Are you currently accepting new clients?

Yes. We are currently welcoming new individual and couples clients across Virginia, Florida, Washington DC, and Maryland — both in person at our Fairfax, VA and Miami, FL offices and via secure telehealth.

What happens during the free consultation?

The free 15-minute consultation is a low-pressure phone call. We'll talk briefly about what brings you in, answer any questions you have about our approach, and help you figure out which therapist might be the best fit. There's no commitment required — it's just a conversation.

How do I schedule a free consultation?

The easiest way is to use our online booking link — you can pick a time that works in about 60 seconds. Click Book a Free Consultation in the navigation bar, or visit our Schedule page. If you'd prefer to reach out first, you can also use our contact page and we'll respond within one business day.

What should I expect in my first paid session?

Your first session is mostly intake — your therapist will ask about your background, what's bringing you in, your goals, and any relevant history. You won't be expected to go deep on your first visit. Think of it as a mutual conversation to understand each other and establish a direction. Sessions are 45–50 minutes depending on your therapist.

What actually happens in a sex therapy session? Will I be asked to do anything sexual?

No — and this is the most common misconception about sex therapy. Sessions are fully clothed, conducted in a standard therapy office or via secure video, and there is no physical contact of any kind. We talk: about your experiences, emotions, relationships, history, and goals. You may be given exercises to practice privately at home between sessions, but nothing happens in the room that wouldn't happen in any other form of therapy.

What is the difference between sex therapy and regular therapy?

Sex therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy focused on sexual health, functioning, and intimacy. Our therapists hold advanced credentials — including AASECT certification — that go well beyond standard licensure. This training equips them to address concerns like sexual dysfunction, desire discrepancy, sexual trauma, and intimacy in ways that most general therapists are not trained or equipped to do.

Can I come alone if my partner won't join me?

Absolutely. Individual sex therapy is effective and appropriate even when a partner isn't present or isn't ready to participate. Many clients work through deeply personal concerns — sexual trauma, low desire, anxiety, body image, or sexual dysfunction — entirely on their own. If couples work becomes relevant later, that's a conversation we can have when the time is right.

Do I have to talk about things I'm not ready to discuss?

No. You set the pace. Our therapists are trained to follow your lead, and you are never pressured to share more than you're comfortable with. Building a sense of safety in the room is always the first priority — the deeper work follows from there.

How long does therapy typically take?

It depends on your goals. Some clients address a focused concern in 8–12 sessions. Others work with us for a year or more on deeper relational or trauma-related issues. Your therapist will discuss realistic timelines with you early on, and you'll revisit them as the work evolves. Progress is always the measure — not time.

How often will we meet?

Weekly sessions are our standard recommendation. Consistent, regular sessions tend to produce the most meaningful and lasting progress. Bi-weekly scheduling is available in some circumstances. We generally don't recommend monthly sessions — the gap between appointments limits continuity and momentum.

Is everything I share completely confidential?

Yes. Everything discussed in sessions is strictly confidential under HIPAA and professional ethics standards. There are narrow, legally required exceptions — such as if we have reason to believe someone is in immediate danger — and your therapist will explain these clearly in your first session. What you share about your sexuality, relationships, history, or identity will never be disclosed without your explicit written consent.

I'm embarrassed to talk about sex with a stranger. Is that normal?

Completely normal — and expected. Most clients feel some version of this before their first session, and many describe it as the thing they were most worried about. Our therapists have heard it all, and they're specifically trained to make these conversations feel less daunting over time. The free 15-minute consultation is a good first step: a short, low-stakes call that lets you get a sense of us before committing to anything.

Do you work with LGBTQ+ clients and non-traditional relationship structures?

Yes, wholeheartedly. Cushing Counseling is an affirming, judgment-free practice. We welcome clients of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and relationship structures — including non-monogamous, polyamorous, and kink-aware individuals and couples. You do not need to explain or justify who you are here. Our therapists are trained in LGBTQ+ affirming care and approach every client with genuine respect and curiosity.

Do you work with individuals, couples, or both?

Both. We offer individual therapy, couples therapy, and integrated couples and sex therapy. Some clients start individually and bring a partner in later. Others come as a couple from the start. We'll help you figure out the right format during your free consultation.

What does therapy cost?

