Find a Therapist for Sex Addiction in Boston

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

You’re in the right place to find help for sex addiction in Boston. Explore trusted therapists, programs, and support tailored to your needs. We make it simple to compare options, understand care, and start recovery with confidential, compassionate guidance near you.

  • Dana Wang, Psychiatrist

    Dana Wang

    Psychiatrist

    274 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10016

    Dana Wang is a Psychiatrist in New York, New York and has been in practice for 12 years. They treat Sex Addiction, School Concerns, Anorexia Nervosa.

    Dana continues to be a passionate advocate for minority mental health and emotional wellness.

    View profile
  • Dr. Rachela Elias, Psychiatrist

    Dr. Rachela Elias

    Psychiatrist

    274 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10016

    Dr. Rachela Elias is a Psychiatrist in New York, New York and has been in practice for 18 years. They treat Sex Addiction, Women's Issues, Racial/Cultural Oppression or Trauma.

    Compassionate psychiatrist specializing in eating disorders, anxiety, and depression to help you create meaningful change in your life.

    View profile
  • Rayna Friedman, Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

    Rayna Friedman

    Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

    Remote only

    Rayna Friedman is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 1 years. They treat Sex Addiction, Social Anxiety, Trauma.

    Compassionate care for trauma, anxiety, and depression—helping you uncover and embrace your potential.

    View profile
  • Daniel Handelman, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

    Daniel Handelman

    Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

    999 Commercial Street, Palo Alto, California 94303

    Daniel Handelman is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Palo Alto, California and has been in practice for 7 years. They treat Sex Addiction, Compulsive Exercise, Histrionic Personality.

    By growing self-compassion and insight in therapy, you set the stage for a life rich in joy, meaning, and authentic connections.

    View profile
  • Joan Wamahiu, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

    Joan Wamahiu

    Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

    Remote only

    Joan Wamahiu is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in undefined, undefined. They treat Sex Addiction, Career, Narcissistic Personality.

    I support adults navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, bipolar disorder, psychosis, and identity or cultural concerns.

    View profile
  • Anna Naeva, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

    Anna Naeva

    Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

    Remote only

    Anna Naeva is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 3 years. They treat Sex Addiction, Trichotillomania (hair pulling), Physical Stress.

    Supporting people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and other mood disorders; fluent in Haitian Creole.

    View profile

Navigating Sex Addiction therapy options in Boston can include in-person sessions for face-to-face connection and structured support, as well as virtual teletherapy for flexible, private care from home or work. Individual therapy offers personalized strategies to manage triggers and rebuild relationships, while group therapy provides peer support, accountability, and shared coping tools. With clinics in neighborhoods like Back Bay, South End, Jamaica Plain, Dorchester, and Allston/Brighton, proximity to the MBTA’s Red, Green, and Orange Lines can shape your choice of provider. Weekend and evening appointments can also help if you commute or rely on the T.

MiResource’s directory makes it easy to compare Sex Addiction providers across Boston by location, specialization (including CSAT credentials), and therapeutic approach (such as CBT , mindfulness-based, or trauma-informed care). Filter for in-person or teletherapy, individual or group formats, and see which practices are near your home, office, or transit hubs like Park Street or Downtown Crossing. You can review options side-by-side to find a good fit for culture, accessibility, and scheduling needs. Use MiResource to quickly identify trusted, evidence-based care that aligns with your goals.

Organizations that offer Supportive Services for Sex Addiction in Boston 

Boston-area options include SLAA’s New England Intergroup, which hosts sex and love addiction recovery meetings across the city (often near Back Bay/Copley and Downtown) and offers newcomer resources and peer support; see schedules and formats at. Loved ones can find parallel help through S-Anon New England Intergroup, which runs family/support groups meeting in neighborhoods like the South End and Jamaica Plain and provides education and community connections. The Boston Public Health Commission lists local behavioral health and recovery resources citywide, including crisis lines and low-cost services near landmarks like City Hall and Roxbury’s Nubian Square. You can also call or chat the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line for 24/7 navigation to counseling and groups throughout Boston.

For clinical care, Fenway Health in the Fenway /Kenmore area offers affirming behavioral health services with individual therapy and groups, including sliding-scale options: . Hospital-based programs like Massachusetts General Hospital’s Department of Psychiatry near Beacon Hill/Charles River provide specialty evaluations and referrals for compulsive behaviors and co-occurring conditions. Use MiResource to find licensed Sex Addiction therapists in Boston who offer evidence-based treatment and practical scheduling near your neighborhood.

