Support for him, and for you

Find help

Healing from childhood sexual abuse usually takes more than love alone. A therapist trained in trauma, and other men who have been through it, can help him in ways family can't. You deserve support too.

In short

Look for a therapist trained in trauma, not just any licensed counselor.
Search directories by specialty, such as "trauma" or "sexual abuse," or by a method like EMDR.
Check the therapist's license with your state board before the first session.
Groups like 1in6 and MaleSurvivor are made for men, and some have support for partners and family.

Organizations for male survivors

1in6
The leading US organization for men who had unwanted or abusive sexual experiences. Offers free, counselor-led online support groups for men 18 and older, plus videos, a podcast and resources for partners.
MaleSurvivor
Online forums, support groups, peer programs and healing retreats. Has pages specifically for partners and for parents, and resources for Black, LGBTQ+, military and faith-based survivors.
MenHealing
Runs weekend recovery retreats for male survivors.
RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline
Free, confidential support 24/7 for survivors and the people who care about them. Call 800-656-4673, text HOPE to 64673, or chat online.

Finding a therapist

These directories let you search by location, insurance and specialty:

Psychology Today: Sexual abuse therapists
The most widely used US therapist directory. You can also filter for trauma-focused therapists, a therapist's gender, and specific methods.
EMDRIA: Find an EMDR therapist
The official directory of therapists trained and certified in EMDR.
Trauma Directory
A directory focused on trauma specialists.
Open Path Collective
Lower-cost therapy, typically $30 to $80 a session, for people who need help with cost.

Many men prefer to see a male therapist, at least at first. Others find it easier to open up to a woman. Either is fine. Directories let him filter by gender if it matters to him.

Types of trauma therapy

Approach	What it is	Look for
EMDR	One of the leading, well-researched ways to process traumatic memories.	"EMDRIA Certified" (a step beyond "EMDR trained")
Somatic Experiencing	A body-based approach for trauma held in the body. See Body and mind.	"SEP" (Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, about 3 years of training)
Complex trauma and dissociation training	Training for long-term childhood trauma and dissociation, which are common in survivors of childhood abuse.	Training through ISSTD mentioned in the therapist's bio
TF-CBT	Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, designed mainly for children and teens and their families.	TF-CBT certification
Trauma and addiction together	Integrated or "dual diagnosis" treatment for trauma alongside substance use. See Coping and compulsions.	Experience in both trauma and substance use treatment

License vs. training: what the letters mean

A license (like LPC, LCSW, LMFT or psychologist) means a therapist is legally allowed to practice. It doesn't tell you whether they're trained in trauma or sexual abuse. For that, look for trauma certifications or training listed in their profile, like the ones above.

Watch out for a look-alike credential.

"CSAT" stands for Certified Sex Addiction Therapist. It's about treating compulsive sexual behavior. It is not training in helping survivors of childhood sexual abuse, even though the names sound similar and it often comes up in searches.

Check the license

Before the first appointment, you can confirm a therapist's license is real and in good standing through your state's licensing board. Each state has its own. In Texas:

Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council for counselors (LPC), social workers (LCSW), marriage and family therapists (LMFT) and psychologists. Shows license status, expiration and any public disciplinary actions.
Texas Medical Board for psychiatrists (MD or DO).

In other states, search for your state's name plus "verify counselor license."

Questions to ask a therapist

How much of your work is with adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse?
Have you worked with male survivors?
What trauma training or certifications do you have?
If he also struggles with drinking, drugs or compulsive behavior: do you treat trauma and those issues together?

Support for you

You don't have to carry this alone, and getting your own support doesn't mean you're betraying his trust.

MaleSurvivor: For partners
Forums where partners, family and friends of male survivors can talk with others who understand.
RAINN hotline
Supporters can call too, for help with their own feelings or with how to help.
A therapist of your own
The directories above work for you too. Look for someone experienced with trauma and families.