseling portal in itself, you can use it to search for mental healthcare professionals who offer couples therapy.
AASECT offers certification, membership, continuing education, networking, and events for sex therapists, counselors, and sex educators, to keep them united in sex therapy standards and informed on the latest within their practices.
Why we chose it for ‘Best one-stop resource for sex therapists’
- This free directory is available worldwide. Depending on the level of care you need, sex counselors and sexuality educators are available in addition to sex therapists.
Pros
- Available worldwide.
- Strict and standardized vetting process.
- Free to shop.
Cons
- Though available across the United States and internationally, not all 50 states have AASECT-approved sex therapists or counselors online.
- No ability to filter or sort by specialty.
| Price | Available nationwide | Therapy formats | |
|---|---|---|---|
| RegainM | $65–$90 a week | Yes | Video, phone, live chat, messaging |
| BetterHelpM | $65–$90 a week | Yes | Video, phone, live chat, messaging |
| 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 |
| AASECT | free to use | Yes | Varies |
M Mobile app offered
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.
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.
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.
To be clear, a sexologist doesn’t do anything in bed!
Some people mistakenly believe that a sexologist offers hands-on experience for learning sexual skills. However, that’s not the case. A sexologist helps their patients accept their sexuality and meet related goals, usually through talk therapy.
Sexologists are competent professionals who follow the Code of Ethics. They must remain respectful and promote the sexual rights of all their patients. No professional sexologist will ever offer sex, teach hands-on sex skills, or observe clients during sex.
A sexologist has studied human sexuality, including aspects of:
- anatomy
- physiology
- psychology
It means they are trained to understand how the human body works during sex and why and how people’s minds work. They can help you learn about sexual behavior and pleasure and how it differs for everyone.
Although Talkspace doesn’t only offer sex therapy, you can use Talkspace to connect with therapists that specialize in whichever issue you need treated, including sex-related issues.
Talkspace does offer couples and individual therapy, making it possible to get therapy for both personal and relational issues.
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.
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: