If you’ve been searching for a sex therapist in Philadelphia, you’ve probably noticed it’s harder than finding a regular therapist. You can’t just type “sex therapist near me” into Google and trust that whoever pops up actually knows what they’re doing. A lot of therapists list sexual issues on their website without having any real training in the area.

Philadelphia has plenty of qualified sex therapists, but finding them requires knowing where to look and what questions to ask. Here’s how to actually find someone good.

Psychology Today has a large therapist directory where you can filter by specialty. If you select “sex therapy” under the specialty filters and search for Philadelphia, you’ll see therapists who list this as one of their focus areas. Keep in mind that not everyone who lists sexual issues as a specialty has the same level of training, so it’s worth checking their credentials.

Asking for referrals can also be helpful. If you have a doctor, gynecologist, or regular therapist you trust, they may know sex therapists in the area they can recommend. Some people feel more comfortable finding a therapist through a personal recommendation rather than an online search.

Local therapy practices that specialize in relationships or sexual health are another good option. These practices often have multiple therapists on staff with different specialties, so if one person isn’t the right fit, they might be able to connect you with someone else in their group.

Not all therapists who say they work with sexual issues have the same background. Some have extensive training and certification in sex therapy. Others took a weekend workshop and added it to their website. Knowing what to look for in a sex therapist can help you tell the difference.

When you’re looking at a therapist’s profile, check for a few things:

• Are they licensed in Pennsylvania? This is the baseline requirement for any therapist.
• Do they have specific training in sex therapy? Look for certifications from AASECT or completion of sex therapy training programs.
• How long have they been doing this work? Experience matters, especially for complex issues.
• Do they specialize in what you’re dealing with? Some sex therapists focus on couples, others on individuals, and some specialize in specific issues like trauma or pain disorders.

Before you start reaching out to therapists, it helps to have a general sense of what you’re looking for. You don’t need to have everything figured out, but knowing a few basics will help you find someone who’s a good match. If you’re not sure whether you actually need sex therapy, that’s okay too. A consultation can help you figure that out.

Are you looking for individual therapy or couples work? Some therapists do both, but many specialize in one or the other. If you’re coming in with a partner, make sure the therapist has experience with couples sex therapy specifically.

Do you have a preference about your therapist’s gender, age, or background? Some people feel more comfortable talking about sex with someone of a particular gender or someone who shares their cultural background. These preferences are valid and worth honoring.

Do you need someone who works with specific issues? If you’re dealing with something like sexual trauma, pain during sex, or questions about your sexual identity, look for a therapist who has experience in that area.

Philadelphia is a big city, and where your therapist is located matters for whether you’ll actually show up to appointments. If you live in Fishtown and your therapist is in Bryn Mawr, that commute is going to get old fast.

If location is a barrier, online sex therapy is also an option. A lot of therapists started offering video sessions during the pandemic and have continued since then. Virtual sessions work well for most people and make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule.

Sex therapy tends to cost about the same as regular therapy in Philadelphia, which usually ranges from $150 to $250 per session depending on the therapist’s experience and location. If you’re wondering how much sex therapy costs in more detail, we have a separate article on that.

Most sex therapists in Philadelphia are private pay, meaning they don’t take insurance directly. Some will give you a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for out of network reimbursement. If cost is a concern, ask about this when you reach out.

If you’re trying to figure out whether insurance covers sex therapy, the answer is complicated. Insurance often covers therapy for mental health issues, but coverage for sex therapy specifically depends on your plan and how the therapist bills for sessions.

Once you’ve identified a few therapists who look promising, reach out and schedule a consultation. Most therapists offer a free 15 to 20 minute phone call where you can ask questions and get a sense of whether they might be a good fit. Sex therapy consultations are usually very low pressure. You’re just having a conversation to see if you want to move forward.

During the consultation, pay attention to how you feel talking to them. Do they seem like someone you could open up to about intimate topics? Do they listen well? Do they seem knowledgeable about what you’re dealing with?

It’s okay to talk to multiple therapists before deciding. Finding the right fit matters, and most therapists understand that you might be shopping around.

The relationship between you and your therapist matters a lot for how well therapy works. If something feels off during your consultation or first sex therapy session, trust that feeling. You’re allowed to try someone else.

A good sex therapist will make you feel comfortable even when you’re discussing uncomfortable things. They won’t judge you, rush you, or make you feel weird about whatever you’re dealing with. If you don’t feel that sense of safety, keep looking.

Our practice in Center City offers sex therapy for individuals and couples dealing with a wide range of concerns. We work with people from Rittenhouse Square, Graduate Hospital, Northern Liberties, and across the greater Philadelphia area.

If you’re not sure whether sex therapy is right for you, we offer free consultations to help you figure that out. You can also meet virtually if that works better for your schedule.

Finding a good sex therapist takes some legwork, but it’s worth the effort. The right person can make a real difference in your sex life and your relationship. Don’t settle for someone who doesn’t feel like a good fit just because they were the first one you found.

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