Barry McCarthy, Ph.D. is a professor of psychology at American University, a diplomate in clinical psychology, a diplomate in sex therapy, and a certified couple therapist. Dr. McCarthy earned his doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Southern Illinois University. Over the course of his extensive career, he has published more than 120 professional articles, 33 book chapters, and 22 books — including Rekindling Desire (3rd edition), Enhancing Couple Sexuality, Finding Your Sexual Voice, Couple Sexuality After 60, and Men’s Sexual Health. Barry has presented more than 450 professional workshops in the United States and internationally. In 2016 he received the Masters and Johnson Award for lifetime contributions to the sexuality field.
Dr. McCarthy has been serving on the editorial boards of several journals. He has been presenting at professional workshops, training programs, writing professional and public articles, as well as books in the areas of relationships, sexual dysfunction, and healthy sexuality for decades now. His book Rekindling Desire — co-authored with Emily McCarthy — is widely considered a foundational text for therapists treating couples with sexual problems, and is frequently assigned in sex therapy training programs.
Barry’s Professional Memberships
- American Psychological Association
- The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
- Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies
- American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists
- Society for Sex Therapy and Research
Dr. McCarthy is married to Emily, who is also his co-author on several of his books on couples and sexuality. Together they have three children and three grandchildren.
Books by Barry McCarthy
Dr. McCarthy is the author or co-author of 22 books on couples sexuality, sexual dysfunction, and sex therapy. Key titles include:
- Rekindling Desire — the definitive guide to treating low sexual desire in couples, now in its 3rd edition
- Enhancing Couple Sexuality — a practical clinical resource for therapists
- Finding Your Sexual Voice — helping individuals and couples develop a positive sexual self
- Couple Sexuality After 60 — addressing intimacy and sexual function in older adults
- Men’s Sexual Health — a clinician-recommended resource for male sexual dysfunction
Courses by Dr. Barry McCarthy
Dr. McCarthy shares from his 42 years of clinical experience as a psychologist and sex therapist in his continuing education courses for mental health professionals:
- 42 Years in the Therapist’s Chair: Treating Couples’ Sexual Problems — APA and NBCC approved CE course on evidence-based approaches to couples’ sexual problems
- Couple Sexuality After 60 — CE course addressing sexual health and intimacy for older adult couples