About sex therapists
Sexologists help with sexual difficulties, desire, communication about sexuality, and sexual and gender identity, individually or as a couple, in a respectful and confidential setting.
Getting mental health care in Uruguay
Under Ley 19.529 and Decreto 305/011, every SNIS provider (ASSE or the mutualistas) must offer psychological care in three modes: free group interventions for specific groups, psychotherapy with a set co-payment (for example for people aged 15 to 30, health workers, teachers and people after a suicide attempt), and longer treatment with a lower co-payment for severe conditions.
What does a sex therapist do?
A sex therapist helps individuals and couples with concerns about sexuality in a respectful, confidential space. Day to day they talk about desire, arousal, pain, orgasm, sexual communication, body image, identity and orientation, and the impact of illness, ageing or past experiences. They use psychoeducation, talking therapy and practical exercises, and coordinate with doctors when a physical cause needs to be checked.
What happens in the first session
The first session focuses on understanding the concern, its history and how it affects you or your relationship. You will not be asked to do anything you are uncomfortable with, and you can go at your own pace. Bring any relevant medical information and questions about the professional’s training, how sessions work and whether they see people individually, as couples or both.