Two people sit facing each other in conversation; one woman with a Ph.D. in Art Therapy smiles while holding a microphone and sitting on a light-colored chair.

Certificate in Sex Therapy

Chicago

The Adler University Certificate in Sex Therapy meets the highest standards in the field and delivers advanced training in human sexuality and sexual health, with a strong focus on ethical practice and cultural competence.

10 graduate credits
164 continuing education credits
AASECT approved
Synchronous learning, one weekend residency per course
Experiential SAR training
Open to current and non-Adler students

Apply Now Request Information All Programs

Admission Deadlines

Term	Priority	Final
Spring 2026	9/30/2025	11/1/2025
Summer 2026	2/15/2026	3/15/2026
Fall 2026	12/1/2025	2/15/2026

Program overview

This non-clinical certificate is designed to complement the clinical work and supervision required for American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) Certified Sex Therapist designation. Students build the foundational knowledge needed to pursue certification and receive guidance to help plan their path toward completing AASECT’s clinical and supervision requirements.

Adler University is approved by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) as an Organizational Provider II, authorizing the University to offer 164 AASECT continuing education credits. Completion does not guarantee certification; students must meet all additional clinical and supervision requirements as set by AASECT. For further information, email AASECT.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

Why choose the certificate in sex therapy program at Adler?

Aligned with leading professional standards: Adler is approved as an Organizational Provider II by AASECT, authorizing the University to offer continuing education (CE) credits.
Designed for all learners: Can be completed independently or alongside another degree, making it accessible to both current Adler students and external applicants. Individuals may also take select courses with approval from the certificate manager and as space is available.
Flexible learning structure: The majority of the coursework is delivered online through synchronous learning, with one weekend residence per course at Adler in Chicago.
Specialized courses: The certificate’s curriculum includes human sexuality education, sex therapy training, and the Sexual Attitude Reassessment (SAR).

Handbook

Couple and Family Therapy Department Handbook

The Couple and Family Therapy Department Handbook (“CFT Handbook”) is available for applicants and current students. This contains the most up-to-date information regarding the department and our degree and certificate offerings.

Your Professional Path in sex therapy

As a licensed therapist, you will be able to expand your practice into sex therapy.

A woman in a yellow sweater sits and listens during a group discussion focused on health and wellness with three other people in a brightly lit room.

SEXUAL EDUCATION PROFESSIONAL

Promote healthy relationships and consent education, consult on inclusive policies, train staff in trauma-informed, LGBTQIA+-affirming practices, support students with counseling-informed guidance and referrals, and coordinate with families while safeguarding privacy.

Three people sit in a circle indoors, engaging in conversation. The woman smiles warmly, while the man in the middle listens intently—an inviting scene that captures the spirit of Art Therapy.

SEXUAL HEALTH Agencies

Advance sexual health agency services through trauma-informed psychoeducation, counseling-informed support, and coordinated referrals on sexual health, consent, and relationships. Sexual health professionals design and evaluate programs, consult on inclusive policies, train staff, and maintain precise documentation and confidentiality.

Two people sit indoors on a couch, smiling and having a conversation about art therapy. Shelves and framed pictures are visible in the background.

Private Practice SEX THERAPIST

Help individuals and couples address desire, arousal, pain, intimacy, and identity concerns through evidence-based sex therapy. Sex therapists take thorough psychosexual histories, develop treatment plans, coordinate with medical and mental health providers, and uphold consent, documentation, and ethics.

Three people in business attire sit at a table, while a woman with a Ph.D. stands in front of a whiteboard with charts and notes, leading a meeting in a bright office.

hospitals

Collaborate with physicians, nurses, and behavioral health teams to address sexual functioning and intimacy concerns tied to illness or treatment, contributing to integrated care. Sexual health workers in hospital settings provide psychoeducation, brief counseling-informed support, coordinate referrals, and document carefully with privacy.

