Sex Therapy on a Budget: 4 Money-Saving Strategies

Are you considering sex therapy, but worried about the cost? You're not alone—many people are concerned about the high expense of therapy, especially when healthcare costs, inflation, and housing expenses continue to rise.

Most certified sex therapists are often out-of-network providers, charging $150/hour or more, and many don’t accept insurance. But don’t worry! With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can access the support you need without breaking the bank. Here are four budget-friendly ways to access sex therapy and improve your sexual health:

1)  Consider a Short-Term Consultation

Did you know that short-term sex therapy can provide real benefits in just a few sessions? Whether you’re struggling with sexual symptoms or simply want to better understand your sexual health, a few focused meetings can give you the tools and insights you need to move forward.

Many people seek sex therapy to understand whether their experiences are "normal" or to find language for their sexual story. Achieving these goals can often be accomplished in just 2-3 sessions.

While in-depth treatment may require ongoing therapy, starting with a consultation can help you gain clarity on your body and behavior. You can also get recommendations for helpful resources such as sexual health podcasts, self-help books, or intimate wellness products that fit your needs.

2) Explore Therapy Funds for Subsidized Treatment

If you belong to certain marginalized communities, there are therapy funds available that can subsidize the cost of treatment. These funds can help cover the cost of sex therapy and make mental health and wellness services more accessible. Some organizations to consider include:

The Loveland Foundation - funds up to 12 sessions for Black women; applications open quarterly

Pineapple Support - offers those working in the online adult entertainment industry free or low-cost therapy for up to 12 sessions

The Hibiscus Rose Therapy Fund - for Black queer and trans people in metro Philadelphia

Bound Together Foundation - micro-grants for gender, sexual, and relational minorities to offset mental health costs, sex and relationship counseling, and gender-affirming therapies

Rise Above the Disorder - non-profit that covers the cost of mental health care for uninsured or underinsured individuals within specific income categories

Look into these options to reduce the financial burden of sex therapy and improve your sexual well-being,

3) Work with Therapy Interns or Training Clinics

If you're looking for affordable therapy, consider working with an intern or a training clinic. Many private practices and non-profit organizations offer lower-cost therapy through interns who are completing practicum hours as part of their professional training.

Interns are often highly motivated, up-to-date with the latest research, and under the supervision of experienced licensed therapists.

Some non-profit organizations offering sliding scale fees or low-cost therapy include:

Respark Foundation (Texas): offers online and in-person therapy to survivors of sexual harm or boundary violation, with a sliding scale of $25 to $75 per session.

The Council for Relationships (Philadelphia, PA): provides therapy with student interns for as little as $20 to $65 per session.

URI Couple and Family Therapy Clinic (South Kingstown, RI): offers income-based therapy at a sliding scale, ranging from $15 to $45 per session.

Carolina Sexual Wellness Center (North Carolina): Through their Sex Therapy at Affordable Rates initiative, clients can get the services they need from well-supervised and trained clinical interns from as low as $20 per session.

Intern therapy may be a temporary solution, but it can provide immediate and effective support at a fraction of the cost of seeing a licensed therapist.

4) Join a Therapy Group for More Affordable Care

Group therapy can be an excellent and more affordable alternative to one-on-one sessions. It also offers the unique opportunity to connect with others, gain new insights, and build a sense of community.

While finding a sexual health support group can be a challenge, there are resources to help you get started. Psychology Today offers a directory where you can search for local or online support groups for sexual health, intimacy, or relationships. Try searching using keywords like “sexual health group therapy” or "sexuality support groups.”

Additionally, Modern Relationships LLC will soon offer group therapy. If you’re interested, you can join the waitlist by submitting a contact form on our website. We’ll notify you about available dates, topics, and other important details as they become available.

Take Charge of Your Sexual Health—Affordably

Sexual health is a human right, and sex therapy should be accessible to everyone. While therapy costs can feel overwhelming, creative solutions like short-term consultations, therapy funds, working with interns, and group therapy can make a world of difference while staying within your budget.