Certified Sex Addiction Therapist

When the need for sex interferes with daily life, someone can be diagnosed with sex addiction or sexual compulsion. Therapists can receive specialized training and certification in treating this type of addiction, which is not that different from other compulsive disorders such as gambling, shopping, or even drug or alcohol abuse.

However, a sexual addiction diagnosis is relatively controversial in the United States. In fact, it is excluded from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) which is the diagnostic tool for mental illness in the US. However, it is included in the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) list as “sexual compulsion.”

A sexual addiction diagnosis is complicated because sex is natural human behavior, and it can be hard to discern the difference. That is why it is critical for anyone who may have this condition to receive care from a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT). To earn a CSAT, professionals must hold a master’s degree or higher in a mental health-related field, including counseling, psychology, social work, or marriage and family counseling.

In addition to an advanced degree, mental healthcare professionals must also have at least five years of clinical experience to pursue a career as a CSAT. After attaining the necessary education and experience, candidates can apply for CSAT certification. If approved, they will be required to complete a four-module training course to prepare them for the intricacies of helping this population. 

If working with clients who struggle with sexual addiction sounds interesting, continue reading to learn about state licensing requirements, career outlook, and top programs of study.

To earn a certified sex addiction therapist credential, candidates must have earned a master’s degree or higher in psychology, counseling, or a related mental health field. Typical degrees aspiring sex addiction therapists can earn include:

• Master’s of arts or science in counseling
• Master’s of arts in marriage and family therapy
• Master’s of social work
• Master’s of arts in addiction counseling
• Doctor of psychology 
• Doctor of philosophy in psychology

The standards for admission for certified sex addiction therapist programs vary based on the discipline and school. Many programs can be very competitive, so applicants must submit comprehensive applications that showcase their skills and education. Typical requirements for a master’s degree in mental health can include:

• A minimum GPA
• GRE test scores
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Statement of intent
• Current resume
• Letters of recommendation

More rigorous programs may require applicants to have volunteer or work experience and complete an interview with a member of the admissions team.

There is no specific accreditation for sex addiction therapist programs. However, to work in this field, professionals must be licensed to provide mental health services. To obtain a license, candidates must have an advanced degree in a mental health field. Many states require that this degree be obtained from a school that holds programmatic accreditation for that particular degree. These can include:

• Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
• American Psychological Association (APA)
• Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy (COAMFTE)
• Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Texas Tech University – College of Human Sciences

The Texas Tech University College of Human Sciences offers a three-year doctor of philosophy in addictive disorders and recovery studies. This program prepares graduates to perform cutting-edge research in addiction to help fill the ever-increasing need for recovery scientists. 

While this is a research-focused degree program, students will work with professionals and clients in the Center for Collegiate Recovery Communities and the Family Therapy Clinic at Texas Tech University. 

One advantage of this program is that accepted candidates will receive full funding for the three years they are part of it, meaning tuition, fees, and most living expenses are covered. As such, admissions are competitive. Requirements to be considered include a current CV, letters of recommendation, an extensive personal statement, and a personal interview. 

• Location: Lubbock, TX 
• Duration: Three years
• Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation for Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi – College of Education and Human Development

Students in the master’s of science in professional counseling at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi College of Education and Human Development can choose from one of three concentrations, including one in addiction studies. 

This two-year degree program prepares graduates for licensure as licensed professional counselors. It strongly emphasizes multicultural awareness and sensitivity, and all students are evaluated on their effectiveness in caring for diverse populations. 

To earn this degree, students must complete at least 60 credits of coursework. Required classes include abnormal behavior, ethical issues in counseling, psychometrics, psychodiagnostic, and treatment strategies. Admission requirements for this program include official transcripts showing a completed bachelor’s degree, a current resume, an essay, three letters of recommendation, and an interview with the admissions committee. 

• Location: Corpus Christi, TX 
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

Central Michigan University – College of Education and Human Services

The master’s of arts in counseling at Central Michigan University College of Education and Human Services has a concentration in addiction studies for aspiring certified sex addiction therapists. Students in this program complete rigorous classroom coursework and intensive supervised clinical experiences to prepare them for work as licensed counselors. This program aims to develop competent professionals with lifelong learning habits and an eye toward equality and social justice. 

To complete this program students must earn at least 60 credits of coursework. Classes required for the addiction concentration include neuropsychopharmacology, etiology of addiction, addiction-oriented systems and methods of care, and family counseling and therapy. 

• Location: Mount Pleasant, MI
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

Boise State University – College of Education

The flexible part-time format of the master’s of art in counseling: addiction counseling program at Boise State University College of Education allows students to complete their studies over three years. This degree prepares students to work with clients who have substance abuse disorders or any other kind of addiction, including sex addiction. Students will learn how to evaluate the addiction, provide treatments, and help prevent relapse. The tools that students will master include how to educate clients, what an intervention should entail, and prevention strategies.

