Careers in Human Sexuality
Community Based Organizations
Program Coordinator/Manager
Community-based programs focus on any number of sexual health-related issues, such as sexual orientation, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), birth control options, abortion, sexual violence, reproduction, etc. Program coordinators support programs at organizations that focus on LGBTQ issues, healthy relationships, STI prevention and awareness, unwanted pregnancy prevention, etc.
Example Organizations
- Family Planning Agency
- Hospital or Clinic/Healthcare Facility
Medical Professional
All sorts of medical professions work in sexuality and health (including nurses, doctors, physician assistants, etc.). While many of these jobs require specialized training and advanced degrees, there are various entry-level positions that are available (certified nursing assistant, medical assistant, and more).
Resources
- Association of Reproductive Health Professionals
Public Policy and Community Organizing
Policy Advocate
Policy advocates research and write new legislation (bills, laws, acts, ordinances), respond to policy developments (through messaging and holding events), and meet with lobbyists and politicians in service of proposing or blocking legislation.
Organizer
Organizers raise public awareness about issues related to sexuality and/or support political candidates. Some of the ways they do this is through organizing: phone banks, rallies, letter-writing campaigns, testimony at legislative hearings, etc. Organizers also gather information from their communities to find out what issues are most important to their fellow citizens by hosting house parties, attending community events, and canvassing.
Communications and Digital Advocacy
Communications professionals create the communications strategy for an organization as well as disseminate information and news via traditional forms of media (press releases, newsletters, op-eds) and new media (email, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc.).
Examples of Local Political Advocacy Organizations
- California Latinas for Reproductive Justice
- Black Women for Wellness
- Access Women's Health Justice
- Examples of National Political Advocacy Organizations
- ACLU
- Planned Parenthood Federation of America
- Human Rights Campaign
- NARAL Pro-Choice America
- National Coalition for Sexual Freedom
Education
Peer Health Education Leader
If you are interested in reaching adolescents and young adults, one could be trained to lead a peer health education group. Many schools, health centers, and other organizations have peer health educators that do community outreach and one-to-one education. Peer Health Education Leaders, (which in many cases are volunteer positions), is an excellent prerequisite for becoming a Community Health Educator and Sex Educator.
Resources
- Peer Health Exchange
Sex Educator
Sex educators provide one-on-one or group-level education on sexual health topics like birth control, STIs and prevention, healthy relationships, sexual pleasure, and more. Sex educators can work with teens, college students, or adults.
Community Health Educator
A Community Health Educator or Health Educators teach people about behaviors that promote sexual health. They develop and implement strategies to improve the health of individuals and communities. Community health workers can collect data and discuss health concerns with members of specific populations or communities. They could also engage in fieldwork where they disseminate information, promote health screenings, and/or link people to care. Health educators need at least bachelor’s degree. Many employers require the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) credential. Community Educators typically need to have at least a high school diploma and must complete a brief period of on-the-job training. Some states have certification programs for community health workers.
Resources
HIV Counselor
HIV counselors provide quality and comprehensive HIV health education, HIV counseling, and testing to clients at high risk for infection or transmission of HIV or those seeking such services. Some responsibilities could include recruitment, client intake and assessment, facilitation of individual and/or group sessions, and/or referral services into other appropriate programs. Preferred bachelor degree and preferably experience in a non-profit setting; however, experience working in an HIV prevention program or an HIV/AIDS related human services field such as social work, psychology, nursing, counseling or health education. For most organizations, you must successfully pass the counseling and testing certification provided by the Los Angeles County
Division of HIV and STD Programs within three months of employment. Organizations will also train employees in motivational interviewing and client-centered counseling.
Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS)
Disease intervention specialists are public health professionals that contact people that have tested positive for an STI, provide counseling, and contact/notify sexual partners of potential exposure.
Resources
- The National Coalition of STD Directors
Researcher
Sex researchers collect, organize, analyze, and interpret data and opinions to explore issues, solve problems, and predict trends on a range of topics in relation to sexuality, reproduction, contraception, sexual health, etc. In addition to thinking critically and analytically, a researcher generates and communicates interesting ideas. Most researchers measure public opinion, behavior, and/or microbiological/physiological components. Most researchers are versed in research methods, quantitative and/or qualitative methods. An educational prerequisite such as a Master's degree or PhD is required; however, training and experience may aid in starting out as an
interviewer, data analyst, etc. Other entry positions/roles could be survey workers, research assistants or coders and tabulators.
