University of Michigan Sexual Health Certificate Program

Title of Event: University of Michigan Sexual Health Certificate Program

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: Sex Therapy, Sexuality Counseling, Sexuality Educator, Dual Track Sex Therapy + Sexuality Educator, and Dual Track Sexuality Counselor + Sexuality Educator.

Date of Event: New cohort every year

Location: Online Synchronous & Asynchronous

Sexuality Education (SE) Training:

SE1. Sexuality education training will include, but is not limited to: theory and methods of general education (including curriculum development, delivery and evaluation).
SE2. Theory and methods of sexuality education (including curriculum development, delivery and evaluation).
SE3. Ethical issues in sexuality education.
SE4. Theory and methods of approaches to sexuality education with specific populations (e.g., youth, older adults, couples, ethnic/ cultural/ faith-based populations, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities).
SE5. Theory and methods of different approaches to sexuality education delivery (e.g., small group work, one-on-one education, large group lectures or interaction, online delivery or use of other electronic means).

Sexuality Counseling (SC) Training:

SC1. Theory and methods of personal/individual counseling.
SC2. Theory and methods of sexuality counseling approaches to specific populations (e.g., youth, older adult, couples, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, ethnic/ cultural/ faith-based populations).
SC3. Theory and methods of different approaches to intervention in relationship systems.
SC4. Theory and methods of decision-making concerning sexually related medical interventions.
SC5. Ethical issues in sexuality counseling.
SC6. Theory and practice of consultation, collaboration and referral.

Sex Therapy (ST) Training:

ST1. Theory and methods of sex-related psychotherapy, including several different models.
ST2. Techniques of sex-related assessment and diagnosis of the Psychosexual Disorders described in the current edition of the DSM.
ST3. Theory and methods of approach to intervention in relationship systems experiencing sex and intimacy problems.
ST4. Theory and method of approach to medical intervention in the evaluation and treatment of psychosexual disorders.
ST5. Principles of consultation, collaboration and referral.
ST6. Ethical decision-making and best practice.
ST7. Practicum Experience: Exposure to treatment of clinical sex therapy cases through direct observation, demonstration, case review or role-playing. eLearning cannot be applied. Applicants must be very clear in their documentation as to how they gained exposure to sex therapy cases.

Presenter/Speaker: Multiple speakers across disciplines

Company/Organization Sponsor: University of Michigan School of Social Work and Michigan Medicine

Contact Name: Sexual Health Certificate Program

Contact Telephone Number: (734) 647-9363

Contact Email: ssw.sexualhealth@umich.edu

Event Website: https://ssw.umich.edu/continuing-education/certificate-courses/sexual-health

AASECT Approved CEs: 225