Online Sex Therapy: 6 Best Programs to Choose From
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- Best overall: Talkspace
- Best for couples: ReGain
- Best for individuals: BetterHelp
- Best for the LGBTQ+ community: Pride Counseling
- Best for therapy intensives: Couples Therapy Inc.
- Best for premarital counseling: Couples Learn
“Movies and media make unrealistic expectations about sex. Sex doesn’t go smoothly all the time, and there are many reasons to seek the help of a therapist who specializes in sex therapy.”
You may have difficulty experiencing orgasms, worry about how often you and your partner engage in sexual activities, or feel insecure about your performance during sex.
Sex therapy and online sex therapy are options that may be helpful if you have any concerns about sex.
You can access online sex therapy programs from your bedroom.
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. Sex therapy can be effective for people of all ages, genders, and sexual orientations.
Not all therapists undergo sex therapy training. Sex therapists are specialists who have expertise in sexual health. Some are certified sex therapists by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT).
Sex therapy involves sharing your feelings about your sexual life.
Talking about your sexual experiences and worries with a sex therapist can help treat conditions like sexual dysfunction, which affects approximately 43 percent of women and 31 percent of men to some degree in their lifetime, according to
Sex therapy can be accessed from home. Sex therapy can be done online if you prefer it over face-to-face sessions because it is more accessible and often cheaper.
What is a sex therapist?
A sex therapist is a professional who has the expertise in sex therapy and mental health.
Sex therapists can help with a lot of sexual problems.
- There is no sex drive.
- excessive appetite.
- unwanted thoughts
- It is possible to have an erection with the drug Erectile.
- There are problems with premature ejaculation.
- It can be difficulty reaching orgasm.
- There is anxiety around sexual performance.
- Sexual problems and difficulties between couples are common.
- There are problems with intimacy.
“Sexual anxiety can be a normal part of life. If you find that you can’t have a fulfilling sex life or that your sexual problems are interfering with your relationships, it may be time to see a sex therapist.”
If you are having trouble getting intimate with your partner, you may benefit from a sex therapist.
Sex therapists can help you with issues with your partners, too. If you have anxiety about sex, you may want to talk to a sex therapist.
We considered a lot of factors to pick the best online sex therapy programs.
- An affordable price or insurance eligibility.
- A commitment to privacy.
- Customer reviews are good.
- Useful communication methods.
- accessibility
We recommend only products from companies we stand behind as being credible and ethical. You can learn more about our vetting process here. Mental health experts also review all our recommendations for mental health-related products.
“We chose services that offer online therapy. We recommend asking your mental health professional about their experience if they don’t know how to help with sexual health.”
Best overall
Talkspace
- Price: $69–$129 per week, depending on subscription type
- Insurance accepted: yes
- App version: yes
- What you need: computer, smartphone, or tablet; camera and microphone
- Why we chose it: covers a wide range of issues in addition to sex
Talkspace is one of the largest and most well-known platforms. It is a subscription based site that offers several plans for individuals and couples. Some plans include live sessions.
“You can choose a therapist from Talkspace’s directory of licensed therapists. Talkspace recommends that you choose your own sex therapy therapist since not all therapists offer sex therapy services.”
Talkspace can help with online sex therapy, which can help with issues of sexuality.
Sex therapy can be done in the same room as well. Talkspace has a private room that is shared with a professional so you can discuss your feelings and experiences in a safe and secure way.
- Pros: option to choose your therapist
- Cons: not all therapists offer sex therapy
Best for couples
ReGain
- Price: $90–$120 per week (billed every 4 weeks)
- Insurance accepted: no
- App version: yes
- What you need: device with a web browser
- Why we chose it: specifically for couples
Sex therapy services are offered on the ReGain platform. Anyone can use a computer, phone, or tablet to speak with a therapist.
Individuals can request live sessions with their therapist, even if they share a joint account.
This can be beneficial for people who have sex concerns but not those with a partner.
“ReGain doesn’t support three-way live sessions. Both individuals need to be in the same location for the sessions.”
- Pros: more affordable
- Cons: does not support more than two cameras per live session
Best for individuals
BetterHelp
- Price: $90–$120 per week (billed every 4 weeks)
- Insurance accepted: no
- App version: yes
- What you need: device with a web browser, camera, or microphone
- Why we chose it: offers individualized help
BetterHelp is an online therapy platform that offers live video sessions, phone calls, and text-based chat. BetterHelp has a large network of experienced therapists with different specialties.
BetterHelp only offers individual counseling. BetterHelp has a sister site called ReGain that can be used for relationship counseling.
You can choose to seek therapy for intimacy issues when you sign up for BetterHelp. This can help you find a therapist who is interested in sexual issues.
If you feel like your therapist isn’t a good fit, you can choose an AASECT certified sex therapist. This is the standard of care in the field of sex therapy and these therapists are trained to assist you with managing your sexual health symptoms.
Pros: offers financial assistance
Cons: offers only individual counseling
Best for the LGBTQ+ community
Pride Counseling
- Price: $90–$120 per week (billed every 4 weeks)
- Insurance accepted: no
- App version: yes
- What you need: device with a web browser, camera, or microphone
- Why we chose it: offers niche and specialized help
Pride Counseling is an online counseling platform for people with sexual orientation. You can speak with a therapist through text, phone, and video.
Many of the licensed therapists are experienced in sex-related issues that people in the LGBTQ+ community face. Pride Counseling therapists are able to treat people in the gay community.
The sign-up questionnaire asks about sex and gender. When you are matched with a therapist, these are taken into account.
