What is a sex therapist? When people hear the term sex therapist, it can bring up a lot of questions — and sometimes even misconceptions. But in reality, sex therapy is a highly specialized and important area of mental health care that helps individuals and couples navigate concerns related to intimacy, sexuality, and relationships in a safe, respectful, and judgment-free environment.

In this post, we’ll break down what a sex therapist does, who might benefit from working with one, and what to expect in the therapy process.

What Is a Sex Therapist?

A sex therapist is a licensed mental health professional—such as a psychologist, social worker, or counselor—who has advanced training in human sexuality and relationship dynamics. They help clients address a wide range of sexual concerns, from emotional and psychological struggles to physical or medical challenges that affect intimacy.

Sex therapy is talk therapy—it does not involve any physical touch or sexual activity. Instead, it offers a safe space to explore deeply personal topics that can often feel uncomfortable or difficult to discuss elsewhere.

What Issues Can a Sex Therapist Help With?

Sex therapists work with individuals and couples on a variety of topics, including:

• Low or mismatched libido

• Erectile dysfunction or orgasm difficulties

• Pain during sex

• Anxiety or shame related to sex

• Healing from sexual trauma

• Sexual orientation or identity concerns

• Intimacy issues in long-term relationships

• Desire discrepancy between partners

• Navigating open relationships or consensual non-monogamy

These challenges can be emotionally complex, and many people carry feelings of guilt, frustration, or confusion. A sex therapist provides a compassionate, nonjudgmental space to explore these emotions and work toward healing and improved connection.

What Happens in Sex Therapy?

Your first session typically involves getting to know your therapist and sharing your concerns, goals, and any relevant personal or relationship history. From there, therapy may focus on:

• Identifying underlying emotional or relational patterns

• Exploring beliefs and messages about sex

• Improving communication between partners

• Building body awareness and self-compassion

• Collaborating with medical providers when necessary

Sex therapy is tailored to your specific needs. Whether the concern is medical, emotional, or relational, your therapist will work with you to create a plan that feels supportive, respectful, and empowering.

Do I Need a Sex Therapist?

If sex or intimacy has become a source of stress, shame, or disconnection—whether individually or in your relationship—a sex therapist can help. You don’t have to be in crisis to benefit from this kind of support. Many people seek sex therapy simply to enhance their emotional or physical connection with themselves or their partner(s).

Is Sex Therapy Covered by Insurance?

Sex therapy may be covered under your mental health benefits, depending on your provider and diagnosis. Since sex therapy is a form of talk therapy provided by licensed clinicians, it’s often billable like any other type of therapy. Always check with your provider or therapist to understand your coverage and options.

Does sex therapy involve touching?

No, sex therapy does not involve any physical touch between the therapist and client. It is a form of talk therapy focused on emotional, psychological, and relational aspects of sex and intimacy. Sessions are centered around open, respectful conversation in a safe and confidential setting. The goal is to help clients explore concerns, build understanding, and develop healthier patterns—without any physical interaction.

What exercises do sex therapists do?

Sex therapists may suggest a variety of home-based exercises tailored to a client’s needs and goals. These could include:

• Communication exercises to improve openness and emotional safety between partners

• Sensate focus techniques, a gradual intimacy-building practice often used to reduce performance pressure and enhance physical connection

• Mindfulness or body awareness exercises to help clients reconnect with their bodies and reduce anxiety

• Journaling or reflection prompts related to desire, beliefs, or experiences with sexuality

All exercises are voluntary, collaborative, and designed to support healing—not to make anyone feel uncomfortable or pressured.

What is a sexologist vs. a sex therapist?

The terms are often confused, but they refer to different roles:

• A sex therapist is a licensed mental health professional (e.g., psychologist, counselor, social worker) with specialized training in sexual health. They provide therapy for individuals and couples facing sexual or intimacy-related issues.

• A sexologist is someone who studies human sexuality, often from a scientific, educational, or research-based perspective. They may or may not be licensed clinicians. Some sexologists work as educators, researchers, or consultants rather than therapists.

In short: All sex therapists may be sexologists, but not all sexologists are licensed therapists.