This program accepts a limited number of students, so admissions can be very competitive. Applicants are expected to have professional experience and at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Other requirements include a letter of application, letters of recommendation, and a current resume. Exceptional students may even secure a graduate assistantship, which includes a tuition stipend to offset the cost of the program.  

• Location: Boise, ID
• Duration: Three years
• Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Cato College of Education

At the University of North Carolina at Charlotte Cato College of Education, students can complete their master’s of arts in addiction counseling. Many students who complete this program go on to work in drug and alcohol counseling, although this degree encompasses all damaging addictive behaviors. Over the course of the two-year program, students will gain many clinical skills, including how to involve the family in treatment, how to identify unhelpful behaviors, and how to teach coping strategies. 

One advantage of this program is the variety of treatment settings students will be exposed to through their practicums and internships. Past student placements have included the  McLeod Center, Anuvia Prevention and Recovery Center, the SABER program, and the Charlotte Rescue Mission. Faculty in this program are leaders in the field, and the Journal of Addictions and Offender Counseling is currently housed in this department and edited by a faculty member.

• Location: Charlotte, NC
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

Southern New Hampshire University

Completing a bachelor’s of human services in addiction counseling at Southern New Hampshire University can be the first step in a career as a certified sex addiction therapist. This online degree can be completed without having to relocate or quit work as all classes are asynchronous and can be completed on the student’s own schedule. The hallmarks of this degree are compassion and support for clients suffering from an addiction. 

Typically, this degree will take four years to complete, but students can reduce the time needed to complete it by transferring credits from other institutions or taking math assessments that give credit for knowledge they already have. Required classes for this degree include foundations of addiction, abnormal psychology, and law and ethics in human services.

• Location: Manchester, NH
• Duration: Four years
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

Abilene Christian University – School of Health and Human Services

Aspiring sex addiction therapists who want to specialize in working with families can complete the online master of marriage and family therapy at Abilene Christian University. This program has five concentrations: general studies, children and adolescents, medical family therapy, military families, and trauma. All concentrations offer general education on addiction therapy, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. This program is taught from a Christian worldview. 

To apply for this online program, candidates must submit a resume, three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose that responds to the prompts, and official transcripts that show an awarded bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. The application process also includes a video interview. Applicants must also “have a quality of life that reflects high moral standards.”

• Location: Abilene, TX
• Duration: 33 months
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE)

Walden University

Earning an online master’s of science in clinical mental health counseling addiction counseling at Walden University will prepare graduates to address the unique emotional challenges families and clients face when battling addiction. Through coursework and clinical experiences, students will gain the skills to work in outpatient clinics, private practices, and community organizations, helping clients manage addiction. 

All coursework from this degree is offered entirely online. However, students must complete an internship and practicum at an approved site. In total, students will complete 700 hours of face-to-face contact at a center that serves clients who have addiction disorders. Students must have already completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution to be considered for this program. 

• Location: Minneapolis, MN
• Duration: 100 to 106 quarter-credits; time to complete depends on the student
• Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

Carlow University – College of Arts and Science

The master’s of science in professional counseling addiction counseling at Carlow University is a hybrid program. Students get the best of both worlds with required in-person classes along with flexible online coursework. Graduates of this program will be able to diagnose and treat a variety of mental and addiction disorders. A unique aspect of this degree is that students are trained to work with both adolescents and adults. 

All professional counseling students complete the same core coursework, which includes classes such as lifespan development, ethics, group counseling, and family systems. Additional specific coursework includes substance abuse theories, the biological basis for addiction counseling, and counseling clients who have substance abuse and psychiatric disorders.

• Location: Pittsburgh, PA
• Duration: 30 months
• Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

Antioch University

With a unique low residency format, the online master’s of arts in couple and family therapy at Antioch University has combined traditional online learning with the benefits of in-person instruction. Throughout the program, students will be required to complete in-person classes or residencies at Antioch. These intensive face-to-face weeks afford students the chance to get to know faculty as well as interact with their peers. 

Between residencies, students complete their coursework online at their own pace. The first year of this program is all coursework, while the second and third include in-person practicums and internships. 

There are three concentrations students can choose from, including addiction counseling, counseling in trauma, or trans-affirmative therapy. All concentrations complete coursework in human sexuality and sex therapy, addictions, and intrafamilial violence. 

• Location: Yellow Springs, CA
• Duration: Three years
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE)

All certified sex addiction therapists must be licensed mental health providers. At a minimum, a licensed professional counselor requires six years of post-high school education, eight or more years to become a psychologist, and 15 to 20 years to become a psychiatrist. In addition, certified sex addiction therapists must have five years of clinical work experience to be eligible to apply for the certification.

Step 1: Graduate from High School or Obtain a GED (Four Years)

Completing high school or earning a GED is the first step toward becoming a certified sex addiction therapist. Students interested in pursuing this career should focus on psychology, English, math, and science classes to prepare them for additional studies.  