Session rates vary by therapist: Vanessa Cushing, LPC, CST (AASECT Certified) — $350 / 50 min. Radiance Sanneman, LCPC — $210 / 50 min. Alexandria Da Ponte Cheatham — $175 / 50 min. Noelle Harris, LMSW — $165 / 45 min individual, $220 / couples session. Every new client receives a complimentary 15-minute telephone consultation at no cost.

Do you accept insurance?

We are a private-pay, out-of-network practice and do not bill insurance directly. However, we partner with Thrizer, which allows many clients to use their out-of-network mental health benefits automatically — so you may pay significantly less than the full session rate, depending on your plan.

What is Thrizer and how does it work?

Thrizer is a service that verifies your out-of-network insurance coverage upfront and collects only your estimated share at the time of service. They file the claim automatically after each appointment and your reimbursement comes directly from your insurer. No superbill wrangling, no waiting on reimbursements, no paperwork on your end.

Can I get a superbill to submit to my insurance myself?

Yes. We can provide a superbill at any time — a detailed receipt that includes diagnosis codes, procedure codes, and your therapist's credentials. Just ask your therapist and we'll generate one for any session.

Do you offer sliding scale or reduced rates?

We have a limited number of reduced-fee spots available. If cost is a barrier to starting therapy, please mention it during your free consultation and we'll do our best to find an option that works.

What is your cancellation policy?

We ask for at least 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule. Late cancellations and no-shows may be charged the full session fee. We understand that life happens — please just reach out as soon as you know.

What payment methods do you accept?

All fees are collected via credit card on the day of your session, automatically. Your card is kept securely on file — there are no invoices or checks to manage.

Where are your offices located?

We have two physical locations: Fairfax, Virginia — 12875 Yates Ford Rd, Clifton, VA 20124. Miami, Florida — 244 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132. We also see clients throughout Virginia, Florida, Washington DC, and Maryland via secure telehealth.

Do you offer online therapy?

Yes. All of our therapists offer HIPAA-compliant telehealth sessions via secure video. Many clients prefer telehealth for the flexibility and privacy it offers. Session quality and fees are the same whether you meet in person or online.

Is telehealth as effective as in-person therapy?

Research consistently shows that telehealth is equally effective as in-person therapy for the concerns we treat — including sexual dysfunction, trauma, desire issues, and relationship challenges. Many clients actually find it easier to open up from the comfort and privacy of their own space.

What states do you serve via telehealth?

We are currently licensed to see telehealth clients in Virginia, Florida, Washington DC, and Maryland. If you are located outside these states, reach out and we can discuss your options or provide a referral.

How do I choose which therapist to work with?

Start with our About Us page to read about each therapist's training, style, and areas of focus. Practical factors like fee and availability matter too. If you're not sure, mention it during your free consultation — we'll help match you with the best fit. It's also completely fine to try a first session and reassess.

What is AASECT certification?

AASECT stands for the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists. The AASECT Certified Sex Therapist credential is the gold standard in the field. Earning it requires a master's or doctoral degree in a mental health discipline, hundreds of hours of specialized training in human sexuality, supervised clinical hours with a certified supervisor, and ongoing continuing education. Vanessa Cushing holds this certification, placing her among a small number of AASECT-certified sex therapists in the country.

What specialties does the practice cover?

Cushing Counseling therapists collectively specialize in sex therapy and sexual dysfunction, couples therapy and intimacy, trauma therapy and sexual trauma recovery, LGBTQ+ affirming care, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy.

Let's connect

Contact Cushing Counseling

You do not have to figure this out alone. Book a free 15-minute consultation, or call and talk to a person first — whichever feels easier today.

Book a free consultation Call or text (703) 544-7081

Offices in Bethesda MD, Miami FL and Fairfax County VA · online therapy in Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Florida

Reach us directly

Phone & text (703) 544-7081
Email vanessa@cushingcounseling.com
Booking Free 15-minute consultation
Hours Weekdays and evenings. Messages are read by a person and answered within one business day.

Our locations

Three offices and one licence footprint. Whichever is closest, the work itself is the same — and each location has its own contact page if you want the local detail.

Bethesda, MD office New

7700 Old Georgetown Rd Ste 675
Bethesda, MD 20814

In person in Bethesda and online across Maryland

On Old Georgetown Road, minutes from Chevy Chase, Potomac, Rockville and the D.C. line. Serves all of Montgomery County in person, and the rest of Maryland by secure video.