Admission requirements

Apply Now

Eligibility | Non-Adler students

Students must meet one of the following criteria:

A clinical degree (couple/marriage and family therapy, medical family therapy, counseling, art therapy, psychology, social work, or other related mental health field that leads to clinical licensure);
Licensure or provisional licensure in one of these fields, or;
Be currently pursuing a clinical degree and are practicum eligible.
A grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale for all undergraduate coursework and/or a 3.25 or higher on a 4.0 scale of all graduate coursework.

Application Requirements

Additionally, application requirements include:

A statement of intent specifically outlining the applicant’s interest in becoming certified as a sex therapist, consistent with the mission of the certificate (2-3 pages, double-spaced).
Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate schools attended (U.S and Canada)

Admission for Current Adler University Students

Some Adler graduate students may concurrently enroll in the certificate as they are working on their clinical master’s or doctoral degree. Prerequisites for students of this standing are that they must have completed the coursework in their own program that allows them to be practicum eligible or ready. These students will use the registration exception form and do not have to submit a statement of intent. Some program specific restrictions apply, and students must consult with their primary program department chair.

Students may not transfer coursework into the CST as it has been uniquely designed to meet AASECT requirements. Transferred coursework may not align with the design and structure of the certificate. Current students may consult with their primary program of study about utilizing CST courses as electives to meet their degree requirements.

*Students in the Couple and Family Therapy Department may add the certificate program during their degree program in consultation with their faculty advisor. They are also pre-approved to utilize CST courses to meet the elective requirements in either the MCFT or CFTD programs.

Student-at-large

Students who are neither in a current graduate program nor enrolled in the certificate may take select courses with approval from the Certificate Manager and as space is available.

How to Apply + Submit Transcripts

Visit Adler University’s online application portal, create an account, and submit your application, fee, Statement of Intent, resume/CV, and and references’ details.
Have official transcripts sent directly from each issuing institution or approved service to the Office of Admissions prior to the application deadline. Do not upload official copies to the portal.

Official electronic transcripts should be sent to admissions@adler.edu.

Physical transcripts should be sent to:
Adler University – Office of Admissions
17 N. Dearborn Street
Chicago, IL 60602

Curriculum

This 10-credit hour certificate blends synchronous online learning with in-person weekend residencies at Adler’s campus in Chicago.

ADLER UNIVERSITY COURSE CATALOG

CORE COURSES

All four courses will also have one weekend residency following this schedule for a total of 14 hours each weekend.

A Biopsychosocial Approach to Sexuality Across the Lifespan

This course will explore developmental sexuality across the lifespan including sexual and reproductive anatomy and physiology, human sexual response cycles, and the normative developmental tasks and challenges related to sex and sexuality from a biopsychosocial perspective.

Competency understanding, assessing, and conceptualizing sexuality in a sex-positive way at various life stages including clinical interventions and improved communication skills addressing common challenges will be introduced. Students will explore the impact of gender as it pertains to the development of gender identity, gender expression and gender roles across the lifespan. In addition, students will develop a thorough understanding of unique considerations in working within LGBTQIIA+ populations, including Queer Affirmative clinical approaches and interventions.

This course meets the requirements for the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) and is approved for 50 CE credits.

Diversity in Sexuality: Socio-cultural, Medical, Technological, and Ethical Influences

This course will examine the socio-cultural, medical, technological, and ethical factors impacting the current landscape of sex and sexuality. Students will explore the impact of race, religion, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender and ability on sexual values, attitudes, and behaviors, including an understanding of the impact of a range of pervasive social justice issues on sexual functioning and satisfaction. Diversity in sexual expression and lifestyles, as well as the unique considerations for these populations and lifestyles will be reviewed. From a sex-positive, culturally competent place, students will further explore the impact of changing technology used for both pleasure enhancement and the risks of maladaptive use. Students will also gain competency in ethical decision-making and best practice in sex therapy becoming knowledgeable about the history of sex therapy research. Primary to this course is the expectation that students will engage in personal reflections around their own sexuality including learning to complete a thorough sexual history.

