Frequently Asked Questions
More questions?
Email me at romi@romiterk.com or schedule a free 15-minute consultation.
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Sex therapy is a specialized branch of psychotherapy focused on sexual health and wellbeing. While sexual stressors may be the primary focus of our work, we often explore how these concerns intersect with other emotional or relational topics. Because sexual health is rarely covered in traditional graduate programs, sex therapists undergo additional training.
Like other forms of psychotherapy, sex therapy is strictly talk-based and never involves any form of physical or sexual contact. -
I offer virtual sessions for clients based in NY, CA, and CT via a HIPAA compliant video platform. I have limited in-person availability in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Please contact me for more information regarding in-person sessions.
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Everything shared within our therapy space remains confidential. There are however some exceptions to this rule when it comes to safety: if I suspect that an individual may be involved in child, dependent adult, or elder abuse or neglect, or if a client is a danger or threat to themselves or others.
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Once we’ve scheduled our first session, I will enroll you into the patient portal and send over intake paperwork that should be completed prior to our first meeting. I recommend making sure you have a safe, private, and comfortable space to conduct our session from. Furry friends are welcome HIPAA violators, but it may be helpful to ensure your environment is otherwise free from potential eavesdroppers or distractions.
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Individuals:
In our first few sessions, we will collaborate to expand upon your goals, reflect on sexual, relational, familial, and other relevant history and life events, identify any therapeutic preferences you may have, and build upon our rapport.
The idea of getting started with therapy can feel daunting and overwhelming, so it is important to remember that we will move at your pace and work together to create a safe, non-judgmental environment.
Couples:
Our first session will be 60 minutes long. We will explore your goals for therapy, identify your strengths as a couple, and establish grounds for a safe therapeutic environment.
For our next two appointments, I will meet with each of you for individual sessions to develop a better understanding of your personal backgrounds and perspectives on the issues at hand.
For our fourth session we will reconvene in our shared space and reflect on observations made in our individual sessions.
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I recommend starting off with weekly sessions for our first few months. I have found this to be the ideal cadence for fostering a solid therapeutic relationship and orienting us towards your goals. After a few months, we can check back in and evaluate whether a different frequency may be fitting.
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There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline for therapy. In some cases, we may take a more solutions-focused approach that is shorter-term in nature; in others, the work is more exploratory and reflective, evolving into a deeper, longer-term process.
Wherever you’re starting from, I’ll meet you there, and we’ll move at a pace that feels safe and supportive to you.
Sessions
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Painful sex is real and often multifaceted.
Pelvic pain can involve physical, neurological, hormonal, relational, and emotional components. Acknowledging the emotional impact of pain does not mean it is imagined or purely psychological.
In therapy, we honor both the body and the lived experience, integrating medical, relational, and emotional dimensions of pain rather than reducing it to one cause.
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Yes. I work with individuals and couples across sexual orientations, gender identities, and relationship structures.
My approach is affirming, collaborative, and attentive to the unique cultural and relational contexts that shape intimacy and sexual health.
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Yes. You do not need to be in a relationship to begin sex therapy.
Individual work can focus on reconnecting with your body, navigating dating, addressing pain or anxiety around intimacy, or building a more informed and compassionate relationship with your sexuality.
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Yes. When helpful, I collaborate with pelvic floor physical therapists and other healthcare providers to support cohesive, integrative care. With your consent, we can coordinate communication to ensure your emotional and physical care are aligned.
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Many clients come to therapy after trying medical treatments, procedures, or medications. Therapy does not replace medical care, it complements it. We focus on the relational, emotional, and nervous system impacts of pain while honoring your medical journey.
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Sex therapy does not mean every session focuses explicitly on sexual activity. Our work may explore communication, body trust, nervous system regulation, identity, relationship patterns, or medical experiences, all of which shape intimacy.
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My work is tailored to each client’s needs and circumstances. I tend to be warm, collaborative, and conversational, creating space for thoughtful exploration without pressure or urgency. When appropriate, I welcome moments of lightness and gentle humor.
Because sex and pain can be deeply vulnerable topics, we move slowly and intentionally, approaching only what feels safe and supported.
Approach
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I have a 48-hour cancellation policy for virtual sessions and a 72-hour cancellation policy for in-person sessions.
Sessions canceled with less than the required notice will be subject to the full session fee.
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If you need to reschedule, please provide at least 48 hours' notice for virtual sessions and 72 hours' notice for in-person sessions.
Requests to reschedule with less notice that cannot be accommodated within the same calendar week will be subject to the cancellation fee.
If you are rescheduling by email, please respond promptly, as I cannot guarantee that proposed appointment times will remain available.
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Yes, sessions can be switched between virtual and in-person.
If you'd like to switch from in-person to virtual, please let me know at least 72 hours in advance. Switches requested with less notice may be subject to a $25 fee.
If you'd like to switch from virtual to in-person, please let me know as soon as possible, as room availability may be limited and the option for an in-person session may not be guaranteed.
Pricing will be adjusted to match the session format (virtual or in-person). Please see rates below.
Scheduling
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While I am not in-network with any insurance plans, I am happy to support any out-of-network benefits you may have.
Please use the tool below to receive an estimate for reimbursement.
If you are unable to verify using the tool, you can call your insurance directly and ask the following questions to determine your eligibility for reimbursement:
Does my plan include out-of-network benefits?
Do I have an out-of-network deductible? If so, what is it, how much of it have I met, and when does it reset?
What is my co-insurance rate? You can provide them with the CPT code 90834 for individual sessions or 90847 for couples.
How do I submit my superbill and how long do I have to do so after the date of service?
Do I need written approval from my primary care physician to be eligible for mental health coverage?
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Yes, upon request I am happy to provide monthly superbills that you may submit to your insurance company for possible out-of-network reimbursement.
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Virtual Session Rates
Individual sessions: $250
Couples sessions: $300.In-Person Session Rates (Williamsburg, Brooklyn)
Individual sessions: $275
Couples sessions: $325 -
In-person sessions reflect the added cost of maintaining a private, dedicated office space in Williamsburg.
Virtual and in-person care are equally effective clinically, the difference in rate simply reflects the overhead of offering an in-person option, not a difference in the depth or quality of care.
Rates & Insurance
Use the tool below to check your eligibility for out-of-network benefits and estimate reimbursement:
Please note that benefit estimates provided by Thrizer are based on available insurance information and may not always be accurate or up to date. I recommend confirming your out-of-network benefits directly with your insurance provider before making financial decisions based on these estimates.