FAQs About Working with a Sex Therapist

Sex Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that focuses more specifically on sexual concerns. It requires special training and knowledge to address sexual dysfunction concerns. This can include exploring sexuality, sexual orientation, and gender, and providing education and access to sexuality resources.

A Certified Sex Therapist is a licensed mental health professional who has also completed training supervised by the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT). This includes 150 hours of specialized sexuality education, 50 hours of supervision with a Certified Sex Therapy Supervisor, and 300 hours of clinical experience working with sexual concerns. To learn more about the requirements to be a Certified Sex Therapist click here.

I work with both individuals and couples. After conducting an assessment with either the individual or couple, I will have a better sense of what will be the best course of action. I will let you know how I believe would be best to proceed at that point.

I do provide treatment for problematic or compulsive sexual behavior. Some people refer to this as Sex Addiction, whereas others do not believe in the title of “addiction.” Either way, I am trained in addressing these sexual concerns.

I am certified through an organization called AASECT. On the AASECT website, there is a directory of certified professionals, listed by state. Due to the restrictions of my MFT license, I cannot offer services outside of California. Please check the AASECT directory to find a local certified sex therapist.

I am trained in both sex therapy and general psychotherapy, so I am trained to help you with all of the above. Sometimes sexual concerns might be at the forefront of your stress. Other times it might be challenges at work, with your family, or the pain of a recent loss. Because we are human and cannot “compartmentalize” these issues, I believe in being flexible to address whatever is most pressing for you as the client.

Therapy is most beneficial when attended weekly. The first few sessions address questions about your health, mood, family history, personal beliefs, and sexual and relationship histories. After this, I will have a better picture of who you are and how I can help. There may be weeks when it feels like “I have nothing to talk about today.” These are often the days we will be able to dive the deepest. After awhile, it may appropriate to reduce to every other week.

The fee for therapy ranges from $195 – $295 per session (50 minutes) for individuals and couples with Creating Change LA associates. Eighty minute sessions are also a possibility if clinically necessary.

 

• You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost
• Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.
• You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
• Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
• If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
• Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
• For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 1-800-633-4227.

I am not “in network” with any particular insurance provider. However, I can provide you a with a superbill at the end of each month. You’ll need to speak to your insurance company to verify if therapy is covered. I offer a few sliding scale spaces in my practice. Sliding scale is determined by your household income as well as my availability. My associates also offer sliding scale fees. I provide supervision and input on all of their cases, so if my fee is a hardship for you, this can be a great option.

I am currently an AASECT Supervisor-in-Training, and as such I can offer supervision towards AASECT certification. If you are not interested in AASECT certification but need some Sex Therapy Consultation, this can also be arranged. I also on occasion provide CEU trainings for therapists.

The therapists at Creating Change LA are pre-licensed and post-licensed mental health professionals. All therapists have graduate degrees and are registered with the BBS, the governing body for MFT’s and LCSW’s in California. Some therapists are in the process of completing their hours towards licensure under clinical supervision.