This course meets the requirements for the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) and is approved for 50 CE credits.

Sex Therapy in Action: Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Psychosexual Issues and Dysfunction

This course will cover the practice of sex therapy through the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of psychosexual disorders in the DSM-V including sexual issues arising from trauma, medical or mental health factors, relational factors, or environmental factors. Students can expect to learn several models and theories from both an individual and relational perspective to effectively diagnose and treat sexual functioning issues, as well as out-of-control sexual behaviors and paraphilic disorders. Students will explore the short and long-term impact of sexual abuse and trauma on sexual functioning including clinical skills in application with survivors through a trauma-informed lens. This course will also cover professional communication, collaboration, and supervision skills in order to offer an integrated treatment model and to gain knowledge in appropriate referral practices to other healthcare providers.

This course meets the requirements for the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) and is approved for 50 CE credits.

Sexual Attitudes Reassessment (SAR)

This course is an intensive in-person and experiential workshop designed to allow participants to examine and process their sexual attitudes, values, and beliefs through exposure to various sexual themes. Highly experiential in nature, the SAR involves exposure to films, documentaries, lectures, guest speakers and workshop activities with a focus on processing in both large and small groups. At the end of the course, participants are tasked with writing a paper sharing the impact of the SAR on their sexual attitudes and professional philosophy in sex therapy.

This course meets the requirements for the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) and is approved for 14 CE credits.

This course is offered as a 14-hour workshop held over the weekend. It is not available as a stand-alone course; students must also be enrolled in a degree program or another certificate course.

“Providing education is a bit like therapy. People come in with different levels of information, a different motivation, a different relationship to the materials they will engage with over the course of their education. To facilitate an adult’s education, I need to meet them where they are starting from. This starts with creating a safe space for all folx to express themselves in conversation, an invitation to lean in, and permission to be curious and not-knowing.”
– Karen Caffee, M.Ed.
Adjunct Faculty
Couple + Family Therapy Department

Meet Dr. Caffee

Faculty

Meet the faculty leading Adler’s Certificate in Sex Therapy program in Chicago.

View All Faculty

An Adler University student smiles in the library of the Vancouver campus.

Financing your degree

Use our tuition calculator to help you start to plan your budget. Financial aid from the government, scholarships, or part-time employment can help you more easily afford your degree.

Financial Aid + Scholarships

$67,644

$2,400

$70,044

$2,400

Clinical Psychology | Psy.D.

$6,606

Clinical Psychology | Psy.D.

$56,574

$2,140

$58,714

Fall

$20,205

$1,060

$21,265

Spring

$18,858

$540

$19,398

Summer

$17,511

$540

$18,051

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Clinical Psychology | Psy.D.

$56,574

$6,340

$62,914

Fall

$20,205

$2,460

$22,665

Spring

$18,858

$1,940

$20,798

Summer

$17,511

$1,940

$19,451

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Clinical Psychology | Psy.D.

$32,328

$2,140

$34,468

Fall

$10,776

$1,060

$11,836

Spring

$10,776

$540

$11,316

Summer

$10,776

$540

$11,316

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Clinical Psychology | Psy.D.

$32,328

$6,340

$38,668

Fall

$10,776

$2,460

$13,236

Spring

$10,776

$1,940

$12,716

Summer

$10,776

$1,940

$12,716

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Clinical Psychology | Psy.D.

$26,940

$4,834

$31,774

Fall

$10,776

$1,060

$11,836

Spring

$12,123

$540

$12,663

Summer

$4,041

$3,234

$7,275

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Clinical Psychology | Psy.D.

$26,940

$9,034

$35,974

Fall

$10,776

$2,460

$13,236

Spring

$12,123

$1,940

$14,063

Summer

$4,041

$4,634

$8,675

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Clinical Psychology | Psy.D.

