what is sex/porn addiction

“Sex addiction” and/or “porn addiction” is much like chemical substance addiction because a person with sex/porn addiction is unable to control their unwanted sexual urges or problematic sexual behaviors due to a neurochemical “reward” that comes from the sexual acts (e.g., dopamine release or “hit”). Like those with drug/alcohol addiction, extreme emotional and adverse health effects are endured by those struggling with these sexual compulsions. As a result, careers, relationships, personal integrity or self-respect, partner health (e.g., exposure to STIs, emotional damage from betrayal), and personal sexual health (e.g., sex with strangers, risk of STIs, risk of erectile dysfunction due to masturbation) can be severely damaged due to the unmanageable compulsion to engage with sexual content or in sexual acts. While sex addiction is NOT listed in the DSM-5, a diagnostic manual for mental health providers, it is internationally understood as a serious problem affecting both men and women, adults and teens alike.

How can therapy help?

If you find yourself struggling with sex/porn addiction there is help for you.

How I can help

As a licensed Clinical Psychologist and Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT) through the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP), I have received specialized training and supervision in working with individual struggling with sex addiction. Additionally, I’ve worked with sex/porn addicts for years, primarily through couples therapy helping them to find relationship and sexual health with their partners post discovery, but also one on one to help them heal their addict and live in integrity.

process

I provide assessment to better discern your struggles and determine if we are a good fit clinically. If a higher level of care (e.g., intensive therapy) or different care (e.g., a specialized provider) is needed, I will refer you out to make sure you end up with the best helping professional for your needs. If we work together, we will meet weekly for 60-minute sessions to help you understand underlying issues that promote your problematic behavior, identify key triggers, teach skills to alter behavior and help you regulate emotional distress, and refocus your perspective on wholistic health, integrity, and inner peace.

Please know that I do not work with those struggling with pedophilia or sexual urges/fantasy involving underage children (e.g., “child porn” or child sexual abuse images). I also do not have specialized experience needed to work with those with sexual urges and acting out of sex with animals, known as bestiality. Lastly, I do not work with those who engage in, or are struggling with, boundary violating behaviors such as criminal voyeurism, indecent exposure, or forced sex/rape. Please continue your search for a provider if you are struggling in those ways.

Other help

I firmly believe that the best path forward involves individual therapy ALONG WITH 12-step help. You can find 12-step programs in your area, such as Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA), that will give you a community of likeminded individuals in recovery and you can get a sponsor to help you throughout your recovery. There are also inpatient treatment programs that give you intense intervention for your hard to manage, or spiraling out of control, sexually addictive behaviors. The IITAP website has a list of trusted sponsors or programs that can meet your treatment intensive needs, though this is not an exhaustive list.

cost

Cost: $150 per 60-minute session, plus an initial $150 assessment fee

My practice is self-pay, meaning that clients pay out-of-pocket to see me. I DO NOT bill insurance. Additionally, I am not paneled with any insurance company for a variety of business and clinical reasons (e.g., time spent waiting for reimbursement and they limit the number of sessions you can have). There may be a possibility for you to use your HSA card if those funds can be used towards therapy, but you’d need to verify this ahead of time to avoid penalties from your insurance company. Please also contact your insurance carrier if you are curious about “out-of-network” benefits that may be used to recoup some of the therapy costs you pay upfront for therapy. Please also keep in mind that “sex addiction” or “porn addiction” are not DSM-5 diagnoses. Insurance companies may not reimburse for services related to problematic sexual behaviors if it is your primary treatment issue in therapy.

Payment method: A credit card is kept on file and will be charged at the time of your session. The full session fee will be charged for no-shows or last-minute cancellations. Follow up sessions are scheduled pending received payment for the prior session.

Good Faith Estimate: I am required to give you an estimate of your treatment costs. I’ve listed some potential costs below, but your actual costs may vary from this. While therapy is a financial investment, it is one worth making and will show its value through increased clarity, inner peace, and improved emotional health.

6 sessions: $900

12 sessions: $1800

*Please know that you will be working with your CSAT for at least a year. Plan ahead with these costs in mind.