Turning Passion Into a Profession
If you’ve ever felt called to help others explore intimacy, heal from shame, or build stronger, healthier relationships, there’s never been a better time to turn that passion into a profession. Certified sex therapists are in higher demand than ever. And not just in private practice, but across healthcare, education, research, and community mental health.
We’re living in a time of both connection and contradiction. The world is talking more openly about sexuality, yet many people still struggle with loneliness, misinformation, and barriers to care. From the ongoing “loneliness epidemic” to the challenges of modern dating and polarized debates about sexual rights, one thing is clear: our collective need for compassionate, informed conversations about sex has never been greater.
Even as society becomes more open about sexuality, many practitioners still report feeling unprepared, or uncomfortable, addressing it. Certified sex therapists play a crucial role in supporting this increasing need.
And that’s where the Sexual Health Alliance (SHA) comes in. SHA’s Sex Therapy Certification Program offers a globally recognized, flexible, and comprehensive pathway to becoming a certified expert in sexual health. Whether you’re a licensed clinician, counselor, educator, or new professional, SHA gives you the tools, mentorship, and community to build a fulfilling, impactful career in this essential field.
Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Pursue Sex Therapy Certification
The field of sex therapy is expanding rapidly as society moves toward more open, inclusive, and evidence-based conversations about sexuality. People are increasingly seeking professionals who are not only trauma-informed and LGBTQIA+-affirming but also trained to approach sexuality through a holistic, pleasure-positive lens.
From the rise in media coverage of sexual wellness to global mental health initiatives recognizing sexual health as essential to well-being, the demand for qualified professionals has never been greater. A certification in sex therapy from SHA positions you at the forefront of this movement, shaping the future of the field..
But as the field of sex therapy grows, so does the number of professionals marketing themselves as specialists—often without proper training or certification. In fact, a recent research showed that three out of four therapists who advertise sex therapy as a specialty are not certified, even though 75% of their clients report sexual concerns as a primary or secondary issue.
This gap has potential consequences. Without specialized, accredited training, practitioners may unintentionally provide incomplete guidance, overlook critical aspects of sexual health, or risk causing harm.
It also raises ethical and professional questions about competence and client care, highlighting why comprehensive, accredited certification—like SHA’s—is not just a credential, but a crucial foundation for safe and effective practice.
That’s why SHA’s Sex Therapy Certification Program is more than just a certification; it’s a commitment to ethical practice, inclusivity, and clinical excellence.
“I really enjoyed my time with the Sexual Health Alliance. I appreciated the depth of the content in each section and the diversity of perspectives it drew from.”
— SHA Sex Therapy Graduate
Why Choose the Sexual Health Alliance (SHA)
SHA is a recognized leader in sex education and therapy training. What sets SHA apart isn’t just its academic rigor, but its unique combination of flexibility, inclusivity, and real-world expertise.
You’ll learn from global expert clinicians, researchers, and educators in sexual health, all within a supportive, global learning community. SHA’s certification program was designed to fit into your life, so you can continue working, raising a family, or running a practice while pursuing advanced credentials. As one SHA Alumni in the program shared, the “only regret is that I should have done this sooner!”
What Makes SHA’s Sex Therapy Certification Program Stand Out
AASECT-Approved Education You Can Trust
SHA’s coursework meets the educational requirements for AASECT certification, ensuring you receive a solid foundation in ethics, assessment, treatment modalities, and human sexuality. You’ll explore advanced topics like relationship therapy, gender diversity, sexual trauma, and pleasure-centered care, all guided by experts with years of clinical experience.
SHA’s program also includes AASECT supervision and a streamlined ‘Do-It-For-Me’ AASECT application option, saving participants over 50 hours of administrative work.
Flexibility Meets Connection
SHA’s program is 100% online, designed for busy professionals around the world. You can learn at your own pace, from anywhere, while engaging in live discussions and mentorship sessions.
But SHA also believes in connection beyond the screen. Students can join optional in-person experiences like:
2025 Study Abroad Programs in Amsterdam, Prague, Iceland, and Barcelona, immersive global learning experiences led by sexual health experts. Check out what countries SHA is going to next!
Annual Sexological Conference where students, alumni, and professionals share research and network while also gaining friends through social events.
Advanced SARs & Community Events like Ski with SHA or the NOLA Advanced SAR, offering both learning and community.
Mentorship and Community Support
If you’ve read any of my blogs about SHA’s events, you already know how engaging and genuinely fun they are. But what truly sets the Sexual Health Alliance apart is its community.
SHA brings together professionals from around the world through an active alumni and mentorship network that empowers, supports, and inspires growth long after graduation. Whether you’re seeking guidance from seasoned experts, collaborating on new projects, or simply connecting with peers who share your passion, SHA’s community ensures you’re never on this journey alone.
Real Career Impact: What Graduates Can Do
With a SHA certification, your career possibilities are as diverse as the field itself. Graduates go on to work in private practice, clinical therapy, healthcare systems, universities, nonprofits, and beyond.
Attend one of SHA’s upcoming events, and you’ll see that diversity in action with speakers and alumni representing a wide range of specialties, perspectives, and professional journeys. Each story reflects the many paths this certification can open.
Because the credential is internationally respected, SHA graduates are equipped to practice, teach, and collaborate globally. Whether your goal is to deepen your clinical expertise, pivot into a new professional direction, or strengthen your academic credentials, SHA provides the knowledge, credibility, and community to make it happen.
Investing in Your Future: The Value of SHA’s Sex Therapy Certification
Pursuing a sex therapy certification is more than an academic choice; it’s an investment in your professional identity and purpose.
SHA offers competitive tuition rates and flexible payment plans, making the program accessible to a wide range of professionals. You’ll gain world-class education, personalized mentorship, and the chance to join a growing network of leaders in sexual health, all from one program. And, on average, therapists with a certificate in sex therapy earns much more than a therapist without this in-depth training.
And unlike many programs, SHA ensures your training goes beyond the classroom. You’ll graduate not just with knowledge, but with confidence, community, and a clear career path forward.
Ready to begin?
Sex therapy is more than a career–it’s a calling to help others heal, connect, and thrive. With its flexible online model, rich community, and AASECT-aligned curriculum, SHA provides the best pathway to certification and impact.
Apply today to join SHA’s next cohort and take the next step toward becoming a leader in sexual health and therapy by following these 3 simple steps:
Fill out an online application HERE.
Complete your online coursework and attend any 3 live weekend conferences that occur once a month.
Become a SHA Certified Sex Therapist (CST) and automatically receive a completed AASECT Application Packet, if desired.
Make This Year the Year You Build Your Dream Career
The world needs more professionals who can approach sexuality with compassion, evidence-based expertise, and cultural humility. SHA gives you everything you need to join that mission including flexible learning, mentorship, global opportunities, and a path to respected certification.
Your future as a Certified Sex Therapist starts here. Apply today to join SHA’s next online cohort and turn your passion for sexual health into a lifelong, purpose-driven career.
Written by Emma Sell-Goodhand, MPH
Emma is a doctoral student and Global One Health Fellow at North Carolina State University studying adolescent sexual health. She brings prior experience as a Technical Advisor at the World Health Organization.
Want to become an in-demand sexual health professional? Learn more about becoming certified with SHA!
