Want to become a certified sex coach?
You’ve come to the right place!
Today, you’ll learn what the best sex coach certification programs are.
Plus, I’ll share my top tips on how to achieve more fulfillment, flexibility, and financial security through sex coaching. With results like this…
Sound good? Let’s dive in!
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Key takeaways:
- Sex coaching is an in-demand coaching niche
- The best sex coach certification programs come from Sex Coach U, the South Shore Sexual Health Center, the Somatica Institute, the Advanced Mental Health Training Institute (AMHTI), and the Sexual Health Alliance (SHA)
- You can get certified, but the transformative results you deliver are what really matter
- To maximize your earnings, pick a good niche within sex coaching and offer well-priced coaching packages
What is a sex coach?
First, what is a sex coach?
In short, a sex coach is someone who guides their clients through challenges with:
- Sex
- Intimacy
- And relationships
And anyone can have problems like these including:
- Couples
- Singles
- Parents
- Young adults
- Older people
In fact, a study has shown that about 43% of women and 31% of men face issues related to sex.
So, there’s clearly a demand for transformative sex coaching services.
For example, Dr Namita Caen is a sex coach for couples and individuals who are experiencing low libido, mismatched desire, or who want to explore their sexuality.
Your coaching will typically aim to make your clients’ sex lives happier and more fulfilling.
This practical focus is also what sets you apart from a sex therapist…
What is the difference between a sex coach and a sex therapist?
Let’s break down the difference between a sex coach and a sex therapist:
- Focus: Sex therapists handle sexual dysfunctions and psychological issues related to sex. With sex coaches, it’s less about healing and more about building and exploring.
- Approach: Sex therapists are healthcare professionals who often use clinical interventions. Sex coaches tend to use more educational and motivational strategies to help clients achieve their goals.
- Training and certification: Sex therapists typically hold degrees in psychology or counseling and need a license to practice. For sex coaches, there’s more flexibility (more on that in a bit…)
- Issues addressed: Therapists usually tackle deep psychosexual problems. Sex coaches focus on enhancing pleasure, communication, confidence, and intimacy.
With a clear idea of what sets sex coaches and sex therapists apart, let’s go over the best sex coach certification programs.
Top 5 sex coach certification programs
With such a wide range of sex coach certification programs, it can be hard to know which one to choose. Below, you’ll find the best options to help make your choice a little easier.
Let’s take a closer look.
Certified Sex Coach™
Sex Coach U’s sex coaching program is recognized by the World Association of Sexual Health (WAS).
Upon graduating, you’ll earn the title of Certified Sex Coach™. You can then join top organizations like the American Board of Sexology (ABS) and the Association of Somatic and Integrative Sexologists (ASIS).
You can choose between two paths:
- Fast Track (FT)
- Mastery Path (MP)
Both options offer extensive training in sex coaching and clinical sexology.
But what if you want to work on your business strategies and marketing instead? Then their Business of Sexuality Specialists (BOSS) program might be for you.
Program details:
- Curriculum features: 21 courses across four modules, integrating sexology, coaching, and integrated sex coaching (or 13 courses for the BOSS program)
- Accreditation: WAS-approved
- Costs: $4,997 (FT), $10,997 (MP), or $4,997 (BOSS)
- Duration: 12 months (FT), 18 months (MP), or 12 months (BOSS)
- Format: Completely self-paced (FT or BOSS) or self-paced combined with interactive live sessions (MP)
- Extra: You can combine the BOSS program with the FT or MP paths, which saves money
AASECT Certificate Program
South Shore Sexual Health Center embraces sex positivity and diversity.
The program has all the necessary courses to become an American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) certified sex therapist.
To get certified, you also need supervision and to take the Sexual Attitude Reassessment (SAR) training. While the center offers these, they’re not included in the program’s cost.
Program details:
- Curriculum features: Covers developmental sexuality, health factors, learning theory, BDSM, and more
- Accreditation: AASECT-approved
- Costs: Approximately $5,500 (not including SAR and supervision)
- Duration: 18 months
- Format: Hybrid — self-paced with live, online classes
- Extra: Best for LGBTQ+ affirming
Sex Coach Certification
The Somatica Institute offers a sex-positive sex coach certification. It’s based on their trademark Somatica Method, which blends talk-based coaching with experiential practices.
On top of your certification, you’ll also qualify for accreditation as a sexologist by the ABS.
Program details:
- Curriculum features: Eight modules (six core and two advanced), two or more specializations, and 12 experiential practice sessions
- Accreditation: ABS-approved
- Costs: $11,800
- Duration: 12 months
- Format: Hybrid — self-paced with live online classes
- Extra: Teaches an experiential, embodied process
Sex Therapy Certification
The Advanced Mental Health Training Institute (AMHTI) is a Florida-based continuing education provider.
It focuses on mental health professionals and offers a sex therapy certification.
Program details:
- Curriculum features: Covers anatomy, sexuality development, gender issues, legal aspects, treatment of dysfunctions, and more
- Accreditation: Approved by several top organizations, including the APA, NBCC, and AASECT
- Costs: $6,000
- Duration: 12 to 18 months
- Format: Online
- Extra: Best if you’re already a mental health professional
SHA Certified Sexuality Coach & Consultant Program
Already working in the mental health field and want to add sexuality coaching and consulting to your services? Then the Sexual Health Alliance (SHA) Certified Sexuality Coach & Consultant Program is a good option. Besides getting an SHA certification, the program includes three online conferences and an AASECT-approved online SAR.
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Program details:
- Curriculum features: Four online modules and three two-day conferences
- Accreditation: AASECT-approved
- Costs: $5,850
- Duration: Around 12 months
- Format: Hybrid — self-paced with three live, online conferences
- Extra: Best if you’re already a mental health professional
So, those were the best sex coach certifications. Now, let’s go over how to choose the right one for you.
