If you're interested in becoming a sex therapist, you may be wondering: do you need a degree to get certified? The short answer is yes—to become a certified sex therapist through the Sexual Health Alliance (SHA), you need a master’s degree and a license to practice therapy. But there are also certification paths for educators, counselors, coaches, and consultants, each with different educational requirements. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the qualifications for SHA's sex therapy certification, explain how it differs from other organizations like AASECT, and share the many options available if you're just beginning your journey.
What Are the Educational Requirements for Sex Therapy Certification?
To become a certified sex therapist through SHA, you must:
Hold a master's degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related mental health field.
Have a license to practice therapy in your region or country.
SHA’s sex therapy certification is a professional-level program designed for licensed clinicians. However, one of the benefits of SHA's flexible approach is that you can begin the certification process before you're fully licensed, as long as you obtain your license before graduating from the program.
This flexibility allows many therapists-in-training to get a head start on their specialty in sex therapy while finishing up their supervision or licensure hours.
Start Your Certification While You Finish Your Degree
One of the most exciting aspects of SHA’s program is that students can begin the certification process while they are still completing their clinical licensure. This is especially helpful for:
Graduate students in the final year of their master’s program
Clinicians completing post-graduate supervised hours
Licensed professionals transitioning into private practice or specialty work
This early access allows you to integrate sex therapy education into your professional development journey right from the start.
SHA's Global Certification vs. AASECT's Geographic Limits
One of the most distinctive advantages of SHA’s sex therapy certification is its global accessibility. While AASECT (the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists) restricts certification to professionals located in the United States, Mexico, Canada, and Israel, SHA opens the door to clinicians anywhere in the world.
Currently, SHA has students and alumni in over 70 countries, making it the most widely accessible sex therapy certification available today. The entire program is offered online, including live virtual weekend events and self-paced coursework, making it possible for global professionals to connect and learn from top experts in the field without leaving home.
What If I Don’t Have a Master’s Degree?
If you don’t have a master’s degree, don’t worry—SHA has additional certification paths that may be a perfect fit. SHA's Educator and Counselor certifications are designed for professionals who are passionate about sexual health but may not be practicing clinicians.
To qualify for the Sex Educator Certification or Sexuality Counselor Certification, you must have at least a bachelor's degree. These certifications are ideal for professionals working in public health, education, wellness, or other community-based roles.
These programs cover:
Cultural and historical perspectives on sexuality
Ethics and boundaries in educational and counseling roles
Techniques for teaching, curriculum design, and public speaking
Many professionals in school systems, health education nonprofits, and corporate wellness settings choose these certification paths to boost their credentials and deepen their knowledge.
No Degree? Consider Sex Coaching or Consulting
For those without a formal degree, SHA offers the Sex and Relationship Coach and Sex Coach and Consultant certifications. These programs have no educational prerequisites, making them accessible to anyone with a passion for helping others and an interest in sexual health.
The Sex Coach and Consultant and Sex and Relationship Coach certifications are ideal for:
Life coaches looking to add sexual wellness to their services
Birth workers, doulas, or yoga instructors seeking specialized skills
Entrepreneurs launching sex-positive businesses
These programs include:
Coaching and motivational interviewing techniques
Goal-setting frameworks for sexual wellness
Basics of sexual functioning and communication
Ethical guidelines and scope of practice
You’ll graduate with a certification that allows you to work confidently and ethically in private practice or within an organization, even if you don’t hold a clinical license.
Why Choose SHA for Your Sex Therapy Certification?
SHA is known as the leading global training provider for sex therapy and sexual health education, with an inclusive, evidence-based, and affirming approach to learning. Whether you’re a therapist, educator, or coach, SHA’s certifications are designed to support your professional goals while centering real-world skills, cultural humility, and client empowerment.
Key benefits of SHA's certification programs include:
Global recognition: Train with peers and faculty from around the world.
Top-tier instructors: Learn from world-renowned experts in the field of sexual health.
Flexible, online format: Fit your training into your busy schedule with live virtual weekends and self-paced coursework.
Inclusive and affirming curriculum: Grounded in science and tailored to diverse experiences and identities.
Lifetime community access: Connect with fellow students and alumni for support, referrals, and inspiration.
Certification Options at a Glance
Whether your goal is to become a sex therapist, educator, coach, or consultant, SHA has a certification path designed to meet you where you are—and help you get where you want to go. With a reputation for innovation, inclusion, and excellence, SHA makes it easier than ever to launch or expand a career in sexual health. What are you waiting for? Join the SHA Community now and become an in-demand sexual health professional!
