Become a Certified Sex Therapist, Sexologist, Coach, Counselor or Educator

If you're looking to become a certified sex therapist, sex coach, sex educator, sexuality counselor, relationship professional, or sexual health specialist, Sexual Health Alliance (SHA) offers the most comprehensive and respected education and certification programs available today.

As a trusted educational partner of The Sexology Lab, SHA has helped thousands of professionals around the world build meaningful careers in sexual health, intimacy, relationships, and human behavior.

Whether you're a licensed clinician, coach, educator, physician, researcher, or helping professional, SHA provides evidence-informed certification pathways designed to help you develop expertise, earn continuing education credits, and expand your impact.

Why Choose Sexual Health Alliance?

Sexual Health Alliance is a global leader in sexual health education and professional certification.

Founded in 2015, SHA serves a diverse international community of students and alumni across six continents in over 70 countries. Programs are designed by leading experts in sex therapy, psychology, medicine, coaching, counseling, education, and relationship science.

Benefits of Choosing SHA

Learn from World-Renowned Experts

Train with leading voices in sexual health, including:

• AASECT-certified sex therapists, educators, and counselors

• Clinical psychologists

• Medical doctors

• Researchers

• Relationship experts

• Authors and educators

• SexTech and Business Professionals

Flexible Online Learning

Programs combine:

• Live online training

• Self-paced coursework

• Community discussions

Global Community

Join a network of professionals from around the world, including:

• Therapists

• Counselors

• Social workers

• Coaches

• Physicians

• Nurses

• Educators

• Researchers

• Graduate students

• Physical Therapists

Continuing Education Credits

SHA Education includes:

• AASECT Continuing Education

• NBCC Continuing Education

• Other professional continuing education opportunities

Career Development Opportunities

Students gain access to:

• Professional networking

• Speaking opportunities

• Community events

• Specialized supervision pathways

• Advanced certification options

• Ongoing professional development

SHA Certification Programs

Sex Therapist Certification

The Sex Therapy Certification at SHA is designed for licensed mental health professionals who want advanced training in sexual health, intimacy, and relationship concerns.

Topics include:

• Sexual functioning and dysfunction

• Desire discrepancies

• Couples therapy

• LGBTQIA+ affirmative care

• Trauma-informed practice

• Kink and BDSM

• Consensual non-monogamy

• Sexual health across the lifespan

Ideal for:

• Therapists

• Psychologists

• Counselors

• Social workers

• Marriage and family therapists

Sex Coach and Sexologist Certification

SHA’s Sex Coach and Sexologist Certification helps professionals learn how to help clients create meaningful change in their intimate lives through education, coaching, and skills development.

Topics include:

• Communication

• Desire and intimacy

• Confidence and self-esteem

• Dating and relationships

• Pleasure and sexual wellness

• Coaching methodologies

Ideal for:

• Coaches

• Wellness professionals

• Educators

• Helping professionals

Sex Educator Certification

The Sex Educator Certification program at SHA helps professionals develop the skills to teach accurate, evidence-based sexual health information in educational, clinical, and community settings.

Topics include:

• Curriculum development

• Public speaking

• Sexual health literacy

• Inclusive education

• Program design

• Community outreach

Ideal for:

• Educators

• Public health professionals

• Advocates

• Coaches

• Therapists

Sexuality Counselor Certification

The Sexuality Counselor Certification program at SHA is designed for professionals who provide guidance, support, and psychoeducation around sexual health concerns but do not diagnose or treat mental health disorders.

This certification helps professionals develop the knowledge and skills needed to address common sexuality-related concerns, support clients through sexual challenges, and provide accurate, evidence-based sexual health information within their scope of practice.

Topics include:

• Sexual health and wellness

• Communication and relationship skills

• Sexual functioning and common concerns

• Desire and intimacy challenges

• LGBTQIA+ affirmative care

• Consent and boundaries

• Kink and consensual non-monogamy

• Ethics and scope of practice

Ideal for:

• Healthcare professionals

• Coaches

• Educators

• Nurses

• Physicians

• Clergy and pastoral counselors

• Allied health professionals

• Helping professionals interested in sexual health

Couples and sex Therapy dual Certification

SHA’s Couples and Sex Therapy Dual Certification program provides advanced training for professionals who work with couples and intimate partnerships.

