Becoming a Certified Sex Therapist

Online sex therapist certification could be the next step in expanding your professional tool belt! A constant upward trend of new demands for certified sex therapists can be seen in the last decade; the need for professionals willing to engage in open-minded conversations about sex, without judgment from their health care providers. It is important to note that this requires commitment, practice hours, and a personal dedication to achieving this career enhancement. But, you and the ones you help guide through life and its struggles will thank you. Here are 5 relatively easy ways to become a certified sex therapist. The first 4 steps are pretty straightforward while the last can be done in multiple, so here we go!

1. The first step is to be in, or have earned, a Masters Degree in psychotherapy, marriage and family therapy, counseling, psychiatry, or clinical social work. Obtaining this kind of degree typically takes two to seven years of study and practice; this depends on the specific degree path you decide.

2. Secondly, you must meet all the requirements for licensure in the state in which you live. This varies between states, so further personal research based on your location is needed.

3. Following this, between 1500 and 4000 hours of supervised work experience is required to gain your provisional license.

4. Next, pass the licensing exam in your state, whoohoo!

5. The final step to becoming a Sex Therapist is to obtain your AASECT Certification, this can be done in multiple ways:

   • Route A: is to complete an additional 60 supervised hours or take multiple sexuality-related courses in a graduate school of your choice.

   • Route B: is to find an AASECT-approved education provider, like Sexual Health Alliance, to gain the hours needed to apply for the required AASECT Certification.

     • Here are the requirements for an AASECT Certification:

       • Having an active AASECT membership

       • Reading the AASECT Code of ethics

       • Having an MA degree, plus two years clinical experience, or a doctoral degree plus one year of clinical experience as well as licensure

       • 90 hours of sex education coursework from accredited institutions, with specific requirements for the subcategories of the coursework

       • 60 hours of sex therapy training with specific subcategory requirements

       • Completion of the application process

       • Acceptance

Sexual Health Alliance (SHA) is a program filled with dedicated, sex-positive, and radical professions designed to build your professional value, while also fulfilling the required AASECT hours to become a Sex Therapist, Sex Educator, Sex Coach, or gaining your Sexuality Counselor Certification. Once SHA certified you can feel confident in expanding your services and marketing your new specialty to help more people! SHA offers a streamlined path to AASECT certification and becoming a Certified Sex Therapist.