Step 2: Complete a Bachelors’ Degree (Four Years)

A bachelor’s degree is required to become a certified sex addiction therapist. Most undergraduate degrees in social science will adequately prepare students for this field. However, students may find a degree in health and human services, social work, or psychology particularly advantageous. Students should also consider volunteer or work opportunities that can help them gain hands-on experience in counseling, as this can bolster graduate school applications.  

Step 3: Obtain an Advanced Degree (Two to Eight Years)

To qualify to be a certified sex addiction therapist, candidates must have earned a master’s degree or higher from an accredited institution in psychology, counseling, or related mental health field. Candidates can also complete a degree in marriage and family therapy, social work, or psychiatry.  

Step 4: Complete Supervised Practice (Two to Four Years)

To practice as a licensed counselor, candidates must complete a required number of hours of clinical supervised practice. This number varies by state and discipline but can be anywhere from 1,000 hours and up.

Step 5: Pass State Licensing Exam (Timeline Varies)

One step in becoming a therapist is passing the required state licensing exams. This exam varies based on discipline and state. 

Step 6: Apply for a State License (Timeline Varies) 

Once the required number of clinical practice hours has been completed and the required licensing exam has been passed, candidates can apply to their local board for licensing. More details on licensing can be found in the certification and licensure section below. 

Step 7: Earn Certified Sex Addiction Therapist Credential (Timeline Varies)

The last step to becoming a certified sex addiction therapist is to earn the credential from the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals. More details on licensing can be found in the certification and licensure section below.

Certified sex addiction therapists work with clients who have been diagnosed with compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD). Typical places for employment include private clinics, outpatient treatment centers, community organizations, and even teletherapy sites. Day-to-day duties include:

• Meeting one one-on-one with clients to assess CSBD
• Diagnosing patients’ mental health conditions
• Providing therapeutic services to clients in the form of cognitive-behavioral therapy, couples counseling, or group therapy
• Referring clients to other services, should they need them
• Maintaining careful client records
• Billing insurance

Certified sex addiction therapist (CAST) credential awarded by the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP). This is a voluntary credential and is not required by state licensing boards. It can be advantageous when applying for jobs or to demonstrate to clients a high level of competency in this field. 

Unlike other certifications, which are earned upon passing an exam, this certificate requires candidates to complete four training modules in sex addiction therapy. Each module takes four and a half days to complete and costs $1,300 to $1,450, depending on when registration is submitted.

To be eligible to take these modules, candidates must apply and have the following qualifications:

• Be fully licensed to provide mental health therapy to clients without supervision. This can include social workers, psychologists, counselors, therapists, and psychiatrists
• Have earned a master’s degree or higher from an accredited institution
• Complete five years of clinical work experience.

To provide sex addiction therapy services, professionals must also be licensed to provide mental health services in their states. This means therapists must be licensed as social workers, counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychologists, or psychiatrists. Requirements for licensure vary based on the profession and state. However, typical requirements include:

• Hold a master’s degree or higher from an accredited institution
• Complete supervised clinical work experience for a set number of hours
• Pass a national-level licensing exam 
• Complete a background check

There is no specific designation for “certified sex addiction therapists” under the Bureau of Labor Statistics. They are, however, included under the category of counselors, all others. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2023), the 35,580 counselors in the US under this designation earn $52,360 per year on average. Here are the percentiles:

• 10th percentile: $33,300
• 25th percentile: $38,890
• 50th percentile (median): $46,130
• 75th percentile: $59,340
• 90th percentile: $79,880

Here are a few alternatives to a career as a certified sex addiction therapist. 

Become a Marriage and Family Therapist

Counselors with specialized training in family systems, relationships, and couple dynamics are called marriage and family therapists. They may work with individuals, couples, or entire families to help them improve communication and solve problems. 

• Typical Education: Master’s degree 
• Licensing or Certifying Organization: Association of Marriage and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB)

Become a Social Worker

Social workers exist for the sole purpose of helping people. They help in many capacities, including, but not limited to, providing mental health services. Other help they may offer can include assistance with housing, referrals to other community organizations, aid in securing work, and ongoing case management to ensure their clients are doing well. 

• Typical Education: Master’s degree
• Licensing or Certifying Organization: Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)

Become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Licensed mental health counselors are the generalists of the mental healthcare landscape. They can specialize in any number of areas, such as adolescents, LGBTQ, or workplace dynamics, but they are most often available and trained to care for most clients. 

• Typical Education: Master’s degree
• Licensing or Certifying Organization: National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)

Kimmy Gustafson

Writer

At HealthcareDegree.com, Kimmy Gustafson has delivered in-depth and insightful articles since 2019, aiding prospective students to navigate the complexities of choosing the right healthcare degree. Her recent work includes topics such as the ethics of gene editing and physician assistant’s fight for autonomy.

Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.