CAN I TAKE THE ENTIRE PROGRAM ONLINE?

Yes! You may attend all classes, case consultation sessions, and meetings via live Zoom webinars.

WHAT CERTIFICATION WILL I HAVE WHEN I COMPLETE THIS PROGRAM?

In addition to earning a PhD in Clinical Sexology, as a graduate of IICS, you will be eligible for Board Certification (through the Therapist Certification Association) as either a Sex Therapist, Clinical Sexologist, or Human Sexuality Professional.

You will also be able to seek certification in your specialty area, either through the Therapist Certification Association (TCA) or the Board relevant to that field (Hypnotherapy, Addictions, Transgender Therapy, Kink Aware Therapy, Sex Offender Therapy, and Sexuality and Disabilities Therapy). AASECT (The American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists) certification is distinct from TCA. The Director of the Institute, Dr. Carol L. Clark, is a supervisor and provider for both TCA and AASECT. With your Ph.D. you may choose to pursue AASECT Certification as a Sex Educator, Sex Counselor, or Sex Therapist.

IS IICS AN ACCREDITED INSTITUTION?

IICS is licensed by the Florida Commission of Independent Education (CIE) to offer a Ph.D. in Clinical Sexology and students earning that degree will hold it in perpetuity regardless of professional licensure status or geographical location. It is not accredited. The CIE license is an assurance that IICS is held to a high educational and operating standard and is audited yearly.

Accreditation by a U.S. DoE entity is not necessary as this degree does not lead to a license. Our tuition is low enough that most students do not need Federal financial aid. We offer a payment plan and some students are eligible for a scholarship

WILL THIS DOCTORATE BE RECOGNIZED IN MY STATE OR COUNTRY?

A doctorate is a degree that is yours wherever you are and wherever you go. States and countries need to recognize degrees that lead to licensure in that jurisdiction. This degree does not.

WHAT IS THE TUITION? WHAT KIND OF PAYMENT PLAN IS THERE?

The total tuition is $21,340 There is no extra charge for additional time to complete the dissertation/project.

Students will have the option of making monthly payments for 24-36 months from the time of enrollment. There are no pre-payment penalties.

WHAT WILL I BE ABLE TO DO WITH A PhD IN CLINICAL SEXOLOGY?

Prospective students often wonder why bother to invest time and money in obtaining a Ph.D. We’ve included some descriptions from our graduates of what they are doing with their Ph.D to give you inspiration.

In this FAQ is also a section on the advantages of being Board Certified.

Here’s what some of our Ph.D graduates are doing:

"I work at Therapy Department; a counseling and consulting private practice in Huntington Beach, CA. I specialize in sex therapy, relationships, and transgender identities. I provide in office and video counseling to clients throughout the United States. My PhD helped me create, develop, and launch the Transgender Healthcare Dignity Model training program. My PhD has given me many opportunities that I have dreamed of including further expert status, which has greatly benefited my business. It has also provided me with specific training in sex therapy and gender identity that helps me give the best clinical care to clients."

Best Regards,

Kristie Overstreet PhD, LMHC, LPCC, LPC, CST, CAP
Clinical Sexologist & Psychotherapist
Transgender Healthcare Dignity Model Training & Certification Program
Author of Fix Yourself First: 25 Tips to Stop Ruining Your Relationship

"It was a wonderful decision, thanks to the vision of Dr. Clark my dearest and lovely mentor! I'm now in Lobito, Angola. And thanks to my Ph.D I'll be soon working for the University of Lusiada. I'll be giving training to others academic professors on Human Sexuality! That same university invited me along with another Ph.D ( we are the only two in this city) to initiate the process of creating a Center for Africa Studies! The grants are in their way! We are in the process of having Columbia University from New York, on board.It will be a major accomplishment for the Institution!! All that thanks to my Ph.D!!!"

Have my regards,

María Silva, PhD, MSW
TCT Transgender Care Therapist
Ph.D Clinical Sexology
Other graduates are working in private practice, teaching, running treatment programs, writing and marketing books and workshops, coaching, training other professionals, and more.

