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Kate Ames / Stocksy
Finding a therapist who dealt with sexual issues once was a challenge, but sex therapy has become progressively more common in recent years. Like other forms of therapy, sex therapy focuses on talking about your experiences, thoughts, and feelings—but these discussions focus on your issues as a couple relating to intimacy. When conducted remotely, sex therapy providers enable folks to receive life-changing treatment from the comfort of their home.
The best online sex therapists cater to patients in varied locations, via various channels (video, chat, phone), are cost-accessible, and work with a variety of demographics. They help with everything from couples issues to healing personal past trauma, and some offer services for different relationship models. Our picks for the best online sex therapy have the goal of helping their patients improve the health of their sex lives.
Best Online Sex Therapy
- Best Overall: Talkspace
- Best for Couples: ReGain
- Best Budget: Thriveworks
- Best for Communication: The Center for Mental and Sexual Health
- Best for LGBTQIA+: The Expansive Group
- Best Directory: American Board of Sexology
- Best for Polyamorous Couples: Modern Intimacy
- Best for Intimacy: Blueheart
- Best for BIPOC: TherapyDen
Best Overall: Talkspace
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Key Specs
- Price: $276-$516+ a month
- Platforms: Website and app
- Free Consultation: No
Why We Chose It
With multiple price points for different plans based on your communication preferences, Talkspace is our top choice for sex therapy because it offers services throughout the United States and internationally.
Pros & Cons
Serves all 50 states
Multiple plans to choose from
Easy to use website and app
Does not accept insurance
Pricing plan is difficult to access before sign-up
Overview
Many of Talkspace’s providers are trained in sex therapy, and the service is more affordable than its competitors. With plans for messaging, live therapy, or both, users can focus on the type of communication that works best for them.
Talkspace performs background checks on all its therapists to confirm licensing and credentials. Sex therapy is available in all states for individuals and couples via the Talkspace therapist directory. To be matched with a therapist, you’ll answer a series of questions, so you’ll be able to share that you’re specifically seeking sex therapy to be matched with an appropriate provider. Alternatively, you can search the online therapist database for therapists in your area, and check if they offer sex therapy services. The platform makes it easy to switch therapists if your first one isn’t a perfect fit.
For messaging, Talkspace therapists are available five days per week and typically respond within four to six hours on business days. For the live therapy plan, you’ll receive one session per week.
Plans & Pricing
There are three different plans to choose from at Talkspace:
- Unlimited messaging plan: Starts at $276 per month
- Live therapy plan: Starts at around $396 per month
- Live therapy plus unlimited messaging plan: Starts at around $516 per week
Subscriptions can be canceled any time and can also be paused for seven days at a time. There is no free consultation or assessment.
Best for Couples: ReGain
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ReGain
Key Specs
- Price: $60-$90/week subscription, billed every four weeks
- Platforms: Website and app
- Free Consultation: No
Why We Chose It
With relationship therapy as its focus, ReGain serves both individuals and couples looking to improve the quality of their connections. Its pricing structure is similar to BetterHelp's.
Pros & Cons
Discounts offered for long-term plans
All therapists are licensed
Weekly live sessions included
Only one subscription plan available
Doesn’t accept insurance
Overview
With a business model centered around helping you improve your personal relationships, ReGain is a subscription-based therapy platform that is affordably priced at around $60 to $90 per week (though you’re billed monthly and the exact price you pay varies depending on your location); the pricing is the same as BetterHelp because it is a subsidiary. Like BetterHelp, it’s available in all 50 states and around the world.
While relationships are the focus at ReGain, you can choose whether or not to include your partner(s) in your therapy sessions. If you prefer to speak to a therapist individually, that won’t be a problem.
ReGain’s sex therapists offer therapy types such as Imago relationship therapy (IRT), Focusing on the Positive, the Gottman Method, emotionally focused therapy, narrative therapy, and couples worksheets. For those who want sex therapy that centers around their relationship(s), ReGain is an ideal choice. Sessions are 30 to 40 minutes in length and can be accessed via video or phone.