Get directions → Contact Maryland →

Miami, FL office

244 Biscayne Blvd
Miami, FL 33132

Online across Florida

Downtown Miami near Bayside Marketplace, serving Brickell, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Miami Beach and Key Biscayne — and everywhere else in Florida by secure video.

Get directions → Contact Florida →

Fairfax County, VA office

12875 Yates Ford Road
Clifton, VA 20124

Online across Virginia

Northern Virginia's home base — Arlington, Alexandria, McLean, Vienna, Fairfax — with the whole Commonwealth seen by secure video on the same terms.

Get directions → Contact Virginia →

Get on our calendar

Four steps, about two minutes.

1
Choose your therapist — or don't

Meet the team and pick who feels like the right fit. If you have no idea, that is fine: the booking link routes you to whoever has availability in your state.
2
Pick a time

Choose any open slot. Evening appointments open regularly, so scroll forward if this week looks full.
3
Tell us a little

A few sentences on the short intake form is plenty. You do not need the right words for it yet.
4
Get confirmed

You will get a confirmation and a secure video link for your free 15-minute consultation.

Book a free consultation

Already know who you'd like to see?

Book that clinician's calendar directly.

Radiance Sanneman

MS, LCPC, NCC, CCMHC

Virginia · Maryland · Washington, D.C. · Florida

Book Radiance
Noelle Harris

LMSW

Virginia · Maryland

Book Noelle
Alexandria Da Ponte Cheatham

M.Ed., M.Div.

Virginia

Book Alexandria

Compare all therapists by specialty →

What to expect on your free consultation

Share your story

You say where you are stuck and what you want support with, and ask whatever you want about how this works.

Hear how we work

We explain our approach to sex therapy, couples work and trauma, plus scheduling and payment.

Decide if it's a match

Together we work out whether this is the right fit for your goals — no pressure either way.

Questions before you get in touch

What is the fastest way to reach Cushing Counseling?

Booking the free 15-minute consultation at https://calendly.com/d/ctw5-3nw-gzg is faster than any message, because you pick a time and you are done. If you would rather speak to a person first, call or text (703) 544-7081 or email vanessa@cushingcounseling.com and our intake coordinator answers within one business day.

Where are your offices?

We have three: 7700 Old Georgetown Rd Ste 675, Bethesda, MD 20814; 244 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132; 12875 Yates Ford Road, Clifton, VA 20124. Our Bethesda, Maryland office serves Montgomery County in person; everywhere else is seen by secure video.

Do you see clients in Maryland?

Yes. We are licensed in Maryland and the Bethesda office at 7700 Old Georgetown Rd Ste 675 serves Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Potomac, Rockville and the rest of Montgomery County, with the whole state covered by secure video.

Which states can you work with me in?

We provide therapy in Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Florida. Licensure follows the state you are physically in during the session, not where the therapist sits, so the booking calendar asks for your state first.

How quickly will someone get back to me?

Calls, texts and emails are answered by a person during business hours, Monday to Friday, and always within one business day. Nothing you send is read by anyone outside the practice.

Do you take insurance?

We are out of network, which keeps your records private. We provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement, and the fees page walks through what that usually costs after reimbursement.

Ready to get started?

Fifteen minutes with a real therapist. No fee, no card, no obligation.

Book a free consultation

Our locations

Three offices and one licence footprint — Bethesda, Miami and Fairfax County — plus secure video everywhere we are licensed. Tap a map for directions, or call (703) 544-7081 and speak to a person first.

Bethesda, MD New

7700 Old Georgetown Rd Ste 675
Bethesda, MD 20814

In person in Bethesda · online across Maryland

Get directions →

Contact MD

Miami, FL

244 Biscayne Blvd
Miami, FL 33132

In person in Miami · online across Florida

Get directions → See our Google reviews →

Contact FL

Fairfax County, VA

12875 Yates Ford Road
Clifton, VA 20124

Northern Virginia base · online across Virginia

Get directions → See our Google reviews →

Contact VA

Also licensed and seeing clients online in Virginia — contact Virginia →

Book a free consultation Call or text (703) 544-7081

Contact Cushing Counseling

Reach us directly

Our locations

Get on our calendar

Already know who you'd like to see?

What to expect on your free consultation

Questions before you get in touch

Ready to get started?

Our locations

Bethesda, MD New

Miami, FL

Fairfax County, VA

Cushing CounselingThe Nation’s Experts in Sex & Couples Therapy

Cushing Counseling
The Nation’s Experts in Sex & Couples Therapy