There are times when weekly therapy and 12-step meetings are not enough to help you heal from your hypersexual and/or compulsive sexual behaviors.
To gain greater self-awareness and healing there are some excellent programs that specialize in treating problematic compulsive sexual behaviors as described in the DSM5.
Compulsive sexual behavior disorder is characterized by persistent and repetitive sexual impulses or urges that are experienced as irresistible or uncontrollable, leading to repetitive sexual behaviors, along with additional indicators such as sexual activities becoming a central focus of the person’s life to the point of neglecting health and personal care or other activities, unsuccessful efforts to control or reduce sexual behaviors, or continuing to engage in repetitive sexual behavior despite adverse consequences (e.g., relationship disruption, occupational consequences, negative impact on health). The individual experiences increased tension or affective arousal immediately before the sexual activity, and relief or dissipation of tension afterwards. The pattern of sexual impulses and behavior causes marked distress or significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
Focused Healing. Lasting Change.
What Is Intensive Treatment?
Intensive treatment centers for sex addiction provide structured, immersive care in a residential or extended outpatient setting. These programs are designed to support individuals whose compulsive sexual behaviors—such as pornography use, affairs, or illegal sexual acting out—have become destructive and unmanageable, often impacting relationships, careers, and self-worth.
Unlike weekly outpatient therapy, intensive treatment offers a deep-dive into the roots of addiction, trauma, and relational patterns, using evidence-based methods in a supportive, contained environment.
Who Is Intensive Treatment For?
Intensive programs are ideal for individuals who:
- Have tried outpatient therapy but continue to relapse
- Are in crisis due to discovery or disclosure of sexual acting out
- Have a long-standing pattern of sexual compulsivity or deception
- Want to do focused, early recovery work quickly and with accountability
- Are navigating consequences in legal, marital, or professional areas
- Need safe containment to interrupt acting-out behaviors
These programs are also often recommended by therapists, partners, or clergy following a major relational or behavioral crisis.
What to Expect from an Intensive Program
While each center is different, most offer:
- Individual Therapy with certified sex addiction therapists (CSATs)
- Group Therapy focused on accountability, shame reduction, and peer support
- Trauma Work using EMDR, somatic approaches, or inner child work
- 12-Step Integration or alternative recovery models
- Psychological Assessments and custom treatment plans
- Partner Impact Awareness and family involvement (in some programs)
- Daily Structure and Containment to prevent acting out
Programs can range from 2–6 weeks or longer, depending on the severity of the addiction and co-occurring issues (e.g., substance use, depression, trauma, ADHD).
Common Goals of Treatment
Intensive treatment centers help sex addicts to:
- Break through denial and defensiveness
- Understand the origins of their addiction
- Build a relapse prevention plan
- Identify their triggers, patterns, and core beliefs
- Begin making amends and rebuilding trust
- Learn how to live in integrity—with themselves and others
The following list is intended as a guide to some of the intensive treatment centers clients have gone to and found helpful. This is in no way an endorsement of any one place. The decision is yours, the research and information provided was gathered to assist you in making your own choice.
Dr. Michael Barta – Reconnection Intensives – https://drmichaelbarta.com/ – 5-Day Men’s Intensive
Work Directly With Dr. Michael Barta, The Creator of the TINSA® Model and Author of The Revolutionary Book TINSA®, Trauma Induced Sexual Addiction, In His 5-Day Men’s Intensive – Now Includes FREE Partner Support
This intensive, weeklong program is designed to create real, lasting change. In just five days, you’ll receive the precise information and tools you need to start healing immediately. Dr. Barta’s method doesn’t just treat symptoms—it works directly with your brain and nervous system to address the trauma that is driving your behaviors.
Begin Again Institute – Boulder, Colorado – www.beginagaininstitute.com – 720-702-4608
Begin Again Institute offers specialized, trauma-focused 14-day intensives for men ages 25+ struggling with sexual addiction, porn addiction, and intimacy disorders. Using the proprietary TINSA® model (trauma-induced sexual addiction), BAI’s residential intensives offer a neurobiological approach to treating trauma and attachment wounding that result in destructive and addictive behaviors.
Link to 14 Day Intensive Information: https://beginagaininstitute.com/programs/14-day-intensive/
Begin Again Institute is located in Berthoud, Colorado, and includes a virtual Partner Support Program for betrayed partners at no additional cost to admission. It’s designed to be approachable, both in the length of stay and cost of admission.
For more information about pricing and programming, please email the Admissions Team at admissions@beginagaininstitute.com or call (720) 782-8997.
The Meadows – Gentle Path at The Meadows – 2075 N. Vulture Mine Road, Wickenburg, AZ 85390 – (844)568-1412- themeadowsbhc.com
An intensive, 45-Day experiential-based residential program for men with sexual addiction issues. Guided by Pia Mellody, some of the nation’s top experts work together to ensure that the Meadows Model is the most clinically comprehensive and nurturing program available today. Therapy Methods: 12-Step Approach, Wellness/Holistic, Expressive Arts, Experiential Options, EMDR, Small Group Sessions, Neurofeedback, Somatic Experiencing, ETC.
OnSite Workshops – 1044 Old Hwy 48 N, Cumberland Furnace, TN – (800)341-7432 – onsiteworkshops.com
Our Individual Intensive is a four-day customized program designed to provide a space for healing and hope in a retreat environment. Intensives allow you to stay in an extended vulnerable space and posture not always afforded in a one-on-one weekly therapeutic session in order to uncover patterns and roots of issues impeding your life. This program can help you:
– Understand family of origin and generational influences
– Identify trauma sources
– Develop tools to reconnect with the body, self, and others
– Learn the role that spirituality plays in healing from trauma
– Discover barriers to intimacy
– Learn essential relational skills
– Gain tools to better resolve conflicts and regulate emotions
PCS – Psychological Counseling Services – 7530 E. Angus Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 – (480)947-5739 – info@pcsintensive.com
Individual Intensive Program – An intensive, trauma-focused program that focuses on your individual needs and provides you with an opportunity for growth. We focus on your beliefs and prior influences, such as abuse and neglect, which can limit your ability to experience a sense of self-confidence, joy, and healthy relationships. Our team of therapists create a supportive environment for you to delve into the deep work necessary to heal from post and current traumas. The blend of different personalities and therapeutic modalities create an environment promoting lasting change.
Partner Support During Treatment
Sexual addiction doesn’t just affect the addict—it deeply wounds partners and families. Many intensive programs now offer:
- Partner Support Groups
- Couples’ Workshops
- Disclosure Preparation and Support
- Resources for Betrayed Partners’ Healing
It’s essential that partners receive their own care and are not treated as “co-addicts.” Healing happens in parallel.
Is This the Right Step?
Choosing intensive treatment is a courageous and life-changing decision. It’s often taken after years of struggling in silence, or following a painful crisis. If you’re not sure whether it’s the right next step, consider speaking with a CSAT therapist for a clinical assessment and referral.
Take the Next Step
If you or a loved one is struggling with sex addiction, help is available—and you don’t have to do it alone.
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Center:
- Is the staff trained in sex addiction (CSAT or equivalent)?
- Is trauma-informed care part of the approach?
- What aftercare and transition support is available?
- Is partner support offered?
- Are medical and psychiatric services available if needed?
Ready to Begin?
Healing is possible. Structure helps. You are not beyond repair.
