Conditions & Specialties - Sex Therapy
Sexual health is part of overall health. And it deserves to be treated that way.
Sex therapy is a specialized form of talk therapy focused on sexual concerns, intimacy challenges, and the psychological dimensions of sexuality. It is professional, evidence-based, and nothing like what people sometimes assume. At Ellie Mental Health, we offer affirming, judgment-free sex therapy support for individuals and couples.
What this can feel like
Sexual concerns are often among the hardest things to bring to a professional, partly because of shame and partly because many people do not know that effective help exists.
It can feel like:
- Distress, disconnection, or avoidance around sex that is affecting your relationship or quality of life
- Concerns about desire, arousal, or pain that have not been adequately addressed by medical providers
- A history of sexual trauma that is affecting your current sexual experience
- Mismatched desire in a relationship that is creating friction and distance
- Shame, guilt, or anxiety tied to sexuality, identity, or sexual behavior
- Questions about sexual identity or orientation that you want space to explore
- Feeling like your sexual concerns are too embarrassing or too small to mention
Some of the thoughts that can come with it:
- “I’ve never been able to talk about this with anyone.”
- “I don’t know if what I’m experiencing is normal.”
- “This is affecting my relationship and I don’t know how to fix it.”
- “I feel ashamed of this and I’m not even sure why.”
Why sex therapy matters
Sexual concerns affect quality of life, relationships, and mental health in significant ways. They are also significantly undertreated because of stigma, limited provider knowledge, and the assumption that these issues should resolve on their own.
Sex therapy addresses concerns including low desire or desire discrepancy, sexual pain conditions, arousal difficulties, orgasmic concerns, sexual trauma and its impact on intimacy, compulsive sexual behavior, sexual shame and anxiety, and identity and orientation exploration.
How Ellie makes support more accessible
- Judgment-free, affirming approach: All sexualities, relationship structures, and sexual expressions are treated with respect
- Trained clinicians: Sex therapy requires specific training. We connect you with clinicians who have that background.
- Individual and couples options: Sex therapy is available for individuals and for couples working through shared concerns
- Insurance clarity: We help you understand your coverage before you begin
- Telehealth available: Many locations offer virtual sessions, which some clients prefer for this sensitive area of work
- Fit matters: Trust is especially important in sex therapy. We take matching seriously.
Frequently Asked Questions for Sex Therapy
Not sure what to expect? These are the questions people ask us before they get started.
Sex therapy is talk therapy. It involves discussing sexual concerns, history, feelings, and patterns in a professional and confidential setting. There is no physical contact and no sexual activity during sessions. A sex therapist may also assign exercises to do privately outside of sessions when clinically appropriate.
No. Individuals seek sex therapy for a wide range of concerns including personal history, sexual anxiety, desire concerns, identity questions, and more. Being in a relationship is not a prerequisite.
A trained sex therapist approaches sexual concerns professionally and without moral judgment. Your sexual history, interests, and experiences are handled with the same clinical care and confidentiality as any other therapeutic content.
Yes. The intersection of trauma and sexuality is one of the most common areas of sex therapy work. A trauma-informed sex therapist can help you process how past experiences are affecting your current sexual wellbeing and build a more comfortable and connected experience over time.
Not necessarily. Individual therapy can be useful even when the concern involves the relationship. Couples sex therapy works on the shared dynamic. Your therapist can help you figure out which format fits best.