Emergency Care Services for Sex Addiction in Boston 

If you’re in immediate danger, call 911; for urgent behavioral health crises related to compulsive sexual behavior, contact the Boston Emergency Services Team (BEST) at 1-800-981-4357 (1-800-981-HELP) via Boston Medical Center or the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line at 833-773-2445, both available 24/7. You can also go to the nearest emergency department (e.g., Massachusetts General Hospital or Brigham and Women’s Hospital) or a local urgent care center for immediate evaluation. For immediate guidance and referrals, call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357. If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts or are at risk of harm, call or text 988 or chat at https://988lifeline.org .

The Essentials of Sex Addiction 

Sex Addiction , often referred to clinically as compulsive sexual behavior disorder, involves persistent, hard-to-control sexual urges, thoughts, or behaviors that continue despite negative consequences at work, in relationships, or to one’s well-being (World Health Organization, ICD-11; Mayo Clinic). While “Sex Addiction” isn’t a formal diagnosis in the DSM-5-TR, many clinicians recognize the pattern and assess it based on impairment, distress, and loss of control (American Psychiatric Association, DSM-5-TR). People may spend excessive time on sexual activities, feel unable to stop, and experience guilt or shame afterward, similar to other behavioral addictions (World Health Organization, ICD-11; Mayo Clinic). Understanding Sex Addiction helps individuals in Boston and beyond recognize real struggles—not moral failings—and seek compassionate, evidence-informed care.

Common signs of Sex Addiction include escalating behaviors, using sex to cope with stress or difficult feelings, and repeated failed attempts to cut back (Mayo Clinic; World Health Organization, ICD-11). It can co-occur with anxiety, depression, or substance use, so a thorough, nonjudgmental evaluation matters for overall mental health (American Psychiatric Association, DSM-5-TR). Early support can reduce risks like relationship conflict, financial strain, or exposure to harm, and can restore healthy intimacy and boundaries. If Sex Addiction resonates with your experience in Boston, know that help is available and recovery is possible through structured therapy and supportive resources.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Sex Addiction 

When you know what to look for, it’s easier to get help sooner. The list below highlights the most common signs and symptoms of Sex Addiction so you can spot patterns early and take next steps. If these signs feel familiar, consider reaching out for professional support in Boston.

- Sexual thoughts and urges that feel constant or intrusive, even when you’re trying to focus on work, school, or family.

- Spending more time on sexual activities than planned, and it starts to interfere with your Boston routine—work, classes, commuting, or relationships.

- Repeated attempts to cut back or stop, with short-term success followed by relapse, secrecy, or shame.

- Taking bigger risks over time (unsafe sex, risky encounters, excessive porn use) to get the same relief or escape.

- Using sex to numb stress, anxiety, loneliness, or tough feelings instead of healthier coping.

- Neglecting responsibilities, hobbies, or friendships, or pulling away from people who might notice the behavior.

- Ongoing conflicts, broken trust, financial strain, or legal trouble tied to behavior that may be linked to Sex Addiction.

Exploring the Underlying Causes of Sex Addiction 

Sex Addiction rarely has a single cause; it typically develops from several factors working together over time. Understanding this mix can help people in Boston view Sex Addiction with compassion and reduce stigma. By looking at the biological, psychological, and environmental influences, you can see how these pieces interact and reinforce one another. This overview offers a clear starting point for recognizing possible contributors and seeking the right support.

- Biological factors: differences in brain chemistry (e.g., heightened dopamine response), family history or genetics, hormonal imbalances that affect impulse control.

- Psychological factors: past trauma or abuse, anxiety or depression that leads to coping through sexual behavior, attachment issues (patterns formed in early relationships that shape intimacy and trust).

- Environmental and social factors: early or frequent exposure to sexual content (including online), relationship stress or loneliness, easy access through technology combined with cultural or religious shame.

The Impact of Sex Addiction on Daily Life 

Sex Addiction can quietly shape everyday routines, relationships, and choices, often leaving people in Boston feeling overwhelmed or isolated. It may interfere with how you show up at work, school, or home, and can strain trust with the people who matter most. Many notice growing stress, shame, or secrecy, which can spill into sleep, mood, and physical health. Understanding the real-world impact of Sex Addiction is a first step toward support, healing, and compassion—for yourself or someone you care about.

