Directors of Clinical Services: Chris Kraft, Ph.D. and Kate Thomas, Ph.D.
Medical Director: Chester W. Schmidt Jr., M.D.
Director of Research: Thomas N. Wise, M.D.
MISSION
The Sexual Behaviors Consultation Unit and the Center for Sexual Health are committed to excellence in the evaluation and treatment of intimate relationship problems in adults and psychosexual disorders in children, adolescents and adults; in medical education for physicians; and in human sexuality research.
The Sexual Behaviors Consultation Unit (SBCU) was established in 1971 as a specialty clinic within The Johns Hopkins Hospital.The SBCU offers evaluation and treatment for sexually related problems, including sexual dysfunctions, paraphilias, and gender-identity concerns. All initial evaluations are conducted at The Johns Hopkins Hospital.
The affiliated Center for Sexual Health (CSH) is located in Baltimore County at Green Spring Station. The Center provides treatment for individuals, couples, families,and groups for the full range of relationship, gender and sexual problems. Follow-up treatment after evaluation at Johns Hopkins Hospital is conducted at the Center in Green Spring Station offices.
CONSULTATION AND EVALUATION SERVICES
Consultation and evaluation are offered for a broad range of sexuality issues:
Adults
Marital/relationship concerns:
- Low sexual desire
- Erectile dysfunction
- Premature ejaculation
- Lack of orgasm
- Sexual phobia and aversion
- Sexual pain
Compulsive/addictive sexual behaviors
- Compulsive/addictive internet use
- Problematic pornography use
Gender identity concerns
- Transexualism
- Cross-dressing
Sexual/legal issues
- Underage pornography use
- Underage sexual contact
- Exhibitionism
- Voyeurism
Paraphilias
- Fetishes
- Transvestism
- Sadomasochism
Sexual orientation issues
- Discomfort with same-sex attractions
- Same-sex attractions while married
- Coming-out issues
- Developing a healthy gay/lesbian/bisexual identity
Children and Adolescents
Gender identity concerns
- Cross-dressing
- Transgenderism
- Atypical gender expression
Internet-related sexual behaviors
- Compulsive/addictive internet use
- Problematic pornography use
Sexual orientation issues
- Family distress around sexual orientation
- Coming-out issues
- Discomfort with same-sex attractions
Adults in relationships are evaluated as a couple when appropriate. Children and adolescents are typically accompanied by their parents. Separate interviews are conducted with children/adolescents and their parents.
Evaluations at Johns Hopkins Hosptial occur on Friday afternoons from 12:45 noon to 5:00 p.m. Patients complete several self-report psychological inventories, and are interviewed to obtain complete medical, social, psychiatric and sexual histories. Physical examinations and blood tests are performed when indicated.
Treatment Services
Following evaluation, the SBCU also offers a broad spectrum of treatments, including:
- Individual psychotherapy
- Marital/relationship counseling
- Psychopharmacology
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
Extended Medical Consultation
The SBCU collaborates with psychiatrists and other physicians, psychologists and other health professionals and agencies. When appropriate at the time of evaluation, referrals are made to specialties such as urology, gynecology, endocrinology, pediatrics, and internal medicine for further medical examination and possible treatment. A collaborative relationship is maintained with these specialties while the patient is treated or evaluated in the SBCU.
Confidentiality
All referral, evaluation and treatment records are held in the strictest confidence and released only with written consent of the patient(s). Couples are interviewed together as well as in confidential individual meetings.
Faculty and Staff
The psychiatrists, psychologists, and psychotherapists of the SBCU have faculty appointments in the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
Questions or inquiries regarding the procedures, policies or programs of the clinic, as well as requests for evaluation and consultation appointments can be directed to:
Sexual Behaviors Consultation Unit
The Johns Hopkins Hospital
600 North Wolfe Street
Meyer 144
Baltimore, Maryland 21287
Telephone (410) 583-2688
Fax (410) 583-2693
Locations
Initial evaluations at the SBCU occur in Room 144 of the Meyer Building, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland. Click here for directions. Treatment in the Center for Sexual Health occurs in offices at Green Spring Station in Lutherville.
