How to Become a Sex Therapist: Education, Salary & Career Guide 2025

Q: Do I need a specific degree in sex therapy?

No, there's no specific sex therapy degree required. Sex therapists come from various mental health backgrounds including clinical psychology, counseling psychology, marriage and family therapy, social work, or mental health counseling. You'll need a master's degree (or doctoral degree for psychologists) in one of these fields, plus specialized sex therapy training. After obtaining your base degree and license, you complete additional sex therapy-specific coursework and supervision to earn AASECT certification.

Written by Dr. Julian Navarro, PhD, LCSW, Last Updated: October 13, 2025

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What Is Sex Therapy?

Sex therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy that helps individuals and couples address sexual concerns, relationship intimacy issues, and psychological barriers affecting sexual function. Unlike common misconceptions, sex therapy doesn't involve physical contact or sexual activities during sessions. Instead, it uses evidence-based counseling techniques, cognitive-behavioral approaches, and therapeutic conversations to help clients overcome obstacles to healthy sexual relationships.

Sex therapy builds on the foundations of clinical counseling, psychotherapy, and talk therapy. Many treatment approaches overlap with other mental health specializations, making sex therapy part of the broader behavioral health field. The practice addresses a wide range of concerns including:

Sexual dysfunction – Problems with desire, arousal, or performance
Recovery from sexual trauma – Healing from abuse or assault
Relationship intimacy – Communication and connection issues between partners
Gender and sexual identity – LGBTQ+ concerns and transgender experiences
Sexual education – Understanding anatomy, physiology, and healthy sexuality
Cultural and religious factors – Navigating faith-based views on sexuality
Medical conditions – Addressing how chronic illness or disability affects sexual health

At its core, sex therapy aims to help people develop healthier perspectives on sexuality, improve communication with partners, resolve behavioral problems, and build trusting intimate relationships.

What Does a Sex Therapist Do?

Sex therapists work with clients to identify and address the root causes of sexual difficulties. Many people mistakenly believe sex therapists act as coaches who guide couples through physical exercises, but the reality is quite different. Sexual problems often stem from underlying psychological, emotional, or relational issues that extend beyond the bedroom. A sex therapist's job is to uncover these root causes and develop treatment strategies to address them.

Common Issues Treated

Sex therapists specialize in addressing diverse concerns that affect sexual wellbeing:

Low sexual desire or mismatched libido between partners
Recovery from sexual abuse, assault, or trauma
Anatomical concerns and physical limitations
Sexuality across the lifespan (adolescence through aging)
Sexual compulsivity and addiction
Sexuality and cultural background
Gender-based sexual issues and concerns
LGBTQ+ relationship dynamics
Hormonal disorders affecting sexual function
Pain during intercourse
Treatment and rehabilitation of sex offenders (in clinical settings)

Treatment Approaches and Techniques

Sex therapists use various therapeutic methods tailored to each client's unique situation. Treatment often combines individual sessions with couples therapy, allowing each person to share sensitive information privately before incorporating their partner into discussions. Common therapeutic approaches include:

Goal setting and planning – Establishing healthy, achievable objectives for sexual wellbeing
Safe exploration – Discussing sexual fantasies and desires in a non-judgmental environment
Trigger identification – Understanding what provokes positive and negative sexual responses
Sexual scripting – Rehearsing scenarios to help clients associate sex positively and engage healthily with partners
Sensate focus exercises – Guided activities that help couples rebuild physical intimacy gradually
Mindfulness practice – Techniques to help people stay present during intimate moments
Communication training – Teaching partners to express needs, boundaries, and desires effectively
Cognitive restructuring – Challenging unhelpful beliefs and shame around sexuality

Education Requirements for Sex Therapists

Becoming a sex therapist requires substantial education and training. Unlike some misconceptions, there's no specific "sex therapy degree." Instead, sex therapists come from various mental health backgrounds and pursue specialized training after completing their foundational education.

