How our service can help you
We specialise in treating people with chronic and persistent
sexual problems. Our service offers assessment and treatment for
individuals and couples who are experiencing difficulties with their
sexual functioning, where the primary cause is psychological, or where
the psychosexual problem has developed as a result of physical
pathology.
We have a longstanding history of treating people psychologically for
persistent difficulties relating to sex and gender. We can treat people
with significant distress including those suffering from co-morbid
depression or anxiety.
Our aim is to assist people to improve their sexual wellbeing and
overall quality of life. We have expertise in treating people with a
range of sexual dysfunctions which includes:
- anorgasmia
- delayed or absent ejaculation
- erectile dysfunction
- genital pain disorders, such as dyspareunia, vaginismus and vulvodynia
- persistent genital arousal disorder
- premature ejaculation
- sexual aversion
- sexual desire disorders; low or excessive sexual drive
- Other sexual difficulties:
- fetishism and other unusual sexual practices
- female genital mutilation (FGM)
- pornography or cybersex addiction
- sexual addiction
- sexual trauma
- Psychological support for people experiencing gender dysphoria
- Service Type: Adult Mental Health Services (National) Service Borough Covers: National (Adult services) Treatment type: Outpatient
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Contact the service
Site Location: Maudsley Hospital Email: psychosexualservice@slam.nhs.uk Fax Number: 020 3228 2458 or 020 3228 5074 -
Disabled Access:
Yes
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Address:
Maudsley Hospital
1st Floor, Mapother House
De Crespigny Park,London, SE5 8AZ -
Business Hours/Visiting Hours:
09:00 – 17:00
- Conditions: Addictions, Anxiety, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Autism, Bipolar disorder, Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), Childhood degenerative disorders, Conduct disorder, Dementia, Depression, Dissociative disorders, Eating disorders, Learning disabilities, Neuropsychiatry, Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), Perinatal disorders, Persistent physical symptoms, Personality disorders, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Psychosexual, Psychosis, Self-harm
Other essential information
Interventions
• A specialist diagnostic clinical assessment
• Comprehensive formulation which takes into account biological, psychological and social factors
• Specialist risk assessment
• Psychosexual combination therapy (medical, psychiatric and psychological intervention in a brief single course of treatment)
• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• Behavioural regimes, including vaginal dilators, pelvic floor exercises, relaxation and ejaculatory control programmes
• Support in exploration of gender identity
• Consideration of medication effects on sexual function
• Treatment of sexual problems with co-morbid psychiatric conditions
• Referral to another specialist service if appropriate
Eligibility criteria
- 18 years and over
- Individuals, partners
- Male, female, transgender, other
- Complex and persistent psychological sexual dysfunction with mixed physical, psychiatric and psychological aetiology, associated with severe psychological distress, partner dissatisfaction, relationship disharmony, significant reduction in well-being and quality of life
- Problems, physical or psychological, with sexual functioning following sexual abuse or violence
- Primary problem is sexual dysfunction, including those with co-morbid psychiatric and physical diagnoses
Exclusion
- The primary problem is very recent or is a relationship issue that does not impact on sexual function
- Primary or secondary care treatment options have not been explored
- Severe personality disorder requiring treatment in its own right
- Alcohol or substance dependence requiring treatment in its own right
- Other factors which may impact on our ability to offer treatment
Outcomes
- Improved sexual function
- Increased sexual desire
- Improved ejaculatory control
- Improved erectile function
- Reduction in genital pain
- Improved orgasmic function
- Improved control over sexual impulsivity
- Improved understanding of unusual sexual behaviours
- Improvement in intimate relationships
- Improved gender belonging
- Improved mental and physical wellbeing
- Improved quality of life
Care Options
Referrals
Referrals can be made directly to the Psychosexual Service by letter or email or to your patient’s clinical commissioning group tertiary panel.
When referring, please include details of the specific sexual problem, any relevant treatment to date and any relevant blood and sex hormones tests in your referral.
Email: psychosexualservice@slam.nhs.uk
Call: 020 3228 2458
Post: Psychosexual Service, 1st Floor Mapother House, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AZ,
Appointments can only be offered once funding has been made available by the patient’s clinical commissioning group (CCG).
Our experts
Dr Valerie Francis: Read more