AASECT Certified Sex Therapist in Maryland
Rekindle Intimacy. Heal Sexual Struggles. Build Connection -
With the most highly trained sex & couples therapists.
Cushing Counseling provides AASECT certified sex therapy to clients throughout Maryland — including Bethesda, Rockville, Silver Spring, Annapolis, and the greater DMV area — through secure telehealth sessions.
Johns Hopkins
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William and Mary
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University of Virginia
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Duke University
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Johns Hopkins 〰️ William and Mary 〰️ University of Virginia 〰️ Duke University 〰️
Sex Therapy for Maryland Residents
Finding a qualified sex therapist in Maryland can feel daunting. Many therapists have general training but lack specialized education in human sexuality. At Cushing Counseling, every provider on our team has advanced training in sex therapy, and our practice is led by an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist — a credential held by fewer than 2,000 clinicians in the entire country.
We serve Maryland clients across the state, from the DC suburbs of Montgomery County to Baltimore and the Eastern Shore, all via secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth.
Common Reasons Maryland Clients Seek Sex Therapy
A relationship where intimacy has decreased or disappeared. One partner wants sex significantly more (or less) than the otherPainful intercourse, vaginismus, or pelvic floor tensionDifficulty with arousal or orgasmErectile dysfunction or delayed ejaculationAnxiety or shame around sexHealing from sexual trauma or abuseImpact of medical conditions, hormonal changes, or menopause on sexLGBTQ+ affirming therapy and sexual identity explorationRecovery from infidelity or betrayal
Why AASECT Certification Matters
When searching for a sex therapist, AASECT certification is the credential to look for. The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) requires hundreds of hours of specialized training, supervision, and continuing education. It's the gold standard in our field.
Vanessa Cushing, LPC, holds this certification and founded Cushing Counseling on the principle that Marylanders — and all clients — deserve access to the highest level of expertise when addressing something as personal and important as their sexual health.
What to Expect in Sex Therapy
Your first session is a free 15-minute phone consultation. There's no commitment and no pressure — it's simply a chance to talk about what's bringing you in and see if we're the right fit.
From there, sessions are 50 minutes and typically held weekly. Sex therapy is entirely talk-based; there is no physical contact. Your therapist may suggest exercises to try at home, but these are always discussed openly and are optional.
Sessions are available via telehealth throughout Maryland, making it easy to access expert care from the privacy of your own home.
Areas of Maryland We Serve
We provide telehealth sex therapy to clients in:
Bethesda and Chevy Chase
Rockville and Gaithersburg
Silver Spring and Takoma Park
Annapolis and the Eastern Shore
Columbia and Ellicott City
Frederick and Western Maryland
Baltimore and the surrounding area
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do sex therapy from home in Maryland? Yes. All of our sessions for Maryland clients are conducted via secure telehealth. You can attend from anywhere in the state with a private internet connection.
What's the difference between a sex therapist and a couples therapist? A couples therapist helps with relationship dynamics, communication, and conflict. A sex therapist has all of those skills plus specialized training in human sexuality, sexual dysfunction, desire, and physical intimacy. Many of our clients benefit from both, and we integrate these approaches seamlessly.
Is sex therapy confidential? Yes. All sessions are completely confidential and HIPAA-compliant. We will never share your information without your explicit consent, except as required by law.
How long does sex therapy take? This varies by person and issue. Some clients see significant progress in 8–12 sessions. Others prefer longer-term support. We'll work with you to set realistic goals and regularly review your progress.
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Serving Maryland clients via telehealth | AASECT Certified Sex Therapy | 10+ Years Experience
Schedule Your Free 15 Minute Consultation
I’m Vanessa Cushing, LPC, Licensed Sex Therapist.
Johns Hopkins–trained therapist
University of Michigan Certified Sex Therapist
Founder of Sex Therapy Pro - a platform to make sex therapy more accessible
10+ years helping couples and individuals overcome sexual struggles
✔ HIPAA-Compliant Online Therapy
✔ 100% Confidential
✔ Licensed in Virginia & Florida