Answers to common questions about sex therapy, getting started, fees and insurance, confidentiality, and Jewish & halacha-sensitive care. If you don’t see your question here, feel free to reach out.
Sex therapy is a specialized form of therapy that helps individuals and couples address concerns related to sexuality and intimacy. This may include difficulties with desire, arousal, orgasm, ejaculation, pain, sexual confidence, communication, or feeling satisfied with your sex life. Sex therapy can also be a place where people with good sex lives can come to make their sex lives even better.
Sex therapy does not involve sexual activity with the therapist nor does it include any sexual practices during sessions. Instead, it provides a safe and confidential space to understand what may be getting in the way of a satisfying sex life and to develop practical ways to create greater intimacy, comfort, and connection.
No. Sex therapy does not involve sexual or physical contact between the therapist and client. Treatment takes place through conversation, education, and therapeutic exercises or practices that you may choose to work on alone or with a partner between sessions.
That is completely understandable and very common. You do not need to be comfortable talking about sex before coming to sex therapy. Creating a space where you can talk openly without judgment is part of the work. We can start wherever you feel comfortable and gradually work toward discussing more difficult topics.
No. You are always in control of what you share and when you share it. Sex therapy can involve discussing sensitive or personal topics, but there is no expectation that you need to disclose something before you feel ready. We can move at a pace that feels comfortable while still working toward your goals.
No. Sex therapy can be done individually or as a couple. Some concerns are best addressed together, while others may be easier to explore on your own. You can begin individually and decide together with your therapist whether involving your partner would be helpful.
Absolutely. Being married does not mean you need to attend therapy with your spouse. You may want to work individually on concerns about your sexuality, desire, anxiety, past experiences, or your relationship with intimacy. Individual therapy can also be a helpful starting point when you are not yet comfortable bringing your partner into the process.
The first session is primarily an opportunity to get to know you and understand what brings you to therapy. We will talk about your concerns, your relationships, your sexual and emotional experiences, and what you would like to be different. Depending on the concerns you are seeking help with, we may also discuss medical, psychological, relational, and cultural or religious factors that could be relevant. There is no expectation that you need to share everything right away. The goal is to create a comfortable space, understand your goals, and begin developing a plan for treatment.
There is no set length of time for sex therapy. Some people come for a specific concern and benefit from a relatively brief course of treatment, while others choose to continue working on deeper or ongoing relational and sexual concerns. We will regularly evaluate your progress and adjust treatment based on your needs and goals.
Most clients begin with weekly sessions, which provides enough consistency to build momentum and work on concerns between sessions. Depending on your needs, sessions may become less frequent over time. The schedule can be adjusted based on your goals and circumstances.
Sessions are typically 45 minutes.
I am in-network with Aetna, but am out of network with all other insurances.
For Aetna patients, please ascertain if you’ve met your deductible (where applicable) and what your copay or co-insurance is in order to avoid any surprise charges.
For all others, depending on your plan, you may be eligible for out-of-network reimbursement for psychotherapy services. I can provide you with a detailed receipt, or superbill, that you can submit to your insurance company. Because coverage varies by plan, I recommend contacting your insurance provider to understand your specific out-of-network benefits.
Yes, although there is a fee if you choose to pay by credit card. Payment by Zelle, cash, or check are also available with no fee.
In many cases, yes. Psychotherapy services are generally eligible for payment using HSA or FSA funds. You can check with your plan administrator to confirm your specific eligibility and requirements.
I ask that you provide 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Appointments cancelled with less notice, as well as missed appointments, are subject to the full session fee, including for insurance patients, as insurance cannot be billed for missed or late-cancelled appointments.
Yes. Both in-person and telehealth sessions are available.
Yes. Sex therapy is subject to the same confidentiality protections as other forms of psychotherapy, with the same legal and ethical exceptions that apply to therapy generally. Your privacy is taken seriously, particularly given the personal nature of many of the concerns discussed in sex therapy.
Yes. For clients who want their treatment to be consistent with Jewish values or halachic considerations, these can be an important part of the therapeutic process. I have an understanding of halacha, Jewish thought, and Jewish culture and can tailor treatment approaches to your values. When a particular treatment involves practices that you would not feel comfortable doing, we can explore appropriate adaptations while still working toward the underlying therapeutic goal. If you think it would be helpful, and with your permission, rabbinic guidance can also be incorporated into treatment in a confidential manner.
Yes. Differences in religious observance can affect many aspects of a couple’s relationship, including sexuality, intimacy, niddah and mikvah, expectations around marriage, and family life. Therapy can provide a space for partners to understand each other’s perspectives, communicate about areas of difference, and develop an approach to intimacy that respects both partners and their values.
Yes. I provide consultation, education, and training to organizations, schools, synagogues, etc. on topics related to sexuality, relationships, intimacy, and mental health both within and aside from Jewish contexts. This may include workshops, professional trainings, presentations, or consultation tailored to the needs of a particular organization, school, or community.