WHAT IS THE ADVANTAGE OF BOARD CERTIFICATION WITH TCA?

As a Marriage & Family Therapist, Clinical Social Worker, Mental Health Counselor, or other healthcare provider, you know that a big limitation you face is not having sexology training and experience. All graduates of STTI and IICS will become Board Certified.

Upon completion, you will be Board Certified by the Therapist Certification Association and market yourself as such. In other words, you can become a Board Certified Sex Therapist while taking classes from your home or office.

For more information, please go to

https://www.therapycertificationtraining.org/training/sex-therapy-training

Our certification classes also apply towards the PhD program if you later choose to do a dissertation and receive your PhD.

The advantages of being a Board Certified Clinical Sexologist, Sexology Educator, or Sex Therapist include:

• Marketing yourself as a Board Certified Sex Therapist with the confidence of knowing you received world-class training.
• Listing on the TCA website “Find a Professional” page.
• Access to the international community of graduates, students and professionals in sexology on the TCA listserv. The ideal place to promote your events, network for collaboration and share case studies.
• Access to the international TCA Facebook group community of graduates, students, and professionals. This is an invaluable resource to promote your events, network for collaboration and share case studies.
• Up to 10 free Continuing Education credits every 2 years. (Applicable to TCA, NBCC, AASECT, and Florida Board renewals).

OK, I’M READY TO APPLY!

Yay! Go to https://clinicalsexologyphd.org/ now!

You are welcome to call or email us at +1-305-891-1827 IICSPhD@gmail.com

HOW DO I EARN A PHD IN CLINICAL SEXOLOGY?

This is an exciting and incredibly rewarding process. Here you go!

You need a Master’s Degree in a Healthcare- or Education-related field:

• Mental Health
• Marriage and Family Therapy
• Clinical Social Work
• Nursing
• Medicine or Psychiatry
• Education

We will also consider education and certifications that are equivalent.

You apply for the program here: https://clinicalsexologyphd.org/apply-online

If you qualify, we will send you an official acceptance letter, additional documentation, and an invoice for your tuition deposit.

You will return the paperwork, make your payment, send us your official transcripts, and have two professionals send us letters of recommendation that speak to your ability to do doctoral level work.

You will complete 30 core classes, 6 electives, 30 hours of supervision/case consultation, a written exam, an oral exam, and an additional specialty from our program list.

Ultimately, with the guidance and support of our faculty, you will complete a dissertation or doctoral project that will contribute a piece of original research to the field.

The final step is graduation. Congratulations!

AM I ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR THIS PhD PROGRAM?

You may be accepted into the IICS program with a Master’s Degree or Equivalent in a Human Services field, including medicine, nursing, addictions, social work, marriage and family therapy, and mental health counseling.

Official transcripts indicating proof of your Master’s Degree, or indicating proof of a Bachelor’s degree plus transcripts or certificates confirming sixty (60) graduate level credits in a healthcare field may also be acceptable. These will be evaluated upon application.

Contact us to discuss your current education and credentials if you are unsure.

DO I NEED TO ATTEND IN PERSON?

The entire program may be taken via live webinar, in person, or combination of both.

HOW MUCH TIME WILL IT TAKE?

The educational portion of the program may be completed in one year and you have two years from time of registration to complete your Dissertation/Doctoral Project. You may request an extension if needed. There is no additional charge.

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF STUDENTS?

Students are required to attend all of the classes. They may miss up to 3 sexology classes and will need to view the recording and write a summary. Each specialty has its own requirements.

IICS provides substantial resources in the form of videos, articles, and assessment instruments. Students are required to view and read these independently and it is expected that they will do so. There are no weekly time requirements.

Students will participate in 30 hours of supervision/case consultation (SCC) during which they will present their own cases and process other students’ cases. If students are not therapists, they will focus on their own field of practice and adapt their cases to that. Students will have flexible scheduling for their hours.