Educational Pathways to Sex Therapy

Sex therapists typically hold graduate degrees in one of these fields:

Clinical Psychology – Master's or doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD)
Counseling Psychology – Master's degree in counseling
Marriage and Family Therapy – Master's degree in marriage and family therapy
Social Work – Master of Social Work (MSW)
Mental Health Counseling – Master's in mental health counseling

Bachelor's Degree (4 years)

Your journey begins with a bachelor's degree in psychology, behavioral health, social work, or a related field. During your undergraduate studies, you'll build foundational knowledge in:

Human behavior and development across the lifespan
Abnormal and experimental psychology
Psychological research methods and statistics
Cognitive neuroscience and brain function
Personality theories and assessment
Psychological ethics and professional standards

A Bachelor of Science in Psychology prepares you for graduate programs by developing your understanding of human behavior through a scientific lens. Programs aligned with American Psychological Association standards emphasize research methodology, data collection, and evidence-based practice.

Alternatively, a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Counseling focuses on counseling practices, assessment techniques, and treatment planning. This pathway provides exposure to psychiatric rehabilitation, substance abuse treatment, and family-focused interventions.

Master's Degree (2-3 years)

Most sex therapists hold a master's degree in a mental health field. Graduate programs provide advanced clinical training and prepare you for licensure in your chosen profession. A typical master's program includes:

Advanced counseling theories and techniques
Psychopathology and mental health diagnosis
Clinical assessment and treatment planning
Ethics and professional responsibility
Supervised clinical practicum (600-1,000 hours)
Research methods and evidence-based practice

For those specifically interested in sex therapy, some programs offer a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology with a Sex Therapy Specialization. These specialized programs include coursework in:

Human sexuality and sexual development
Sexuality counseling and therapy techniques
Intimacy and sexuality in couple relationships
Sexual variations, paraphilias, and disorders
Sexual trauma and recovery
Anatomy and physiology of sexual function
Sexual addiction and compulsivity treatment
Criminal sexual behavior (for forensic settings)

Specialized Sex Therapy Training

After completing your graduate degree, you'll need additional specialized training to become certified as a sex therapist. The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) requires at least 300 hours of sex therapy-specific education beyond your graduate training. This specialized coursework covers:

Advanced sex therapy techniques and interventions
Sexual pharmacology and medical aspects of sexual function
Gender identity and sexual orientation issues
Sex therapy with diverse populations
Ethical issues in sex therapy practice

Education Level	Duration	Focus	Requirements
Bachelor's Degree	4 years	Foundation in psychology, human behavior, research methods	120+ credits, cumulative GPA typically 3.0+
Master's Degree	2-3 years	Clinical training, counseling techniques, supervised practice	600-1,000 practicum hours, thesis or capstone project
Specialized Sex Therapy Training	1-2 years (part-time)	Sex therapy techniques, human sexuality, ethical practice	300+ hours of sex therapy-specific education
Post-Graduate Supervision	2-4 years	Clinical experience under licensed supervisor	2,000-4,000 hours (varies by state and license type)

Certification and Licensure Requirements

To practice as a sex therapist, you need both state licensure in your base profession (psychology, counseling, social work, or marriage and family therapy) and certification from AASECT, the gold standard in sex therapy credentials.

State Licensure

First, you must become licensed in your primary mental health profession. Requirements vary by state but generally include:

Graduate degree from an accredited program
Post-graduate supervised experience – Typically 2,000-4,000 hours of clinical work under a licensed supervisor
Licensure examination – National or state-specific exam (varies by profession)
Background check – Criminal background screening
Continuing education – Ongoing professional development to maintain licensure

Common license types for sex therapists include:

Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PhD or PsyD required)
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

AASECT Certification

The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists is the premier certifying body for sex therapy professionals. To earn AASECT certification as a sex therapist, you must:

