Certificate
Certificate in Sex Therapy
Introduction
Sex Therapy is a growing specialization in the field of mental health counseling and has shown to be effective with individual adults, youth, and a variety of relationship styles. Qualified Sex Therapists work with a diverse range of issues including but not limited to sexual functioning, intimacy, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Antioch University’s Sex Therapy Certificate Program is the only training program in Washington state that offers a certificate in sexuality and is housed in an accredited institution. Sex therapy supports clients in accepting their sexuality and encourages a holistic lens to sexual health. Sex therapists work with a variety of clients from those who identify as Gender, Sexual, or Romantically marginalized, to families wanting to support their children in developing positive sexual attitudes, to adults who desire improving intimacy within their partnership(s). The sex therapy certificate program approaches sexual wellness from a bio-psycho-social-spiritual approach to mental health and trains clinicians to be trauma-informed and queer-affirming. Graduates of the sex therapy certificate program serve a range of clients from many intersections of identity.
This program is NOT designed to lead to state licensure. This degree is offered by Antioch University’s Seattle campus.
Program Overview
The educational philosophy of the Sex Therapy Certificate is based on a model of adult learning that is student-centered and competency-based. The student-centered aspects of this model emphasize establishing learning environments characterized by collaboration, self-direction, and self-reflective practice. Our clinical Certificate in Sex Therapy is designed for students, alumni, and community members who hold a license to practice mental health therapy in their respective state, or who are license eligible, to broaden their clinical skills in sex therapy. Antioch’s certificate has been developed for graduate students and post-graduate professionals to meet the minimum education credit requirements to achieve certification as a sex therapist as issued by the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT). Antioch University Seattle is the only accredited institution in Washington that is an approved provider of AASECT Continuing Education Credits (provider ID# 18-123-AU) Students will receive up to 200 hours of Continuing Education Credits during the course of the program. This certificate program meets the requirements for the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT). Completion of this program does not ensure or guarantee AASECT Certification. For further information, please contact [email protected].
Requirements
20 credits (200 continuing education credits)
Required Courses
(may be completed during Master’s program) – 20 credits
- COUN5240 Human Sexuality (3)
- COUN5242 Fundamentals of Sex Therapy (3)
- COUN5805 Sex and Relationships (1)
- COUN6800 Sexual Attitude Reassessment (SAR) (2)
- COUN5471 Diversity in Sexual Expression (3)
- COUN6805 Sex Therapy in Abusive Systems (3)
- COUN6810 Advanced Theory and Practice in Sex Therapy (3)
- Elective: COUN5910 Special Topics in Sexuality (2 total)
Equivalent coursework will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may be applied for transfer equivalency and waived from the required course list.
Program Length
Students entering the certificate program can complete the requirements in as little as 4 quarters (12 months). Classes are held on Wednesdays from 5pm-8pm PT plus one weekend intensive per quarter. Classes can be taken either online or in-person depending on the “track” you select. Students can work with their assigned advisor to create a plan of study that works with their professional goals. Some courses may be waived on a case-by-case basis. In general, the course load is reasonable and standard for graduate-level training, in terms of reading and writing (1-2 courses per quarter; average 3-6 hours per week). The classes are highly experiential and require ongoing awareness of self-of-the-therapist issues and in some of the classes to demonstrate active learning and application of the techniques.
Fall Quarter
- Human Sexuality
- Fundamentals of Sex Therapy
- Weekend Intensive: Power and Consent
Winter Quarter
- Sex and Relationships
- Diversity in Sexual Expression
- Weekend Intensive: Sexual Attitude Reassessment
Spring Quarter
- Sex Therapy in Abusive Systems
- Weekend Intensive: Special Topics in Sexuality
Summer Quarter
- Advanced Theory in Sex Therapy
- Weekend Intensive: Special Topics in Sexuality
Admissions / Cost / Aid
Admissions
- Complete the online application, which includes:
- Application Form
- Transcript
- Recommender
- Curriculum Vitae or Resume
- Personal statement (Attach a written 500-word personal statement describing your interest in applying for the sex therapy certificate at Antioch University. Include a discussion about why you believe you would be a good fit for the certificate and how this area of learning would benefit you in your professional goals. Discuss any potential challenges that you may face if you were admitted to the sex therapy certificate).
- Provide proof of either:
- Current enrollment in an AUS Masters Couple and Family Therapy or Clinical Mental Health Counseling program; PsyD in Clinical Psychology; or PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision; at Antioch University or equivalent institution OR Masters- or Doctorate-level degree in a clinical mental health-related field.
- Complete an advising meeting with a certificate advisor and/or faculty to determine fit for the certificate program; sign acknowledgment of sexual conduct and ethics and grievance policy and attend certificate program orientation.
- Applicants to the Certificate in Sex Therapy must demonstrate prerequisite graduate courses in the following areas: Systems Theory; Communication and Counseling Skills; Psychodiagnostics and Treatment Planning; and Professional Ethics
Application Deadlines
| Quarter | Application Deadline* |
|---|---|
| Fall | August 15 |
| * Complete applications received after the Deadline date may be considered if space is still available in that quarter or will be reviewed for the next available term. | |
| Please review the Academic Calendar for additional details. | |
Applications for the Fall must be submitted by August 15. Fall classes start in October.
Cost
This certificate is eligible for federal student loans; please check with Financial Aid for more information.
- Students currently enrolled in a graduate program at AUS: Equal to your graduate tuition.
- Antioch Alumni from a Masters-level or higher Counseling Psychology Program: Total tuition range from $4,800 – $6,900 for the certificate program ($300/cr), plus course fees up to $100 per class. Quarterly fees: Waived.
- Other applicants: Total tuition range from $5,600 – $8050 for the certificate program ($350/cr), plus course fees up to $100 per class. Quarterly fees: $70 Student Services Fee, $30 Technology Fee.
A majority of AUS students finance their education through some form of financial aid. You may not be sure which federal, state, public, and private aid packages – such as loans, scholarships, and grants—are right for you. Our staff is here to help you, so you can focus on what’s most important: beginning your academic program at AUS. Email or phone [email protected] or 206.268.4010.