Students will take an Oral Exam at the end of their sexology education and SCC. This will be their opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned from the program, including applicability to cases.

WHEN ARE CLASSES HELD?

The Clinical Sexology classes are held in your choice of tracks. Track 1 is on Saturdays and Track 3 is from Thursday through Monday on alternate months, which allows out-of-town students to attend in person if they desire. You may complete the classes in any order, so you do not have to adhere to a particular schedule.

Zoom login for class starts at 9:00am EST and teaching begins at 9:30am EST. There is half an hour for lunch and class ends at 3:00pm EST.

The Specialty Concentrations each have their own schedules. Please refer to the Calendar on the website to see the complete schedules for all classes.

WHAT IF I DON’T WANT TO DO A DISSERTATION?

Dissertations can seem scary and many of our students choose to do a Doctoral Project, which does involve some research but allows you to create an exciting project that will enhance the field of sexology. For example, the creation of a program specialty, or researching the need for and then translating the sexology program into Spanish. Some of our students have written workbooks for special populations. Our faculty will guide you personally on your path.

OK, I’M READY TO APPLY!

Yay! Go to https://clinicalsexologyphd.org/ now!

You are welcome to call or email us at +1-305-891-1827 IICSPhD@gmail.com

Sex Therapist FAQ

What do I have to do to be a sex therapist?

Your journey to becoming a sex therapist begins with a master’s degree in a counseling-related field, an internship, and then a license as a Mental Health Counselor, Marriage and Family Therapist, Professional Counselor, or Clinical Social Worker. Psychologists may also become sex therapists.
The next step is to take the additional training in human sexuality and sex therapy education offered by a reputable institution, such as the Sex Therapy Training Institute. You will also need hours of case consultation/supervision to assure that you are competent to treat sex therapy cases.

What is a sex therapist?

A sex therapist is a psychotherapist or psychologist who has taken the additional training in human sexuality and sex therapy education offered by a reputable institution, such as the Sex Therapy Training Institute. The education and the hours of case consultation/supervision assure clients that the sex therapist is competent to treat sexual dysfunctions and disorders such as erectile difficulties, inability to orgasm, or desire differences. They may also specialize with LGBTQI issues, gender transition, sexual abuse, kink/polyamory, childhood concerns, senior sexual challenges, and sex offending.

How much money does a sex therapist make?

Therapy fees vary widely depending on location and experience. Sex therapists may charge one and a half to twice what their fees would be without that title.

What does a sex therapist do?

Sex therapy is a broad umbrella covering such issues as couples with sexual problems, sex and porn addiction, kink/BDSM exploration, sexual trauma, and so much more. Anything that involves sexual behavior and attitudes that cause distress falls under sex therapy.

Can I be a sex therapist if I’m not a therapist?

No, but if you are an educator, nurse, coach, or licensed or certified in another discipline, you may become certified as a clinical sexologist or sexology educator.

What is a Board Certified Sex Therapist?

Many professions have licensing or certification boards, made up of experts in that field. Their purpose is to assure that professionals meet established criteria for excellence in their field. The Therapist Certification Association is one board that certifies Sex Therapists, Sexology Educators, Clinical Sexologists, and other fields that fall under the category of sexology. These include Sex Offender Therapists, Kink Conscious Therapists, and Addiction Therapists.

What are the requirements to get a PhD in sexology/sex therapy?

Prospective students will have earned a Master’s Degree in a healthcare-related field, such as mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, clinical social work, psychology, nursing, medicine, coaching, education, and more. Students do not need a license, only a Master’s Degree.

Why should I get a PhD in sexology/sex therapy?

A PhD is the highest degree attainable in a profession. It is a source of pride for the person who earns it and it tells the world that this person is not only an expert in the field, but also has contributed something original to the field. In the field of sexology, the title “Doctor” also conveys a sense of trust and gravitas to prospective clients, academia, and the forensic arena.

Do I need a license to take the doctoral program?

