Find a Therapist for Sex Addiction in Athens

Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on May 23, 2025
Written by the MiResource team

If you’re in Athens and considering help for Sex Addiction, that’s a big step. This page explains the condition and how to find local therapists, with practical options that fit your schedule, transportation needs, and budget.

  • Auran Piatigorsky, PhD, LP, CMPC, Psychologist

    Auran Piatigorsky, PhD, LP, CMPC

    Psychologist, Sport Psychologist

    Remote only

    Auran Piatigorsky, PhD, LP, CMPC is a Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 30 years. They treat Sex Addiction, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Relationship(s) with Friends/Roommates.

    Licensed Clinical Sport Psychologist — services for mental health care & performance enhancement

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  • Kassy Johnson, Psychologist

    Kassy Johnson

    Psychologist

    246 Oliver, Wichita, Kansas 67208

    Kassy Johnson is a Psychologist in Wichita, Kansas and has been in practice for 15 years. They treat Sex Addiction, Infertility, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

    Dr. Johnson is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with expertise working with children, adolescents and adults with a variety of difficulties.

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  • Lisa Saponaro, Psychotherapist

    Lisa Saponaro

    Psychotherapist, Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (LMHP), Psychologist, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

    7820 Peters Road, Plantation, Florida 33324

    Lisa Saponaro is a Psychotherapist in Plantation, Florida and has been in practice for 24 years. They treat Sex Addiction, Intimacy Concerns, Pregnancy/Loss of Pregnancy.

    Planting the seeds for personal growth. At our practice, WE NOURISH the growth of individuals, couples and families so YOU FLOURISH!

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  • Shelly Reed, Psychologist

    Shelly Reed

    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, Sleep Concerns, Depression.

    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.

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  • Bruce Clark, Psychologist

    Bruce Clark

    Psychologist

    Remote only

    Bruce Clark is a Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 4 years. They treat Sex Addiction, Family Caregiving Stress, Relationship(s) with Friends/Roommates.

    Compassionate care for to help you manage anxiety, low mood, perfectionism, and difficulties with neurodivergence. Virtual therapy and ADHD assessments.

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  • Lynn Luna Jones, Counselor

    Lynn Luna Jones

    Counselor, Psychotherapist, Psychologist, Licensed Psychological Examiner-Independent

    9826 East Washington Street, Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44023

    Lynn Luna Jones is a Counselor in Chagrin Falls, Ohio and has been in practice for 20 years. They treat Sex Addiction, Substance Use, Perfectionism.

    I am a licensed psychologist who specializes in assessment. I am able to administer many types of psychological tests.

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Understanding Sex Addiction

Sex addiction is a term used to describe a pattern of sexual thoughts or behaviors that feels hard to control and starts causing distress or problems in daily life. It can involve repeated urges or actions that interfere with work, relationships, or other responsibilities. In mental health settings, it is understood as a real condition that reflects a person’s struggle with control and coping, not a moral failing or a personal weakness. People who experience it may benefit from support, just as they would for any other health concern.

Common Signs and Symptoms

In Athens, sex addiction symptoms can show up as intense urges, feeling on edge, guilt, shame, or irritability when trying to cut back. Thoughts may get stuck on sexual activity or fantasies, with trouble focusing on work, school, or conversations because the mind keeps drifting back to it. In the body, a person might notice restlessness, tension, a racing heart, or a sense of agitation that eases only briefly. Behavior can include repeated acting on impulses, losing track of time, shutting down after a mistake, or neglecting responsibilities, relationships, or sleep.

Why This Happens

Sex addiction often develops from a mix of factors rather than a single cause. It may be linked to underlying emotional distress, learned coping patterns, and difficulty managing impulses. Stress, trauma, relationship problems, and other mental health concerns can all contribute to the pattern.

  • Biological factors
  • Impulse-control difficulties
  • Brain reward pathways that reinforce repetitive behavior
  • Co-occurring substance use or other mental health conditions
  • Psychological factors
  • Anxiety, depression, or chronic stress
  • Past trauma or attachment difficulties
  • Using sexual behavior to cope with loneliness, shame, or boredom
  • Environmental factors
  • Easy access to sexual content or opportunities
  • Relationship conflict or social isolation
  • High-stress life circumstances with limited support

How Treatment Works

Getting professional help can make it easier to develop coping strategies that fit your day-to-day life. It can also help you make sense of your experiences in a calm, structured way. With support, the impact on work, relationships, and other daily responsibilities may become more manageable. In Athens, telehealth can reduce transportation barriers when parking is limited or bus service varies by neighborhood. Even if cost or insurance varies, reaching out can be a practical first step toward lasting change.

