Course Comparison

Dr. Westberg’s Sex Therapy Masterclass vs SHA vs MSTI — Which Is Right for You?

If you’re a licensed therapist looking to build expertise in sex therapy, you’ve likely come across the Sexual Health Alliance (SHA), Modern Sex Therapy Institutes (MSTI), and Dr. Marisol G. Westberg’s Sex Therapy Masterclass. These are three of the most frequently cited AASECT-approved options — but they serve very different needs. This page breaks down the honest differences so you can make the right choice for where you are in your career.

Feature Dr. Westberg’s Masterclass Sexual Health Alliance (SHA) Modern Sex Therapy Institutes (MSTI)
AASECT CE Credits 12 CE credits 150–200+ CE credits 150+ CE credits
NBCC Approved ✓ Yes ✗ No ✓ Yes
APA Approved — No — No ✓ Yes
Price $297 one-time $5,497–$9,697 Varies by program
Format 100% async, self-paced Self-paced + live weekends required Live webinars + async modules
SAR Required ✓ Not required ✗ Required for certification ✗ Required for certification
Full AASECT Certification Pathway — No — partial credits only ✓ Yes — complete pathway ✓ Yes — complete pathway
Clinical Framework The Fuck Sex Model — trauma-informed, pleasure-focused Multiple instructors, diverse perspectives Multiple instructors, multidisciplinary
Instructor Dr. Marisol G. Westberg — 20+ years clinical practice Multiple faculty — diverse experts Multiple faculty — diverse experts
Time to Complete Go at your own pace — no deadlines Months to years depending on track Typically 2+ years for full program
Best For Therapists who want a focused clinical framework fast Therapists pursuing full AASECT certification Therapists pursuing full AASECT certification with flexibility

Who Each Is Right For

Pick the right option for where you are

Dr. Westberg’s Masterclass — Right For You If

You want a clinical framework now — not a certification program

  • You’re already licensed and seeing clients with sexual concerns
  • You want 12 AASECT-approved CEUs that count toward license renewal
  • You need a complete, practical clinical framework — not a survey course
  • You want self-paced training you can complete on your own schedule
  • Budget matters — you want the highest-quality training at the lowest cost
  • You work primarily with couples and want trauma-informed, desire-focused tools
  • You’re not yet ready to commit to a full 150-hour certification program
Enroll — $297
SHA — Right For You If

You want full AASECT certification with community and live training

  • You’re committed to pursuing full AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) status
  • You want live weekend intensives and a cohort community
  • You want a diverse, modern, kink-allied, LGBTQ+-forward curriculum
  • You can commit $5,497–$9,697 and a multi-month timeline
  • You want the SAR and supervision included in one program
Learn More →
MSTI — Right For You If

You want a flexible all-in-one certification path with live options

  • You want AASECT, APA, and NBCC approval all in one program
  • You prefer rolling admissions — start any time, no cohort required
  • You want a large library of 300+ workshops to choose from
  • You want the option to pursue a PhD in Clinical Sexology
  • You want MSTI to complete your AASECT application for you
Learn More →

The honest take

SHA and MSTI are certification programs — they’re designed to take you from licensed therapist to AASECT Certified Sex Therapist over months or years. They’re excellent programs for that goal, but they require a significant investment of time and money.


Dr. Westberg’s Masterclass is a clinical training course — it gives you a complete, trauma-informed framework for treating sexual issues in 12 AASECT-approved CE hours. It doesn’t replace a full certification program, but it doesn’t need to. For a therapist who already sees clients with sexual concerns and wants to work with more confidence and precision right now, it’s the most direct path.


Many therapists take Dr. Westberg’s Masterclass first — to build a clinical foundation and earn 12 CE credits quickly — and then pursue SHA or MSTI for full certification later. The credits are AASECT-approved and count toward the 150-hour certification requirement.

Common Questions

Frequently asked questions

Does Dr. Westberg’s Masterclass count toward AASECT certification?
Yes — the 12 CE credits are AASECT-approved and can be applied toward the 150-hour educational requirement for AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) status. You cannot complete the full certification through this course alone — you will still need the remaining hours, supervision, and a SAR — but these 12 credits count.
Does Dr. Westberg’s Masterclass count toward LMFT license renewal?
Yes — 12 AASECT and NBCC approved CE credits apply toward LMFT license renewal in most states, including Oregon, New York, and Connecticut. AASECT is a nationally recognized standard accepted by most state MFT licensing boards. Check with your specific state board to confirm.
What is the difference between Dr. Westberg’s course and a free CE resource?
Free CE resources typically offer single-topic webinars or introductory overviews — useful for renewal hours but rarely sufficient for clinical depth. Dr. Westberg’s Masterclass provides a complete clinical framework — the Fuck Sex Model — built through 20+ years of private practice. It covers 11 modules including case examples, interventions, and step-by-step clinical application. You can’t get that from a free webinar.
Can I take Dr. Westberg’s course and SHA or MSTI?
Yes — and many therapists do. Dr. Westberg’s Masterclass is a strong foundation for clinical practice that complements the broader educational curriculum of SHA or MSTI. The 12 CE credits can be applied toward the 150-hour certification requirement at either program.
How long does Dr. Westberg’s Masterclass take to complete?
The course includes 24 hours of video and audio content across 11 modules. It is completely self-paced with no deadlines — most therapists complete it over 4-8 weeks, though you can go faster or slower depending on your schedule. You have lifetime access.

Ready to start

12 AASECT CEUs — $297 — Start Today

Self-paced, instant access, 30-day money-back guarantee. The complete clinical foundation for treating sexual issues — built through 20+ years of private practice.

Enroll in the Masterclass →