1. A graduate degree in a field of behavioral health (e.g., psychology, social work, counseling, marriage and family therapy) from an accredited university, a medical degree (including Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine), or an advanced practice nursing degree.

2. At least one year of licensure to practice independently as a mental health provider (e.g, licensed clinical psychologist, licensed psychiatrist, licensed professional counselor, licensed mental health counselor, licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed clinical social work, licensed psychiatric nurse practitioner, or equivalent) at the masters or doctoral level.

3. If the applicant holds a degree from a non-accredited institution, or is practicing outside the United States or the United States territory, they will provide documentation to demonstrate that the education and licensure/certification that they have obtained is functionally equivalent to these standards.

To be eligible for any of the SASH credentials, an individual must have coursework in the core knowledge areas listed below. These hours must be obtained from an accredited college or university, or alternatively from a continuing education organization, such as SASH, that is certified to provide CE credits from any of the approved organizations. At least ten (10) hours must be completed in-person or via synchronous e-learning.

Please note that the Credentialing Committee reserves the right to reject any educational credits, or to request additional education in any subject matter prior to awarding a certification

Human Sexuality Core Knowledge Areas

1. Sexual Development, Anatomy, Physiology, and Reproduction
   a. Sexual development across the life-span from a biological, psychological and social perspective
   b. Sexual and reproductive anatomy and physiology
   c. Sexual response cycle and models of sexual desire
   d. Theories explaining individual differences in sexuality
   e. Conception and childbirth

2. Sexual Health Challenges
   a. The influence of health and medical factors on sexuality (e.g., illness and infection, disability, mental health, medications, contraception and safer sex practices, fertility struggles, pregnancy and childbirth, pregnancy termination, sexually transmitted infection, physical injuries)
   b. Sexual functioning challenges and dysfunctions (e.g.. discrepancy in partner desire, absence of desire, difficulties attaining or sustaining arousal, difficulties with sexual pain and penetration, and orgasm difficulties
   c. The interaction of substance use/abuse and sexuality
   d. Sexually transmitted infections
   e. Sexual trauma (e.g., exploitation, abuse, harassment, and assault)
   f. Multiple theories of problematic sexual behavior

3. Sexual Identity and Erotic Expression
   a. Sexual orientation
   b. Gender identity and gender roles
   c. Diverse sexual expressions and lifestyles (eg. consensual non-monogamy, tantra, BDSM)
   d. Social, economic, cultural, religious/spiritual, and familial factors influencing sexual behaviors and values
   e. The interaction of technology and sexuality
   f. Pleasure enhancement skills, techniques, and tools

4. Intimacy and Relationships
   a. Relationship dynamics and intimacy skills
   b. Sexual communication between partners
   c. Negotiating differences in sexual desire, interests, preferences, and values between partners
   d. Models of effective communication (eg, verbal and non-verbal communication)

5. Professional Development
   a. Ethics
   b. Professional communication skills (concerning clients, colleagues, and students)
   c. History of the research, theory, and treatment concerning human sexuality
   d. Methods and principles of sexuality research
   e. Careers in sexual health