Photo of Ramesh Gihwala, Psychiatrist in Richland County, SC
Ramesh Gihwala
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Columbia, SC 29204
Are you frustrated, discouraged and overwhelmed with all the choices and options you have for getting help? It can be discouraging when you feel like you've bounced around to different doctors and therapists and never experienced true relief for your symptoms. You don't want to deal with the hassle of multiple locations, multiple providers, and trying to get them to communicate about YOUR best treatment. You just want to get help for your issues, not field a bunch of different doctors offices. This is a common frustration in mental health treatment- you as the client don't get the best support because its spread out, not localized.
Are you frustrated, discouraged and overwhelmed with all the choices and options you have for getting help? It can be discouraging when you feel like you've bounced around to different doctors and therapists and never experienced true relief for your symptoms. You don't want to deal with the hassle of multiple locations, multiple providers, and trying to get them to communicate about YOUR best treatment. You just want to get help for your issues, not field a bunch of different doctors offices. This is a common frustration in mental health treatment- you as the client don't get the best support because its spread out, not localized.
(803) 828-0963 View (803) 828-0963

Online Psychiatrists

Photo of Taral Sharma, MD -Spartanburg, Greenville & Seneca, Psychiatrist in Richland County, SC
Taral Sharma, MD -Spartanburg, Greenville & Seneca
Psychiatrist, MD, MBA, FAPA, FABPM
Verified Verified
Greenville, SC 29605
Exceptional evidence based patient care
Exceptional evidence based patient care
(864) 844-9432 View (864) 844-9432

See more therapy options for Richland County

Sexual Addiction Psychiatrists

When should someone seek treatment for sex addiction?

People should seek treatment for sex addiction if they cannot control their sexual thoughts or behaviours to the point that it disrupts their ability to function in daily life, for example by threatening their finances, career, or relationships. This may include spending an excessive amount of time obsessing over sex, planning sex, watching pornography, or masturbating, as well as consistently engaging in risky sexual activities, using sex to escape distressing feelings, or attempting yet failing to control sexual behavior.

What are the most common treatment options for sex addiction?

Psychotherapy is the most common treatment for sex addiction; therapy helps patients better understand their compulsive thoughts and behaviors and develop strategies to manage their desires. Therapy may be supplemented by medications, such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers, anti-androgens, and the alcohol and substance use medication Naltrexone, as well as support groups, such as 12-step programs.

How long does therapy take for sex addiction?

Recovering from compulsive behavior takes time and effort. There’s no precise timeline for treatment, but research suggests 12 therapy sessions may be enough to see change. Treatment for sexual compulsions requires honesty in therapy, a commitment to understanding triggers and developing coping skills, and potential lifestyle changes such as cutting out alcohol or drugs.

What if sex addiction is left untreated?

Compulsive sexual behavior can have serious repercussions if left unaddressed. For example, if sexual obsessions consume the vast majority of a person’s time, they may lose their job. If they can’t stop paying for sex, their finances may suffer. If they’re dishonest in their relationships, their partner may leave them. If they consistently feel shame, they may struggle with anxiety, depression, or loneliness. Therapy can help people develop the tools to manage sexual thoughts and behaviors that feel uncontrollable.