Plans & Pricing
ReGain offers one therapy plan, but the price ranges from $60 to $90/week (billed every four weeks) depending on where you live.
You are matched with your therapist with this plan and get four weekly video sessions. You can also message your therapist through the app between sessions.
Best Budget: Thriveworks
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Thriveworks
Key Specs
- Price: $39 monthly, plus $99 per session without insurance
- Platforms: Website and app
- Free Consultation: No
Why We Chose It
Thriveworks typically has therapists available within 48 hours and accepts most insurance plans, meaning you’ll only be responsible for a copay for your visit.
Pros & Cons
Accepts most health insurance plans
Virtual and in person options
Therapists available within 48 hours
Separate bills from Thriveworks and therapist
No messaging available
Overview
Unlike many online therapy providers, Thriveworks accepts most insurance plans and is in-network for them. That means that after the $39 monthly membership fee, if you have insurance, you’ll only need to pay a copay for your appointments.
Thriveworks’ sex therapy department is called Chesterfield Sex Therapy, and its services are available both online and in person. Thriveworks enables you to see a sex therapist alone or as a couple, and is available in 44 states plus Washington, DC. You can choose your own therapist or be matched, and many therapists have quick availability.
You’ll be able to see a sex therapist as often as you choose, paying your copay or the out-of-pocket cost in addition to your membership fee, and you can message therapists between sessions. The cancellation policy is more flexible than many, allowing you to cancel up to 23.5 hours ahead of your scheduled appointment.
Plans & Pricing
Online sex therapy at Thriveworks costs $39 per month for a membership, plus therapist fee or copay; the $39 can be waived with hardship claim. There are no different plans to choose from.
You will schedule your sessions via the Thriveworks website or apps. Most therapists have a lot of availability and flexibility for their sessions.
Best for Communication: The Center for Mental and Sexual Health
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The Center for Mental and Sexual Health
Key Specs
- Price: $200 intake session, then $155 individual or $180 couples per session (or insurance copay)
- Platforms: Video; in person in limited areas
- Free Consultation: Yes
Why We Chose It
By providing customized therapy plans for each patient, The Center for Mental and Sexual Health serves individuals and couples, and centers straightforward communication around sex.
Pros & Cons
Strong specialization in sex therapy
Free consultation
Kink, poly, and LGBTQIA+ friendly
Not available in all states
Only accepts insurance in some states
Overview
Speak frankly about your sexual issues free of judgment with a counselor at The Center for Mental and Sexual Health. Fifteen-minute free consultations are given to all patients—whether you’re seeking individual, couples, or polytherapy—and the Center has therapy modalities to serve each, such as Gottman Method and CBT.
You can choose your own therapist, or have one selected for you based on your needs, and therapists are trained to work with issues around sexuality, trauma, and more. The Center for Mental and Sexual Health accepts insurance in Washington and Colorado, and will soon be in Florida. Because it doesn’t have therapists in all states, whether you can access one in yours depends on your state’s laws around telehealth.
Plans & Pricing
Online sex therapy costs $200 for the intake session, then $155 for individuals or $180 for couples, or insurance copay. There are bulk discounts available for upfront pay for multiple sessions.
You will schedule your sessions through the website or by phone, but have your sessions either via video call or in person (depending on where you live).
Best for LGBTQIA+: The Expansive Group
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The Expansive Group
Key Specs
- Price: $140-$250 session
- Platforms: Web-based video
- Free Consultation: No
Why We Chose It
A team of LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists offers therapy and coaching that focuses on sex and gender issues. The Expansive Group also has online courses.
Pros & Cons
All therapist bios available on website
Specific focus on gender and sex therapy
Staff are LGBTQIA+
No sliding scale or financial assistance available
Few insurance plans accepted
Overview
For any LGBTQIA+ person who doesn’t want to worry if a sex therapist will be affirming of your identity, The Expansive Group allows you to breathe a sigh of relief. It works with both individuals and couples, and offers specialized therapy, such as trauma-informed, attachment, and psychodynamic therapy. Its telehealth services are available in all states.
