Anxiety Insights

Therapists for Sexuality

This page lists therapists who list sexuality as a specialty, including support for desire, orientation, gender expression and sexual health. Browse the listings below to compare approaches, credentials, languages and experience and find a therapist who feels like a good match.

Understanding sexuality and how it affects your life

Sexuality is a broad, personal aspect of who you are. It includes sexual orientation, attraction, desire, behavior, gender identity, intimacy, and how you relate to others emotionally and physically. For many people sexuality is intertwined with self-esteem, relationships and overall wellbeing. When aspects of sexuality feel confusing, distressing, or out of sync with the life you want to lead, it can shape your mood, stress levels and relationship patterns.

Sexual questions can emerge at any life stage. You might find yourself rethinking desire after a relationship change, exploring identity, struggling with changes after a medical event, or navigating differences with a partner. Cultural messages, religious upbringing and past experiences can add layers of complexity. Therapy that attends to sexuality aims to create space for honest exploration and practical steps you can use outside sessions to feel more integrated in your life.

Signs you might benefit from therapy for sexuality

You may consider seeking help when sexuality-related issues feel overwhelming or interfere with what matters most to you. If you notice persistent distress about desire, difficulty forming or keeping intimate relationships, anxiety around sexual encounters, or confusion about identity, these are common reasons people reach out. Sexual pain, performance anxiety, and the emotional fallout of infidelity or coercive experiences are also frequent concerns.

Other signs include recurring shame or avoidance related to sexual thoughts or behaviors, disagreements with a partner that resist resolution, or situations where sexual concerns are affecting work or daily functioning. Therapy can help you sort out what is causing distress, learn tools for communication and sexual wellbeing, and develop a clearer sense of what you want and how to pursue it thoughtfully. If you are managing related mental health symptoms such as depression, anxiety, or trauma responses, addressing sexuality can be an important part of a broader treatment plan.

What to expect in therapy sessions focused on sexuality

Early sessions typically focus on listening and understanding your goals. Your therapist will invite you to share what brought you in, what a meaningful improvement would look like, and any history that feels relevant. Discussions might include your sexual history, relationship patterns, cultural background, health factors and current stressors. You should expect a gradual pace - some topics are sensitive and require time to feel comfortable discussing.

Therapy often blends emotional processing with skill-building. You might work on communication strategies for talking about needs and boundaries, learn anxiety management techniques for performance concerns, or practice exercises to reconnect with bodily sensation and desire. Sessions can also involve partners when appropriate, with attention to consent and mutual goals. Your therapist may suggest coordinating with medical providers if there are health or medication factors that relate to sexual functioning. Throughout, the focus is on practical steps and personal insight tailored to your priorities.

Common therapeutic approaches used for sexuality and how online work fits in

Therapists take different theoretical routes when addressing sexuality. Some use approaches that emphasize thoughts and behavior, helping you identify patterns that increase anxiety or avoidance and teaching skills to shift them. Others focus on emotions and attachment, exploring how early relationships shape intimacy and patterns in adult connections. There are also therapists who list trauma-informed approaches among their methods, which can be important when sexual concerns are linked to past harm. When reading therapist profiles you will often see descriptions like "therapists who list cognitive-behavioral therapy among their approaches" or "therapists who list psychodynamic work among their approaches". Those phrases reflect how a therapist describes their way of working rather than an external credential.

Online therapy has expanded options for people seeking help with sexuality. Working remotely allows you to connect from a familiar environment, and it can increase access to therapists who have experience with specific identity or relationship concerns. Telehealth sessions typically use video or phone calls, and some clinicians combine synchronous sessions with written exercises or worksheets. If you prefer in-person support, many therapists offer it as well. When you choose online work, consider the technology you prefer, whether you want to include a partner, and how you'll manage privacy and a quiet setting during sessions.

How to choose the right therapist for sexuality

Choosing a therapist is a personal process. Start by clarifying what you want to change and what matters most in a therapist - for example, someone who uses a particular approach, speaks your language, or has experience with your identity or relationship structure. Look for profiles that mention work with sexual orientation, gender identity, desire differences or sexual functioning if those areas are relevant for you. When a therapist lists specific approaches, remember that means they include those methods among their tools; it does not by itself indicate training levels.

Pay attention to language that feels affirming and respectful. Many people find it helpful to read a therapist's description for explicit mention of inclusivity, understanding of cultural or religious contexts, and experience with relationship diversity. You may also want to think about logistics such as session length, fee structure, and whether you prefer online or in-person meetings. A first conversation or intake call can give you a sense of rapport and whether the therapist's style matches your needs. Trust your experience - the relationship you build with your therapist is a central part of the work and a strong indicator of whether you will feel supported and heard.

Practical considerations and next steps

Before beginning therapy, consider what questions are most important to you. You might ask about a therapist's approach to couples work, how they handle sensitive topics, or how they involve medical providers when necessary. It is reasonable to enquire about their experience with particular identities or community concerns. If cost is a concern, ask about sliding scale options or whether insurance is accepted. If you are using online sessions, make plans for a quiet space where you can speak freely and uninterrupted for the duration of a session.

Therapy for sexuality is often a mix of conversation and practice. You may leave sessions with small exercises, new communication scripts, or strategies to reduce anxiety. Progress can be nonlinear - some weeks will feel clearer than others - and patience is part of the journey. If you feel uncertain about the fit after a few sessions, it is acceptable to seek a therapist whose approach aligns more closely with your preferences. The goal is to find support that helps you move toward clearer self-understanding, healthier relationships, and a more comfortable relationship with your sexuality.

Find Sexuality Therapists by State

Alabama

356 therapists

Alaska

38 therapists

Arizona

324 therapists

Arkansas

179 therapists

Australia

619 therapists

California

2459 therapists

Colorado

531 therapists

Connecticut

217 therapists

Delaware

69 therapists

District of Columbia

65 therapists

Florida

2398 therapists

Georgia

872 therapists

Hawaii

90 therapists

Idaho

142 therapists

Illinois

794 therapists

Indiana

411 therapists

Iowa

112 therapists

Kansas

171 therapists

Kentucky

299 therapists

Louisiana

463 therapists

Maine

103 therapists

Maryland

421 therapists

Massachusetts

324 therapists

Michigan

792 therapists

Minnesota

304 therapists

Mississippi

240 therapists

Missouri

569 therapists

Montana

137 therapists

Nebraska

123 therapists

Nevada

134 therapists

New Hampshire

63 therapists

New Jersey

555 therapists

New Mexico

128 therapists

New York

1295 therapists

North Carolina

955 therapists

North Dakota

26 therapists

Ohio

576 therapists

Oklahoma

372 therapists

Oregon

177 therapists

Pennsylvania

807 therapists

Rhode Island

48 therapists

South Carolina

437 therapists

South Dakota

44 therapists

Tennessee

382 therapists

Texas

2519 therapists

United Kingdom

4241 therapists

Utah

224 therapists

Vermont

46 therapists

Virginia

516 therapists

Washington

326 therapists

West Virginia

75 therapists

Wisconsin

382 therapists

Wyoming

69 therapists

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