CLINICAL DEFINITION
Sexual Compulsivity
Clinical treatment for sexual compulsivity in high-functioning men. CSAT-led intensive outpatient program. Confidential, evidence-based, trauma-informed.
How It Presents
Sexual compulsivity is the broad clinical superset spanning pornography addiction, online and cybersex behavior, serial infidelity, paid encounters, anonymous sex, and high-frequency masturbation. CSBD (ICD-11 6C72) is the formal diagnostic code; sexual compulsivity is the descriptive clinical term used across these behavioral subtypes. The defining feature is a pattern of repeated failure to control sexual impulses despite genuine effort and meaningful consequences.
- Loss of control across more than one behavioral domain
- Recurrent, intrusive sexual thoughts
- Significant time spent pursuing or engaging in the behavior
- Continuation despite clear consequences
- Sex used as the primary way to regulate mood
- Tolerance — needing more to reach the same effect
- Failed attempts to stop or cut back
- Concealment and a double life
- Escalation across behavioral categories over time
- Co-occurring depression, anxiety, attachment difficulty, or substance use
A Clinical Problem, Not a Moral One
Sexual compulsivity is a clinical pattern that crosses behavioral categories — it is not defined by any single act, but by the loss of control underneath all of them. Iron Ridge treats the underlying pattern, not just the presenting behavior.
How Iron Ridge Treats It
Iron Ridge treats sexual compulsivity through a CSAT-directed, multi-modal intensive outpatient program that addresses the full range of behaviors rather than a single presenting symptom.
- Twice-weekly process group addressing cross-domain compulsivity
- Weekly individual therapy, CSAT-led
- Structured psychoeducation on escalation and behavioral substitution
- Partner & Family programming using the Multidimensional Partner Trauma Model
Who It's For
This program serves high-functioning men whose compulsive pattern spans more than one behavior, as well as the referring clinicians, physicians, attorneys, and clergy who identify the pattern in the people they work with.
When to Seek Help
When the pattern has continued for six months or more across one or more behavioral categories despite consequences, the clinical threshold for intensive outpatient care has typically been reached.
Not Sure If This Is You?
A short, confidential self-assessment can help clarify whether this pattern meets the clinical threshold for treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is sexual compulsivity different from CSBD?
CSBD (ICD-11 6C72) is the formal diagnostic code. Sexual compulsivity is the broader descriptive clinical term used to describe the same pattern as it presents across different behaviors — pornography, cybersex, infidelity, paid encounters, and others.
Is sexual compulsivity the same as sex addiction?
They describe the same underlying pattern. “Sexual compulsivity” is the clinical descriptive term; “sex addiction” is the lay term most people search for.
Do you treat behaviors beyond pornography?
Yes. Iron Ridge's model treats the full range of compulsive sexual behaviors — pornography, cybersex, infidelity, paid encounters, anonymous sex, and high-frequency masturbation — within the same clinical framework.
Is this a faith-based program?
No. Iron Ridge is a clinical program grounded in evidence-based, trauma-informed care. It is not a faith-based or 12-step program.
What clinical credentials should I look for?
Look for a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT), a credential issued by IITAP. Iron Ridge's Clinical Director, Ian Birdwell, LPC, is CSAT-credentialed.
Do you take insurance?
Iron Ridge is private pay and out-of-network. We provide PPO superbills so clients can seek reimbursement from their carrier. We do not report to your insurance on your behalf.
When you’re ready, we’re here.
Every inquiry is read by a member of our founding team, never a call center. We respond within one business day.