Become a Certified Sex Therapist through Sexual Health Alliance

We are A GLOBAL LEADER IN SEXUALITY EDUCATION FOR COMPREHENSIVE, PROGRESSIVE TRAINING IN Sex Therapy

Are you confused by the exhaustive and lengthy process of becoming a Certified Sex Therapist? Choose our highly recommended program to receive your Sex Therapy Certification. This comprehensive program is 100% online and also automatically includes all items needed for AASECT certification if you qualify and choose to pursue that option. Start your coursework anytime as admission is on a rolling, ongoing basis.

Sex Therapy Certification Program Overview

Format - Online, self-paced training with live, online weekend learning experiences.

Program Includes - Comprehensive sexuality education coursework, a Sexual Attitude Reassessment (SAR), community connection, and the option for supervision.

Designed For - Mental health professionals and graduate students pursuing specialized training in sex therapy.

Certification Pathway - Students receive SHA Sex Therapy Certification and may use program documentation when applying for the AASECT Sex Therapist Certification Credential if they meet eligibility requirements. SHA students are fully credentialed as a Certified Sex Therapist (CST) upon graduation from the SHA program.

Learning Format - Flexible online coursework combined with live, online training weekends and community learning experiences. In-person opportunities for learning and connection are available, but not a required part of the program.

What is SHA’s Sex Therapy Certification?

Sexual Health Alliance’s Sex Therapy Certification is a comprehensive online training program for mental health professionals and graduate students who want advanced education in sex therapy. The program includes self-paced coursework, live training weekends, a Sexual Attitude Reassessment (SAR), and supervision support to help qualified students complete the educational requirements for AASECT Sex Therapist Certification.

Who Is SHA’s Sex Therapy Certification Program For?

This program is designed for professionals and graduate students who want advanced training in sex therapy and sexual health.

It is especially relevant for:

• Licensed therapists, counselors, psychologists, and social workers

• Marriage and family therapists

• Mental health graduate students preparing for clinical careers

• Healthcare professionals expanding their work in sexual health

• Relationship therapists seeking specialized sex therapy training

Students who meet eligibility requirements can use this program’s education hours, SAR training, and documentation when applying for AASECT Sex Therapist Certification.

SHA Certification vs AASECT Sex Therapist Certification

Understanding the difference between SHA certification and AASECT certification can help students plan their professional training path.

SHA Sex Therapy Certification

• Training program provided by Sexual Health Alliance
• Includes online coursework, live online training weekends, and a Sexual Attitude Reassessment (SAR)
• Designed to provide the education hours required for AASECT certification
• Includes community connection and supervision support
• Students receive the SHA Sex Therapy Certification credential (CST)

* Global certification with students and alumni in over 70 countries

AASECT Sex Therapist Certification

• Professional credential awarded by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT)
• Requires education hours, clinical experience, supervision, and professional qualifications (not provided by AASECT)
• SHA’s program can help qualified students complete the education and supervision portions of the AASECT application requirements
• Applicants must meet AASECT eligibility requirements when applying for certification
• Successful applicants earn the AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) credential

*Only valid in the USA, Canada, Mexico, and Israel

How to Become a Certified Sex Therapist

Step 1: Earn a Degree in a Mental Health Field

Most sex therapists begin their careers by earning a master’s or doctoral degree in counseling, psychology, social work, marriage and family therapy, or a related clinical discipline.

Step 2: Complete Specialized Sex Therapy Training

Professionals who want to work in sex therapy pursue additional education focused on sexuality, intimacy, and relationship dynamics. Training programs like SHA’s Sex Therapy Certification provide the coursework and professional development needed for this specialty. This step can begin while a student is still in graduate school.

Step 3: Complete Supervision and Clinical Experience

Becoming a sex therapist typically requires supervised clinical experience working with clients. Supervision helps professionals develop the practical skills needed to address sexual health concerns in therapy. SHA does not require supervision as part of its certification requirement. SHA does provide supervision services for those who are interested in supervision or for those who plan on applying for the AASECT credential. Supervision can begin when a student is in the SHA program as long as they have their provisional licence to practice therapy.

