Overview
The Certificate in Sexual Health Psychology-Informed Practice is a structured training pathway for allied health and talk-based therapy professionals seeking to build competence and confidence in working with sexual health presentations through psychological frameworks and therapeutic modalities.
Extending beyond traditional sexual science and sexology-based approaches, this certificate develops a deeper understanding of the intersection between sexual health concerns, psychological processes, relationships, trauma, attachment, mental health, and broader biopsychosocial influences.
Delivered across two progressive units, the pathway supports clinicians to develop skills in sexual health assessment, case formulation, risk assessment, therapeutic intervention, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Participants will learn practical, evidence-informed frameworks for understanding and responding to a wide range of sexual health presentations while working effectively within their professional scope and as part of multidisciplinary care teams.
Next Intake
September 2026Â
Enrolment now open
Enrolment closes
31 August 2026
Key dates
-
Unit 1: 7 September – 27 November 2026
-
Unit 2: February – April 2027
Outcomes & Recognition
Upon completion of the Informed Practice pathway, graduates receive:
- An ISHPA Certificate in Sexual Health Psychology Informed Practice
- 80 CPD hours: Unit 1 is an APS Approved CPD Activity
- Inclusion in the ISHPA Clinician Directory (subject to ongoing eligibility and renewal requirements)
- 12 months access to ISHPA's Standard Community Membership, including:
- Access to over 28 short courses
- Monthly group supervision
- 30% discount of ISHPA eventsÂ
This pathway supports clinicians to:
- Identify and assess the key biopsychosocial, relational, and systemic factors contributing to sexual health concerns and sexual symptoms.
- Develop trauma-informed formulations and deliver effective, evidence-informed interventionsÂ
- Navigate complex clinical dynamics, including therapeutic ruptures, ethical dilemmas, risk management, and countertransference.
- Work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams to support holistic client care.
- Engage in ongoing reflective practice to enhance clinical effectiveness, professional development, and practitioner wellbeing.
- Provide inclusive, culturally responsive, and affirming care across diverse sexualities, genders, relationships, and lived experiences.
Eligibility & Admission Criteria
This pathway is designed for practitioners with a background in a talk-based therapy discipline who want structured, practice-focused training in sexual health.
Minimum Eligibility
An undergraduate qualification in a talk-based therapy field, including:
- Psychology
- Counselling
- Social Work
- Occupational Therapy
- Related allied health or therapy disciplines
Recommended
- Experience providing therapy with adults
- Some exposure to mental health, relationship, or therapeutic workÂ
Information SessionÂ
Unsure if this pathway is suitable for you? Join our information session on 6 August 2026Â to ask questions and learn more about the program, pathways, and style of learning.
Register today
Structure
The Informed Practice pathway consists of two units completed sequentially.
 Unit 1;Â
Foundational Knowledge
Build a comprehensive understanding of sexual health using biopsychosocial, trauma-informed, and systems frameworks.
*This CPD Activity has been approved by the APS and endorsed by SAS.
 You will learn to:
- Understand the key foundations of sexual health, including sexual response, anatomy, and influences on functioning
- Recognise the impact of trauma, attachment, and relational dynamics on sexuality
- Understand diversity in sexual identity, behaviour, and development across the lifespan
- Identify how mental health, neurodivergence, and physical health influence sexual wellbeing
- Explore the role of social, cultural, and systemic factors in shaping sexual experiencesÂ
Unit 1 Structure:
Explore this unit's modules, tutorials, and assessments.
 Unit 2;Â
Assessment, Formulation & Treatment
Develop practical skills to assess, formulate, and respond to sexual health concerns using a structured, trauma-informed clinical framework.
Â
You will learn to:
- Conduct comprehensive sexual health assessments, including sexual history, functioning, and broader contextual factors
- Develop clear clinical formulations using the SHIFT framework
- Plan and sequence treatment based on client needs, readiness, and safety
- Apply foundational therapeutic approaches, including psychoeducation, sensate focus, and cognitive-behavioural strategies
- Work ethically within your scope of practice, including managing risk, navigating complexity, and making appropriate referrals
Unit 2 Structure:
Explore this unit's modules, tutorials, and assessments
What to expect?Â
Estimated Study Commitment
ISHPA Certificates are designed to provide structured, practice-focused training while remaining flexible and manageable for busy professionals. Most students should expect to dedicate approximately 3–5 hours per week to learning activities during each 12-week unit. Additional time may be required when completing assessments, undertaking optional reading, or engaging more deeply with complex topics.
Flexible Self-Paced Learning
Most course content is delivered asynchronously, allowing students to engage with materials at times that fit around work and personal commitments.
Live Tutorials
Each unit includes four live online tutorials, held in the evening (Melbourne time). Tutorials provide opportunities for discussion, reflection, feedback, and application of learning alongside facilitators and peers.
Assessments
Assessment tasks are designed to support the integration of learning into clinical practice and may include reflective exercises, clinical formulation activities, knowledge quizzes, and applied case-based tasks.
Looking for More Detail?
We encourage prospective students to review the Student Handbook before enrolling. It provides comprehensive information about study expectations, tutorials, assessments, progression requirements, student support, and the overall learning experience.
Fees
Total Pathway Fee
The Certificate in Sexual Health Psychology-Informed Practice includes 2 units.
-
Standard enrolment and payment options apply to the complete certificate pathway.Â
-
Total Fee: $3,200 AUD ($1,600 per unit)
-
Single unit enrolment options may be available on enquiry.
Upfront PaymentÂ
Pay the full fee at the time of enrolment and receive a 10% discount.
- Total upfront cost: $2,880
Payment Plan Options
9-Month Payment Plans
-
Weekly payments: $82/week
-
Monthly payments: $355.55/month
- Payment plans commence from the date of enrolment and continue from that point onward.
Terms & ConditionsÂ
Important information regarding fees, payment plans, withdrawals, refunds, and student responsibilities is available in the Terms & Conditions.
See Terms & Conditions