Hold a graduate degree in a mental health field (psychology, counseling, social work, or related discipline)
Be licensed to practice independently in your state
Complete 300 hours of sex therapy-specific training from AASECT-approved sources
Accumulate 1,000 hours of clinical experience providing sex therapy
Receive 100 hours of supervision from an AASECT-certified sex therapy supervisor
Submit documentation of training, experience, and supervision
Maintain certification through continuing education (30 hours every three years)

International Practice

If you earned your degree outside the United States, you'll need to demonstrate that your credentials are equivalent to U.S. standards. This typically involves having your transcripts evaluated by a credential evaluation service. Similarly, if you want to practice outside the U.S., you'll need to meet that country's specific licensing and certification requirements.

Maintaining Your Credentials

Both state licenses and AASECT certification require ongoing continuing education to remain active. Most states require 20-40 hours of continuing education every two years for license renewal. AASECT requires 30 hours of continuing education every three years, with at least 15 hours in human sexuality topics.

Career Timeline: Becoming a Sex Therapist

Understanding the full timeline helps you plan your educational and career journey effectively. Here's a realistic breakdown of how long it takes to become a certified sex therapist:

Phase	Duration	Key Milestones	Total Time
Bachelor's Degree	4 years	Complete psychology or behavioral health major, maintain strong GPA, gain volunteer experience	4 years
Master's Degree	2-3 years	Complete graduate coursework, clinical practicum hours, comprehensive exams or thesis	6-7 years
Post-Graduate Supervision	2-3 years	Accumulate 2,000-4,000 supervised clinical hours, pass licensure exam, obtain state license	8-10 years
Sex Therapy Specialization	1-2 years	Complete 300 hours sex therapy training, accumulate 1,000 sex therapy hours, receive 100 supervision hours	9-12 years
AASECT Certification	3-6 months	Submit application, provide documentation, receive certification	10-12 years

Total Time to Become a Certified Sex Therapist: 10-12 years from high school graduation

Many aspiring sex therapists begin incorporating sexuality-focused work into their practice during the post-graduate supervision phase, gradually building expertise while working toward full certification. This phased approach allows you to earn income as a licensed counselor or therapist while pursuing your specialization.

Sex Therapist Salary and Job Outlook

Sex therapist salary data isn't collected as a separate category by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, sex therapists are included in broader occupational categories based on their primary license. Understanding salary ranges for these related professions provides realistic income expectations.

2024 Salary Data by Profession

According to May 2024 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, professionals who become sex therapists earn the following salaries based on their primary credential:

Profession	10th Percentile	Median Salary	90th Percentile	Employment
Marriage & Family Therapists	$42,610	$63,780	$111,610	65,870
Mental Health Counselors	$39,090	$59,190	$98,210	440,380
Mental Health & Substance Abuse Social Workers	$39,620	$60,060	$104,130	125,910
Clinical Psychologists	$52,740	$96,100	$153,440	163,300

Factors Affecting Sex Therapist Income

Several factors influence earning potential for sex therapists:

Practice setting – Private practice therapists typically earn more than those in community clinics or agencies
Geographic location – Metropolitan areas and regions with higher costs of living offer higher salaries
Experience level – Newly licensed therapists earn less than established practitioners with years of experience
Specialization depth – AASECT-certified sex therapists can often command higher fees
Client base – Therapists working with higher-income clients can charge premium rates
Additional certifications – Multiple specializations or advanced training increase marketability

Job Growth and Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong growth for mental health professionals through 2032:

Marriage and family therapists: 15% growth (much faster than average)
Mental health counselors: 18% growth (much faster than average)
Social workers: 7% growth (faster than average)
Psychologists: 6% growth (faster than average)

Several factors drive demand for sex therapy specifically:

Decreased stigma around seeking therapy for sexual concerns
Growing acceptance of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities
Increased awareness of sexual trauma and the need for specialized treatment
An aging population requiring support for sexuality across the lifespan
Expansion of telehealth is making sex therapy more accessible

Work Environment and Occupational Settings

Sex therapists work in diverse settings, each offering unique opportunities and challenges. Understanding these options helps you envision your future career path.

