What is a sex therapist?
A sex therapist is someone who treats people with sexual concerns. Please be aware that the word therapist is not a legally protected term; anyone can call him- or herself a therapist. You want to make sure that you see a licensed mental health professional for your sexual concerns. These include psychiatrists, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, and licensed clinical social workers. It also includes psychological assistants and registered psychologists who may be working toward hours required for licensure.
A sex therapist is a credentialed professional with specialized training and experience in treating sexual problems. Virtually all sex therapists have extensive education and background in another field such as psychology, medicine or social work. Becoming a sex therapist usually involves training and guided practice beyond being licensed in an original discipline. Although a relatively new field, it is a professional one, with its own set of guiding principles, code of ethics, professional organizations and journals.