Helpline
Helplines (sometimes called hotlines) are telephone services that provide sexual health information, support, and confidential sexual health advice for young people. Synonymously, online counseling services provides young people with emotional support virtually. At a minimum, a bachelor’s degree for most organizations with rigorous training is required.
Resources
- Advocates for Youth has a list of helpline s, which may be a useful resource
Mental Health
Sex Therapist
Sex therapy is a modality that includes a specific skill set to effectively diagnose and treat individuals and couples with a sexual dysfunction that either has no physiological etiology, or if it does, then works in collaboration with a medical practitioner. Sex therapists utilize their training as licensed practitioners to address relationship factors, stress, and trauma as it relates to sexuality.
Requirements
A sex therapist must first complete required education, training, and state licensure in the mental health field as either a Clinical Psychologist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). In the medical field licensure as a physician or registered as a nurse also meets the prerequisite to become a Certified Sex Therapist (CST).
Certified Sex Therapist
The American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) is the organization that grants certification as a Certified Sex Therapist. Specific education and supervision are required to become a CST. A frequently used model in sex therapy is PLISSIT which includes Permission (P), Limited Information (LI), Specific Suggestions (SS), and Intensive Therapy (IT).
How to Prepare
Complete your bachelor’s degree in either psychology or a related field. Research, select, apply, and then get accepted to a graduate program that will prepare you for licensure. Find internships and volunteer work that can give you interaction in the field of sexology. Consider local organizations (e.g. Center for Positive Sexuality), treatment facilities (e.g. Center for Healthy Sex-CHS).
Professional Organizations
- American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT)
- The Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality (SSSS)
- Center for Positive Sexuality
Practicing Sex Therapists
Sex Coach
Sex coaches help individuals and couples resolve challenges in their sexuality in addition to foster growth, exploration, and positive fulfillment in their clients’ sexuality. Their training and practice focus specifically on human sexuality.
Requirements
There is no specific educational degree required to enter training to become a sex coach. Because this field is emerging and is not regulated like mental health providers who become sex therapists, it is important to carefully choose a training program that adheres to the ethical standards of The World Association of Sex Coaches.
How to Prepare
Dr. Patti Britton is one of the pioneer innovators of the training and practice of sex coaching. While her Sex Coach U is only one of many programs, it is of the highest standard in preparing the emerging professional. The process of becoming a Certified Sex Coach involves the student’s completion of 22 in depth online courses: (220+ hours); 12 sexology courses and clinical skills competency training, 10 applied coaching courses; 1 elective from the international Experts Academy roster of specialty courses at Sexology University, and 4 business and coaching practice enhancement courses.
Professional Organizations
Practicing Sex Therapists
Other Resources
Sex Surrogate
A sex surrogate (also known as a Surrogate Partner) works in a team and collaborative context which is called Surrogate Partner Therapy. They partner with the therapist and the client to create experiences designed to build self-awareness and esteem as it relates to sexuality. These experiences may involve building social skills, effective communication, relaxation techniques, and sensual/sexual touching between surrogate and client. The client’s concurrent but separate work with the therapist facilitates understanding of the changes that are occurring. For more information visit, International Professional Surrogates Association.
Training Requirements
The International Professional Surrogates Association (IPSA) is the professional organization that provides support for a worldwide community of professionals involved in the team approach to Surrogate Partner Therapy. The first stage of training to become a Certified Surrogate Partner involves a 100-hour didactic and experiential course of study in the field of human sexuality, the discipline of sex therapy, and surrogate partner therapy. Upon completion of this stage a Letter of Recommendation is provided to begin the process of an ISPA internship.
More Information
- Movie: The Surrogate with Helen Hunt and John Hawkes
- Documentary: This is Life with Lisa Ling.
Communication
Blogger
Bloggers use social media or a website/blog to share information on sexuality or sexual health. Some people conduct their entire career virtually, while others also do presentations, workshops, and trainings. Some work independently, others for organizations with robust digital strategies, like the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
Author
A Sex Columnist is writer of a magazine column or newspaper. These are individuals who disseminate information, answer, or pose questions to an audience. From sex advice columns to newspapers, a columnist can write about different arrays of issues pertaining to sexuality. In addition, one can assist or engage in writing books or textbooks geared toward increasing sexual health information and awareness about sexual related topics.
Health App Developer
There is a rapidly increasing need for people who can use technology to address public health issues and create mobile health applications. Technology can improve the efficiency of health information collection delivery, which increases our understanding of health problems, and gives people access to information to help them make healthier choices.