Founded by a sex therapist certified by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) who specializes in gender and sexual diversity, The Expansive Group has a highly diverse leadership team and provides a welcoming, safe space for LGBTQIA+ patients to obtain sex therapy. Its therapists and coaches speak frankly about sex in media and on the company’s podcast. The company offers sliding scale therapy for those who can’t afford its services, although the waiting list for that is currently full.
Plans & Pricing
Online sex therapy at The Expansive Group costs $140 to $250 per session. There are no different plans to choose from at this company.
Best Directory: American Board of Sexology
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American Board of Sexology
Key Specs
- Price: Varies by provider
- Platforms: Varies by provider
- Free Consultation: Varies by provider
Why We Chose It
The American Board of Sexology has a directory through which you can find a board-certified sexologist anywhere in the world. It is a one-stop shop for finding sex therapists that serve your area.
Pros & Cons
Website features free info on sexology
Directory includes photos and bios
Wide variety of options for insurance
May be overwhelming to find a therapist from a directory
Does not list prices or if therapists offer telehealth
Overview
On the American Board of Sexology website, every state has an icon, and when you click it, it populates photos and names of the sex therapists in that state. Every bio can be clicked on, and information about how to reach them is included. You can also search for board-certified sexologists in other countries around the world, or by individual cities within states in the U.S. As can be anticipated, major cities feature dozens of profiles; smaller cities and more rural areas have fewer.
The website also offers many resources, including books and articles on sexology, information about webinars and events, licensing info, and jobs in the field. There is even information about different types of sexology certifications, so you can be fully clear about what the therapist you choose has studied. Because this is a directory, not a therapy service company, all therapy is conducted directly through providers or the platforms they’re associated with, not this site.
Plans & Pricing
Because this is a directory, the rates for online sex therapy vary depending on the provider you decide to work with. It is also up to you to reach out to the therapists (through the contact icons on their bios) to schedule a free consultation (if offered), assessment, or first session.
Best for Polyamorous Couples: Modern Intimacy
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Modern Intimacy
Key Specs
- Price: $150-$300 per session
- Platforms: Video
- Free Consultation: Yes
Why We Chose It
Modern Intimacy offers judgment-free sex therapy for diverse clientele, and caters to polyamorous and other relationship models.
Pros & Cons
All therapists certified (or under supervision) in sex therapy
Culturally diverse team
Sex positive
Therapy only available in six states
Does not accept insurance
Overview
Sex therapy is guaranteed to be sex-positive with Modern Intimacy, a platform that believes “everyone has the right to empowered, healthy, and thriving relationships.” Its policy is to be discrimination-free, and its therapists are available to help people navigate issues such as sexuality, gender identity, kink and fetishism, and relationship dynamics and models.
The company has locations in six cities, and telehealth is currently available in California, New York, Florida, Illinois, and Colorado. Its sex therapists belong to the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT), and are trained in modalities such as trauma yoga, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EDMR), and NeuroAffective Touch. You can work with them individually, or with your partner or partners. If Modern Intimacy currently doesn’t offer telehealth services in your area, you can receive help via its numerous online courses and podcast.
Plans & Pricing
Online sex therapy costs at Modern Intimacy costs $150 to $300 per session, depending on the provider you work with. However, you can schedule a free 30-minute assessment before beginning regular sex therapy sessions.
Best for Intimacy: Blueheart
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Blueheart
Key Specs
- Price: $90/year or $30/month
- Platforms: App
- Free Consultation: 14-day free trial
Why We Chose It
A relationship-building app that says its users feel 70% closer to their partner in only two weeks, Blueheart is an affordable alternative to traditional sex therapy for enhancing intimacy. Therapy plans are personalized, and there is a sex therapy option available.
Pros & Cons
Safe space to address sexual dysfunction
Inexpensive compared to traditional therapy
Algorithm-based plans
Therapy isn’t personalized
Requires technology
Overview
Anyone struggling to conduct live sessions with a sex therapist has a viable alternative thanks to Blueheart, an intimacy-building app that can be used alone or with a partner. You’ll take an online assessment for free, then before you have to pay, you have two weeks to try out the activities prescribed to you based on that assessment.
