To become a sex therapist, you should be certified by an accredited training body. The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) is the largest such credentialing body.
However, you can obtain certification from other sources, too. In this article, you will learn about AASECT, APSECT, and Post-graduate certificates, as well as other options.
AASECT
To become certified in sexual therapy, the candidate must complete the AASECT Sexual Therapy Certification. The program consists of two components: online coursework and live weekend workshops. The online coursework consists of readings, reflection papers, and live webinar opportunities. The online workshop component consists of an assessment of sexuality. This assessment is a 15-hour process of learning aimed at addressing the participants’ personal feelings and perceptions.
The educational requirements for AASECT certification include clinical experience, academic coursework, and supervised experience under the supervision of AASECT certified professionals. The applicant must also have completed a minimum of 300 hours of supervised clinical experience. In addition, the applicant must have experience working with couples and individuals of all genders, including couples.
The AASECT certification requires 40 hours of supervised practice, which can be divided into 15 group hours and 25 individual sessions. For the group hours, an outside supervisor may be involved. These supervisory sessions cost about $75 per student. For the individual supervision, the student can hire Dr. Clark at a discounted rate of $150 per session. AASECT allows multiple supervisors, but one primary supervisor is required.
Modern Sex Therapy Institute
The Modern Sex Therapy Institute’s certification is ideal for professionals who want to specialize in helping LGBT clients. The certification includes 90 hours of core knowledge about human sexuality and 60 hours of sex therapy training. The program is available for students, clergy, and mental health professionals, and is flexible enough for working professionals.
The certificate program offers training in sex therapy, including core knowledge areas, sex orientation, interpersonal skills, and diversity in sexual expression. The program also covers science, including sexual anatomy, biological functions, and health factors that affect sexual behavior. The program also requires supervised training, with guidance from respected sex therapy industry experts.
This modern institute is also on the leading edge of modern psychotherapy, with their Certified Sex and Couples Therapist (CSCT) certification. The CSCT curriculum combines cutting-edge sex therapy training with an integrative perspective. The training helps aspiring therapists become effective practitioners in the field.
Post-graduate certificates
Post-graduate certificates in sexual therapy (PGCS) are designed to provide individuals with specialized training in the field. These programs emphasize competency-based learning and student-centered instruction. Sex Therapists are licensed mental health professionals. They can work in hospitals, private practices, group homes, or other healthcare settings.
This certificate program is intended for medical and mental health practitioners, as well as health educators who are interested in sexual and reproductive health. These professionals include social workers, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, counselors, physicians, and nurses. Physical therapists, pre-K-12 educators, and college educators can also pursue this training.
Students interested in working in this field can complete a PGCS in sex therapy through the Council for Relationships (CRF). The PGCS program is offered online and requires 75 continuing education credits. Students are accepted in cohorts. The program includes five weekend sessions. Upon completion of the program, a PGCS in sex therapy will qualify graduates for licensure.
Other options
There are a few different ways to get sexual therapy certification. The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) sets out educational requirements for certification. In order to become a licensed sex therapist, an applicant must first have a professional membership or life membership in AASECT and complete an approved sex therapy certification program. Other requirements include an advanced clinical degree and psychotherapy training. All coursework must be from accredited institutions.
Another option for sexual therapy certification is to complete an online program from the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS). The CIIS sex therapy certification program is accredited by the American Association of Sexuality Educators. The program is designed to be completed in twelve months. The program includes five weekend sessions. Graduates will receive a certificate from CIIS.
In addition to completing a traditional sex therapy certification, some therapists practice in alternative settings. Some offer therapy online via video or phone. It is important to research legal guidelines before pursuing a career in alternative settings.
