Sex Therapy Certificate Program Policies
The following policies pertain to the Ackerman Institute’s Post-Graduate Certificate Program in Sex Therapy.
About Ackerman’s AASECT Approval
This program is approved by AASECT to provide continuing education credits that may be applied toward AASECT certification and renewal of certification. Applicants must be licensed/certified to practice psychology, medicine, social work, counseling, nursing, or marriage and family therapy in the United States, Canada, Mexico, or Israel in order to qualify for AASECT Certified Sex Therapist. Please note, AASECT Certification is not automatic. In all cases, the Certification Committee determines whether or not AASECT certification is awarded. Completion of this program does not ensure or guarantee AASECT certification. For further information please contact info@assect.org.
AASECT Continuing Education (CE) Benefit
The certificate program provides 90 AASECT CEs in AASECT’s Core Knowledge Areas. The recommended optional Sexual Attitude Reassessment (SAR) seminar provides 14 AASECT CEs in AASECT’s Attitudes and Values Training. Please note that the 14-hour SAR also is a requirement for becoming an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist.
Trainees can earn 30 AASECT CEs per trimester upon successful completion of each course. Attendance is required for the entirety of each class to receive 30 AASECT CEs for each of the three courses for a total of 90 CE credits. AASECT CE certificates are issued within two weeks of course and evaluation completion. No certificate will be issued without an evaluation within the time frame specified.
Continuing education credits for other mental health disciplines (e.g., social work, couple and family therapy, and psychology) are not offered for this program.
Application Requirements
To apply, applicants will submit the following:
- Completed online application form
- Copy of graduate degree or proof of degree pending
- Professional letter of recommendation
- CV / Resume
- Non-refundable $100 application fee
- Personal Statement: In 250 words, describe your interest in sex therapy training at Ackerman.
Applicants must hold a Master’s, Doctorate, or Medical Degree in social work, marriage and family therapy, psychology, or other mental health profession. At least one year of clinical experience is required.
Applications must be received by the posted deadline of June 30, 2025 for the 2025–2026 academic year.
Admissions Decisions
Applicants will be notified of acceptance or denial by email within 10 business days of receipt of the application.
The Ackerman Institute thoroughly considers all credentials and application materials. We may not be able to accept all qualified trainees as competition is great each year for the limited number of spots in our program.
Tuition Policy
The full cost of tuition is divided in three equal payments due at the start of each trimester. Tuition payments are required to qualify for course enrollment.
Tuition payments are made through an online course registration form. Trainees will be provided with a link to course registration upon acceptance.
We accept American Express, MasterCard, and Visa. Cash and checks are not accepted.
Payment Schedule
| Payment Type | Amount Due | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | $100.00 | At time of application. |
| Payment #1 | $2,000.00 | September 12, 2025 |
| Payment #2 | $2,000.00 | December 18, 2025 |
| Payment #3 | $2,000.00 | March 13, 2026 |
Financial Aid
Financial aid is not available for the sex therapy certificate program.
The Ackerman Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that relies on donors and earned revenue to work toward our mission. The full expense of training at Ackerman is subsidized by the generosity of our donors. Your tuition fees cover only a small portion of this expense. We thank you for investing in your professional future and for supporting the Ackerman Institute for the Family.
Program Completion
To complete the sex therapy certificate program trainees must complete all three sequential curriculum components. Attendance is essential to learning and required. Continuing education credits are based on attendance and being engaged in the learning process. To be present, you must have your camera on and be fully engaged in class. You will receive AASECT continuing education credits only for those classes you attend and are present. You will not receive CEs for missed classes regardless of reason. Please note that there are no make up classes.
Ackerman certificates will be issued within two weeks of program completion. AASECT continuing education certificates will be issued within two weeks of completing each 30-hour course and corresponding evaluation within the time frame specified.
Program Withdrawal
Trainees withdrawing from the program must request a program withdrawal form from the Ackerman Admissions Department. To request return to the program, deferred trainees will complete the current year’s admissions application requirements. Coursework that is five or more years old must be repeated. Tuition fees are non-refundable.
Trainees requesting a leave of absence must request a Leave of Absence form from the Ackerman Admissions Department. A leave of absence may be granted for up to two trimesters.
Technology Requirements
This course will be presented online via Zoom. Trainees are required to attend online classes from a computer in good working condition with a strong WiFi connection. For the best experience, we recommend using headphones and a microphone during class meetings.
Trainees are not permitted to record class meetings. Unauthorized recordings may result in termination from the program.
Contact
For questions about admissions and billing, contact:
Ackerman Admissions Office:
admissions@ackerman.org
For questions about course curriculum, contact:
Ackerman Training Office:
training@ackerman.org