$24,246

$2,140

$26,386

Fall

$9,429

$1,060

$10,489

Spring

$5,388

$540

$5,928

Summer

$9,429

$540

$9,969

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Clinical Psychology | Psy.D.

$24,246

$6,340

$30,586

Fall

$9,429

$2,460

$11,889

Spring

$5,388

$1,940

$7,328

Summer

$9,429

$1,940

$11,369

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Clinical Psychology | Psy.D.

$4,041

$2,140

$6,181

Fall

$1,347

$1,060

$2,407

Spring

$1,347

$540

$1,887

Summer

$1,347

$540

$1,887

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Clinical Psychology | Psy.D.

$4,041

$6,340

$10,381

Fall

$1,347

$2,460

$3,807

Spring

$1,347

$1,940

$3,287

Summer

$1,347

$16,954

$1,175

$18,129

Spring

$13,321

$655

$13,976

Summer

$12,110

$1,755

$13,865

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Counselling Psychology | M.A

$42,385

$7,785

$50,170

Fall

$16,954

$2,575

$19,529

Spring

$13,321

$2,055

$15,376

Summer

$12,110

$3,155

$15,265

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Counselling Psychology | M.A

$29,064

$3,696

$32,760

Fall

$12,110

$1,175

$13,285

Spring

$8,477

$655

$9,132

Summer

$8,477

$1,866

$10,343

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Counselling Psychology | M.A

$29,064

$7,896

$36,960

Fall

$12,110

$2,575

$14,685

Spring

$8,477

$2,055

$10,532

Summer

$8,477

$3,266

$11,743

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Counselling Psychology: Art Therapy | MCP:AT

$41,174

$3,516

$44,690

Fall

$13,321

$1,152

$14,473

Spring

$16,954

$632

$17,586

Summer

$10,899

$1,732

$12,631

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Counselling Psychology: Art Therapy | MCP:AT

$41,174

$7,716

$48,890

Fall

$13,321

$2,552

$15,873

Spring

$16,954

$2,032

$18,986

Summer

$10,899

$3,132

$14,031

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Counselling Psychology: Art Therapy | MCP:AT

$31,486

$3,627

$35,113

Fall

$14,532

$1,152

$15,684

Spring

$14,532

$632

$15,164

Summer

$2,422

$1,843

$4,265

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Counselling Psychology: Art Therapy | MCP:AT

$31,486

$7,827

$39,313

Fall

$14,532

$2,552

$17,084

Spring

$14,532

$2,032

$16,564

Summer

$2,422

$3,243

$5,665

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Counselling Psychology: School and Youth | M.A.

$49,651

$3,585

$53,236

Fall

$16,954

$1,175

$18,129

Spring

$16,954

$655

$17,609

Summer

$15,743

$1,755

$17,498

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Counselling Psychology: School and Youth | M.A.

$49,651

$7,785

$57,436

Fall

$16,954

$2,575

$19,529

Spring

$16,954

$2,055

$19,009

Summer

$15,743

$3,155

$18,898

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Counselling Psychology: School and Youth | M.A.

$21,798

$3,696

$25,494

Fall

$4,844

$1,175

$6,019

Spring

$4,844

$655

$5,499

Summer

$12,110

$1,866

$13,976

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Counselling Psychology: School and Youth | M.A.

$21,798

$7,896

$29,694

Fall

$4,844

$2,575

$7,419

Spring

$4,844

$58,212

$5,742

$63,954

Forensic Mental Health Leadership | M.A.

4.5

$7,277

$512

$7,789

Forensic Mental Health Leadership | M.A.

4.5

$7,277

$1,914

$9,191

Industrial + Organizational Psychology | M.A.

$21,021

$3,222

$24,243

Industrial + Organizational Psychology | M.A.

$21,021

$7,428

$28,449

Industrial + Organizational Psychology | M.A.

$15,015

$3,222

$18,237

Industrial + Organizational Psychology | M.A.

