Resources for Learning Sex Therapy
*Disclosure: I only recommend programs I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. As an AASECT Supervisor, these are the most popular programs amongst my supervisees. That being said, this post may contain affiliate links that if you enroll using the links provided, I may earn a small commission.
The Buehler Institute (learnsextherapy.com)
Among my supervisees, the LearnSexTherapy.com program (aka The Buehler Institute) is the most popular program. This program is founded by and led by Dr. Stephanie Buehler. Dr. Buehler is the author of What
Every Mental Health Professional Needs to Know About Sex. This textbook is used in countless graduate programs. For the majority of them, you can go at your own pace and start any time. There are two weekend long “live” trainings that must be attended (online). Dr. Buehler takes an evidence-based approach to treating Sex Therapy, citing the research behind her teachings. I highly recommend this one if you are interested in treating sexual dysfunction concerns.
Program Cost: $5499
- A La Carte Courses: Yes, Many! (APA approved)
- Schedule: Self-paced and two weekend long “live” trainings
- Supervision Included: No
- SAR: Separate
Sexual Health Alliance
If your primary interest is in working with the Kink/BDSM/LGBTQ+ population, the Sexual Health Alliance program is for you. This program also goes at your pace and you can start anytime. Also, it includes three “live” weekend long workshops that must be attended (online). The majority of the instructors in this program are active participants/members of the populations mentioned above. The program focuses heavily on these marginalized communities and how to best serve their needs, since sex therapy has historically been heteronormative and “vanilla” focused. BIPOC scholarships are available.
- Program Cost: $5150
- A La Carte Courses: A few
- Schedule: Self-paced and three weekend long “live” trainings
- Supervision Included: No
- SAR: Separate but discounted if you do their program
University of Michigan Sex Therapy Certificate
The University of Michigan Sex Therapy Certificate program is one of the original/longest standing Sex Therapy training programs. You must apply and be accepted to begin, and it is taught “live” online over approximately 10 different weekends. All classes must be attended. This is ideal if you struggle with self-discipline as the course times are all predetermined. The instructors include Barry McCarthy, a pioneer in the field of erectile dysfunction, and Doug Braun-Harvey, the founder of the OCSB model for treating Out of Control Sexual Behavior.
- Program Cost: $5990
- A La Carte Courses: No
- Schedule: Predetermined live weekends
- Supervision Included: No
- SAR: Included
Modern Sex Therapy Institutes
The program offered by Modern Sex Therapy Institutes is more than just AASECT certification. It also offers a PhD in Clinical Sexology that covers all of the AASECT requirements if you want to get certified and get your PhD in Clinical Sexology. There are over 150 pre-recorded workshops, in addition to two live (online) workshops. The workshops vary in subject matter and they have many that include content related to Kink and BDSM, as well as LGBTQIA specific workshops. Bonus: they are the only organization to offer and LGBTQIA Affirmative Certification (although this is separate from the AASECT course). Many of the instructors are leaders in the field of Sexology. This is the only program I know of (as of right now) that includes supervision in its cost.
- Program Cost: $8850 (PhD program is approx $17,500)
- A La Carte Courses: Yes, many
- Schedule: Self-paced and two weekend long “live” trainings
- Supervision Included: YES!
- SAR: Included