How do you choose a sex coach certification?
There’s a lot to consider when investing in a sex coach certification. I recommend making your decision based on the following key factors:
- Cost: Sex coach certification costs can be high. Pick one that fits your budget but also offers good value.
- Length: How much time can you commit? Programs can last a few months to over a year. Choose one that fits your schedule and availability.
- Accreditation: There’s currently no single licensing body for sex coaches. What you can do, though, is pick a certification that’s recognized by a reputable organization. The World Association of Sexual Health (WAS) is a great example.
- Curriculum: Check what the program teaches. It should cover the topics you’re interested in and match your coaching goals.
- Flexibility: Need to balance studying with other responsibilities? Look for a program that lets you learn at your own pace or offers part-time study.
Now that you know what to look for in a certification, let’s explore the steps to become a certified sex coach.
How do you become a certified sex coach?
What do you need to be a sex coach?
You can streamline starting your coaching business into five important steps.
Let’s go over each one together.
1. Find your niche
The first step is niching down.
To figure out your specialty within sex coaching, think about:
- Your skills: What are you good at?
- Your target audience: Who do you want to help?
- Your solution: What problems will you solve?
Take my student, Ruby Lee, for example. After having worked for eHarmony, she leveraged her matchmaking skills for her own business.
She now runs a six-figure relationship coaching business focused on a very specific niche:
Helping quality guys (her target audience) find quality women (her solution).
For more, take a look at this video, where I dive deeper into finding your niche:
Next, it’s time to deepen your skills and knowledge.
2. Deepen your sex coaching skills and knowledge
As a sex coach, how you connect matters a lot. Sexuality is super personal, so your ability to create a safe, non-judgmental space is key.
To help your clients get transformative results, you’ll need:
- A solid foundation in sexology
- Good coaching skills
- Ethical practices
- Specializations, such as helping with intimacy issues, supporting LGBTQ+ communities, or focusing on specific age groups
Did you notice that “a certification” isn’t on the list? Well, there’s a reason for that…
3. Get a sex coaching certification
I used to think I needed a coaching certification – most people do. Then, I learned that while you can get one, you don’t need it.
This is also true for working as a sex coach.
You see, sex coaching isn’t a regulated field, so you don’t need specific qualifications to start.
If you’re new to coaching, a certification from a reputable organization can increase your credibility.
But nothing beats practice.
That’s why I advise my students to start coaching ASAP. Because the more you coach, the better you’ll get at it.
It’s this experience that helps you deliver transformative results.
And that’s what your ideal clients truly care about — the results you help them achieve.
4. Create and price a coaching package
The best way to help your clients get the results they’re after?
Work with coaching packages.
Coaching packages are the main offer you sell.
When putting them together, make them all about the big changes your clients will experience.
Because remember:
These transformative changes are what clients are willing to pay for — not your hours (nor your certifications).
Now, how do you make money as a sex coach?
I recommend starting with a three-month program at $1,500. This time frame is perfect for seeing real improvements. And as you gain more experience and testimonials, you can raise your fees.
For example, most of my experienced students charge $5,000+ for their coaching services.
In this video, I walk you through the steps to create your first coaching package:
Next up? Finding clients to deliver your coaching package to.
5. Get your first sex coaching clients
How do you find your first coaching clients?
Here are three great methods:
- Your network: Referrals can be a powerful tool. Ask friends or colleagues if they know someone who might benefit from sex coaching.
- Social media: Identify the platform where your target audience hangs out and join them there. Build genuine connections by answering questions and joining relevant discussions. Read more about using social media for your coaching business here.
- Podcasts: Appear on podcasts where you can reach an audience that might need your sex coaching. This boosts your visibility and credibility.
In this video, I share more strategies to find your first paying clients:
So, we’ve covered how to become a sex coach, but how much money can you make as one?
Let’s tackle that next.
How much does a sex coach make?
Your sex coaching income depends on several factors:
- Experience
- Location
- Niche
- Certification
Right now, there aren’t any official numbers on sex coaching. But you do have some information to give you an idea.
For example, according to Sex Coach U, you can make anywhere from $125 to $300 per hour for a one-off session and between $500 and $1,500 per client for a monthly package.
Also, there’s information about how much a sex therapist earns on average.
According to Glassdoor, that’s $96,892. But keep in mind this is based on salaries.
As a self-employed sex coach, you set your own rates. So, with the right strategy, you can earn much more. That’s why plenty of my own students are able to build multiple six-figure businesses that offer them both freedom and flexibility, while they control their time and income.
Frequently asked questions about sex coaching
Can you become a sex coach without a certification?
Yes, you can! Sex coaching doesn’t require a certification. What you do need is experience and a methodology for helping your clients get results. (However, note that there are some health-related niches that do require a certification – these are exceptions, though. Also, if you want to become a sex therapist, you need a relevant degree.)
How long does it take to become a sex coach?
It depends on you. If you decide to get certified, it’ll take you at least a few weeks to a year. However, if you have the right skills and experience and decide to offer a lower price and, that way, learn coaching as you coach clients (which is what I recommend), then you can get started right away.
Get the Ultimate Guide
for building a
6-Figure Coaching Business so you can achieve more freedom!
Next steps
And there you have it — your pathway to become a certified sex coach!
Having a sex coach certification can give you some extra credibility.
But remember that what your dream clients really care about are the transformative results you help them achieve.
For this, you need real-life experience.
And the easiest way to get that experience?
A roadmap by someone who has done what you want to achieve.
That’s what I offer in my free guide on building a six-figure online business. It outlines the exact steps to grow your business into a thriving success. Get it now!
Read more:
How to Hold Powerful Coaching Sessions
