The short version: look for a licensed mental-health clinician (such as an LCSW, LMFT, or licensed psychologist) who works with sexual concerns and is licensed in your state — for online sessions, that means licensed in California if you live here. Fanshen Thompson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW #25004) offering online sex therapy to adults across California.

What "licensed" actually means

"Sex therapist" is not a protected title on its own, so this is the part to get right. A licensed sex therapist is first a licensed mental-health professional who holds a state clinical license and is accountable to a licensing board, and who then also works specifically with sexuality and intimacy.

Confirm two things: that they hold a current clinical license in your state (for online therapy, the therapist must be licensed where you are physically located), and that they genuinely work with sexual concerns — desire, arousal, intimacy, sexual shame, mismatched libidos — not just list it.

Does online sex therapy work?

Yes. Sex therapy is talk therapy; it never involves physical exams or any physical contact, in person or online. That makes it well suited to video: many people find it easier to talk through desire, shame, and connection from the privacy of their own home.

What sex therapy helps with

Desire discrepancy (partners wanting sex at different frequencies); low or lost desire, and desire that's changed over a long relationship; sexual shame; intimacy and connection that have faded; and learning to talk about sex without it turning into a fight. This work is inclusive of all bodies, orientations, and relationship structures. Learn more about sex therapy at this practice.

Questions to ask about cost

Cost and insurance vary by therapist, so ask directly: Do you take my insurance, or are you out-of-network? If out-of-network, do you provide a superbill I can submit for possible reimbursement? What is the self-pay fee, and is there a sliding scale? Do I get a Good Faith Estimate up front? (Self-pay clients are entitled to one.)

How to start

Confirm the therapist is licensed in California; check they work with your specific concern; ask the cost questions above; and book a consultation to see whether it's a good fit before committing.

Questions people often ask.

If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 or call 911. This practice is not an emergency or crisis service.

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