Psychiatrists in Massachusetts
Malak Rafla
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cambridge, MA 02139
Waitlist for new clients
Leading a fulfilling and happy life can be challenging and may even seem impossible at times. I believe that communicating and connecting via talk therapy is one path towards a happier and more meaningful life. My view is that therapy provides an opportunity to gain insight into one's relationships with one's self, others and society. I use a variety of approaches in my therapeutic work according to what works for each individual person. Together we'll focus on trying to understand the root causes of various problems and repetitive patterns of behavior that are difficult to change.
Leading a fulfilling and happy life can be challenging and may even seem impossible at times. I believe that communicating and connecting via talk therapy is one path towards a happier and more meaningful life. My view is that therapy provides an opportunity to gain insight into one's relationships with one's self, others and society. I use a variety of approaches in my therapeutic work according to what works for each individual person. Together we'll focus on trying to understand the root causes of various problems and repetitive patterns of behavior that are difficult to change.
Ajay Marken
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02114
Dr. Marken is a Columbia- and Cornell-trained, board-certified adult and child/adolescent psychiatrist. He was on faculty at Harvard Medical School and is now on faculty at New York University. Dr. Marken predominantly provides psychotherapy and/or medication management. He has a patient-centered approach that provides thorough and individualized care for your particular needs. As a physician, Dr. Marken focuses on the interaction between the biological, the psychological, and the environmental contributors to mental health. He is a member of the International Society for Sports Psychiatry and works with athletes at all levels.
Dr. Marken is a Columbia- and Cornell-trained, board-certified adult and child/adolescent psychiatrist. He was on faculty at Harvard Medical School and is now on faculty at New York University. Dr. Marken predominantly provides psychotherapy and/or medication management. He has a patient-centered approach that provides thorough and individualized care for your particular needs. As a physician, Dr. Marken focuses on the interaction between the biological, the psychological, and the environmental contributors to mental health. He is a member of the International Society for Sports Psychiatry and works with athletes at all levels.
See more therapy options for Massachusetts
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.