Plans are six months long and tailored to each person based on their needs. Those looking to focus on sex therapy will have their plans reviewed by qualified sex therapists.
Blueheart enables you to access advice anytime, without scheduling, by using the app and working on the exercises you’re given in your own time. While it doesn’t offer traditional sex therapy directly with a therapist, the service provides a viable alternative for a small fraction of the cost and helps users enhance intimacy and work through relationship problems with their loved one.
Plans & Pricing
There are two different plans to choose from at Blueheart: one costs $90/year and the other costs $30/month. Since this is an app, there is no need to schedule sessions—you can just use the platform whenever you want. You can also sign up for a 14-day free trial.
Best for BIPOC Communities: TherapyDen
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Key Specs
- Price: Varies by provider
- Platforms: Varies by provider
- Free Consultation: Dependent on provider, and listed on profile
Why We Chose It
By offering a directory of inclusive therapists with training for marginalized communities ranging from trans people to veterans, TherapyDen guides users to therapists trained in specific areas of sex therapy, such as sexual identity and gender identity, and can also help with racial issues.
Pros & Cons
Many therapists have demographic-specific training
Group therapy available
Serves most states
Filtering system may be overwhelming
Not all therapists can serve all areas virtually
Overview
The therapists you can find on TherapyDen have a very broad range of specialties, serve children to adults, and also may offer medication management. The directory’s filtering system lets you find a sex therapist who can provide online therapy in your area, with additional filters for cost, insurance accepted, and the demographics the therapist is specially trained to serve. Those include a racial justice framework for therapy, in addition to providers who are neurodiversity advocates, trans-competent, vegan, or kink friendly.
The directory has providers in dozens of states, and in some states, you may be able to access telehealth care from providers across the country who are licensed to deliver care in your state. Provider bios note whether a free consultation is available, and are quite thorough, detailing information such as clientele, approach, therapeutic modalities, personal beliefs, and religious experience.
Plans & Pricing
Since TherapyDen is a therapist directory, the cost for online sex therapy will vary by provider. Most therapists will display their rates (and whether they offer sliding scale rates) in their profile, however.
Final Verdict
There are many options for online sex therapy. Polyamorous partners will find Modern Intimacy to be validating, while The Center for Mental and Sexual Health is ideal for frank communication-building. Talkspace is our top choice for online sex therapy because it can be accessed by anyone in the United States, and has sex therapists available for telehealth sessions through messaging and/or live therapy.
Though not all Talkspace therapists are trained in sex therapy, you can clarify your needs during the sign-up and matching process, ensuring you find a therapist who is the right fit for you. Talkspace serves both individuals and couples, and the weekly subscription plan can be canceled or paused at any time.
Guide to Choosing the Best Online Sex Therapy
Who Is Online Sex Therapy For?
Sex therapy is a good choice for anyone who has experienced past sexual trauma or abuse they want to move past, or who is experiencing hardship in their intimate relationship(s). It can work for individuals, couples, or poly groups, so you can choose whether to participate alone or not.
Sex therapy can also help with any questions or issues around sexuality and gender identity, particularly if you seek out therapy with providers who specialize in those areas.
Sex therapy is not the right choice for anyone dealing with thoughts of self-harm or suicide, or currently experiencing sexual abuse.
Through sex therapy, clients can:
- Identify and move through sexual issues
- Increase intimacy and connection with others
- Improve communication about sex and other topics
- Increase libido
Comparing the Best Online Sex Therapy Providers
Multiple factors influence what online sex therapy platform is the right one for you. Because everyone has different needs and priorities, one or more of the following factors may be a priority for you in choosing the right therapist.
- Cost: Sex therapy can be paid for out of pocket or with insurance, depending on whether or not you have insurance, what your plan covers and whether the platform you choose accepts your plan. Out-of-pocket costs for our choices range from $60 to $250 per session. Typically, couples therapy and sex therapy costs more than individual therapy.
- Ease of use: Some platforms focus on video sessions conducted via an app. If you are averse to technology or don’t have a stable WiFi connection, you may want to choose a platform that offers phone sessions instead.