Private Practice

Most sex therapists eventually establish private practices, either solo or in group settings. Private practice offers:

Flexibility in scheduling and client selection
Higher earning potential through self-set fees
Ability to specialize in specific populations or issues
Independence and autonomy in treatment approaches
Control over practice location and telehealth options

However, private practice also requires business skills, marketing efforts, and responsibility for insurance billing and administrative tasks.

Healthcare and Clinical Settings

Hospitals, medical centers, and outpatient clinics employ sex therapists to work with patients experiencing sexual health concerns related to medical conditions:

Cancer treatment centers (addressing intimacy after cancer)
Rehabilitation facilities (working with patients with physical disabilities or injuries)
Pain management clinics (treating sexual pain disorders)
Fertility clinics (supporting couples experiencing infertility stress)
Women's health centers (addressing gynecological conditions affecting sexual function)

Community Mental Health Centers

Community agencies and mental health clinics serve diverse populations, including those with limited financial resources. These settings offer:

Experience working with varied presenting concerns
Supervision and consultation with other professionals
Steady employment with benefits
Opportunities to serve underserved communities

Educational and Corporate Settings

Sex therapists work in non-clinical roles providing education and consultation:

Universities and colleges – Teaching human sexuality courses, training future therapists, conducting research
Corporate wellness programs – Providing sexual harassment training, relationship wellness workshops
Community organizations – Offering public seminars on healthy sexuality, LGBTQ+ support, aging, and sexuality
Nursing homes and senior centers – Addressing sexuality issues in older adults

Specialized Treatment Settings

Some sex therapists work in specialized programs:

Sexual assault treatment centers
Domestic violence programs
Sex offender treatment programs (forensic settings)
Gender identity clinics
Substance abuse treatment centers (addressing sexual compulsivity)

Essential Skills and Qualities for Sex Therapists

Success as a sex therapist requires more than clinical training. The most effective practitioners possess specific personal qualities and professional competencies.

Clinical and Professional Skills

Advanced communication abilities – Discussing sensitive topics with diverse clients requires exceptional verbal skills and the ability to create safety
Cultural competency – Understanding how culture, religion, and background shape sexual attitudes and behaviors
Knowledge of human sexuality – Comprehensive understanding of sexual anatomy, physiology, variations, and disorders
Assessment skills – Ability to differentiate psychological from medical sexual concerns
Therapeutic technique mastery – Proficiency in cognitive-behavioral therapy, couples counseling, and trauma-informed care
Ethical judgment – Strong professional boundaries and adherence to ethical standards

Personal Qualities

Comfort with sexuality topics – Ability to discuss any sexual topic without discomfort or judgment
Non-judgmental attitude – Accepting clients regardless of their sexual practices, orientations, or desires
Empathy and compassion – Understanding that sexual concerns often cause significant shame and distress
Emotional resilience – Managing the emotional impact of hearing about trauma and difficult experiences
Respectful curiosity – Genuine interest in human sexuality and relationship dynamics
Professional maturity – Maintaining appropriate boundaries while discussing intimate topics

Practical Abilities

Organizational skills – Managing client records, treatment plans, and documentation
Business acumen – Understanding insurance billing, marketing, and practice management (for private practice)
Collaboration skills – Coordinating care with physicians, psychiatrists, and other healthcare providers
Continuing education commitment – Staying current with research and best practices in sex therapy

Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Sex Therapist

How long does it take to become a sex therapist?

Becoming a certified sex therapist typically takes 10-12 years from high school graduation. This includes earning a bachelor's degree (4 years), completing a master's degree in counseling, psychology, or social work (2-3 years), accumulating post-graduate supervised clinical hours for licensure (2-3 years), and completing specialized sex therapy training and AASECT certification requirements (1-2 years). Many professionals begin incorporating sex therapy into their practice during the supervision phase while working toward full certification.

