The Fast Facts
- Sex therapy can help if you feel like you may have a problem in the bedroom.
- You can do sex therapy as a couple, individually, or both
- Our favorite online sex therapy platform is Online-Therapy.com. It offers both couples and individual therapy for an affordable price.
Although conversations about sex are less stigmatized than they once were, talking about it can still be difficult. Sex therapy offers a supportive way to address sexual concerns that aren’t caused by underlying physical conditions.
It can help with issues like difficulty reaching orgasm, concerns about sexual frequency, performance anxiety, or fear around sex. You can attend with or without your partner(s).
Here are the best online sex therapy programs you can access from the comfort of your own bedroom.
Our Medical Standards and Insights team has carefully researched and vetted over 11,000 products and services. We evaluate services for consistency with standards of care and best practices, and we look into each brand’s reputation before sharing products and services on Healthline.
To choose the online therapy platforms on this page, we considered all the platforms that passed our vetting process. Then, we personally tested some of them to narrow down our list even further. Read more about how we review online therapy platforms.
Wait, why is the score so low?
It’s important to note that some platforms have features that others don’t, which could give them an advantage over others. That doesn’t mean their services are horrible (otherwise, they wouldn’t be on our website).
If you have been a victim of domestic violence or sexual abuse, please contact:
For immediate assistance, dial 911.
For domestic violence:
- Call or text the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 or text “START” to 88788
- Visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/
- Visit the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence: https://ncadv.org/get-help
For sexual abuse:
- Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-4673
- Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) for resources: https://www.rainn.org/
We chose therapy companies that offer online therapy by licensed therapists. However, not all therapists may be trained to help with sexual health. We recommend making sure your assigned mental health professional is equipped with the proper skills by asking them about their experience, certifications, and affiliations.
To select the programs above, we considered:
- an open and empathetic lens of therapists and relationships
- an affordable price or insurance eligibility
- a commitment to privacy
- favorable customer reviews
- useful communication methods
- accessibility
We only list companies we stand behind as being credible and ethical, and that have passed our vetting process.
Sex therapists require certification to practice sex therapy
Look for a certified sex therapist (CST) on any of the platforms in this article or beyond. There is rigorous training and experience required before obtaining a sex therapy certification.
And remember: Sex therapy does not require any sexual acts to be performed during your session. Ever.
- 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 try out a few therapists before finding one who’s the right fit for you and any partner(s).
- Insurance or cost: Most therapy apps don’t take insurance, but if that’s important to you, do a little research to find out whether they accept yours. If they don’t, consider the out-of-pocket therapy cost that’s right for your budget.
- What they cover: A good sex therapist addresses sexual issues, but a great one takes into account physiological experiences, too. Their therapy services may help you explore how your mental, emotional, spiritual, and relational health affects your symptoms.
- Specialties: You can seek out sex therapists who specialize in attributes specific to your sex life:
Sex therapy is a specialized type of psychotherapy where a qualified professional helps individuals or couples navigate sexual issues. It may address concerns related to sexual function, satisfaction, and intimacy in individual or couples counseling.
These sessions focus on emotional, psychological, and relational aspects of sexual well-being, rather than sexual education classes or physical demonstrations.
Performing sexual acts during your appointment is never part of sex therapy.
This type of therapy can occur in person or online via a telehealth service. Sex therapists may use a variety of approaches, including
- cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- mindfulness-based interventions
- psychodynamic therapy
Many therapists combine methods to suit your unique needs.
Who can benefit?
Sex therapy can be effective for people of all ages, genders, and sexual orientations.
Common reasons to seek sex therapy include:
- lack of libido (no sex drive)
- unwanted sexual thoughts
- inability or difficulty reaching orgasm
- trouble with intimacy
- erectile dysfunction
- painful intercourse
An expert’s’s POV
“It’s a time to kick back and have a good old heart-to-heart with no judgment, just a safe space for you to share what’s on your mind,” said Goody Howard, a Dallas-based certified sexologist and sex educator.
“Whether you’re dealing with performance issues, communication breakdowns, past traumas, or just want to spice things up, a sex therapist can lend an ear and offer some guidance,” Howard said.