- Scheduling/flexibility: Some people are very busy, so if that’s you, choosing a platform that enables you to cancel last minute without hefty fees will save you money. Additionally, therapist availability varies greatly, with some platforms able to match you in hours, and others in weeks.
- Plans to choose from: For those who prefer stable, ongoing appointments, a weekly or monthly subscription plan that automatically schedules you for the same day and time each week will be ideal. For others who prefer one-off appointments or appreciate flexibility, services that allow you to schedule sessions one at a time instead are a better choice.
- Availability: Telehealth laws vary by state, so even if a website says it covers your area, be sure to check that you are able to receive that specific telehealth service in your state.
- Board certification and licensing: The best online sex therapy platforms use only licensed professionals who have been practicing for several years, at a minimum. If you are unsure about the sexology licensing of a therapist you choose, which is an important factor for you, you can search for them on the American Board of Sexology website.
How Do I Choose an Online Sex Therapist?
Even after looking at a plethora of online providers, you still may be unsure how to decide which sex therapist is the right one for you. The following factors can help you narrow down where to begin.
- Price: It’s important to know what you can afford, and how committed you want to be. Platforms with monthly or weekly fees will charge you even if you don’t attend a session, so it’s wise not to bite off more than you can chew.
- Topic and specialties: Though sex therapy is a specific therapeutic focus, it still has many subtopics. Knowing exactly what you want to work through, whether it's gender identity, polyamory, or building intimacy with a partner, will help you narrow down the right provider for you.
- Certifications: You might be inclined to want a board-certified sexologist, but you don’t necessarily need one. Many LMFTs and other therapists are qualified to provide sex therapy, even though they may not be board-certified sexologists.
- Method of counseling: Your preferred method of communication is good to keep in mind, as it will make your therapy sessions the most comfortable for you. If you enjoy texting over talking, platforms that offer messaging between sessions may be a good fit. And if you feel the most connected to others when you can see their faces, choosing one with video sessions is smart.
- Switching therapists: For anyone who likes to shop around, a platform that enables you to try out different therapists easily is a solid choice. Some pair you and, once paired, it can take time to find someone new, while others let you schedule one session at a time with a therapist, making it easier to try out more than one before deciding who you match with best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Sex Therapist Help With Intimacy Issues?
Yes, a sex therapist can help with intimacy issues. Sex and intimacy aren’t always tied together, but they quite often are. It’s normal for relationships to have—and then move past—an intimacy stage. A sex therapist can help you re-find that stage if your relationship has lost it. It can also help you learn how to create intimacy with others, if you are conducting therapy alone.
Do I Have to Have a Partner to See a Sex Therapist?
No, you do not generally need to have a partner to see a sex therapist. Some platforms specialize in couples, but most offer individual therapy. If you are aware of what you want to work on in sex therapy, whether that is personal sex issues or how you relate to others with sex, you’ll be able to find success with it.
Will a Sex Therapist Help Increase My Sex Drive?
There are no guarantees in life, but low libido is one reason some people seek out sex therapy. It is perfectly reasonable to think that sex therapy can increase your sex drive, especially if you’re committed to working through the causes of it. If you can get to the underlying issues around your low libido and resolve them, then sex therapy can increase your sex drive.
Are Sex Therapists Expensive?
Like all therapists, sex therapists range in price. Having insurance can be very beneficial, especially if you’re able to find a sex therapist that accepts your insurance, so you only pay a copay. Sex therapy platforms we reviewed ranged in price from $60 to $250 per session.
Methodology
To find the best online sex therapy providers, we examined approximately two dozen different platforms that offer telehealth therapy. We balanced ones that specialize in sex and relationships with those that offer wide geographic coverage and price affordability.
Focusing on platforms that had strong presence and history, versus ones that were brand new, and that catered to a wide variety of clientele, we sought to find a blend of platforms for all therapy seekers and their needs. Some platforms selected offer other types of therapy in addition to sex therapy, but all platforms have providers that are specialized in the field of sex therapy.
We also strived to find providers that are affirming for assorted marginalized communities, so that anyone seeking sex therapy has multiple options that they can trust will be validating of their identity.