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Should I See a Doctor or a Sex Therapist for Sexual Issues? | Online Sex Therapy in Colorado: Part 1 of a 3-Part Series

Updated: 5 days ago


Let’s be real—when something’s off with your sex life, it can be hard to know where to turn. Should you talk to your doctor? A therapist? Google at 2 a.m.? (Been there, and I like to call this "WebMD-ing yourself") Sexual health is an essential part of overall wellness—but when something feels off, knowing where to start can be confusing. If you’re in Colorado and experiencing sexual concerns, you might be wondering: Should I start with a medical doctor or a sex therapist? This question becomes even more important for those in the LGBTQ+ community or individuals living with ADHD, where specialized, affirming care is often crucial.


Here’s the good news: you don’t have to figure it all out perfectly right away.


There’s no hard-and-fast rule here. Some folks start with a medical doctor to rule out physical stuff. Others dive into sex therapy to unpack emotions, identity, or relationship patterns. And lots of people do a little bit of both. What matters most is finding support that actually gets you—and helps you feel seen, safe, and understood.


So, while we’ll break down when it might make sense to see a doctor first vs. a sex therapist, just know this isn’t a one-size-fits-all prescription. You get to choose your own starting point.


Let’s explore your options and help you move forward with a little more clarity (and a lot less stress).


When to Start With a Doctor

Doctors—especially your primary care provider (PCP), a gynecologist, or a urologist—can be a great first stop if there’s something going on physically that’s getting in the way of your sexual wellness. Consider starting with a medical provider if:

  • You’re experiencing pain during sex, unusual genital symptoms, or discomfort.

  • Your body is doing something new (and not in a fun way)—like changes in erections, arousal, or libido.

  • You think a medication side effect might be messing with your sex drive (yes, ADHD meds and antidepressants, we’re looking at you).

  • It’s been a while since your last STI screening or you’re exploring new birth control options.

🧠 ADHD Tip: Stimulants can sometimes throw off libido or make it hard to stay present during sex. A doctor can help you understand whether meds are playing a role—and if you need to make adjustments.

🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQ+ Note: Medical spaces aren’t always the most affirming (we wish that weren’t true). If you’re worried about being judged or misunderstood, look for queer-friendly providers—or reach out to us; we’re happy to refer you to someone respectful and inclusive.


When to Start With a Sex Therapist

If your body’s fine but your heart, brain, or relationships feel out of sync—sex therapy might be your sweet spot. Certified sex therapists are trained to help with the emotional, psychological, and relational sides of sexual wellness. You might want to start here if:

  • You’re struggling with sexual anxiety, shame, or past trauma.

  • There’s a desire mismatch between you and your partner.

  • You want to explore your gender identity, sexual orientation, or relationship style (hello, ethical non-monogamy or kink!).

  • ADHD is showing up in your sex life—like impulsivity, distraction, or sensory overload.

💡 ADHD-Informed Care: I get how neurodivergent brains work. From executive dysfunction to rejection sensitivity, I am trained to support you with compassion (and zero judgment).

💖 LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy: Whether you’re coming out, questioning, or just want a space where you don’t have to explain what a pronoun is—I’ve got you. Your identity is not “too much” or “too confusing.” It’s valid, full stop.


Can You See Both? Absolutely.

Here’s the thing: sex is complicated. It lives in your body and your brain. So it totally makes sense that sometimes the best approach is both/and—not either/or.

I love collaborating with doctors and other providers to make sure you’re getting full-spectrum support. Whether that means coordinating care around medication, hormone therapy, or chronic health conditions, I'm here to be part of your wellness team—not your only stop.


Why Online Sex Therapy in Colorado Works So Well

Whether you’re in Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs—or living your best mountain life in a more remote area—access to affirming care shouldn’t be a barrier.

That’s where online therapy shines.

We offer secure, private telehealth sessions with licensed, LGBTQ+-affirming, ADHD-informed sex therapists across the state of Colorado. No long drives. No awkward waiting rooms. Just real conversations from the comfort of your couch (pants optional, as long as out of view).

Colorado Sex Therapy specialties include:

  • ADHD & Neurodivergent-Aware Sex Therapy

  • LGBTQ+ and Gender-Affirming Support

  • Kink & Non-Monogamy Friendly Therapy

  • Healing From Sexual Shame or Trauma

  • Desire Discrepancy & Relationship Intimacy Work


So... Doctor or Therapist?

There’s no wrong door here. If you’re dealing with pain or physical symptoms, start with a doctor. If you’re feeling stuck emotionally or relationally, come see us. And if you're still unsure? That’s okay too.

We offer free 15-minute consultations to help you figure out the best fit for your needs—whether that’s with us or someone else. No pressure. Just real talk.


Ready to Start Feeling Like Yourself Again? Learn more about expert, online sex therapy here, and book a free consultation so we can have a conversation about what’s going on. I'm here to help you find the support you deserve—with care that affirms all of who you are.


Coming Up in This Series:

This is just the beginning! Join me every Tuesday as we dig deeper into how to build your sexual wellness team in Colorado:

  • Next Tuesday, June 10th (Part 2): What Kind of Doctor Should I See for Sexual Health Concerns?  We'll break down which medical providers are best for different issues—so you can skip the awkward guessing game. Spoiler alert: Did you know urologists see all genders?

  • Two Weeks from Now, June 17th (Part 3): Which Mental Health Professionals Can Help with Sexual Issues?  Learn about different types of therapists (beyond just sex therapy) who can support you emotionally and relationally.

Bookmark this series or follow me on instagram so you don’t miss the rest!


Just a heads up: This blog is for informational purposes only and isn’t meant to be taken as medical or mental health advice. Always talk with a licensed provider about your specific situation.


About moi:

Hi, I’m Caitlin, a licensed and dual-certified sex therapist therapist specializing in sex therapy for LGBTQ+ folks, neurodivergent individuals, relationships and anyone feeling stuck or disconnected in their sex lives. I offer online, affirming therapy across Colorado that meets you where you are—no shame, no judgment, just real support. Whether you're navigating desire changes, ADHD and intimacy, or exploring your identity, you deserve a space where your full self is seen and celebrated.

 
 
 

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I work with individuals and couples offering virtual sex therapy across Colorado, including Denver, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, Boulder, Aurora, Grand Junction, Lakewood, Westminster, and Broomfield.
 
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