Step 4: Apply for Professional Certification

Qualified professionals may apply for certification through organizations such as AASECT after completing the required education, supervision, and clinical experience. Professionals who complete the SHA Sex Therapy Certification program are fully certified upon graduation from the program.

3 Simple Steps to becoming a Certified Sex Therapist

1.) Fill out an online application HERE.

2.) Complete your online coursework and attend any 3 live weekend conferences that occur once a month.

3.) Become a SHA Certified Sex Therapist (CST) and automatically receive a completed AASECT Application Packet, if desired.

What’s included in the SHA’s Sex Therapy Certification Program?

SHA Sex Therapy Certification Program includes:

1. Online coursework that you can complete at your own pace, anytime, anywhere.

2. Flexibility to choose 3 online conferences from our monthly Sexceptional Online Weekends that are live, fun and engaging.

3. AASECT Approved Online SAR (These are experiential, immersive and a game changer!)

4. AASECT Online Supervision (Mandatory for those choosing to pursue AASECT Certification)

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS only with SEXUAL HEALTH ALLIANCE Certifications

Can you become both SHA & AASECT Certified?

Yes! Become a Certified Sex Therapist through SHA as well as earn 200+ AASECT CEs* in all the categories needed to apply for the AASECT Sex Therapy Certification. You will receive a completed application with several spreadsheets and certificates already filled out for you. We will also match you with an AASECT Approved Supervisor for online individual and group supervision hours.

 A Streamlined Path to AASECT Certification

Become a Certified Sex Therapist and receive all the hours needed to apply for AASECT Certification through the SHA Certification program. Start anytime.

Get Expert Training & Ongoing Support

You’re joining a national community of sex-positive, progressive & radical professionals. Complete all of your AASECT Certification Educational CEs, SAR and supervision requirements with The Sexual Health Alliance today and gain a complete package to turn into AASECT for a Sex Therapy Certification!

Gain Competitive Advantage & Grow your Practice

A SHA Certification will increase your value as a professional. You will be able to expand your services, feel confident marketing your speciality and your network and specialize in a growing field that consistently delivers big results!

Tuition Information

Pay tuition in full, in 3 separate payments, or over a period of 12 or 18 months.

Prefer to take the fast track path to certification with the majority of the program being live, online? Enroll in the fast track program.

HIGH ENERGY & FUN COMMUNITY!

This is the social group and help you’ve been searching for. Exchange referrals, spark collaborations on research or projects, and get personalized advice inside our stellar community. You’re joining a community full of opportunity to not only get certified, but also participate in masquerade balls, study abroad programs and other adventurous gatherings all over the world. This community is filled with individuals from every walk of life, from around the globe. Become a SHA student and get first access on all the adventures!

SHA’s overview of comprehensive certification programs:

WANT TO BECOME SHA CERTIFIED?

Imagine completing your Certification in Sexology (and including your AASECT application) in a fraction of the time—saving hundreds of hours—while gaining every CE you need, all in one place. When you become SHA Certified, you’re not just checking boxes; you’re joining a global community of sex educators, counselors, coaches, and therapists who are shaping the future of sexual health.

Instead of piecing together conferences one by one and hoping they align with International standards or the (US AASECT requirements), you can enroll in SHA’s Sexuality Educator / Counselor / Coach / Sexology / Sex Therapy Certification Program, where every training is intentionally curated, tracked, and streamlined to support your AASECT path. No guesswork. No overwhelm. Just a clear, supported journey from start to finish.

As an SHA Certified professional, you’ll gain:

• Access to a thriving global community of practitioners and leaders

• Expert faculty, mentorship, and guidance every step of the way

• Exclusive SHA trainings, tools, and support you won’t find anywhere else

• A complete, organized portfolio for international associations (including AASECT-aligned hours)

If you’re ready to take your sexual health education further—and become truly sexceptional—apply to become SHA Certified today. Your future clients (and your future self) will thank you. Apply HERE.

