If you’ve been asking, “How many years does it take to be a sex therapist?”, you’re not alone. Many licensed mental health professionals, educators, and aspiring sexuality experts are curious about what it really takes to earn a sex therapy certification—and how long it will take to get there.
Here’s the good news: while traditional sex therapy certifications can take years, Sexual Health Alliance (SHA) offers a faster, more flexible pathway. In fact, many SHA students complete their sex therapy certification in just one year—and with the new Fast-Track program, it’s now possible to become certified in as little as eight months.
What Is Sex Therapy Certification?
Before we talk timelines, let’s clarify what sex therapy certification is. Sex therapy certification is a specialized credential that helps mental health professionals gain the advanced education, supervision, and clinical skills required to ethically and effectively treat clients dealing with sexual health issues.
While a counseling license gives you the foundation to treat general mental health concerns, sex therapy certification equips you to handle complex sexual concerns like low libido, sexual trauma, erectile dysfunction, out-of-control sexual behavior, kink, non-monogamy, and more.
SHA Offers the Fastest and Most Flexible Path
Unlike university-based certification programs that can take two or more years and cost tens of thousands of dollars, SHA’s certification model is streamlined, modern, and clinician-friendly. With options to study at your own pace or in an accelerated format, SHA has helped hundreds of professionals earn their sex therapy certification in under one year—without compromising on quality.
Introducing the Fast-Track Program: Certification in 8 Months
SHA’s Fast-Track Certification Program is a new offering designed for motivated students who want to complete their training quickly and through live, community-based learning. It’s ideal for professionals who are eager to get certified and want less self-paced work and more guided structure.
Fast-Track Program Highlights:
25 hours of self-paced coursework
8 live, online weekend events with expert instructors
Finish in just 8 months
Direct supervision opportunities available
Engaging and community-driven learning environment
This track is great for therapists who thrive in a group learning setting, want live interaction with instructors, and prefer structured weekends over long-term self-study.
Classic Program: The Gold Standard for Self-Paced Learners
SHA’s Classic Program is our original sex therapy certification path and continues to be the most popular option for busy professionals.
Classic Program Highlights:
200+ hours of self-paced, on-demand coursework
3 live, online weekend events throughout the year
Flexible timeline—many students finish in under 12 months
Access to some of the world’s leading experts in sex therapy
Supervision and peer support included
This is the perfect option for self-motivated learners who want to move through the material at their own speed and appreciate a wide range of expert content at their fingertips.
Which Sex Therapy Certification Program Is Right for You?
The best program for you depends on your learning style, availability, and career goals.
Choose the Fast-Track Program if you:
Want to complete certification in 8 months
Learn best in a live, structured format
Prefer more real-time engagement with instructors and peers
Have time to dedicate to multiple weekend trainings
Choose the Classic Program if you:
Need a flexible schedule to fit around work and life
Want access to over 200 hours of content from top sex therapy professionals
Learn best independently at your own pace
Prefer a longer timeline with fewer weekend commitments
Both programs lead to SHA Sex Therapy Certification, which is recognized and respected globally in the field of sexual health and mental health.
Why Choose SHA for Your Sex Therapy Certification?
There are many certification programs out there—but SHA offers something truly unique. Here’s why so many professionals choose SHA to take their career to the next level:
Comprehensive Education: SHA offers the most well-rounded training in sex therapy, covering everything from anatomy and desire discrepancies to kink, non-monogamy, and out-of-control sexual behavior.
Expert Instructors: Learn directly from leading clinicians, educators, and researchers in the field of human sexuality.
Community Support: Whether you choose Classic or Fast-Track, you’ll join a vibrant network of peers, mentors, and SHA alumni.
Affordable Pricing: SHA’s programs are competitively priced—often thousands of dollars less than university-based programs.
No Educational Gatekeeping: SHA does not require a specific degree to join the Sex Coach and Consultant Certification Program, and we welcome clinicians from a wide range of backgrounds for our therapy programs.
Flexible Learning: With both self-paced and live learning options, SHA meets you where you are in your professional journey.
Do All Therapists Have Training in Sex Therapy?
The short answer is: No. In fact, most licensed mental health professionals receive little to no training in sexual health during their graduate education.
That’s why sex therapy certification is so important. Without proper training, therapists may feel unequipped to handle the sensitive and diverse sexual concerns their clients bring into the therapy room.
With SHA’s training, therapists are better prepared to support individuals and couples through:
Sexual dysfunction and medical concerns
LGBTQIA+ and gender identity issues
Non-monogamous relationship structures
Becoming certified shows your clients—and your peers—that you’ve invested in developing ethical, inclusive, and competent clinical skills.
Earn Your Sex Therapist Certification! How to Get Started
Getting started with SHA is simple. Here's how to begin your journey to becoming a certified sex therapist:
Explore the Programs – Decide whether Classic or Fast-Track is the best fit for your learning style and schedule. (Take this quiz if you’re unsure of which certification program is best for you.)
Apply Online – Submit your application to join our next cohort of students. (Click here to apply now! P.S. There’s no application fee!)
Choose Your Payment Plan – SHA offers monthly payment options to make your investment manageable.
Attend Your First Session – Whether you’re logging into your first live weekend or beginning your self-paced coursework, you’re officially on your way!
Invest in Yourself—And Your Clients
Sex therapy certification is more than just a credential. It’s an investment in your ability to help people heal, grow, and connect through sexuality. Whether you’re looking to deepen your clinical skills, specialize in an underserved niche, or enhance your private practice offerings, SHA provides the tools and training you need to succeed.
And now—with options to complete your certification in as little as eight months—there’s never been a better time to take the leap.
Ready to become a SHA Certified Sex Therapist?
Click here to learn more about SHA’s sex therapy program and apply now!