- Pros: strong privacy features
- Cons: offers only general therapy that may include sex — no designated sex therapy option
Best for therapy intensives
Couples Therapy Inc.
- Price: $3,500–$6,500
- Insurance accepted: no
- App version: no
- What you need: device with a web browser, camera, or microphone
- Why we chose it: offers intensives that have a high success rate
The online sex programs do things differently than Couples Therapy Inc. The services are set up as intensives.
You will have three assessment sessions and three therapy sessions that you must complete within 3 months.
Couples Therapy Inc. also offers in-person retreats for sexuality and depression. The retreat is geared towards enhancing sexual connection with your partner and addressing any sexual issues that may be a road block in your relationship.
The therapist you are matched with is based on where you are. Different therapists are licensed in different states.
- Pros: therapists are trained in various intimacy and relationship issues
- Cons: most intensive sex therapy is offered in person only; expensive
Best for premarital counseling
Couples Learn
- Price: $175–$450 per session
- Insurance accepted: no, but will provide a superbill to submit to insurance company
- App version: no
- What you need: device with a web browser, camera, or microphone
- Why we chose it: offers a specialized focus on premarital counseling
Couples Learn can be a good option if you want to discuss issues of sexual desire and intimacy before you get married.
You will have a combined assessment during your sessions where you will discover your strengths and areas of improvement. Communication techniques will be learned so you can address issues as they come up.
The company offers online courses for codependency and individual and regular couples therapy. More topic-focused courses are planned for release by Couples Learn.
- Pros: offers premarital counseling as well as regular couples and individual sessions
- Cons: no specific sex-focused therapy
| Service | Price | Individual or couple | Chat and text available? | Audio available? | Video available? | Can you choose a therapist? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Talkspace | $69–$129 per week | both | yes | yes (voice messages) | yes | yes |
| ReGain | $90–$120 per week | both | yes | yes | yes | no |
| BetterHelp | $90–$120 per week | individual | yes | yes | yes | no |
| Pride Counseling | $90–$120 per week | individual | yes | yes | yes | no |
| Couples Therapy Inc. | $3,500—$6,500 | both | no | yes | yes | yes |
| Couples Learn | $175–$450 per session | both | no | no | yes | yes |
- 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 that’s the perfect fit for you and any partners.
- Insurance or cost. Most therapy apps do not take insurance, but if that’s something that’s important to you, do a little research to find out if they accept yours. If they don’t, consider the out-of-pocket 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. They may also explore how your mental, emotional, spiritual, and relational health impacts your symptoms.
- Specialties. Make sure to seek out therapists that specialize in attributes applicable to your sex life: LGBT relationships, BDSM, polyamory, etc.
Sex therapy should not require you to take your clothes off.
If you prefer in-person appointments, there are therapists that specialize in sex in your area.
Start with an online database of sex therapists like this one provided by Psychology Today or ask a healthcare professional for a referral. You may also be able to search your insurance’s website to find one that accepts your insurance.
When looking for a therapist, keep in mind the following points:
Is sex therapy right for me?
Sex therapy can help you if you have sexual challenges or have sex issues. 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, or processing sexual trauma.
Sex therapy can be helpful for couples if they have different desires, difficulties communicating, or are interested in opening up their relationship.
If you are comfortable with online communication, online sex therapy may be right for you. Online therapy gives you more options than local therapy. Telehealth services may be better for you.
How is online sex therapy structured?
Sex therapy is done online. You can attend online sex therapy with your partner.
You can use a computer, phone, or tablet to connect to a secure video chat and speak with your therapist. This requires a connection to the internet.
“Sexual acts and education are not done during online sex therapy. You, your partner, and your therapist do not engage in sexual intercourse. You won’t be asked to remove your clothes, nor will your therapist.”
Your therapist can assign homework for you or for you and your partner to do on your own time.
What does online sex therapy usually cost?
The cost of online sex therapy can be very high. It can cost as little as $55 per session. If you have health insurance, you can use the service, but other factors include where you live and the service you use.
Individual counseling costs less than couples counseling. Sex therapy is more expensive than traditional therapy because it is a more specialized service. Sex therapy online is more affordable than in-person therapy.
Is online sex therapy secure?
It depends on the service. You can check with your provider to see if there are any security measures in place to keep your sessions private.
Do I have to attend with a partner?
No. Sex therapy with a partner is usually the best option for concerns that affect both parties in a relationship, but you may also attend solo for issues that affect only you.
Is it the same as marriage counseling or couples therapy?
“Sex therapy doesn’t require you to be married or in a relationship to be effective, but it does cover sex and intimacy.”
Is sex therapy covered by insurance?
Sex therapy is covered by some insurance companies because it is based on evidence-based techniques.
It depends on which service provider you use, and whether the company takes insurance directly.
If you want to use your health insurance for sex therapy, you should check with the therapy service to see if you are covered and which insurance companies are in network.
A healthy sex life is a part of life. Having a sexual connection with your partner can have benefits. Sex can be a cause of fears and frustration.
Sex therapy online can help you talk through your feelings about sex and increase your sexual satisfaction. Sex therapists can help people achieve healthier sex lives.
Lacey Bourassa is a health, wellness, and beauty writer based in Southern California. She holds a BA in English. Her work has appeared in digital publications like Livestrong, Verywell, Business Insider, Eat This Not That, and others. When she’s not writing, Lacey is likely pursuing her other interests: skin care, plant-based cooking, Pilates, and traveling. You can keep up with her by visiting her website or her blog.
