What Are Specialized Mental Health Services for Sexually Compulsive Behaviors?

Specialized mental health services for sexually compulsive behaviors are outpatient treatment programs designed for adults and adolescents whose sexual behaviors have become compulsive or problematic. The Highland Institute, for example, provides community-based outpatient care that uses cognitive-behavioral restructuring to promote behavioral change, delivered through a team approach with continuous communication and progress monitoring. These services suit individuals seeking structured, ongoing treatment rather than general counseling for unrelated mental health concerns.

Who these services are for

The Highland Institute states that its services are tailored for adults and adolescents. The primary focus is sexually compulsive or problematic behaviors — not general anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues.

This distinction matters when choosing a provider:

• General mental health services typically address mood, anxiety, trauma, or daily functioning.
• Specialized services like these target the compulsive or problematic sexual behavior itself, using methods designed for that specific pattern.

If you are unsure whether your situation fits, the intake or assessment stage is the place to clarify it.

How the treatment approach works

The program is built on cognitive-behavioral restructuring. In practice, this means identifying the thoughts and patterns that drive the behavior, then systematically working to change them so that behavior changes follow.

The Highland Institute describes its method as central to achieving positive outcomes and promoting sustainable recovery through personalized treatment.

The team approach

Treatment is not delivered by a single clinician in isolation. The institute uses an interdisciplinary team so that communication stays continuous and progress is monitored throughout the recovery journey. The stated purpose is to maintain engagement and support coordinated care.

Community-based outpatient model

The program is community-based and outpatient, meaning participants live in their community while attending treatment rather than residing in a facility. The institute describes this as encouraging participatory healing — the person is an active part of the process, supported by a coordinated team.

What to expect from the program

How to start

1. Contact the institute directly. Use the phone number, fax, or email listed on its site to ask about services and whether your situation matches the program.
2. Confirm fit. Ask specifically whether the program serves your age group and whether it addresses the behavior you are concerned about.
3. Schedule an assessment. The institute invites prospective clients to "contact us today and let's get started," which is the entry point for evaluation and treatment planning.
4. Review logistics. Check the open hours (Monday–Wednesday listed as 09:00 am – 06:00 pm, with service noted 6 days a week) and the location in Tucker, Georgia, to confirm the outpatient schedule works for you or your family member.

Contact details

• Address: 3530 Habersham at Northlake, Building C, Suite 100, Tucker, GA 30084
• Phone: 770-455-0835
• Fax: 770-234-9664
• Email: [email protected]
• Open hours: Monday–Wednesday 09:00 am – 06:00 pm (program noted as 6 days a week)

The institute also links to ATSA (the Association for the Treatment and Prevention of Sexual Abuse), which can be a useful reference for understanding the professional standards behind this type of treatment.

A note on choosing this kind of service

Because these services address a sensitive and specific area, the most useful first step is a direct conversation with the provider about whether the program matches the person's age, behavior pattern, and willingness to participate in an outpatient, team-based model. The Highland Institute's stated structure — cognitive-behavioral restructuring, continuous monitoring, and a collaborative team — is the framework to compare against if you are evaluating more than one provider.