Occasional sexual dysfunction or anxiety around sex can be a natural part of life. However, if you find that you’re unable to have a fulfilling sex life or your sexual problems are especially distressing or interfering with your relationships, it may be time to consider working with a sex therapist.
An expert’s’s POV
“Some sex therapy is also trauma-informed,” said Dr. Avigail Lev, a licensed psychotherapist specializing in couples therapy. Her practice offers sex therapy at the Bay Area CBT [Cognitive Behavioral Therapy] Center in San Francisco.
“For people who have experienced sexual abuse, rape, trauma, or any type of sexual molestation or assault, sex therapy will also help them reconsolidate and process trauma memories so that these past experiences don’t impact their current sex life,” Lev said.
If you experience sexual challenges or sexual dysfunction, or if you have frustrations related to sex, you may benefit from sex therapy. There are many reasons to see a sex therapist.
For individuals, sex therapy can be helpful if you’re:
- questioning your sexual orientation
- experiencing low libido
- processing sexual trauma
For couples, sex therapy can be helpful if you have mismatched desires or fetishes, difficulties communicating, or an interest in opening up your relationship.
Online sex therapy may be right for you if you’re comfortable with online communication and if you’re more comfortable doing therapy from your own home.
Online therapy also gives you more options compared with limited local sex therapy options. Depending on your needs and expectations, telehealth services may be a better option.
Yes. Some platforms like BetterHelp and Regain offer individual sessions rather than ones for couples therapy. Check with the platform you’re interested in to learn more.
Any of our recommended services offers sex therapy that’s done via an internet connection or over the phone in the privacy of your own home.
However, some also offer “homework” or online courses that can be done at home and on your own time, like Couples Learn.
Online sex therapy is structured using telehealth. Since online sex therapy can be for individuals or couples, you may attend with a partner.
Using a smartphone, tablet, or computer, you’ll connect to a secure video chat, where you can privately and comfortably speak with your therapist. This requires an internet connection.
Sexual acts do not occur during online sex therapy. You, your partner, and your therapist do not engage in sexual intercourse or romance. You will not be asked to disrobe, nor will your sex therapist disrobe in front of you.
Your sex therapist may assign homework for you or for you and your partner to do on your own time and speak about during later sessions.
Sex therapy is typically more expensive than traditional therapy since it’s a more specialized therapy service. However, online sex therapy is usually more affordable than in-person therapy.
The cost of online sex therapy covers a wide range. It can cost as little as $55 or more than $195 per session. Couples counseling tends to cost more than individual counseling. Online sex therapy cost varies depending on:
- the telehealth service you use
- if you have health insurance
- if your health insurance covers sex therapy
- the therapist
- where you live
No. It’s common to attend sex therapy with a partner for concerns that affect both parties in a relationship, but you may also attend solo for issues that only affect you.
Yes and no. Marriage counseling or couples therapy may cover sex and intimacy, but sex therapy focuses specifically on sex and doesn’t require you to be married or in a relationship.
Sex therapy is a specialized service and can be a form of couples counseling, but marriage and couples counseling isn’t sex therapy.
Because sex therapy is designed around evidence-based techniques that have been proven effective, some insurance companies will cover the service.
If you receive a diagnosis from a doctor, such as erectile dysfunction or female orgasmic disorder, insurance will most likely cover the treatment.
Whether it’s covered will also depend on which service provider you use. Some companies don’t take insurance directly.
If you want to use your health insurance for sex therapy, check with the therapy service to see if you’re covered and which insurance companies are in network.
Yes, you can connect with a sex therapist online. Online-Therapy.com, Talkspace, Couples Learn Online Therapy, and Regain Online Therapy all offer online sex, couples, and relationship therapy. Couples Learn Online also offers sexuality retreats.
A healthy sex life can be a fulfilling and natural part of life. For many, having a sexual connection with their partner has emotional and physical benefits. However, fears and frustrations surrounding sex can lead to sexual dysfunction and other challenges.
Online sex therapy is one way to talk through your feelings and experiences related to sex and work toward increased sexual satisfaction and good sexual health. Seeing a sex therapist can help individuals and couples achieve healthier sex lives.