Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on May 23, 2025Looking for help with Sex Addiction in Akron, OH? You’re in the right place to learn about this condition and find local clinicians. Expect car-dependent travel, limited transit frequency, and generally accessible parking. Insurance acceptance varies, with moderate private pay and network-dependent availability.
Sport Psychologist
Remote only
Auran Piatigorsky, PhD, LP, CMPC is a Sport Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 30 years. They treat Sex Addiction, Alcohol Use, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Licensed Clinical Sport Psychologist — services for mental health care & performance enhancement
Counselor, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Psychotherapist
9826 East Washington Street, Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44023
Mary Holzheimer is a Counselor in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. They treat Sex Addiction, Anger Issues, Athletic/Sports performance.
I am excited to partner with you on your journey toward healing and self-discovery!
Certified Clinical Social Worker (CSW), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
12620 Larchmere Boulevard, Cleveland, Ohio 44120
Luis Gomez is a Certified Clinical Social Worker (CSW) in Cleveland, Ohio. They treat Sex Addiction, Chronic Illness/Pain, Bipolar Disorder.
Inclusive and Affirming Therapy Practice in Cleveland, Ohio
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Remote only
Juliana Muir is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 2 years. They treat Sex Addiction, Learning Disorder, Athletic Performance.
I welcome clients from all walks of life and plan to assist clients in becoming the best possible versions of themselves.
Psychologist
1845 South Dobson Road, Mesa, Arizona 85202
Shelly Reed is a Psychologist in Mesa, Arizona and has been in practice for 17 years. They treat Sex Addiction, Drug Use, Physical Assault.
Don't be shy...I've heard it all ;) I offer a warm and non-judgmental space to work through the things that have been holding you back.
Psychologist
Remote only
Bruce Clark is a Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 4 years. They treat Sex Addiction, Spiritual/Religious Concerns, Alcohol Use.
Compassionate care for to help you manage anxiety, low mood, perfectionism, and difficulties with neurodivergence. Virtual therapy and ADHD assessments.
Sex addiction (sometimes called compulsive sexual behavior) is a pattern of sexual thoughts or behaviors that start to feel hard to control and lead to repeated consequences you do not want. It is not about having a high sex drive. It is about losing choice, using sex or pornography as a coping strategy, and finding that it keeps escalating even when it creates distress, secrecy, or harm to relationships, work, finances, or your sense of self.
In Akron, people seek help for sex addiction for many different reasons. Some notice their behavior is taking up more time and mental space than they want. Others feel stuck in cycles that look like: urges or stress, acting out, temporary relief, then guilt, shame, or anxiety, followed by promises to stop, and then repeating again.
Common signs can include:
Spending a lot of time thinking about sex, pornography, sexting, hookups, or paying for sexual content
Repeated attempts to cut back that do not last
Escalating behavior over time to get the same relief or intensity
Using sex or porn to manage stress, loneliness, boredom, anxiety, or low mood
Secrecy, lying, or double lives that create ongoing fear of being found out
Risky situations that conflict with your values or put your health or safety at risk
Strain in a relationship due to betrayal, conflict, or loss of trust
Feeling numb, ashamed, or disconnected afterward, even if it felt “worth it” in the moment
This problem often develops from a mix of factors: early exposure to pornography, trauma or attachment wounds, anxiety or depression, impulsivity, substance use, relationship stress, or environments where secrecy is easy and accountability is low. Many people also have underlying shame, perfectionism, or a strong need for control, and sex becomes the place where that tension gets released.
If you are wondering whether this fits, a useful question is: “Is this behavior aligned with my values, and can I reliably choose not to do it when I decide to stop?” If the answer is no, or if the consequences are piling up, that is a strong signal to talk with a licensed clinician who has experience with compulsive sexual behavior and sexual health.
In Akron, some people dealing with sex addiction may notice emotions like guilt, shame, anxiety, or feeling on edge when urges rise or after acting on them. Thoughts can loop with intrusive sexual preoccupations, rationalizing risky choices, or having trouble focusing on work or relationships. The body may feel keyed up with restlessness, muscle tension, or trouble sleeping, followed by a crash of fatigue. Behaviorally, patterns might include secrecy, shutting down with loved ones, escalating time spent online or seeking encounters, and struggling to cut back despite consequences.
In Akron, sex addiction often arises from a combination of influences rather than a single cause. Multiple vulnerabilities can interact over time to trigger and maintain compulsive sexual behaviors. The specific mix varies by person, and what starts as coping or reward-seeking can become entrenched patterns. Understanding the interplay of these factors can guide effective support and treatment.
Biological factors
Psychological factors
Environmental factors
Getting professional help in Akron, OH for Sex Addiction can provide structured support to understand patterns, triggers, and consequences, helping make sense of your experiences. A therapist can teach coping strategies and relapse-prevention skills to reduce urges and improve daily functioning and relationships. Regular sessions create accountability and a safe space to work through difficult emotions, which can lessen distress and disruptions at work, school, or home. If transportation is a concern, plan for car-dependent travel and limited transit frequency; parking is generally accessible. Costs can vary, as insurance acceptance differs and private pay is generally moderate, so checking network access ahead of time can help you find an option that fits your situation.
