Online Sex Therapy
Online therapy closely resembles a face to face therapy session and has been shown to as effective by peer-reviewed research.
Online therapy is becoming a typical modality in providing therapy. I have been providing online sex therapy for 5 years and it is the same as in person therapy. I don’t feel the therapy is compromised in any way. I am able to work on all sex therapy issues.
I meet with my clients regularly via Zoom. They get an invite and login to the Zoom app. Many of them say it’s easier because they don’t have to leave the house or find parking. Online therapy works well with people that have children or pets because they don’t have to find a sitter. I have sat with many of the cutest babies and puppies!
Online Sex Therapy Works!
Research has found online therapy to be as effective as in-person therapy. They have found it effective for many mental health issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, relational issues, etc. I have seen it work with sex therapy in my practice.
Researchers and clinicians have listed many benefits of online sex therapy as well as limitations of online sex therapy.
It is important to know how to find an online sex therapist that is a good fit for you and one that can handle sexual issues.
You want to make sure you know how online sex therapy works before you decide to do teletherapy.
Types of Sexual Issues
- Reduced desire for sex
- Infidelity/Betrayal Trauma
- Difficulty becoming become aroused
- Erectile problems
- Orgasm problems
- Communicating about sex with partners
- Improving boring or routine sex lives
- Sexless marriages
- Partners with different degrees or types of sexual desire
- Concerns about what turns you on, or who turns you on
- Being sexual with a partner if you or your partner has a history of trauma or sexual abuse
- Pain during sex
- Sexual addiction
- Out-of-control or compulsive sexual behavior
- Problems with body image
- Trouble experiencing pleasure
- Sexual pleasure or functioning in the face of physical challenges or chronic illness
- Concerns about your sexual orientation or preference
- Gender transitions
- Alternative relationship styles
- Concerns about sexual practices
- Fetishes
- Navigating Non-Monogamy
- Sexual Violence
How to Choose The Best Sex Therapists Online
- Make sure the therapist is trained in couple’s therapy and/or is a licensed Marital and Family Therapist.
- Sexual therapy almost always needs couple’s interventions to address conflict, communication, wounding, relational dynamics.
- Make sure the couple’s therapist has sex therapy experience.
- Many couple’s therapists are uncomfortable and don’t know what to do with the sexual aspects of the relationship.
- Be weary of sex coaches as they may not be trained to handle relational dynamics.
- Make sure the therapist is addressing emotional, cognitive, relational, behavioral, contextual dynamics as well as past wounding.
- An effective therapist is one that is flexible about ways of doing and thinking. It is not about what you should be doing but about what works well for you.
- An effective therapist will lead you closer to where you want to go without wasting much time in areas or content that isn’t relevant.
Benefits of Online Therapy
How Does Online Therapy Work?
After you have scheduled a session with an online sex therapist, they will typically:
- Send you an email with a link or attachment to allow you to fill out forms with consent to treatment, HIPPA regulations, and personal information.
- Will ask for credit card information in order to bill you before or after the session. They may also bill you through Square, PayPal, etc.
- Some therapist will use Venmo as a payment method.
- Therapists that take insurance will ask you for your insurance information and payment method for co-pay.
- Send you a link to Zoom, FaceTime, Google Meet, Doxy, etc with an agreed time to meet via video.
How Do I Prepare For An Online Session?
- Check your internet speed. It should be at least 1.5 Mbps.
- Check your audio and video. I use Zoom and they provide instructions for checking audio and video.
- Connect to the link the therapist provided a few minutes before the session.
- Send your therapist an email or text if you can’t connect or are late connecting.
- Limit distractions at home. Turn other apps off and find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed.
How Much Does Online Therapy Cost?
This varies on where you live and the experience of the therapist. Most therapists charge between $80-300 for a 50 minute session.
There are subscription plans or online group plans that offer online therapy at a reduced cost.
Does Insurance Cover Online Therapy?
Most states have a telehealth mandate in place, and all telehealth services are billed the same way as face-to-face services.
Can I Do Online Therapy With Children Or Pets?
Of course, I have had many sessions with kids and pets. But make sure your therapist is ok with this. I am used to kids and pets, so I welcome them. I also know how hard it is to find time where you aren’t taking care of them.