Sex Therapists in San Diego, CA: 8 Certified Professionals for Relationship Wellness

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Erica Barnes

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Finding the right professional for personal concerns can be challenging.

San Diego offers numerous options for those seeking support with intimate relationships and sexuality.

Several certified sex therapists in San Diego have specialized training to help individuals and couples address sexual health issues, intimacy concerns, and relationship dynamics.

These professionals work in various settings throughout San Diego County, from private practices to specialized clinics like San Diego Sexual Medicine.

Many are not only licensed marriage and family therapists but also hold additional certifications specifically in sex therapy.

This ensures they have the expertise to address complex and sensitive matters with appropriate care.

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1) Cara Allen, MSW, MM – A compassionate therapist offering personalized care

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Cara Allen is a licensed clinical social worker in San Diego who specializes in several important areas of therapy.

Her practice focuses on cancer support, grief counseling, and sex therapy.

Allen works with individuals, couples, and families through her practice called Blue Doors Counseling.

She offers both in-person and video sessions for clients seeking support.

Her office is located in central San Diego at 2525 Camino del Rio S, Suite 305.

As a specialized therapist, she brings compassion to her work helping clients navigate challenging life transitions.

2) Maren Jorgensen, LMFT, CST – Renowned for her expertise in sex therapy

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Maren Jorgensen is an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist who offers specialized therapy for sexual concerns.

Her approach is friendly, casual, and non-judgmental with a focus on humor and normalization.

She provides gender, sexuality, and relationship therapy in California.

Her services include online sex therapy, poly/couples counseling, and ketamine therapy.

Jorgensen is both an LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) and CST (Certified Sex Therapist), making her well-qualified to address specific sexual concerns with clients.

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3) Skyler White, LMFT – Focuses on deepening intimacy in relationships

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Skyler White is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in San Diego who specializes in helping clients explore their sexuality and relationships.

As a self-described “neurospicy, queer therapist,” White creates a safe environment for individuals to deepen their intimate connections.

White brings personal experience with non-monogamous relationships to her practice at Affirming Therapy Center.

She helps clients build secure relationships while specializing in sexuality, gender, CNM (consensual non-monogamy), BDSM, and lifestyle concerns.

4) Tendril Therapy – Known for their innovative approach to therapy

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Tendril Therapy offers specialized services in San Diego with a focus on Sex Therapy, LGBTQ+ and Relationship Issues.

They work with clients of all sexual lifestyles to help them discover and define their sexuality.

Their approach includes various therapeutic methods such as EMDR, IFS, and Attachment theory.

The practice provides sex positive therapy helping individuals and partners heal from negative messages and experiences.

Tendril Therapy also specializes in trauma work, including religious, generational, racial, and relational trauma.

5) Jaclyn E. Jacobs – Helps clients navigate complex sexual issues

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Jaclyn E. Jacobs is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in San Diego who specializes in Sex Therapy.

She offers virtual therapy sessions Monday through Thursday for individuals seeking help with sexual concerns.

Her practice focuses on helping clients work through sexual issues, identity exploration, and self-acceptance.

Jacobs creates a supportive environment for clients to discuss intimate topics that may be difficult to address elsewhere.

She welcomes diverse clients, including members of LGBTQIA+, polyamorous, and kink communities.

Her sessions cost $160 and are available through her individual, relationship, and sex therapy practice.

6) Dr. Rose Hartzell – A trusted resource for sexual medicine advice

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Dr. Rose Hartzell is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with extensive credentials in sexual medicine.

She holds a PhD and is an AASECT certified sex therapist and sexuality educator.

Dr. Hartzell specializes in addressing sexuality, relationship, and intimacy concerns at San Diego Sexual Medicine.

Her expertise includes treating sexual desire disorders and sexual arousal disorders.

As an adjunct faculty member, Dr. Hartzell brings academic knowledge to her practice.

She’s also a certified EMDR practitioner, offering additional therapeutic approaches.

7) Dr. Kristin Zeising – Provides insightful guidance on intimate matters

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Dr. Kristin Zeising is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist & AASECT Certified Sex Therapist in San Diego.