Unsolicited Raving Fans of SHA!

What Is Sex Therapy?

Sex therapy is a specialized area of counseling that focuses on sexual health, intimacy, and relationship concerns. Sex therapists work with individuals and couples to address challenges related to desire, arousal, communication, sexual functioning, and relationship dynamics.

Professionals who practice sex therapy typically have training in mental health fields such as counseling, psychology, social work, or marriage and family therapy, along with additional education in human sexuality and sex therapy techniques.

Programs like SHA’s Sex Therapy Certification help professionals build the specialized knowledge and clinical skills needed to support clients experiencing sexual health or intimacy challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sex Therapy Certification

Why Learn with Sexual Health Alliance?

Sexual Health Alliance is a global leader in sexuality education and professional certification for therapists, coaches, counselors, and educators working in sexual health.

SHA’s training programs bring together an international community of professionals committed to ethical, evidence-based, and culturally responsive sexual health care. Students learn from experienced clinicians, researchers, and educators while building practical skills they can immediately apply in their professional work.

With students and alumni across more than 70 countries, SHA programs are designed to support professionals who want to deepen their expertise, expand their clinical impact, and become leaders in the field of sexual health.

Start your dream career in the sexuality field today and finish your program(s) at your own pace, online and from anywhere in the world!

Contact a SHA team member at 720-248-8618, schedule a zoom meeting or check out our Frequently Asked Questions on our FAQ Page, Click Here. Or fill out an application HERE.

MORE FROM OUR COMMUNITY!

SNAPSHOT OF QUALIFICATIONS FOR AASECT CERTIFICATION 

• Start accruing your hours at any time. CEs (or CEUs) never expire. If you are a student, you are able start your SHA’s Certification Program and accrue CE hours while in graduate school.

• Fourteen (14) hours of Sexuality Attitude Reassessment (SAR) (The Sexual Health Alliance offers a SAR about twice a year).

• Ninety (90) hours of Human Sexuality Core Knowledge (These are CEUs that you are able to earn through The Sexual Health Alliance, above program).

• Sixty (60) hours of training specific to Sexuality Education (These are CEUs that you are able to earn through The Sexual Health Alliance, above program).

• All candidates MUST be supervised by AASECT certified professionals for the indicated number of hours. Candidates must have a certain number of hours of field experience that are supervised.

• AASECT approved CEU courses (The Sexual Health Alliance is an approved organizational provider) will be accepted to fulfill content required for AASECT Certification. This program meets the requirements of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) and is approved for AASECT CE* credits.

AASECT Certified Sex Therapist: Potential AASECT Certified Sex Therapists are mental health professionals, trained to provide in-depth psychotherapy, who have specialized in treating clients with sexual issues and concerns. They are either licensed, or in the absence of required licensure, they are certified, registered, or clinical members of a national psychotherapy organization. Sex therapists work with sexual concerns and, in addition, where appropriate, are prepared to provide comprehensive and intensive psychotherapy over an extended period of time in more complex cases. Minimum degree required is a Master's degree. The sex therapy certification program is for all students that are currently enrolled in a mental health graduate program and mental health professionals who are licensed in their states or provinces to provide mental health care and have completed graduate school for clinical training in their professional area. Applicable professional degrees may include a PhD, MD, MSW, or MA, Masters in MFT. If you an educator and wanting to obtain AASECT Certification as a Sexuality Educator, please email us.

NOTE: This program includes all the education needed for AASECT Sex Therapy, Sex Educator and Sexuality Counselor Certification (AASECT requires a minimum of 150 AASECT CEs*). We will match you with a supervisor. Please see www.aasect.org for the full list of requirements for AASECT Certification. Please contact your local/state licensing board or organization on whether these CEs can be applied to your specific license. *This program meets the requirements for the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT). Sexual Health Alliance is an approved organizational provider for AASECT CE’s, Provider #15-491-X. Attainment of AASECT CE’s does not ensure or guarantee AASECT Certification. For further information, please contact info@aasect.org.