Topics include:

• Attachment

• Communication

• Conflict resolution

• Desire differences

• Infidelity recovery

• Relationship dynamics

Ideal for:

• Therapists

• Relationship professionals

• Couples counselors

Sex and Relationship Coach Dual Certification

The Sex and Relationship Coach Dual Certification at SHA is designed for professionals who want comprehensive training in both sex coaching and relationship coaching, this dual certification equips graduates with the skills to help individuals and couples navigate intimacy, communication, desire, dating, and long-term relationship challenges.

By combining sexual health education with relationship coaching methodologies, students learn how to support clients in creating more fulfilling intimate lives while developing stronger emotional and relational connections.

Topics include:

• Relationship dynamics and attachment

• Communication and conflict resolution

• Sexual health and wellness

• Desire and intimacy enhancement

• Dating and modern relationships

• Confidence and self-esteem

• Coaching methodologies and behavior change

• Consent, boundaries, and healthy relationships

• LGBTQIA+ affirmative coaching

• Ethical coaching practices and scope of practice

Ideal for:

• Aspiring sex coaches

• Relationship coaches

• Life coaches

• Wellness professionals

• Educators

• Helping professionals

• Therapists seeking coaching skills

• Professionals looking to build a coaching practice focused on intimacy and relationships

Problem Sexual Behavior Advanced Certification

The Problem Sexual Behavior Advanced Certification at SHA is an evidence-based certification focused on understanding and treating problematic sexual behaviors using contemporary clinical frameworks. This a more person-centered, modern approach and an alternative to the older Sex Addiction Therapist frameworks.

Topics include:

• Out-of-control sexual behavior

• Shame and sexual stigma

• Assessment and treatment approaches

• Trauma-informed interventions

• Ethical clinical practice

Ideal for:

• Therapists

• Counselors

• Coaches

• Educators

• Clinical professionals

Kink-Informed Advanced Certification

SHA’s Kink Informed Certification program provides specialized training focused on kink, BDSM, power exchange, and alternative relationship structures.

Topics include:

• Kink competency

• BDSM dynamics

• Consent frameworks

• Clinical best practices

• Cultural considerations

Ideal for:

• Therapists

• Coaches

• Educators

• Healthcare professionals

Consensual Non-Monogamy Advanced Certification

The Consensual Non-Monogamy Advanced Certification at SHA helps professionals develop competency working with individuals and relationships practicing ethical non-monogamy.

Topics include:

• Polyamory

• Open relationships

• Relationship agreements

• Communication skills

• Clinical interventions

Ideal for:

• Therapists

• Coaches

• Educators

AASECT Certification Pathways

SHA programs are designed to help students meet educational requirements for certification through the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT).

Depending on your professional goals and eligibility, SHA training can support pathways toward:

• AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) - All inclusive with supervision option available.

• AASECT Certified Sexuality Counselor (CSC) - All inclusive with supervision option available.

• AASECT Certified Sex Educator (CSE)

Students should review current AASECT requirements and consult directly with AASECT regarding certification eligibility.

Who Should Consider SHA Certification?

SHA certifications are ideal for:

• Therapists

• Psychologists

• Counselors

• Social workers

• Physicians

• Nurses

• Coaches

• Educators

• Researchers

• Graduate students

• Wellness professionals

• Physical Therapists

Whether you're beginning your journey or expanding an existing practice, SHA offers a pathway to develop specialized expertise in sexual health and relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SHA recognized internationally?

Yes. SHA serves students and alumni across six continents in over 70 countries and offers globally accessible online training programs.

Do I need to be a therapist to enroll?

No. Some certifications are designed specifically for licensed clinicians, while others are appropriate for coaches, educators, healthcare professionals, and helping professionals.

Can SHA help me pursue AASECT certification?

Yes. SHA programs include AASECT-approved educational content and are designed to support students pursuing AASECT certification pathways.

Are classes live or self-paced?

Certifications combine live online learning with self-paced coursework, allowing students to balance professional and personal commitments. Programs are 100% online.

How long does certification take?

Program length varies. Many students complete certifications within twelve months, while others choose a more flexible timeline.

What makes SHA different from other certification programs?

SHA combines expert faculty, evidence-based education, global accessibility, continuing education opportunities, practical application, immersive experiences like Study Abroad or Advanced SARs, and a thriving professional community.

Can international students participate?

Absolutely. SHA welcomes students from around the world and has a large international student community.

Ready to Build Your Career in Sexual Health?

The demand for qualified sexual health professionals continues to grow across healthcare, therapy, coaching, education, and research.

Through Sexual Health Alliance, you can gain specialized training, connect with a global professional community, and develop the skills needed to make a meaningful impact in people's lives.

Explore certification programs today and take the next step in your professional journey.Become an in-demand sexual health professional.