A National Standard for Sex Therapy Practice in Canada
Establishing competency standards, ethical expectations, and a certification pathway for regulated health professionals practicing in specialized sexual health care.
An Independent National Certification Body
The Canadian College of Sex Therapy is being developed as an independent body responsible for defining what competent sex therapy practice looks like in Canada and for certifying regulated professionals who demonstrate they meet that standard.
The College is not a training organization, a professional association, or a regulatory college. It operates separately from all three. Its primary obligation is to the public seeking sexual health care, not to the practitioners seeking credentials.
About the College and its governance →Define Competency
Establish and maintain a validated framework for what safe, ethical sex therapy practice requires across regulated health professions
Certify Practitioners
Assess regulated professionals against published standards through a rigorous, independent process and award the Canadian Certified Sex Therapist designation
Protect the Public
Provide transparent information, ethical accountability, and a future public directory so individuals can make informed decisions about their care
What You Will Find on This Site
Why Canada Needs Sex Therapy Standards
Sex therapy is practiced across many regulated disciplines without a national competency standard. This page explains the gap and why it matters for the public and the profession.
Read the case for standardsWhat Certified Practitioners Must Know and Do
Five domains define the knowledge, clinical skills, and professional behaviours expected of a Canadian Certified Sex Therapist. This is the most detailed page on the site.
Explore the frameworkEligibility and the Certification Pathway
Certification requires a master's degree in a relevant discipline and active registration with a recognized provincial regulatory body. Standards are currently under development.
View certification standardsThe Ethical Principles That Guide the Designation
Six foundational principles, four core responsibilities, and a commitment to non-pathologizing practice define the ethical obligations of certified practitioners.
Read the Code of EthicsHow the College Is Structured and Accountable
The College operates independently of training organizations and through separate committees for standards, certification, and ethics. Governance documents will be published before applications open.
View governance principlesFor Professionals and for the Public
If you are a psychologist, social worker, psychotherapist, counsellor, physician, nurse, or other regulated professional who provides sex therapy, the CCST designation is being developed for you. Certification applications are not yet open, but you can review the competency framework and stay informed of the development process.
View Competency FrameworkIf you are seeking information about sex therapy, what to look for in a qualified practitioner, or what this certification means, the FAQ page answers common questions in plain language. A public directory of certified practitioners is planned once the program is operational.
Read the FAQFollow the Development of the College
Certification standards, application processes, and governance documents will be published before applications open. Join the mailing list to receive updates as milestones are reached.