Back to services

Psychosexual Service

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 Borough Covers: National (Adult services) Treatment type: Outpatient

  • Contact the service

    Site Location: Maudsley Hospital Email: psychosexualservice@slam.nhs.uk Phone Number: 020 3228 2458 or 020 3228 5074
  • Disabled Access:

    Yes
  • Address: Maudsley Hospital
    1st Floor,
    Mapother House
    De Crespigny Park,
    London,
    SE5 8AZ
  • Business Hours/Visiting Hours:

    09:00 – 17:00

    • Other essential information

  • 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

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

Outpatient

Code: 67551

Unit: Per assessment

Description: Assessment is undertaken by a psychologist or psychotherapist and aims to clarify the diagnosis and assess suitability for treatment. Where people are considered unsuitable for treatment within our service, alternative recommendations will be made. 

Assessment may include a comprehensive sexual history taking, an outcome measure and an analysis of the underlying psychological causes.  

 

Care option: Treatment, individuals

Code: 67552

Unit: Per session

Description: We offer up to 20, treatment sessions with a psychologist or psychotherapist. Our treatment programmes are based on the findings of the assessment and are tailored to address the person's individual psychosexual problems. 

Our experts

Dr Valerie Francis: Read more

Global Banner