Choose a therapist licensed in Ohio to address Sex Addiction, since most insurers require in-state licensure for coverage and telehealth laws typically limit care to providers licensed where you live. This helps ensure your sessions are compliant and reimbursable. MiResource can filter therapists by licensure so you can easily find Ohio-licensed providers in or near Akron.
Accessing care for sex addiction in Akron is easier if you plan around car-dependent travel and limited transit frequency; parking is generally accessible near offices in Downtown, Highland Square, North Hill, and Kenmore. Providers often cluster near main corridors, so driving routes and timing matter. Insurance acceptance varies, and while private pay is generally moderate, availability often depends on network access—verify coverage before the first visit and ask about sliding scales if applicable. Appointment availability can shift with the University of Akron calendar, summer events, and winter weather, so book ahead during peak periods and watch for openings during breaks. To reduce friction: use telehealth for follow-ups or groups, ask to be added to cancellation lists, and join more than one waitlist. Request early-morning, evening, or weekend slots to fit shift-based schedules and reduce no-shows.
Symptoms can intensify during summer event and tourism activity, when social opportunities, alcohol availability, and unstructured time increase exposure to triggers and impulsive behavior. University and academic calendar cycles can heighten risk at semester starts and ends, with transitions, stress, and changes in routines. Holiday retail and service demand shifts often add financial and work stress, while time off and travel can disrupt accountability and coping plans. Cold‑weather service access impacts due to winter conditions may reduce mobility and privacy, making it harder to attend appointments and easier to withdraw into online behaviors.
Across the year, legacy health-system consolidation shaping referral pathways, limited in-network behavioral health capacity, and long waitlists for specialty care can delay support when urges escalate. Transportation barriers across a spread-out metro area, insurance complexity tied to mixed coverage, and scheduling constraints for manufacturing and shift-based workforces can further compress help-seeking into crisis periods.
Seek emergency help if compulsive sexual behavior leads to immediate danger, suicidal thoughts, intent to harm yourself or others, exposure to violence or coercion, or you cannot stay safe. Use 911 right away if there is imminent risk or a medical emergency. If you are in acute emotional distress or unsure how to stay safe, contact crisis services for immediate support and guidance. Emergency departments can provide safety assessment, stabilization, and connection to follow-up care.
1) Recognize a crisis: suicidal thoughts or plans, threats or intent to harm self/others, or loss of control leading to immediate danger (e.g., violence, exploitation, or inability to maintain safety). 2) If there is imminent danger, call 911. For immediate support, call 988 or the Summit County ADM Crisis Line (330-434-9144); you can request the Summit County Outreach Team if a mobile crisis response is appropriate. 3) Go to the nearest emergency department: Summa Health Akron Campus; Cleveland Clinic Akron General; Western Reserve Hospital; University Hospitals Portage Medical Center. 4) Expect triage, a safety and mental health evaluation, and short-term stabilization with referrals; given car-dependent travel and limited transit frequency, plan for driving or a ride, and parking is generally accessible.
Q: When should someone in Akron consider seeing a therapist for Sex Addiction? A: Consider therapy if sexual behaviors feel out of control, cause distress, or lead to problems in relationships, work, health, legal matters, or finances. It can also help if you’ve tried to cut back and can’t, or if you’re using sexual behavior to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, or loneliness. Co-occurring issues like substance use, trauma, or mood symptoms are additional reasons to seek support. Starting with a licensed mental health professional in Akron can help you clarify needs and plan next steps.
Q: What should someone do if the first therapist they try in Akron isn’t a good fit for Sex Addiction? A: It’s common to try more than one therapist before finding the right match, so give yourself permission to switch. Share what wasn’t working and ask for referrals to clinicians who focus on compulsive sexual behaviors or behavioral addictions. You can adjust preferences such as therapy style, gender, scheduling, or cultural considerations. Expanding your search radius in the Akron area or considering virtual care can increase options.
Q: Can virtual therapy help with Sex Addiction for someone in Akron? A: Virtual therapy can be helpful for many people by improving privacy and access, especially if scheduling or travel is challenging. Clinicians can deliver evidence-based approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and relapse-prevention planning via secure video. It may not suit everyone, particularly if you prefer in-person rapport or need more intensive support, but it is a reasonable option to try. Many in Akron use a mix of virtual and in-person sessions based on comfort and availability.
Q: What questions should someone in Akron ask when choosing a therapist for Sex Addiction? A: Ask about their experience and training with compulsive sexual behavior, including the approaches they use (e.g., CBT, ACT, psychodynamic, or 12-step–informed work). Inquire how they assess progress, handle lapses, and coordinate care if you have co-occurring conditions. Discuss logistics such as session frequency, privacy practices, scheduling, and costs or insurance. You might also ask about homework, skills practice, and how you’ll set and review goals together.
Q: Does therapy for Sex Addiction help over time for people in Akron? A: Many people see benefits over time, especially with consistent sessions, skills practice, and support between appointments. Progress is often gradual, with periods of challenge and improvement, and setbacks can be addressed within the treatment plan. Clear goals, coping strategies, and attention to triggers tend to build momentum. Pairing therapy with healthy routines and support systems can further strengthen outcomes.
MiResource can help you search for clinicians in Akron, OH who treat Sex Addiction. You can filter by insurance, specialty, and availability to find someone who fits your needs.
Recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive community, and the right professional care, you can overcome challenges and build a fulfilling life. We’re here to help you find the support you need.