She specializes in helping individuals and couples with intimacy, communication, and self-growth challenges.

Dr. Zeising offers therapy services both in-person and online through Zoom, with evening appointments available.

Her expertise includes sex therapy, marital counseling, premarital guidance, and codependency issues.

With her certification and experience, Dr. Zeising creates a comfortable environment where clients can discuss sensitive topics that might be difficult to address elsewhere.

8) Closeness – Innovative coaching for intimacy and relationships

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Closeness offers specialized sex and intimacy coaching for both couples and singles in San Diego.

Their services focus on restoring or creating chemistry in relationships through personalized guidance.

Located at 4455 Murphy Canyon Rd in San Diego, they provide both in-person and virtual sessions.

Their office hours run Monday through Sunday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Led by Tari, San Diego’s top-rated sex coach, Closeness helps clients address intimate concerns and transform their relationships through expert guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Many people have questions about sex therapy before seeking help.

These questions range from credentials and techniques to costs and effectiveness of treatment.

What are the credentials to look for when choosing a sex therapist in San Diego?

When selecting a sex therapist in San Diego, look for professionals who are Certified Sex Therapists (CST).

This certification indicates specialized training beyond standard therapy credentials.

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) with additional sex therapy training are common in this field.

Many qualified therapists also hold degrees such as PsyD, MSW, or PhD in psychology or related fields.

Experience working with specific concerns like desire discrepancies, performance anxiety, and communication issues is valuable.

Ask potential therapists about their experience with your particular concerns.

Can sex therapy help with erectile dysfunction and is it available in San Diego?

Sex therapy can be effective for treating erectile dysfunction. Several qualified professionals in San Diego specialize in this area.

This approach addresses both psychological and relationship factors that may contribute to erectile issues.

Therapists help clients identify anxiety triggers and develop techniques to manage performance concerns.

San Diego has numerous sex therapists who work with erectile dysfunction as part of their practice.

What techniques are used by intimacy coaches in dealing with sex addiction?

Intimacy coaches and sex therapists who address compulsive sexual behavior often use cognitive-behavioral approaches to identify triggers and develop healthier responses.

Some San Diego therapists specialize in treating what some refer to as Out of Control Sexual Behavior (OCSB).

Mindfulness techniques help clients develop awareness of urges without automatically acting on them.

Group therapy options are also available in San Diego for additional support and accountability.

Are there specialized Christian sex therapists available in San Diego?

San Diego has several faith-based therapists who integrate Christian values with sex therapy approaches.

Christian sex therapists address intimacy issues within the context of religious teachings and values.

When seeking a Christian sex therapist, clients should directly ask about the therapist’s approach to integrating faith with treatment.

How can I determine the effectiveness of a sex therapist before scheduling a session?

Reading online reviews and testimonials can provide insight into other clients’ experiences with a particular therapist.

Many therapists offer free phone consultations to discuss their approach and answer preliminary questions.

Ask potential therapists about their success rates with issues similar to yours.

However, be aware that therapy outcomes vary based on individual circumstances.

What is the typical cost range for sex therapy sessions, and do health insurance plans usually cover them?

Sex therapy sessions in San Diego typically range from $120 to $200 per session, with some specialists charging more.

Session length is usually 50-90 minutes depending on the therapist and type of session.

Many health insurance plans cover sex therapy if the therapist is licensed and the treatment addresses a diagnosable condition.

However, coverage varies significantly between insurance providers and specific plans.

It’s advisable to discuss payment options directly with potential therapists during initial consultations.

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About the author

Erica Barnes

Erica Barnes

I’m an African American woman living in New York, with a Bachelor's degree in Communication. I’m passionate about researching mental health topics, spirituality, and breaking down stigma in my community. I’ve dedicated my life to shedding light on important issues surrounding mental health and working towards creating a more understanding and compassionate society. As a researcher at Therapy Helpers, I’m here to use my skills to educate and inspire others through insightful articles. Thank you for being here!Social

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