No, you do not need a license. It is important, however, to be aware of what you can and can’t do with this degree. This is not a licensable degree, so you will need a psychotherapy license to practice therapy. If you are an educator or coach, you need credentials in those areas to then work as a sexology educator or sex coach. This degree is meant to be adjunctive to your profession.

What can I do with a PhD in sexology?

The majority of our graduates are therapists, so their degree allows them to specialize in the field of sex therapy and use the title “Dr.”
Others are authors, forensic experts, program administrators, or educators and the PhD provides recognition and advancement in their fields.

What are the benefits of Certification?

When you graduate with your Master’s degree, you enter a very competitive field. Of course, it takes a couple of years to get licensed, and then you work to build your practice, often while working for an agency.

Certification in a specialty area can educate you in an exciting area of interest, give you a marketing edge, increase your earning potential, and allow you to make a real difference in your clients’ lives, especially those who may feel left out because they cannot find a therapist who is able to work with their particular concerns.

All IICS graduates will be certified as Sex Therapists or Clinical Sexologists.

Some of our specialties that address these marginalized populations are:

• Sexuality and Disabilities
• Kink Aware Therapy
• Transgender Diversity
• Sex Offender Therapy

While most graduate programs include one Human Sexuality class, that does not prepare therapists to work with sexual concerns, such as

• Erectile Dysfunction
• Desire discrepancies
• Orgasmic Disorders
• Sexual Abuse and Trauma
• Intimacy and Communication concerns

It is also important for therapists to have proficiency in at least one non-talk therapy intervention. Hypnotherapy is a specialty that can be used with all of your clients, and a Sexuality and Hypnotherapy certification allows you to incorporate that intervention into your practice.

Finally, addiction is a condition that is permeating all parts of our lives, from the use of smartphones and social media, to pornography, to shopping, and of course, to drugs and alcohol. A certification in Behavioral and Substance Addiction prepares you to recognize the addictive process and how it shows up in people’s lives, and then how to facilitate living in Recovery, both from addiction and of Connection.

What to Look for When Looking for a PhD program

One of the most common questions I get asked about the International Institute of Clinical Sexology (IICS) is: “Is this program accredited?”

The answer is no, for a few reasons:

1. Small programs like IICS are not able to get accreditation from a U.S. Department of Education accreditation provider. They just don’t do it.
2. Accreditation is only necessary for programs that offer licensable degrees, such as a master’s in Mental Health Counseling or a doctorate in Psychology.
3. Financial aid is not given to students in a non-accredited program.
4. Students outside of the U.S. cannot get student visas for a non-accredited program.

So, where does that leave you when you are researching doctoral programs?

First, let’s define the nature of a PhD. It is a research-based degree that ultimately says the professional is an expert in a particular field and has contributed something new to the field, as evidenced by the completion of a dissertation. The IICS program provides a doctoral degree in Clinical Sexology, so graduates are experts in Clinical Sexology and have done original research in a sexology-related topic.

Next, there is no doctoral-level degree that is licensable other than one in Psychology. That translates to professionals earning a doctoral degree in any other field as still needing to practice under their master’s level license. Therefore, the question to ask is, “Will this monetize?” Will a doctoral degree that costs X number of dollars and takes X number of years earn me back my money and time?” Speaking for a PhD in Clinical Sexology, the answer is an enthusiastic “Yes!”

Thirdly, the tuition at IICS is still less than a good new car. Is this because it lacks value? Certainly not. There have been very few (fewer than 6) doctoral programs in this field, and the first one set the tuition very low, leading to subsequent programs trying to be competitive by keeping their fees low as well. The two original programs are gone now, but raising tuition is a slow process.

Finally, the question of student visas. IICS has students around the world and they all attend online in live webinars. As much as someone from another country may want a way to enter the U.S. for an extended period of time, it is not a necessity for completing this degree.

Red Flags

The unfortunate reality is that there are some disreputable players out there and it is the responsibility of anyone seeking higher education to do their due diligence. Below are some red flags and my response to them pertaining to IICS.

Some red flags to help identify a diploma mill, as per https://www.chea.org/important-questions-about-diploma-mills-and-accreditation-mills

Can degrees be purchased?