$15,015

$7,428

$22,443

Industrial + Organizational Psychology | MIOP

$32,697

$2,410

$35,107

Fall

$12,110

$1,150

$13,260

Spring

$12,110

$630

$12,740

Summer

$8,477

$630

$9,107

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Industrial + Organizational Psychology | MIOP

$32,697

$6,610

$39,307

Fall

$12,110

$2,550

$14,660

Spring

$12,110

$2,030

$14,140

Summer

$8,477

$2,030

$10,507

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Industrial + Organizational Psychology | MIOP

$13,321

$2,410

$15,731

Fall

$6,055

$1,150

$7,205

Spring

$6,055

$630

$6,685

Summer

$1,211

$630

$1,841

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Industrial + Organizational Psychology | MIOP

$13,321

$6,610

$19,931

Fall

$6,055

$2,550

$8,605

Spring

$6,055

$2,030

$8,085

Summer

$1,211

Industrial + Organizational Psychology | Ph.D.

19.5

$19,520

$7,428

$26,948

Industrial + Organizational Psychology | Ph.D.

4.5

$4,505

$3,222

$7,727

Industrial + Organizational Psychology | Ph.D.

4.5

$21,021

$3,222

$24,243

Psychology | M.A.

$21,021

$7,428

$28,449

Psychology | M.A.

$15,015

$3,222

$18,237

Psychology | M.A.

$15,015

$7,428

$22,443

Psychology: Health + Wellness | M.Psych

$25,431

$1,867

$27,298

Fall

$8,477

$969

$9,446

Spring

$8,477

$449

$8,926

Summer

$8,477

$449

$8,926

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Psychology: Health + Wellness | M.Psych

$25,431

$6,067

$31,498

Fall

$8,477

$2,369

$10,846

Spring

$8,477

$1,849

$10,326

Summer

$8,477

$1,849

$10,326

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Psychology: Health + Wellness | M.Psych

$18,165

$1,867

$20,032

Fall

$6,055

$969

$7,024

Spring

$4,844

$449

$5,293

Summer

$7,266

$449

$7,715

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Psychology: Health + Wellness | M.Psych

$18,165

$6,067

$24,232

Fall

$6,055

$2,369

$8,424

Spring

$4,844

$1,849

$6,693

Summer

$7,266

$1,849

$9,115

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Sex Therapy | CERT

$10,300

$666

$10,966

Sex Therapy | CERT

$10,300

$4,872

$15,172

Sport + Human Performance | M.S.

$16,170

$208

$16,378

Sport + Human Performance | M.S.

$16,170

$1,610

$17,780

The latest from our
students, faculty, and alumni

ADLER NEWS

‘How is your sex life?’: Certificate program addresses need for sex therapy training

The Certificate in Sex Therapy program includes courses that challenge students’ perspectives around people’s identities and sex and, using provocative content, facilitate students’ understanding of their biases, prejudices, and beliefs.

Quick links

Still wondering?

Do you want to know more about Adler University before applying? Learn more about the University, explore programs, view admissions requirements, and review available scholarships.

Academic Programs

How to Apply

Financial Aid + Scholarships

Student Life at Adler

Adler University History

Certificate in Sex Therapy

Admission Deadlines

Program overview

Handbook

Couple and Family Therapy Department Handbook

Your Professional Path in sex therapy

SEXUAL EDUCATION PROFESSIONAL

SEXUAL HEALTH Agencies

Private Practice SEX THERAPIST

hospitals

Admission requirements

Eligibility | Non-Adler students

Application Requirements

Admission for Current Adler University Students

Student-at-large

How to Apply + Submit Transcripts

Curriculum

CORE COURSES

A Biopsychosocial Approach to Sexuality Across the Lifespan

Diversity in Sexuality: Socio-cultural, Medical, Technological, and Ethical Influences

Sex Therapy in Action: Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Psychosexual Issues and Dysfunction

Sexual Attitudes Reassessment (SAR)

Faculty

Financing your degree

Art Therapy | Ph.D.

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