Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on June 24, 2025If you’ve experienced sexual assault, you are not alone—and you are not to blame. Healing is possible, and working with a trained sexual assault therapist can help you process your experience and reclaim your life.
Counselor, Certified Clinical Social Worker (CSW), Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, Certified Group Psychotherapist (CGP)
4426 North Hein Road, San Antonio, Texas 78220
Joahna Johnson is a Counselor in San Antonio, Texas and has been in practice for 450 years. They treat Sexual Assault, Immigration/Acculturation, Loneliness/Isolation.
If the situation in nmy presdent life? Is the situation in my present life? Is the situation in my present life?
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
2602 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202
Raymond Butts is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Little Rock, Arkansas. They treat Sexual Assault, End of Life, Paranoid Personality.
Raymond is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Alaska
Psychiatrist
Remote only
Milo Sheri is a Psychiatrist in undefined, undefined. They treat Sexual Assault, Psychosis, Sleep Concerns.
You may mention the group practice here and in the more detailed description.
Certified Clinical Social Worker (CSW), Certified Group Psychotherapist (CGP), Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC)
10038 Governor Lane Boulevard, Williamsport, Maryland 21795
Noelani Mcmahon is a Certified Clinical Social Worker (CSW) in Williamsport, Maryland. They treat Sexual Assault, Insomnia, Cognitive Functioning.
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Certified Social Worker (CSW), Community Resource, Primary Care Physician, Psychiatric Nurse, Psychiatrist
5530 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815
Jaquelin Cummerata is a Certified Social Worker (CSW) in Chevy Chase, Maryland. They treat Sexual Assault, Grief and Loss, Financial Concerns.
Reiciendis nihil porro hic voluptate.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
19310 159th Street, Olathe, Kansas 66062
Vasyl Fausto is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Olathe, Kansas. They treat Sexual Assault, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Phobia.
Mercy is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in California
Sexual assault is any unwanted sexual contact or behavior done without consent. It can involve:
Sexual assault can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, or relationship status. It is an act of power—not desire—and it is never the survivor’s fault.
If you’re unsure whether what happened to you qualifies as assault, a sexual assault psychologist can help you talk through your experience safely and without judgment.
Consent is an agreement between people to engage in a specific activity—freely, clearly, and enthusiastically given. It means both parties understand what’s happening and genuinely want to participate. In the context of sexual activity, consent must be mutual, informed, and ongoing.
It’s not just about saying “yes”—it’s about:
Consent is not silence, lack of resistance, or the absence of a “no.” It’s not valid if someone is afraid, unsure, or coerced. Everyone deserves the right to say yes, no, or stop at any point—and to have that respected. Therapy for sexual assault survivors often includes conversations around consent, boundaries, and reclaiming your right to say what happens to your body.
No. A person who is drunk, high, passed out, asleep, or otherwise mentally impaired cannot legally or ethically give consent. If someone is unable to clearly and freely say “yes,” any sexual activity with them is considered non-consensual—and may qualify as sexual assault under the law.
Even if the person previously consented or was in a relationship with the other person, being intoxicated or unconscious removes their ability to consent in the moment. Consent must be actively given in real-time.
Many survivors struggle with confusion or self-blame if alcohol or drugs were involved. It’s important to understand: being impaired doesn’t make it your fault. If you didn’t or couldn’t consent, it wasn’t okay. A sexual abuse counselorcan help you untangle those complex emotions and remind you that your experience is valid.
Yes. Fighting back is not required for an experience to be considered sexual assault. Many people freeze, go silent, or comply out of fear—and these are normal, instinctive trauma responses. They do not mean you agreed or consented.
Our nervous systems have built-in reactions to danger: fight, flight, freeze, or fawn. Freezing is just as natural as fighting. Survivors often stay still or say nothing because:
Whether you said no, stayed silent, or didn’t resist at all—your experience is real. A sexual assault therapist can help you understand your body’s reactions and let go of any guilt or shame that doesn’t belong to you.
If you’ve been assaulted, the most important thing is to know it’s not your fault. What you do next is your choice. Some helpful options include:
There is no “right” way to respond to trauma. Your pace is the right pace.
You can report whenever you are ready. Some survivors report immediately, while others wait days, months, or years. Delayed reporting does not make your experience any less real or valid.
If you want to report:
A sexual assault therapist can help you explore these options, understand your rights, and support you through whatever decision you make.
Healing after sexual assault can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to go through it alone. There are many places survivors can turn for support, whether you’re ready to speak out now or simply need a safe space to begin processing what happened. The help you need is out there, and you deserve access to it.
Therapists and Counselors
Talking to a licensed sexual assault therapist or sexual abuse counselor can be one of the most effective steps toward healing. These professionals are trained to:
You can find support through:
Crisis Centers and Hotlines
Rape crisis centers and sexual assault response networks often provide:
In the U.S., the RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-HOPE) is available 24/7. They can connect you with local resources and help you decide what you need, at your pace.
Hospitals and Medical Clinics
If the assault was recent, hospitals and urgent care centers can:
Many hospitals have trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) who offer trauma-informed care.
Support Groups
Peer-led or therapist-led support groups allow you to connect with others who understand what you're going through. These groups can be found in-person or online and offer validation, community, and healing in numbers.
Campus and Workplace Resources
If the assault occurred on campus or at work, you may have access to:
While these systems can be imperfect, they may help you access protection, accommodations, or further referrals.
Survivors benefit most from professionals trained in trauma-informed care. These may include:
Look for someone who understands complex trauma, uses evidence-based methods (like EMDR or somatic therapy), and listens without judgment. A therapist for sexual assault survivors should create a safe, empowering environment.
Yes. With time, support, and care, recovery is absolutely possible. Healing doesn’t mean forgetting—it means learning to live with your experience in a way that no longer controls your life.
Many survivors go on to:
A sexual assault therapist can walk with you through this process, helping you move from survival to healing at your own pace.
Trauma affects the brain and body. Survivors may experience a range of mental health symptoms, including:
These responses are not signs of weakness—they’re common reactions to trauma. Support for sexual assault survivorsthrough counseling or therapy can make a significant difference in managing and healing from these symptoms.
No. False reports of sexual assault are rare—studies show they occur at rates similar to false reports of other crimes (about 2–10%).
Unfortunately, survivors are often met with skepticism or blame, which can discourage them from coming forward. It's important to believe survivors and focus on creating a safe space for them to share their truth.
Therapy offers that space. A sexual abuse therapist will support you without questioning or minimizing your experience.
No. While women are more often targeted, anyone can be a victim of sexual assault, including men, nonbinary people, and transgender individuals.
Male survivors may face additional stigma, making it even harder to speak up. But their pain is just as real—and they deserve the same compassion and support.
Therapy for sexual assault survivors is for everyone, regardless of gender identity or background.
No. In fact, most sexual assaults are committed by someone the survivor knows:
The myth of the “stranger in the alley” ignores the reality that most assaults happen in familiar places and involve people the survivor once trusted. This can make it especially confusing or painful.
A sexual abuse counselor can help you work through betrayal trauma and rebuild your sense of trust and safety.
You deserve to be heard. You deserve to heal. Whether you're just beginning to explore what happened or ready to take the next step, therapy for sexual assault survivors can be a powerful, life-changing resource. Support is available. You are not alone.
Remember, recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive network, and the right professional care, you can overcome the challenges of Sexual Assault and build a fulfilling life. We are here to help you find care.
