Sex Therapist vs. Certified Sex Therapist: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters
If you’ve been online searching for someone to help you with sexual concerns, you might have noticed a wide range of professionals marketing themselves. But did you know that not all sex therapists are created equal? Understanding the difference between a general sex therapist and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist can help you make a more informed choice—and ultimately, find the best fit for your needs.
Why This Matters to Me
I am a Kansas City-based Certified Sex Therapist who works with clients both in-person in my office in Leawood and online in Kansas, Missouri, Vermont, and New York.
What prompted me to write this post was the experience of several clients who came to me after working with someone for sex therapy. Unfortunately, their therapists did not have the necessary knowledge or training. It wasn’t obvious for some until they had invested multiple sessions with their therapist. For others, the advice they received wasn’t in keeping with competent sex therapy practices. One client was shamed for their kink, another was told her low desire was the problem and she just needed to be open to having more sex, and another had childhood sexual trauma triggered by the therapist without the right kind of support. All of them had to start all over again in sex therapy to undo or correct their work with these therapists. For these folks, sex therapy with the wrong person caused harm and their problems became worse.
It's hard enough to talk about sex without the subject being broached or explored the wrong way. It’s very easy to harm someone if the topic of sex isn’t treated carefully. The field of sex therapy shouldn’t be the wild west where people shoot from the hip based on their own sexual experiences or belief systems about sex. Instead, it’s a discipline whose foundation is built on research and evidence-based practices. Those are fancy words for using therapy treatments proven successful by research studies.
What Is a Sex Therapist?
A sex therapist is a licensed mental health professional—like a psychologist, counselor, social worker, or marriage and family therapist—who has experience working with issues related to sex, intimacy, and relationships. These therapists may have training in sexual health, but their depth of expertise can vary widely depending on their education and professional development. In fact, this can vary widely.
If you want a better understanding of what happens in sex therapy, read my blog post “What Happens in Sex Therapy?” In general, sex therapists help individuals and couples with issues such as:
Low sexual desire or mismatched libidos
Erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation
Pain during sex
Difficulty with arousal or orgasm
Shame or anxiety around sex
Lack of intimacy or emotional connection in relationships
Navigating sexual identity, orientation, or changes due to illness or aging
What Are the Requirement to Advertise Yourself as a Sex Therapist?
There are no special requirements someone needs to meet to advertise themselves as a sex therapist. Yes, you read that correctly. There are absolutely no requirements. None. Nada. Any therapist can list sex therapy as a specialty.
Some sex therapists have done extensive training, while others have taken one training course or merely read a couple of books about sex. I’ve noticed a recent trend for more young therapists to specialize in sex because it interests them, and it’s a much-needed therapy specialty. Some fantastic young sex therapists are on fire to help all sorts of clients with sexual health concerns. I am very grateful for these young therapists because our field needs more qualified sex therapists. However, I think what are field really needs is more qualified Certified Sex Therapists.
What is a Certified Sex Therapist
A Certified Sex Therapist has completed advanced, specialized training through a recognized credentialing organization like AASECT (The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists). AASECT certification ensures that the therapist has met rigorous education, supervision, and ethical standards.
Requirements to Become an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist:
A graduate degree in a mental health field
Licensure as a mental health professional
Completion of 150+ hours of sexuality education
Completion of a course to expose therapists to many of the diverse concerns clients have
50+ hours of supervision with an AASECT Certified Supervisor
Clinical experience working directly with sex therapy clients
Adherence to ongoing continuing education requirements and ethical guidelines
This certification is the gold standard in the field of sex therapy. It ensures that your therapist has in-depth knowledge of human sexuality, diverse identities and expressions, relationship dynamics, sexual dysfunctions, and evidence-based treatment approaches.
For example, to become a certified sex therapist, I attended a 14-month program at the University of Michigan where I received a Certificate in Sexual Health. Some of the coursework was online and some was in-person in Ann Arbor. This program was fantastic. Not only did I receive competent training, but I also created relationships with colleagues that I consult with about cases regularly.
I also received supervision in both an individual and group format where I reviewed cases and received feedback, and where I could learn from my supervisor’s experience and my colleagues. Every three years, to be re-certified as a sex therapist through AASECT, I must earn continuing education credits in approved sex therapy content.
Why the Difference Matters
Sexual concerns are deeply personal, vulnerable, and complex. Choosing someone who has been specially trained to address these issues can make all the difference in how supported, understood, and safe you feel during therapy. Given that the title “sex therapist” is completely unregulated, I think it’s important for you as the consumer, to be knowledgeable before you choose a therapist to help you with something as intimate as your sex life.
Here’s why it matters:
You deserve expert care. Certified sex therapists have advanced knowledge and tools to address your concerns comprehensively.
You want ethical, affirming, nonjudgmental support. AASECT therapists are trained in cultural competency, gender and sexual diversity, and trauma-informed care.
You want results. Certified therapists use evidence-based practices that are effective in resolving a wide range of sexual and relational concerns.
How Do I Find a Sex Therapist?
If you’re wondering how to find a sex therapist or you’re online searching for one, here are a few key steps to take:
1. Use a Professional Directory
Start your search on reputable platforms:
AASECT.org: Use the AASECT directory to find certified sex therapists by zip code or specialty.
Psychology Today’s “Sex Therapy” filter can also help you find local therapists, though you’ll need to check their credentials manually.
2. Ask the Right Questions
Not every therapist listed as a “sex therapist” has formal training. When reaching out, ask:
Have you completed specialized training in sex therapy? If so, how many hours of training did you complete? What classes did you take?
Are you certified by AASECT or another credentialing body?
How long have you been a sex therapist? What concerns do you typically treat?
How do you approach the types of concerns I’m dealing with? How much experience do you have treating my specific concerns?
3. Look for a Good Fit
The therapeutic relationship is crucial. Beyond credentials, choose someone you feel comfortable opening up to—someone who is warm, affirming, knowledgeable, and respectful of your goals, values, and identity.
Conclusion
If you're struggling with sexual concerns, relationship disconnect, or emotional barriers to intimacy, working with a trained professional can be life-changing. While many therapists offer support for sexual issues, an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist brings a level of expertise and ethical commitment that ensures you're in the best possible hands.
So the next time you look for a sex therapist to help you with your intimacy and sexual health concerns, dig a little deeper. Look for certification, ask the right questions, and don’t settle until you find someone qualified to help you heal, grow, and thrive.
