“If you were to get certified, which area would you be most excited to dive into?”
That’s the question we asked recently in a Sexual Health Alliance (SHA) community poll—and the responses confirmed what we already knew: people are eager to make a meaningful impact in the world of sexuality and relationships. Whether you’re passionate about therapy, education, coaching, or counseling, SHA has a certification path that fits your calling—and your career goals.
SHA offers a variety of certifications tailored to different approaches within the sexual health field. Let’s break down each path so you can discover the one that fits you best. And for those who can’t pick just one (we see you!), we’ll also cover our dual certification options at the end.
A. Sex Therapy Certification
What is sex therapy certification?
Sex therapy certification is a clinical specialization for licensed mental health professionals who want to work with clients facing sexual concerns, intimacy struggles, or relationship challenges. It's evidence-informed, rooted in psychological training, and enriched by sexual health education.
SHA Certification Requirements:
Must be a licensed mental health professional (or on licensure track)
Complete SHA’s Sex Therapy Certification Program
Includes live online training weekends and self-paced coursework
Why choose sex therapy certification?
If you're already in the mental health field and want to specialize in helping individuals and couples navigate sexual concerns, sex therapy is the path for you. SHA’s program is the most comprehensive in the field and includes education that many graduate programs simply don’t offer. You’ll get trained by the leading experts in sexology—and receive ongoing support in our vibrant community.
Job Possibilities:
Licensed Sex Therapist
Clinical Consultant in Sexual Health
Private Practice Therapist with Sexuality Focus
Guest expert for media or workshops
B. Sex Education Certification
What is sex education certification?
Sex education certification is for those who work in a variety of settings and want to teach about sexuality, consent, pleasure, identity, anatomy, and more. Whether it’s in schools, workshops, universities, or online platforms, sex educators are responsible for increasing access to accurate, shame-free sexual health information.
SHA Sex Educator Certification Requirements:
Open to professionals with a bachelor’s degree from any background (no licensure required)
Completion of SHA’s Sex Educator Certification Program
Includes online coursework and live training weekends
Why choose sex education certification?
If you love facilitating conversations, designing workshops, creating curricula, or educating the public, this is the path for you. SHA’s training goes beyond the basics and prepares you to teach responsibly, inclusively, and with confidence. You’ll gain tools for working with diverse audiences and creating change through education.
Job Possibilities:
Sexuality Educator in schools, nonprofits, or public health
University or corporate guest speaker
Online content creator (YouTube, TikTok, etc.)
Curriculum designer or author
C. Sex Coaching Certification
What is sex coaching certification?
A sex coaching certification trains sex coaches to help clients improve their sexual confidence, relationships, and intimacy through goal-oriented, non-clinical support. Coaching is a great option for professionals who want to empower individuals and couples outside of a mental health framework.
SHA Certification Requirements:
No licensure or degree required
Completion of SHA’s Sex Coach and Consultant Certification
Includes live weekends, practical coaching tools, and business guidance
Learn both foundational sexology and applied coaching techniques
Why choose sex coaching certification?
SHA’s coaching program is perfect for aspiring sex coaches, relationship consultants, and educators looking for flexibility and empowerment in their work. Unlike other programs that offer short-term or surface-level education, SHA offers deep training in both sexology and ethical coaching practices. This path is ideal for career-changers and entrepreneurs.
Job Possibilities:
Certified Sex Coach or Relationship Coach
Online course or group program facilitator
1:1 coaching business owner
Public speaker or media personality
D. Sexuality Counseling Certification
What is sexuality counseling certification?
Sexuality counseling certification offers a middle ground between therapy and coaching. It’s designed for professionals working in supportive roles who want to provide informed, ethical sexuality guidance without entering clinical mental health.
SHA Certification Requirements:
Open to professionals with a bachelor’s degree from any background (no licensure required)
Completion of SHA’s Sexuality Counseling Certification Program
Live training weekends and coursework focused on counseling skills and ethics
Why choose sexuality counseling certification?
This certification is perfect for those working in adjacent fields—like healthcare, wellness, or spiritual guidance—who want to be more informed and supportive around topics of sex and relationships. It’s especially valuable in roles that require compassionate, knowledgeable conversations around sensitive topics.
Job Possibilities:
Sexuality Counselor in private practice or organizations
Sexual health specialist in wellness centers or clinics
Intimacy consultant or pastoral counselor
Allied support professional in reproductive or gender care
Dual Sexual Health Certification Spotlight
Sometimes, one path just isn’t enough—especially when your work spans multiple domains. SHA proudly offers two popular dual-certification options:
1. Couples + Sex Therapy Dual Certification
The Couples and Sex Therapy Dual Certification program combines SHA’s Couples Therapy and Sex Therapy Certifications. It’s perfect for clinicians who want to offer full-spectrum relationship support, tackling everything from communication issues to sexual dysfunction.
Why Choose It?
Most therapists are trained in one or the other—not both. SHA’s dual certification gives you a unique edge and the ability to serve couples holistically. With rising demand for therapists who can address both emotional intimacy and sexual health, this program gives you the tools to confidently support complex relational dynamics.
Best For:
Licensed therapists wanting to specialize in both couples and sex therapy
Those working with long-term relationship challenges, infidelity, or low desire
Clinicians looking to deepen their skills and expand their services
2. Sex + Relationship Coach Dual Certification
For coaches and consultants, the Sex and Relationship Dual Certification provides the best of both worlds: a deep foundation in sex coaching plus additional training in relationships, communication, and intimacy.
Why Choose It?
SHA’s sex and relationship coaching combo is perfect for building a thriving practice that helps people with real-life relationship issues. You’ll be able to offer individual, couples, and group coaching—with confidence, competence, and credibility.
Best For:
Coaches ready to expand into relationship work
Educators or consultants launching digital programs
Entrepreneurs building a multi-service sexuality business
Time to begin a meaningful career in sexual health
So—which path excites you the most? Whether you’re drawn to therapy, education, coaching, or counseling, SHA has a route that aligns with your passion and purpose.
With expert faculty, flexible learning formats, and a supportive community of professionals around the globe, SHA is more than just certification—it’s your launchpad into a meaningful career in sexual health.
Still unsure? SHA offers info sessions, free resources, and guidance to help you pick the path that’s right for you. Email our team at shacertifications@gmail.com with any questions and to schedule a personal meeting.
Ready to be more than average? F*ck average—be SEXceptional with SHA.
