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— Guide for Clinicians
How to Become a Sex Therapist
The honest guide — what you actually need, what you don't, how much certification costs, and the fastest path from licensed therapist to practicing sex therapy.
Dr. Marisol Westberg, PhD, LMFT
AASECT Certified Sex Educator · 20+ Years Experience
— what's in this guide
— the honest answer
Do you need a sex therapy certification?
Most clinicians assume they need a formal certification before they can practice sex therapy. The reality is more straightforward — and more affordable — than the industry wants you to believe.
The average cost of a sex therapy certification is around $12,000. Organizations are making significant money on something that is not legally required to practice sex therapy in most states.
What you actually need: A license in a mental health field (MFT, LPC, LCSW) and the ability to demonstrate competency in sex therapy. If you claim to specialize in sex therapy, you should be able to show how you built that expertise — through coursework, CE credits, supervision, and clinical experience.
Certification can add credibility, and for some clinicians it's worth it. But it is not a legal prerequisite. The path forward is more accessible than most gatekeepers suggest.
— why it matters
Reasons to get certified
01
Credibility with clients
A credential signals specialized training to prospective clients searching for a qualified sex therapist.
02
Insurance and billing
Some insurance panels and group practices require documented specialty training before allowing sex therapy billing codes.
03
Structured learning
Certification programs force you to cover areas you might not seek out on your own — gaps that show up later in session.
04
Professional community
Organizations like AASECT connect you with peers, supervisors, and referral sources you cannot easily build on your own.
— the pathways
Three ways to get there
Get licensed in a mental health field
You need a license to call yourself a therapist. MFT, LPC, LCSW — all are accepted pathways. This is the non-negotiable foundation. Without licensure, you can become a sex coach or sexologist, but not a sex therapist.
Build competency in sex therapy
You need real working knowledge — not just theory. CE courses, sex therapy training, supervised experience, and clinical reading all count toward demonstrating competency. Start with the framework you'll actually use in session.
Get certified (optional, but strategic)
The American Board of Sexology (ABS) offers certification for $169 — significantly less than AASECT or others. It provides an accessible entry point with less stringent requirements and is a legitimate credential for most clinical settings.
— cost comparison
What certifications actually cost
Not all certification paths are equal. Here's what you're looking at across the main organizations.
| Organization | Approx. Cost | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| AASECT | ~$12,000+ | License + 150 hrs training + supervision |
| SSTAR | ~$8,000–$12,000 | License + extensive training hours |
| ABS Best value | $169 | License + basic training background |
| NBCC | Varies | CE credits only — no credential issued |
The ABS certification gives you a legitimate credential at a fraction of the cost. For most solo practitioners, it's the most strategic entry point while you build experience.
— understanding the difference
Sexologist vs. sex therapist
Sex Therapist
- →Must hold a mental health license
- →Can treat sexual dysfunction and trauma
- →Regulated by licensing board
- →Can diagnose mental health conditions
Sexologist
- →No license required to use the title
- →Focuses on education and coaching
- →Generally unregulated
- →Cannot diagnose mental health conditions
Moving from sex therapist → sexologist is simple. Moving from sexologist → sex therapist requires returning to school for a mental health degree and license. Start with the path that fits your current credentials.
— my path
How I became a sex therapist
I stumbled into sex therapy somewhat by accident. During my dissertation, a conversation with a friend sparked my curiosity about the deeper meaning people attach to sexual behavior — and it changed the direction of my entire career.
After completing my dissertation, I was offered a position at Lewis and Clark College to teach a sex therapy class. I had no prior clients with sexual issues. I said yes anyway — and my practice thrived because the demand for sex therapy is real and the field is underserved.
What I discovered through years of practice was that the existing literature had gaps. That's what led me to develop my own clinical model — and eventually build these courses, so other clinicians don't have to piece it together the hard way.
— common questions
Frequently asked questions
Does a sex therapist touch their clients?+
Absolutely not. Sex therapists provide talk therapy only. There is no physical contact with clients under any circumstances. Sex therapy is entirely verbal and relational work.
Do I need to be licensed to practice sex therapy?+
Yes, to call yourself a therapist. MFT, LPC, LCSW, or equivalent. Without a license, you can work as a sex coach or sexologist, but you cannot legally call yourself a sex therapist.
Is AASECT certification worth the cost?+
It depends on your goals. AASECT is prestigious but costs $12,000+. For most practitioners entering the field, starting with CE courses and ABS certification at $169 is a more practical path. AASECT makes more sense later once you have an established practice.
How do I demonstrate competency without certification?+
Document your training. Keep records of CE courses, workshops, supervision hours, and relevant reading. A structured CE program like the Master Sex Therapy Course gives you 12 AASECT-approved CE credits you can point to directly.
How long until I can start seeing sex therapy clients?+
If you're already licensed, you can start immediately. A solid CE course and targeted reading can get you to a competent, ethical starting point faster than you might think.
— ready to start
Build the clinical foundation
you actually need
24 hours of video training, case studies, and 12 AASECT-approved CE credits — everything you need to practice sex therapy with confidence.
One-time payment
$297
Start the Course