Online Sex Therapy: 6 Best Programs to Choose From

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Best overall:Talkspace | Skip to review
Best for couples:ReGain | Skip to review
Best for individuals:BetterHelp | Skip to review
Best for the LGBTQ+ community:Pride Counseling | Skip to review
Best for therapy intensives:Couples Therapy Inc. | Skip to review
Best for premarital counseling:Couples Learn | Skip to review

Movies and media have created unrealistic expectations surrounding sex. In reality, sex doesn’t go smoothly all the time, and there are many reasons to seek the help of a psychotherapist 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.

What makes healthcare so expensive in America? Rather than mere overuse of medical services, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that the high cost of medical treatments and procedures is what makes healthcare expenditures twice as costly in the U.S. than in other wealthy countries, The Washington Post

If you have fears or frustrations about sex, it may be helpful to look into sex therapy or telehealth options, like online sex therapy.

Here are the best online sex therapy programs you can access from the comfort of your own 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).

Like other forms of psychotherapy, 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 45.7 percent of women and 33.4 percent of men to some degree in their lifetime, according to research from 2020 .

Online sex therapy is a type of telehealth service that can be accessed from home. Telehealth is more accessible and often more affordable than traditional in-person therapy, so online sex therapy is an option for people who have limited access to or prefer it to face-to-face sessions.

What is a sex therapist?

A sex therapist is a qualified professional (for instance, a doctor, therapist, counselor, or clinical social worker, among others) that has expert-level knowledge in sex therapy and mental health.

A sex therapist can help with various sexual-related problems, such as:

lack of libido/no sex drive
excessive libido
unwanted sexual thoughts
erectile dysfunction (ED)
premature ejaculation and other ejaculation problems
inability or difficulty reaching orgasm
painful intercourse
hypersexuality
anxiety around sexual performance
sexual problems and/or difficulties between couples
trouble with intimacy

To select the best online sex therapy programs, we considered various factors, like:

an affordable price or insurance eligibility
a commitment to privacy
good customer reviews
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.

We chose services that offer online therapy by licensed therapists. However, not all therapists may be trained to offer assistance with sexual health — we recommend making sure that your assigned mental health professional is equipped with the proper skills by asking them about their experience, certifications, and affiliations.

Best overall

Talkspace

Price: $69–$109 per week, depending on subscription type
Insurance accepted: yes
Why we chose it: covers a wide range of issues in addition to sex

Talkspace is one of the largest and most well-known telehealth platforms. It’s a subscription-based site that offers several plans for individuals and couples. Some plans include text, video, and audio messaging, while others offer live sessions.

You can get matched with a therapist or choose one yourself using Talkspace’s directory of licensed therapists. For sex therapy, Talkspace recommends selecting your own therapist, since not all therapists offer sex therapy services or have relevant experience.

Online sex therapy through Talkspace can help with compulsive sexual behavior, intimacy concerns in couples, and exploration of your sexuality.

Pros

option to choose your own therapist
accepted by a number of insurance networks
variety of subscriptions that offer text, video, or audio messaging, or live sessions

Cons

not all therapists offer sex therapy

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Best for couples

ReGain

Price: $60–$90 per week (billed every 4 weeks)
Insurance accepted: no
Why we chose it: specifically for couples

ReGain is an online relationship counseling platform that offers sex therapy services for couples. Using a computer, tablet, or smartphone, anyone can have access to a safe and discreet method of speaking with a licensed therapist.

While couples share a joint account that’s used to communicate with their therapist, individuals can request one-on-one live sessions to speak with the therapist privately.

This can be beneficial for individuals who have sex-related concerns that are separate from those they experience with a partner.

One drawback, however, is that ReGain doesn’t support three-way live sessions. This means that both individuals need to be in the same location for joint sessions.

Pros

affordable price point
platform is specifically for couples counseling

Cons

does not support more than two cameras per live session

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Best for individuals

BetterHelp

Price: $60–$90 per week (billed every 4 weeks)
Insurance accepted: no
Why we chose it: offers individualized help

BetterHelp is another well-known online therapy platform that offers text-based chat, phone calls, and live video sessions. Like Talkspace, BetterHelp has a large network of experienced therapists with various specialties, like family, marriage, and sex.

However, BetterHelp offers only individual counseling. Couples interested in online sex therapy may be directed to ReGain, BetterHelp’s sister site, for relationship counseling.

When signing up for BetterHelp, you can select “intimacy issues” as a reason you’re seeking therapy. This can help you get matched with a therapist who specializes 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
large network of therapists
affordable price point

Cons

only offers individual counseling

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Best for the LGBTQ+ community

Pride Counseling

Price: $60–$90 per week (billed every 4 weeks)
Insurance accepted: no
Why we chose it: offers niche and specialized help

Pride Counseling is an online counseling platform for LGBTQ+ individuals. You can speak with a licensed therapist about concerns related to your sexual orientation and gender identity through text, phone, and video.

While Pride Counseling doesn’t explicitly offer sex therapy, many of the licensed therapists are experienced in sex-related issues that people in the LGBTQ+ community face. All Pride Counseling therapists specialize in treating people in the LGBTQ+ community.

The lengthy sign-up questionnaire also asks specific questions related to sex and gender. These are taken into consideration when you’re matched with a therapist.

Pros

strong privacy features
helpful for members of the LGBTQ+ community
initial survey asks many sex- and gender-related questions

Cons

offers only general therapy that may include sex therapy — no designated sex therapy option

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Best for therapy intensives

Couples Therapy Inc.

