Sex Therapy
As society becomes more open to discussions about sexual health and well-being, the demand for qualified sex therapists continues to grow. This guide will take you through the essential steps to becoming a sex therapist, from obtaining the right degree to gaining certification and finding employment.
What Is a Sex Therapist?
A sex therapist is a licensed mental health professional who specializes in addressing and treating sexual concerns and issues through therapeutic methods. These therapists have advanced training and expertise in human sexuality, sexual health, and interpersonal relationships. They work with individuals and couples to help them understand, manage, and overcome a wide range of sexual difficulties and dysfunctions.
Sex therapists utilize tools and treatment modalities, including psychotherapy or "talk therapy," cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and other evidence-based approaches to get to the root of the psychological causes and effects of intimacy issues.
See all Therapy Careers.
What Do Sex Therapists Treat?
Sex therapy can be an extremely helpful tool for anyone experiencing difficulties around sexual intimacy, identity, or performance. It's important to note that sex therapists deal strictly with the psychological aspects of sexuality and do not provide physical or medical treatment, though they will refer clients to physicians or physical therapists for evaluation and further treatment if needed. Common issues addressed by sex therapists include:
- Sexual dysfunction (e.g., erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation)
- Low libido or desire discrepancies
- Orgasmic difficulties
- Effects of sexual trauma
- Sexual pain disorders (e.g., vaginismus, dyspareunia)
- Issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity
- Sex or pornography addiction
- Navigating and managing sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Exploring religious or cultural ideas about sex
Sex Therapist Education
Sex therapists must complete the right combination of education and training in order to see clients. This generally consists of:
A bachelor's degree in an area of mental health (such as a bachelor’s in counseling, psychology, social work, etc.) that contains some coursework in sex therapy from an accredited college or university. These programs generally take four years to complete. A bachelor's degree may be sufficient for some sex therapy-related certifications, such as the Certified Sexuality Counselor and Certified Sexuality Educator certifications from the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT), though students must often complete a minimum number of hours of professional counseling or teaching experience in the field.
Next comes a master's degree in an area of mental health, such as a master’s in psychology with a sex therapy concentration, from an accredited institution. These are typically two-year programs. Many sex therapy certifications require a minimum of a master's degree. For example, AASECT's Sex Therapist certification requires either a master's degree with two years of post-degree clinical experience or a doctoral degree with one year of post-clinical experience, both of which must include psychotherapy training.
Students who want to advance their sex therapy careers or enter areas such as academia or research may wish to complete a doctoral degree. This typically takes the form of a Ph.D. or PsyD in a mental health area, though Modern Sex Therapy Institutes (MSTI) offers a Ph.D. in Clinical Sexology for those interested in specialty doctorate-level education.
Sex Therapist Pathways for Those Already in the Mental Health Field
Perhaps you have already completed an undergraduate or graduate degree in a mental health area such as psychology, counseling, social work, or similar. Maybe you are even licensed or experienced in the mental healthcare field and want to pursue a sex therapy career. There are several educational pathways that can help you enter this specialty:
A graduate certificate in sex therapy allows students to gain the specialized knowledge they need in a short timeframe – often less than one year. These programs are typically open to those who already have a master's degree in a mental health area or are currently enrolled in one. In some cases, students who hold a bachelor's degree in a mental health area may be eligible. Grad certificates in sex therapy can be offered online, on campus, or in a hybrid format.
Specialty sex therapist programs that offer continuing education (CE) hours may also be a potential pathway. For example, MTSI offers training in several sex therapy specializations that align with the requirements for many of AASECT's certifications.
Sex Therapy Program Curriculum
Students enrolled in a degree program with a sex therapy concentration will take a variety of classes as well as a Sexual Attitude Reassessment (SAR). The SAR is an educational process that aims to help participants examine and understand their own sexual attitudes, values, and beliefs. Through structured experiences, including lectures, discussions, multimedia presentations, and personal reflections, participants explore a wide range of sexual behaviors and identities. The goal is to foster greater self-awareness and empathy, reduce biases and misconceptions, and enhance the ability to support diverse clients effectively in a professional therapeutic context. SAR sessions are designed to be safe, nonjudgmental spaces that promote open-mindedness and personal growth.
Common coursework, such as these examples from the University of Michigan's sex therapy curriculum, may include:
- Introduction to Sexual Health—Cultural and Biological Underpinnings
- Medical and Developmental Aspects of Sexual Health—A Biopsychosocial Perspective across the Lifespan
- Sexual Health Problems
- Intimacy and Sexuality in Couples Relationships
- The Discipline of Sexology
- Gender and Sexual Orientation
Sex Therapy Licensure & Certifications
Once you have completed the requisite education for sex therapy, most aspiring sex therapists will want to become licensed. While no specific sex therapy license exists, following your state's guidelines for counseling licensure or similar is a great first step, followed by sex therapy certification. AASECT offers several certifications, depending on your training level and interests, and MSTI also offers certifications related to sex therapy. See the table below for several examples:
| Criteria | AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) | AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator | AASECT Certified Sexuality Counselor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligibility Requirements | – Master's or doctoral degree in a related field – Relevant clinical experience – Specific training in sexuality education, counseling, or therapy – Supervised clinical experience | – Bachelor's degree or higher – Relevant experience in sexuality education – Specific training in sexuality education – Supervised educational experience | – Master's or doctoral degree in a related field – Relevant clinical experience – Specific training in sexuality counseling – Supervised clinical experience |
| Training Hours Required | 150 hours in core knowledge areas, including ethics, theory, and sexual functioning | 150 hours in core knowledge areas | 150 hours in core knowledge areas |
| Supervision Requirements | 50 hours with an AASECT-certified supervisor | 25 hours with an AASECT-certified supervisor | 25 hours with an AASECT-certified supervisor |
| Continuing Education / Renewal | 30 hours every five years | 30 hours every five years | 30 hours every five years |
| Focus Areas | – Ethics and ethical behavior – Psychosexual development – Sexual identity – Intimacy skills | – Ethics and ethical behavior – Educational theory – Sexual health – Pedagogical skills | – Ethics and ethical behavior – Counseling skills – Sexual health – Relationship dynamics |
| Additional Features | – Extensive professional network – Numerous resources for ongoing professional development | – Extensive professional network – Numerous resources for ongoing professional development | – Extensive professional network – Numerous resources for ongoing professional development |
Where Do Sex Therapists Work?
Sex therapists can work in a variety of settings, providing their expertise to help individuals, couples, and groups with sexual health and relationship issues. Some common employment opportunities for sex therapists include:
- Private Practice
- Mental Health Clinics
- Hospitals and Medical Centers
- Universities and Colleges
- Nonprofit Organizations
- Sexual Health Clinics
- Corporate and Organizational Settings
- Government Agencies
- Research Institutions
These diverse work settings allow sex therapists to apply their specialized knowledge and skills in various contexts, addressing a wide range of sexual health and relationship issues.
