Sexuality and Mental Health: What Clinicians Need to Know

10 Hours | 10 CEs

This on-demand professional training program on Sexuality and Mental Health: What Clinicians Need to Know is presented by Megan Speciale, PhD.

This 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 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
• Diagnostic criteria and considerations for various sexual disorders
• Ethical and legal issues related to working with clients presenting with sexual concerns

By completing this program, participants develop heightened awareness, sensitivity, and competence in addressing diverse sexual identities, behaviors, and expressions within their clinical practice. They 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 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

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 program 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.