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LIVE: Sexuality and Mental Health: What Clinicians Need to Know

September 3, 2024 - September 4, 2024  |  9:00 AM - 2:00 PM Pacific

Presented By Megan Speciale, PhD
Megan Speciale, PhD

September 3, 2024 - September 4, 2024
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM Pacific

10 Hours | 10 CEs

$500 Registration | $375 Early Registration (through August 27th) | Live Training via Zoom

Megan Speciale, PhD presents a live virtual professional training program on Sexuality and Mental Health: What Clinicians Need to Know.

This 10-hour training program is designed to provide mental health professionals with a comprehensive understanding of human sexuality, covering physiological, psychological, and socio-cultural variables associated with sexual identity, behavior, and disorders.

Through this program, participants will gain valuable insights into:

  • The spectrum of sexual identities, including sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender dysphoria
  • The diverse array of sexual behaviors and expressions/li>
  • Diagnostic criteria and considerations for various sexual disorders
  • Ethical and legal issues related to working with clients presenting with sexual concerns


By completing this training, participants will develop heightened awareness, sensitivity, and competence in addressing diverse sexual identities, behaviors, and expressions within their clinical practice. They will also learn to recognize the scope of their practice limitations and the importance of seeking additional training or consultation when working with complex sexual issues.

This program fulfills the training requirements for licensure and renewal in various mental health professions, including marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, psychologists, and professional clinical counselors.

Participants will benefit from:
  • Improved ability to provide culturally competent and affirming care to clients with diverse sexual identities and expressions
  • Enhanced understanding of diagnostic criteria and treatment considerations for sexual disorders
  • Increased confidence in navigating ethical and legal issues related to human sexuality in clinical settings
  • Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement in specialized areas of practice


Don't miss this invaluable opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills in addressing the multifaceted aspects of human sexuality within your clinical practice. Enroll now and elevate your competence in this essential domain of mental health care.

Mental health professionals in early to mid-career who work in various clinical settings must fulfill licensure or continuing education requirements related to human sexuality training.

Career Stage:
  • Recently licensed or early-career mental health practitioners
  • Mid-career professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in human sexuality
Specialty Areas:
  • Marriage and Family Therapists
  • Clinical Social Workers
  • Psychologists
  • Professional Clinical Counselors
  • Those working in general mental health practice, community clinics, private practice, etc.
Work Environments:
  • Community mental health clinics
  • Private group practices
  • College/university counseling centers
  • Hospitals/medical centers
  • Residential treatment facilities
  • Correctional facilities
  • Agencies serving LGBTQ+ populations


While the training is not intended to fully equip participants as sex therapists, it would be beneficial for those working with clients who may present with concerns related to sexual identity, behavior, or disorders. The program aims to provide a foundational understanding of human sexuality to enhance cultural competence and sensitivity when working with diverse client populations.

Additionally, more experienced mental health professionals who have not previously received comprehensive training in human sexuality may find this program valuable in updating their knowledge and meeting continuing education requirements.

By targeting a broad range of mental health practitioners across various specialties and work settings, this program can contribute to improving the overall competence and quality of care provided to clients with sexual health concerns within the mental health field.

Throughout the program, participants will have opportunities to engage in interactive activities, such as case studies, role-plays, and group discussions. The program will also include multimedia resources, including educational videos, and handouts with relevant literature and resources for further learning.

By combining didactic instruction with interactive components and assessments, this program aims to provide a comprehensive and engaging learning experience for mental health professionals seeking to enhance their competence in addressing diverse aspects of human sexuality within their clinical practice

Program Outline:

  1. Introduction to Human Sexuality (1 hour)
  2. a. Overview of physiological, psychological, and socio-cultural factors
    b. Importance of understanding human sexuality in clinical practice
  3. Sexual Identity (2 hours)
  4. a. Key terminology review
    b. Expansive sexual and gender identities
    c. Clinical issues related to LGBTQIA+ populations
    d. Case studies and group discussions
  5. Sexual Behavior and Expression (2 hours)
  6. a. Examine the role of culture, identity, and prominent sociosexual scripts and their impact on individual sexual wellness
    b. Overview of expansive sexual behaviors, practices, and identities
    c. Interactive exercises: Challenging assumptions and biases
  7. Sexual Functioning (2 hours)
  8. a. Review sexual response cycle and key terminology related to sexual functioning, wellness, and pleasure
    b. Diagnostic criteria and considerations (DSM-5)
    c. Case vignettes and role-plays
  9. Implications for Practice (2 hours)
  10. a. Providing affirmative and inclusive care
    b. Self-reflection exercises
  11. Ethical and Legal Considerations (1 hour)
  12. a. Ethical principles and guidelines
    b. Legal issues and scope of practice
    c. Group discussions on ethical dilemmas

Intended Audience

This live program is intended for mental health and other allied professionals.

Experience Level

This live program is appropriate for beginner, intermediate, and advanced level clinicians.

CE / CPD Credit

APA, ASWB, CPA, NBCC: Click here for state and other regional board approvals.

Presented By

Megan Speciale, PhD

Dr. Megan Speciale is an Associate Professor in the Counseling Department at Palo Alto University, where she serves as course lead coordinator for Sexual Issues in Counseling and Counseling Womxn, a course examining intersectional issues in women's mental health. Her research and scholarship focuses...

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this program you will be able to:

Describe the physiological, psychological, and social-cultural variables associated with sexual identity, including sexual orientation, gender identity, and sexual well-being

Describe the spectrum of sexual behaviors, identities, and practices

Describe the criteria and diagnostic considerations for various sexual disorders, as outlined in the DSM-5-TR

Describe awareness and sensitivity toward diverse sexual identities, behaviors, and expressions, and their impact on mental health and well-being

Describe ethical and legal considerations related to working with clients presenting with concerns related to sexual identity, behavior, or disorders

Describe the scope of practice limitations and the importance of seeking additional training or consultation when working with clients presenting with complex sexual issues beyond the scope of this introductory training

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Live Event Policy

Registration for our live events is covered for one (1) person per purchase. If you would like to purchase for a group, please contact our group training team.

Event Communications

Event Communications

When registering, use an email that is active and that you check regularly. We are not responsible for communications not being received; if you do not add caps@paloaltou.edu to your email safe sender list, our emails are likely to end up in your spam or junk folders.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Policy

Have a sudden change of plans and are unable to attend live? No worries; you will be given access to the on-demand version of the program once available. Please note if you attend live, no access to the recording will be given.

Event Conduct

Event Conduct

Professional conduct is expected during our live programs. Our goal is to make our events as interactive as possible for all participants. We reserve the right to remove any participants who are disruptive, act unprofessionally, or who we are unable to verify their purchase.

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CE Credit

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Convenience & Flexibility

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