Mary-Margaret Sweeney, MSW, LSW, RYT
Mary-Margaret believes education can change the world. This is the ethos through which she approaches her work as a yoga teacher, writer, sex educator, non-profit consultant, and therapist. Engaging with her as a therapy client will get you a little bit of all of these pursuits. Mary-Margaret journeys alongside clients (individuals and couples) as they work toward living their fullest, best life possible.
Mary-Margaret earned her Master of Social Work at Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work. Her training and clinical expertise include supporting transgender clients, particularly through negotiating sex and intimacy during transition; desire discrepancy in couples, assessment of sexual functioning concerns particularly in those assigned female at birth, and rebuilding sex and intimacy after sexual abuse and trauma. Her practice is informed by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Gottman couples work, and solutions-focused modalities. She is currently working toward a graduate certificate in Sex Therapy at University of Michigan, and is a proud member of American Academy of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT).
Mary-Margaret earned her Master of Social Work at Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work. Her training and clinical expertise include supporting transgender clients, particularly through negotiating sex and intimacy during transition; desire discrepancy in couples, assessment of sexual functioning concerns particularly in those assigned female at birth, and rebuilding sex and intimacy after sexual abuse and trauma. Her practice is informed by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Gottman couples work, and solutions-focused modalities. She is currently working toward a graduate certificate in Sex Therapy at University of Michigan, and is a proud member of American Academy of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT).
What is sex therapy?
Sex therapy is truly a biospychosocial approach to wellness. You will experience what you traditionally think of when you hear "therapy"; talk therapy, processing thoughts and feelings, and learning new skills. However, certified sex therapists must also take many courses in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and other medical areas. Many sexual issues are due to physical health concerns, and we must know to assess for those things, and know when to refer you to a physician partner in the community. Sex therapy can take a wrap-around care team approach, working to address all of your needs. When you are interviewing potential sex therapists, ask about their referral network. If they do not have a solid list of providers in urology, OBGYN, physical therapy, and psychiatry, they will not be able to holistically address your concerns. Not all of my clients need another provider on board, but it is crucial that your sex therapist can help in this way if it is necessary.
Sex therapy does not involve the therapist having any kind of sexual contact with the client. This practice is referred to sexual surrogacy, or somatic sexuality professionals.
Many articles state that sex therapy is not covered by health insurance, and must be paid for out of pocket. Sex therapy in itself is not the problem here, but rather the diagnosis that goes along with it. Insurance companies need a diagnosis in order to reimburse your therapist. So that means that the time you went to talk to a therapist about your bad breakup or toxic boss and your insurance paid for it, your therapist diagnosed you with something--even if they never told you about it. Sexual concerns impact our day-to-day wellbeing and functioning, just like a crappy job or the death of a loved one. If your sexual concern is causing you distress, like anxiety or depression, your sex therapist can bill for it.
Sex therapy does not involve the therapist having any kind of sexual contact with the client. This practice is referred to sexual surrogacy, or somatic sexuality professionals.
Many articles state that sex therapy is not covered by health insurance, and must be paid for out of pocket. Sex therapy in itself is not the problem here, but rather the diagnosis that goes along with it. Insurance companies need a diagnosis in order to reimburse your therapist. So that means that the time you went to talk to a therapist about your bad breakup or toxic boss and your insurance paid for it, your therapist diagnosed you with something--even if they never told you about it. Sexual concerns impact our day-to-day wellbeing and functioning, just like a crappy job or the death of a loved one. If your sexual concern is causing you distress, like anxiety or depression, your sex therapist can bill for it.
Insurance and Fees
I am currently able to accept Anthem BCBS insurance as well as self-pay clients. This, unfortunately, does not include Anthem HIP/Medicaid plans, due to state regulations requiring the involvement of a doctorate level provider, which my private practice does not employ. The practice has a standard self-pay rate of $95 per 50 minute session. The first intake session is 60 minutes, and is $125, to reflect the time invested by the practice in treatment planning, paperwork processing, etc. If you are using Anthem BCBS, please call the customer service line to ask what your co-pay will be. Every plan is different, so calling them and asking is best. Additionally, check with them on telehealth coverage. I am currently only meeting with clients via telehealth due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, and plan to do so for the foreseeable future.