ABCST Certified Sex Therapists meet rigorous standards in education, therapy experience, consultation, and faith integration.

Meet Education Requirements via:

Start the Journey

Become a Member today!

Begin Sex Therapy Training

ABCST Certification requires 150 hours of graduate-level training in Sexuality and Sex Therapy. Training must be provided by recognized clinicians, clinical groups, or educational institutions. The ISW Program meets all sex therapy training requirements for certification.

Advance to an ABCST Sex Therapy Associate

Sex Therapy Associate membership is available to General Members who have completed the required hours of sex therapy training:

For fully licensed Members (able to practice independently in their state of practice): 30 hours of sex therapy training.
For Members with an associate’s license/intern license (not yet fully licensed to practice independently in their state of practice): 60 hours of sex therapy training.

*General Members may apply for Sex Therapy Associate Membership from the ABCST Membership Hub.

Complete all ABCST Certification Requirements

150 Hours of Sex Therapy Training
200 direct client hours in which the primary focus of therapy is a sexual issue. ABCST membership is required prior to beginning to collect direct client hours.
50 hours of case consultation with an ABCST approved consultant.
Submission of a 6-10 page paper reflecting the applicant’s personal theology of sex.
At least one Professional Reference and at least one Faith and Character Reference.

Become an ABCST Certified Sex Therapist

We look forward to welcoming you as a Certified Sex Therapist!

*General and Sex Therapy Associate Members may apply for Certified Sex Therapist Membership from the ABCST Membership Hub.

ISW Program

For over 20 years, the Institute for Sexual Wholeness has worked to provide a comprehensive and practical training program in human sexuality and sex therapy, integrated with Christian faith. We prepare therapists, counselors, and pastors to effectively help those seeking guidance for sexual concerns and problems. Our professors are clinicians, researchers, and educators, each with a commitment to Christ. We strive to stay current in the field of sex therapy, as well as vibrant in our pursuit of Jesus. Our courses are offered in-person in Dallas, TX and Atlanta, GA, as well as online. For more information, see the Academic Calendar HERE.