Do I need a specific degree in sex therapy?

No, there's no specific "sex therapy degree" required. Sex therapists come from various mental health backgrounds, including clinical psychology, counseling psychology, marriage and family therapy, social work, or mental health counseling. You'll need a master's degree (or doctoral degree for psychologists) in one of these fields, plus specialized sex therapy training. After obtaining your base degree and license, you complete additional sex therapy-specific coursework and supervision to earn AASECT certification.

Can I practice sex therapy with just a master's degree?

Yes, most sex therapists hold master's degrees rather than doctoral degrees. A master's degree in counseling, marriage and family therapy, or social work qualifies you to pursue state licensure and AASECT certification. However, you cannot practice independently until you complete your state's post-graduate supervision requirements (typically 2,000-4,000 hours) and obtain full licensure. Psychologists pursuing sex therapy specialization do need a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD).

What's the difference between sex therapy and couples counseling?

While both address relationship concerns, sex therapy specifically focuses on sexual functioning, sexual satisfaction, and intimacy issues. Couples counselors address broader relationship dynamics like communication, conflict resolution, and emotional connection. Many relationship problems affect sexuality, and many sexual problems stem from relationship issues, so there's significant overlap. However, sex therapists have specialized training in human sexuality, sexual dysfunction, and sex-specific treatment techniques that general couples counselors typically lack.

How much do sex therapists make?

Sex therapist earnings vary based on practice setting, location, and credential type. Based on 2024 BLS data, marriage and family therapists (a common pathway to sex therapy) earn a median salary of $63,780, with the 90th percentile reaching $111,610. Mental health counselors earn a median of $59,190. Sex therapists in private practice, particularly those with AASECT certification and established reputations, often earn above these medians. Metropolitan areas and regions with higher costs of living typically offer higher salaries.

Is there demand for sex therapists?

Yes, demand for sex therapists is growing. Decreasing stigma around seeking help for sexual concerns, increased awareness of sexual trauma treatment, growing acceptance of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, and expansion of telehealth services all contribute to rising demand. The BLS projects 15-18% growth for marriage and family therapists and mental health counselors through 2032, much faster than average for all occupations. Many therapists note that sex therapy services are increasingly requested but remain underserved in many communities.

Can sex therapists work remotely via telehealth?

Yes, many sex therapists now offer telehealth services, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic normalized remote therapy. Telehealth provides several advantages for sex therapy: increased privacy and comfort for clients discussing sensitive topics, access to therapists for people in underserved areas, and convenience for busy clients. However, therapists must be licensed in the state where their client is located during the session, which can limit interstate practice.

Key Takeaways

Education path requires commitment: Expect 10-12 years of education and training from high school to AASECT certification, including a master's degree, state licensure, and specialized sex therapy training totaling 300+ hours.
Multiple career pathways exist: You can approach sex therapy through psychology, counseling, marriage and family therapy, or social work. Choose the path that aligns with your interests and career goals.
Dual credentials are necessary: Success requires both state licensure in your base profession and AASECT certification for sex therapy specialization. Maintain both through continuing education.
Strong earning potential: With median salaries ranging from $59,190 to $63,780 for counselors and therapists, and top earners exceeding $100,000, sex therapy offers solid financial prospects, especially in private practice.
Growing field with diverse settings: Work opportunities span private practice, healthcare facilities, community agencies, educational institutions, and specialized treatment programs, with strong job growth projected through 2032.
Specialized skills matter: Beyond clinical training, success requires comfort discussing sexuality, non-judgmental attitudes, cultural competency, and strong professional boundaries.

Ready to Start Your Journey in Psychology?

Becoming a sex therapist offers the opportunity to make meaningful differences in people's lives while building a rewarding career in a growing field. If you're ready to begin your educational journey, explore clinical psychology degree programs that can set you on the path to specialization in sex therapy.

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