Price: starting at $3,500 for a weekend intensive retreat
Insurance accepted: no
Why we chose it: offers intensives that have a high success rate

Couples Therapy Inc. does things a bit differently than other online sex programs. The services, which include couples therapy, premarital counseling, affair recovery, and individual therapy, are set up as “intensives.”

Instead of spending an hour with your therapist here and there, you’ll either spend a weekend session or ongoing counselling sessions that you complete within 3 months.

In addition to the online therapy options, Couples Therapy Inc. also offers in-person retreats, including a sexuality retreat. The retreat is specifically geared toward enhancing sexual connection with your partner and addressing any sexual issues that may be a road block in your relationship.

The therapist you’re matched with depends on your location. Different therapists are licensed in different states.

Pros

beyond online therapy, you can also go on in-person retreats

Cons

most intensive sex therapy is offered in person only
expensive

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Best for premarital counseling

Couples Learn

Price: $175–$450 per session
Insurance accepted: no, but will provide a superbill to submit to insurance company
Why we chose it: offers a specialized focus on premarital counseling

If you want to discuss intimacy issues or sexual needs and desires before getting married, Couples Learn can be a good option.

During your sessions, you’ll have a combined assessment where you’ll discover your strengths and areas of improvement as a couple. You’ll also learn communication techniques so you can address issues as they come up.

The company also offers individual and regular couples therapy and an online course specifically designed for codependency that you can take at your own pace. Couples Learn also plans to release more topic-focused courses at some point in the future.

Pros

offers premarital counseling as well as regular couples and individual sessions
offers online courses, too

Cons

no specific sex-focused therapy
pricey

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Service	Price	Individual or couple	Chat and text available?	Audio available?	Video available?	Can you choose a therapist?
Talkspace	$69–$109 per week	both	yes	yes (voice messages)	yes	yes
ReGain	$60–$90 per week	both	yes	yes	yes	no
BetterHelp	$60–$90 per week	individual	yes	yes	yes	no
Pride Counseling	$60–$90 per week	individual	yes	yes	yes	no
Couples Therapy Inc.	from $3,500	both	no	yes	yes	yes
Couples Learn	$175–$450 per session	both	no	no	yes	yes

Occasional sexual dysfunction or anxiety around sex can be a normal 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 seeing a sex therapist.

You may also benefit from a sex therapist if you’re experiencing roadblocks to getting intimate with your partner.

Seeing a sex therapist does not just mean you have to be experiencing issues with your partners, though. If you generally have anxiety surrounding sexual performance, you may benefit from talking with a sex therapist.

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: LGBTQIA+ relationships, BDSM, polyamory, etc.

Remember that no one should require you to take your clothes off or perform sexual acts during sex therapy. Sex surrogacy is used to help people that have issues with sexual function via demonstration, touching, and engaging in sex acts. But it’s not the same as sex therapy.

If you’d prefer in-person appointments, there are likely therapists that specialize in sex in your area.

Start with an online database of sex therapists 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.

In-person or online, be sure to keep the above points in mind when finding a therapist that’s right for you.

Since sex therapy is a type of talk therapy, you can expect to do a lot of talking during your session. A lot of talk therapy revolves around the goal of shifting your thinking toward a particular thing, and in this case, that’s sex.

A licensed mental health counselor who’s trained in sex therapy will start by getting to know you and your sexual problems. This involves back-and-forth conversations. He or she may ask you questions, and you may have questions for him or her.

It can be difficult to open up about something you may consider private, but your sex therapist will never judge you for how you’re feeling. Through conversation, he or she will learn more about your experiences and challenges and may share some advice to help you reframe your way of thinking about sex.

Conversations during sex therapy may involve talking about your feelings toward sex and intimacy in general or focus on a specific memory or experience. You may discuss a repeated experience you find challenging, such as performance anxiety or difficulty having an orgasm.

Talking through these issues with a sex therapist can help remove the stigma, guilt, and shame you may feel around these challenges.

A sex therapist will never ask you to remove your clothes or engage in sexual behaviors with them, yourself, or your partner. Performing sexual acts during your appointment is never part of sex therapy.

But your sex therapist might give you prompts to explore later on and discuss during a future visit. He or she may give you ideas on how to think or act during sex to relieve some of the negative feelings you have.

Is sex therapy right for me?

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, or processing sexual trauma.

For couples, sex therapy can be helpful if you have mismatched desires or fetishes, difficulties communicating, or 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 options. Depending on your needs and expectations, telehealth services may be a better option.

How is online sex therapy structured?

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 don’t occur during online sex therapy. You, your partner, and your therapist do not engage in sexual intercourse or romance. You won’t be asked to disrobe, nor will your therapist disrobe in front of you.

Your therapist may assign homework for you or for you and your partner to do on your own time and speak about during later sessions.

What does online sex therapy usually cost?

The cost of online sex therapy can range. It can cost as low as $55 to more than $195 per session. This depends on the telehealth service you use, if you have health insurance, the therapist, and a number of other factors, like where you live.

Couples counseling tends to cost more than individual counseling. 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 traditional in-person therapy.

Is online sex therapy secure?

It depends on the service. You can check with your provider to see if any security measures are in place to keep your sessions private.

Do I have to attend with a partner?

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 affect only you.

Is it the same as marriage counseling or couples therapy?

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 is not sex therapy

Is sex therapy covered by insurance?

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 based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (such as ED or female orgasmic disorder) that has a diagnosis code, 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.

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.

Online sex therapy is one way to talk through your feelings and experiences related to sex and worked toward increased sexual satisfaction. Seeing a sex therapist can help individuals and couples 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.

Last medically reviewed on March 14, 2023

Online Sex Therapy: 6 Best Programs to Choose From