All degrees require tuition, so the question here is really: “Can I just walk up and pay for a diploma without doing any work?” IICS has a full curriculum with requirements for attendance, homework, passing exams, and completing a dissertation. So, no, you cannot just “purchase a degree” from IICS.

Is there a claim of accreditation when there is no evidence of this status?

No, IICS does not claim to be accredited because it is not. It is, however, licensed by the Florida Commission of Independent Education (CIE), which process is fully as rigorous as any accreditation and needs to be renewed annually.

Is there a claim of accreditation from a questionable accrediting organization?

Simply, no.

Does the operation lack state or federal licensure or authority to operate?

As stated above, IICS is licensed by the CIE and maintains that status through yearly audits and monitoring.

Is little if any attendance required of students, either online or in class?

IICS requires live, online attendance for all classes and attending supervisory meetings live as well.

Are few assignments required for students to earn credits?

For every 10 hours of class time, students are required to complete 20 hours of Independent Study and are evaluated through exams and case consultation hours.

Is a very short period of time required to earn a degree?

The average student takes 2-3 years to complete the program, including completion of a dissertation.

Are degrees available based solely on experience or résumé review?

No. All students need to complete didactic classroom hours, independent study, homework assignments, and a dissertation.

Are there few requirements for graduation?

In addition to the above-mentioned criteria, students complete a Written Exam, an Oral Exam, an additional specialty in the field of sexology, and an IRB-approved dissertation.

Does the operation fail to provide any information about a campus or business location or address and rely, e.g., only on a post office box?

IICS maintains a classroom and administrative office in Miami Shores, FL. It has a physical mailing address in Miami as well.

Does the operation fail to provide a list of its faculty and their qualifications?

All faculty, with their qualifications, are listed in the catalog and on the website at https://clinicalsexologyphd.org/about-us/instructors

Does the operation have a name similar to other well-known colleges and universities?

The IICS name is unique.

Does the operation make claims in its publications for which there is no evidence?

IICS’s ethical code precludes any false claims and the CIE monitors this.

Reading through this shows that you have a serious interest in earning a doctoral degree and are considering IICS. Please

How many of my credits will count towards a Ph.D.?

Credits may be transferred from other institutions, including those from Therapy Certification Training (TCA). IICS will accept up to 18 credits, or 90 class hours, from a non-TCA clinical sexology institution. The IICS President will complete a transcript analysis and evaluate how many and which credits may be transferred.

For CSATs, 18 credits may be transferred from their IITAP credit towards the Behavioral & Substance Addiction specialty. Both academic and financial credit will apply.

For applicants with AASECT credits, these may apply towards the Clinical Sexology Education portion of the program both academically and financially.

As a CSAT, you know that one of the biggest limitations and criticisms you face is not having sexology training and experience. Good news! You may take all your sexology training and supervision/case consultation via live webinar with the Sex Therapy Training Institute.

How many more classes will I need?

The IICS program has three sections: Clinical Sexology (61 credits), Specialty Concentration (18 credits), and the Dissertation/Doctoral Project (18 credits). If you are transferring 18 credits from your IITAP-approved training, you will need 61 credits in Clinical Sexology and the credits from your Dissertation/Doctoral Project. Your CSAT credits will count as your Specialty Concentration. You will still need to attend the monthly classes.

You may transfer up to 18 credits from your AASECT-approved training, and will need the additional credits in Clinical Sexology and the credits from your chosen specialty and your dissertation.

If you are both AASECT and IITAP certified and took your sexology training at a non-TCA institution, you may choose to apply the credits as you like. For instance, transfer up to 18 Clinical Sexology credits (if deemed eligible) and then complete training in a TCA Specialty Concentration other than addiction.

What will my tuition cost?

We will apply up to $4,000 credit towards the $21,230 tuition if you transfer your IITAP or AASECT credits or other sexology credits. We will evaluate your transcripts and provide you with an analysis and confirmation of transferable credit.