Kristen Carpenter, PhD
- Director of Women’s Behavioral Health; Clinical Health Psychologist
Women’s sexual health matters
Sexual health isn’t always about passion and romance — it can be complicated, uncomfortable or even intimidating. Sometimes sexual health issues arise from physical problems that need addressed and other times from intimacy, emotional issues or trauma.
The World Health Organization defines sexual health as the physical, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality, which involves a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence.
At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio, our sexual health experts take a multidisciplinary approach. Our Center for Women’s Health can manage gynecological or hormonal concerns, while our Women’s Intimacy and Sexual Health (WISH) service in the Women’s Behavioral Health program helps with emotional, behavioral and mental impacts.
It can be difficult to ask for help with these very personal concerns, but we want you to know you don’t have to live with these concerns unaddressed. Your sexual health is an important aspect of your overall well-being.
What is the Women’s Intimacy and Sexual Health program?
The Women’s Intimacy and Sexual Health (WISH) program was developed to address women’s unmet sexual health needs and support a healthy sex life for women of all ages.
Our breadth of care covers new concerns that have recently cropped up, such as dealing with a pregnancy loss or having gynecologic surgery, or they can be long-standing sexual and intimacy issues stemming from sexual trauma or domestic violence.
As we help you understand your mental and emotional health as it relates to sexuality, we’ll work collaboratively with our medical partners at the as they can repair pelvic floor or bladder issues and ensure you have healthy hormone levels. Some of our mental health offices are on the same floor as the Center for Women’s Health.
Women’s Intimacy and Sexual Health service
Unlike other treatments for sexual concerns or difficulties, our services are designed specifically with women’s emotional health needs in mind.
We have experts who can help you cope with sexual issues related to:
- Infertility or pregnancy loss
- Sexual trauma or abuse
- Cancer or other condition diagnosis and treatment
- Surgery or injury
- Prenatal, pregnancy or postpartum care
- Menopause
- Medication side effects, especially those related to depression and other mental health conditions
- Substance use disorders
- Relationship difficulties or trouble with emotional intimacy
This list is not exhaustive, and we’ll help you with any area preventing you from having sex life you want.
Treatments offered in Women’s Intimacy and Sexual Health
In WISH, we’ll create a treatment plan that is personalized to your unique needs, goals and situation. We provide individual and group psychotherapy and can work closely with your other providers on a comprehensive approach to care. Our psychiatrists can offer assistance with sexual difficulties related to medication use.
What do changes in your sex drive mean?
A lot can affect your sex drive besides tension with your partner, from poor nutrition to high blood pressure to mental health issues. And not surprising stress matters as well.
Key benefits to our Women’s Intimacy and Sexual Health program
Our staff is dedicated to helping you achieve the sex life you want through the following:
Evidence-based treatments – We use only therapies that are backed by scientific evidence, and our sexual health experts specialize in providing those specific treatment methods.
Cross-discipline care – Since we work in the same center as physicians and other health care providers in Ohio State’s Center for Women’s Health, we have a strong partner to help treat any of your physical concerns.
Continual innovation – As an academic medical center, our sexual health experts are continuously looking for better diagnosis methods and more effective treatments. We’re one of the only universities in the nation researching these women’s behavioral health topics.
Compassion and understanding – Our experts understand that asking for help with sexual health and mental health can be difficult, so we strive to create a safe, judgment-free culture in our practice. We treat all walks of life and are LGBTQ+ friendly, so no matter who you are, we can provide the comprehensive care you need.
How to schedule an appointment with Women’s Intimacy and Sexual Health
If you’d like to schedule an appointment, please call our main mental and behavioral line at 614-293-9600 to speak to the intake team. When making your appointment, specify that this is a Women's Intimacy and Sexual Health (WISH) referral so you can be scheduled appropriately.
These services are covered by most insurance companies, and all appointments will be preauthorized by our intake staff. If you’d like more specific information, please contact your insurance provider.
Our Team
Lora Black, PhD
- Psychologist
Anne McVey, PhD
Claire Postl, LPCC
- Licensed Professional Counselor