Advanced Clinical Sexology PhD Program

A rigorous doctoral program designed for those seeking to achieve advanced clinical expertise

The Institute at Sexual Health Alliance offers advanced clinical education rooted in an intersectional, integrative, and theory/practitioner model that empowers professionals in mental health and research to lead the future of sexual health.

The Institute’s mission is to provide a comprehensive doctoral program in sexology that prepares graduates for impactful careers in clinical practice, academia, supervision, and education. We believe that inclusive, forward thinking scholarship is key to changing the future of sexuality and mental health.

This rigorous doctoral program is designed for Certified Sex Therapists and Counselors (or those nearing certification) seeking to achieve advanced clinical expertise, specialized knowledge, and leadership within the field of sexology.

The PhD program is a minimum of 2 years, hybrid (in-person and online coursework) and includes intensive clinical skill building and practice to help students become master clinicians.

The Only Hybrid, Advanced Clinical PhD Program for Licensed Professionals

Community & Mentorship

Join Top Psychotherapists and Counselors

Connect with a supportive community built to make your PhD experience more rewarding. This is a program where seasoned therapists, thought leaders, and subject matter experts committed to advancing the field. This is not just a typical university offering—it is a professional community of practice where your experience is honored, your insights are sharpened, and your growth is actively supported.

Learning Experience

Hybrid In-Person & Online

Deepen your understanding with our hybrid program, designed to strengthen critical thinking and support a lasting passion for learning. From tailored supervision and workshops to events that bring clinicians together, we’re here to help you grow—academically, socially, and personally—through every stage of your journey.

Self-Paced Flexibility

Core Foundations at Your Own Pace

Designed with the realities of clinical work in mind, you’ll have the flexibility to move through material at a pace that supports reflection, integration, and depth—without sacrificing the clinical sophistication or nuance. Our integrated supervision and mentorship model includes live case consultations, discussion forums, and monthly faculty office hours designed to support both clinical application and ethical discernment.

You're Already Certified. Now, It's Time to Become a Master Clinician.

You've dedicated yourself to helping individuals and couples navigate the complexities of intimacy and sexual well-being. You possess the foundational knowledge and skills that have earned you the distinction of a Certified Sex Therapist or Counselor. But what if you could go further? What if you could delve into the most intricate clinical challenges, master cutting-edge specialized knowledge, and emerge as a true leader and innovator in the field of clinical sexology?

Introducing the Premier PhD in Advanced Clinical Sexology – Designed Exclusively for Certified Professionals Like You.

This isn't just another University PhD Program. This is a transformative journey crafted to elevate your clinical expertise, empower you with advanced skills, and position you at the forefront of clinical sexology. You will learn an integrative model for conceptualizing and treating sexual problems that applies a variety of theoretical perspectives in order to create change. You will have the opportunity to deepen your clinical practice knowledge, skills, and application in clinical sexology work.

Your Journey to Advanced Clinical Mastery Starts Now.

Become a leader, an innovator, and a true expert in the field.

Enroll in our PhD in Advanced Clinical Sexology today.

  • Our PhD program is ideal for:

    • Licensed clinicians and therapists that are Certified as a Sex Therapist from an approved program

    • Medical and mental health professionals with a Sexuality Counselor or Therapist Certification

  • The program will take 2 years depending on your pace and clinical dissertation completion.

  • Prerequisites:

    • Master’s degree in counseling, therapy, or a clinical field with a licensure option

    • Official transcript, valid ID, CV/resume

    • Certification in sex therapy or counseling from an approved program, or active enrollment in SHA’s certification program or approved program.

  • Accreditation is a future goal of The Institute. Many Universities will require PhD for appointments. Furthermore, students have not found that lack of accreditation hinders their careers. This program is first of it’s kind and similar to a PsyD as it’s tailored to those that want to increase their clinical skills and practice. We settled on granting a PhD as this type of degree in sexology is more widely accepted. The PhD program operates independently and follows rigorous academic standards.

Our PhD in Clinical Sexology is designed for professionals seeking to deepen their knowledge and expand their impact in the field of sexuality.
This rigorous, clinical-based program covers diverse topics such as:


- Clinical applications in sex therapy
- Ethics and cultural competencies
- Intersectionality and sexual diversity
- Sexual science and research methodologies