Advanced Clinical Sexology PhD Program

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

The Institute at Sexual Health Alliance provides 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 to 3 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 all work together. 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, Counselor or Sexologist. 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 a typical 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. This is a program unlike any other.

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.

  • Prerequisites:

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

    • Official transcript, valid ID, CV/resume

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

    • Please see our Admissions page for more information.

  • Our PhD program is ideal for:

    • Mental health Professionals

    • Medical / healthcare professionals that practice counseling

    • Clergy or other students with a master’s degree that counsels others

  • This flexible program offer rolling admission. However, students must be enrolled on a payment plan by Sept 1 (or have made additional payments), or have paid in full, in order to attend the annual in-person intensive.

  • We highly recommend the Sexual Health Alliance Comprehensive Program www.sexualhealthalliance.com We will approve Certification from other comprehensive program if they meet the guidelines notes on our admissions page.

  • The program will take a minimum of 2 years depending on your pace, schedule and clinical experience.

  • We are currently working towards international accreditation and international recognition. For those that want to teach in a university setting where a PhD is required, we have not found that lack of current accreditation hinders that path. This program is first of it’s kind and is similar to a PsyD as it’s tailored to those that want to increase their clinical skills and practice. As such, there is not an established accreditation baseline or licensure for clinical sexology. The PhD program operates independently and follows rigorous academic standards. Students would continue to operate under their previous licensure, if they have one.

  • No, this program does not require a dissertation or doctoral committee. This program is clinically focused and requires a doctoral project that significantly improves clinical practice or the clinical field.

The ISHA PhD in Advanced 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 and counseling


  • Ethics and cultural competencies

  • 
Intersectionality and sexual diversity 


  • Sexual science and research methodologies

  • Somatic and body-based work

  • Forensic and legal work

  • Ai and advanced technology