- Work or school performance (distraction, missed deadlines, absenteeism)

- Relationships and trust with partners, family, and friends

- Emotional well-being, including stress, anxiety , guilt, or low self-esteem

- Physical health, sleep patterns, and energy levels

- Finances and online or in-person spending tied to sexual behaviors

- Time management and daily routines, including secrecy and compulsive habits

Evidence-Based Treatments for Sex Addiction 

Evidence-based treatments exist for Sex Addiction and can reduce compulsive sexual behaviors, improve relationships, and restore daily functioning. With the right plan, many people see meaningful, lasting progress and a better quality of life. If you’re in Boston, trained clinicians can help you choose proven options that fit your goals and values. You don’t have to face this alone.

- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Builds skills to spot triggers, change unhelpful thoughts, and replace compulsive behaviors with healthier choices.

- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) or DBT skills: Teaches mindfulness, emotion regulation, and values-based actions to ride out urges without acting on them.

- Medications (e.g., SSRIs or naltrexone): Can reduce obsessive thoughts and urges; also treats co-occurring depression, anxiety, or OCD when present. Prescribed and monitored by a clinician.

- Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP): Practices awareness and urge-surfing techniques to prevent slips and strengthen long-term recovery.

- Couples or Relationship Therapy: Improves communication, rebuilds trust, and sets clear boundaries that support healing for both partners.

- Peer Support Groups (e.g., SAA, SMART Recovery): Provide community, accountability, and practical tools you can use between sessions; many options meet in Boston and online.

Things People Ask About Sex Addiction 

  1. What are some common myths about Sex Addiction that aren’t true?

Myth: Sex Addiction is just an excuse for bad behavior; truth: it’s a recognized pattern of compulsive sexual behaviors that can cause real distress and disrupt daily life, and it benefits from evidence-based treatment. Myth: only men experience Sex Addiction; truth: people of all genders and backgrounds, including many in Boston, can struggle with it. Myth: if someone has Sex Addiction, they must be dangerous or immoral; truth: it’s a health issue, not a moral failing, and compassionate support helps recovery. Effective therapies and support groups exist, and seeking help is a strong, positive step—not a sign of weakness.

  1. How do I talk to friends or family about my Sex Addiction without feeling judged?

Pick a calm, private time to talk about your Sex Addiction, lead with “I” statements, and be clear about what you need—such as empathy, confidentiality, and no advice unless asked. Set boundaries upfront (e.g., topics you’re not ready to discuss or time limits) and offer to answer questions later after you’ve both had time to process. Share credible resources to guide the conversation—think local options in Boston like Massachusetts General Hospital and McLean Hospital programs, Boston Medical Center behavioral health, and SAA Boston Intergroup meetings—plus national tools like SAMHSA’s helpline. Remind yourself you’re seeking support, not permission; if someone can’t meet your boundaries, pause the dialogue and pivot to a trusted friend, therapist, or a Boston-area support group.

  1. Can Sex Addiction get better on its own without professional help?

Some people see short-term relief from Sex Addiction by setting boundaries, limiting triggers, and leaning on trusted friends, but lasting change is less likely without structured support. Because underlying drivers—like trauma, anxiety, or compulsive patterns—often persist, many experience cycles of progress and relapse without treatment. Professional help (therapy, group support, and sometimes medication) provides evidence-based tools and accountability that make long-term recovery far more achievable. If you’re in Boston, specialized therapists and local support groups can help you build a sustainable plan to manage Sex Addiction and protect your relationships, health, and goals.

  1. What should I expect during my first Sex Addiction therapy session?

In your first Sex Addiction therapy session in Boston, your therapist will start with warm introductions, review confidentiality, and invite you to share what brings you in at your own pace. You’ll discuss your concerns, recent challenges, and strengths, and they may ask about your background, relationships, health, and any substance use to understand the full picture. Together, you’ll set initial goals—like reducing compulsive behaviors, building coping skills, and planning next steps—so you leave with a clear, manageable plan. Whether you’re meeting in person in Boston or via secure Massachusetts telehealth, the focus is on safety, respect, and helping you feel supported from day one.

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.

Share:
Sex Addiction Therapists in Boston, MA | MiResource