The Sexual Health Certificate Program (SHCP) offers applicable interdisciplinary training for professionals committed to expanding their knowledge and skills in sexual health. Designed for those pursuing work as sex therapists, sexuality educators, and sexuality counselors, this program centers a holistic understanding of sexual health as a vital component of overall well-being — one that is shaped by psychological, relational, environmental, medical, and sociocultural factors.
Grounded in ethical, person-centered, and research-informed approaches, SHCP guides participants to thoughtfully engage with the complexities of sexual health across the lifespan and in diverse professional settings. Emphasis is placed on preparing practitioners to offer developmentally responsive and appropriate care through lenses of justice, restoration, pleasure, and access.
Following the completion of SHCP, participants will be able to employ evidence-informed sexual health information for diverse populations, settings, and health considerations within their work as sex educators, therapists, and counselors. Participants and alums are equipped to integrate SHCP-learned frameworks and interventions into the foundation of their work.
This postgraduate continuing education program serves professionals across disciplines — including but not limited to social workers, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, counselors, physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, midwives, physical therapists, educators from pre-K through higher education, clergy, somatic workers, and public health professionals — who are seeking to grow their capacity as sexual health providers.
The program is offered in five distinct tracks to support specialization and depth of training.
Registration Closed
The 2026 cohort is full and we are no longer accepting applications. If you are interested in being notified when the application opens for the 2027 cohort, please request to join our mailing list. Thank you!
Program Tracks
Sexuality Education
Next Cohort: 2027
For professionals with an undergraduate degree (or higher) who regularly provide information about sexual health in educational or health care environments.
Sex Therapy
Next Cohort: 2027
For mental health professionals who are licensed to provide mental health care and have completed graduate school for clinical training.
Sexuality Counseling
Next Cohort: 2027
For healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, and physician assistants who address questions about sexual health and functioning in their practice.
Sexuality Counseling & Sexuality Education
Next Cohort: 2027
For healthcare professionals who anticipate applying both counseling and educator skills in their work.
Sex Therapy & Sexuality Education
Next Cohort: 2027
For mental health professionals who would benefit from both clinical and educator training.
Comeback Option
The SHCP’s Comeback Option is for professionals who are or have been AASECT-certified as a Sex Therapist, Educator, or Counselor OR hold a certificate of completion from any SHCP Track. Whether you have gained a new degree, pivoted your career, or are adding a new service, the Comeback Option can help you expand your skill set.
Program Information
Important Dates
Dates to note before being admitted
- September 1 - Application opens
- October 31 - Application deadline for scholarship consideration
- November 1 - Program begins notifying applicants of admissions status
- November 15 - Scholarship application opens to those who applied by October 31
- December 15 - Scholarship application closes
- 30 days after offer of admission - Enrollment deposit due for admitted participants
- January 10 - Application closes (or sooner if cohort fills)
Dates to note after being admitted
- January 31 - Scholarships are awarded
- February 1 - First installment payment due
- 30 days before the program starts - Orientation email is sent to admitted applicants
- June 30 - Deadline for dual track participants to drop Educator track for a refund
AASECT Certification
The SHCP’s five tracks align with the education and training requirements for certification through the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT). All participants complete six core courses (totaling 90 hours) in comprehensive sexuality education, along with a 14-hour Sexual Attitude Reassessment (SAR), a unique experiential value exploration training.
Each certificate track -- Sex Therapy, Sexuality Education, and Sexuality Counseling -- includes 60 hours of specialized training, with dual tracks containing 120 hours of training. The Sex Therapy track includes the AASECT-required 16 hours of relationship therapy training.
Throughout the program, participants have the opportunity to receive guidance on the AASECT certification process, including support in identifying appropriate AASECT supervisors and mentors. Upon program completion, participants are awarded a certificate of completion from the University of Michigan Sexual Health Certificate Program (SHCP). Those seeking AASECT certification may use the SHCP certificate and transcript to demonstrate fulfillment of key requirements, including the SAR, Core Knowledge Areas, and relevant Training Areas.
Continuing Education Credits
Social Work Continuing Education
The University of Michigan School of Social Work, provider #1212, is approved as a provider for social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) www.aswb.org, through the Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. The University of Michigan School of Social Work maintains responsibility for the program. ASWB Approval Period 5/15/2023-5/15/2026. Social workers should contact their regulatory board to determine course approval.
AASECT
This program meets the requirements for the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) and is approved for up to 225 CE credits. These CE credits may be applied toward AASECT certification and renewal of certification. University of Michigan Sexual Health Program, Provider #06-104D. Completion of this program does not ensure or guarantee AASECT certification. For further information please visit http://www.aasect.org/
Continuing Medical Education
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of University of Michigan Medical School and University of Michigan School of Social Work. The University of Michigan Medical School is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The University of Michigan Medical School designates this live activity for a maximum of 202.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
The University of Michigan Medical School designates this enduring material for a maximum of 22.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
In total, participants who attend the:
- Sex Therapy Track can earn up to 165 hours
- Sex Counseling Track can earn up to 165 hours
- Sex Education Track can earn up to 165 hours
- Dual Track Sex Counseling and Education Track can earn up to 225 hours
- Dual Track Sex Therapy and Education Track can earn up to 225 hours
