How to Find a Qualified Sex and Porn Addiction Therapist

Dr. Robert Weiss, LCSW

Not every therapist is qualified to treat sex and porn addiction issues. In fact, many therapists simply treat addiction symptoms, such as depression and anxiety, without addressing the underlying issues. Other therapists will advise that sex and porn addicts just need to relax a little and enjoy their sex lives, which is the exact opposite of what men and women whose compulsive sexual behaviors are destroying their lives need to hear. There are also therapists who try to “diagnose” and “treat” behaviors such as homosexuality, fetishes, and kinks as sex addictions. Needless to say, these attempts to help often do more harm than good.

Therefore, it is important for sex and porn addicts seeking professional help to find a therapist who is qualified to help them solve the real problem (addiction). To do this, I recommend that you first look for the CSAT (Certified Sex Addiction Therapist) designation after the clinician’s name. Even so, you should interview and evaluate a potential therapist before deciding to move forward with that person.

The right clinician for you will help you feel comfortable (without being shamed or put down) and understood (with support and guidance). You also need a therapist to confront your behavior and distorted thinking (your denial), even if doing so makes you angry.

Asking the following questions before or during your initial treatment can be very helpful in choosing the right therapist.

• Have you received training in the diagnosis and treatment of sex addiction? If so, what training have you received? (If the therapist is trained and certified in CSAT, you’re on the right track.)
• Do you have experience working with clients who are sexually addicted? If so, to what extent?
• Have you ever helped clients with other addictions—alcohol, drugs, etc.?
• Do you recommend that your sex addiction clients attend 12-step recovery meetings? (Most good sex addiction therapists not only recommend this, but insist on it.)
• Do you offer or recommend group therapy for sex addiction to your clients? (Again, most good sex addiction therapists not only recommend this, but insist on it.)
• How would you help me if I relapsed? (A good sex addiction therapist will take a shameless approach, focusing on the root causes of relapse and how the addict can avoid similar problems in the future.)
• If applicable: Are you willing to work with LGBTQ clients?
• If applicable: How will you address or address my religious beliefs?
• If applicable: What guidance and support can you provide my spouse? (Often, a good sex addiction therapist will recommend that your spouse see another therapist, as long as that therapist understands sex addiction and is experienced in working with spouses of sex addicts.)

As much as you want to find someone who can help you Now—Especially if you are in the midst of an addiction-related crisis—it’s a good idea to interview multiple potential clinicians before deciding who to see. There is nothing wrong with doing this. In fact, good therapists understand the need for mutual fit and won’t be offended if you choose someone else. The best clinicians sometimes encourage potential clients to sit with several people before deciding who is best for them and their situation. They may even provide the names and contact information of other CSAT certified clinicians.

If you are struggling to find a good sex or porn addiction therapist, please feel free to email Seeking Integrity at this link. We’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.

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If you or someone you care about is struggling with sex, porn, or substance/sex addiction, help is available. Seeking Integrity provides inpatient treatment for people with sex, pornography, and substance/sex addictions, as well as low-cost online work groups. Meanwhile, SexandRelationshipHealing.com offers a variety of free webinars and drop-in discussion groups, podcasts, and more.