Finding the right provider in Athens

Start by searching for a therapist in Athens who specifically treats sex addiction, since focused experience can make a difference. Then use filters for insurance, availability, and treatment approach so you can narrow the list to options that fit your needs and schedule. In Athens, it can also help to consider telehealth if transportation, parking near downtown or campus, or neighborhood bus service could make in-person visits harder. If cost is a concern, check whether a provider accepts your insurance or offers sliding-scale care, while keeping in mind that waitlists can happen at community clinics. Personal fit matters too, because feeling comfortable and understood can affect how open and steady you are in treatment. MiResource makes comparing options easier so you can look at therapists side by side and choose with more confidence.

Local Care Logistics in Athens

In Athens, people looking for therapy for sex addiction may want to focus on areas with easier access and flexible scheduling, especially Five Points, Normaltown, Downtown Athens, Eastside, and Beechwood. Traffic can shift with college-town patterns, and parking may be limited near downtown and campus, so it can help to plan extra time for in-person visits. Bus service varies by neighborhood, and many residents still drive to appointments.

Because the University of Georgia is in the city, campus calendars and student schedules can affect demand and appointment availability, especially during semester peaks, exam periods, and move-in or move-out cycles. If local openings are limited, ask about telehealth or cancellation lists. Looking across nearby neighborhoods such as Boulevard, Baxter Street, and Prince Avenue may also widen your options.

Taking Care of Your Mental Health in Athens

For sex addiction in Athens, GA, a practical place to start is Advantage Behavioral Health Systems for behavioral health support and guidance on next steps. NAMI Northeast Georgia can be a source of peer support and help finding local resources while you look for a therapist. If you are a student, University of Georgia Counseling and Psychiatric Services can be a starting point for campus counseling and student support. Athens-Clarke County Public Health Department may also be useful for connecting with community-based services and navigation help. Services are commonly found around downtown and campus areas, and bus service varies by neighborhood, so many people drive and parking can be limited near those locations.

When to Seek Immediate Help

Use emergency services if sex addiction is leading to immediate danger, such as thoughts of self-harm, inability to stay safe, severe distress, or behavior that cannot be controlled and may put you or someone else at risk. Call 988 or 911 right away if the situation is urgent or life-threatening. In Athens, you can also seek emergency care at Piedmont Athens Regional, St. Mary’s Hospital, or Piedmont Walton Hospital. If you need urgent mental health help, Georgia Crisis & Access Line (GCAL) and Georgia Crisis & Access Line (GCAL) Mobile Crisis Response can help assess the situation and direct you to care.

  1. Watch for crisis signs like feeling unable to stop risky behavior, losing control, becoming unable to care for yourself, or having thoughts of self-harm.
  2. If there is immediate danger, call 988 or 911; if you need urgent crisis support in Athens, contact Georgia Crisis & Access Line (GCAL) or ask for Georgia Crisis & Access Line (GCAL) Mobile Crisis Response.
  3. If it is safer to go in person, visit Piedmont Athens Regional, St. Mary’s Hospital, or Piedmont Walton Hospital.
  4. Expect a safety-focused evaluation, possible crisis stabilization, and next-step referral for follow-up care; if you are driving, plan for college-town traffic fluctuations and limited parking near downtown and campus.

Common Questions About Sex Addiction

Q: When should someone in Athens seek therapy for Sex Addiction? A: If sexual thoughts or behaviors feel hard to control, start affecting relationships, work, school, or finances, it may be a good time to talk with a therapist. In Athens, some people also seek help when stress, isolation, or access barriers make it harder to manage on their own. Therapy can be useful even if the problem feels new or is getting worse gradually.

Q: What should someone do if the first therapist is not a good fit? A: It is reasonable to try another therapist if you do not feel understood, respected, or comfortable. You may want to mention what did not work so the next provider can better match your needs. A better fit can matter for Sex Addiction treatment, especially if trust is hard to build at first. If helpful, you can ask for referrals or look for someone with experience in this area.

Q: Can virtual therapy help with Sex Addiction? A: Virtual therapy can help some people with Sex Addiction, especially if getting to appointments is difficult. In Athens, telehealth may be useful when traffic, parking, or neighborhood transit options make travel inconvenient. It can also make it easier to keep regular sessions. Some people still prefer in-person care, so the best option depends on comfort and needs.

Q: What should someone ask when choosing a therapist for Sex Addiction? A: You can ask about the therapist’s experience treating Sex Addiction and related concerns like compulsive behavior, shame, or relationship stress. It may also help to ask about their approach, session format, and whether they offer in-person or virtual visits in Athens. If cost matters, ask about insurance, sliding-scale fees, and appointment availability. You can also ask how they handle privacy and what a typical treatment plan looks like.

Q: Does therapy for Sex Addiction help over time? A: Therapy can help many people build insight, coping skills, and healthier patterns over time. Progress is often gradual, and setbacks can happen along the way. Some people notice improvements in relationships, stress management, and self-control as they continue treatment. Results vary, but steady participation can support long-term change.

Local Resources in Athens

MiResource can help you search for clinicians in Athens, GA who treat Sex Addiction. You can filter by insurance, specialty, and availability to find someone who fits your needs.

Find care for you

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.

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