FAQ

The Answers You’re Looking For

  • The Institute for Sex & Occupational Therapy (ISOT) is dedicated to integrating sexuality and intimacy into occupational therapy practice. Our hallmark is the Certified Sexuality OT (CSOT) program—a certification that equips OT practitioners with the education, tools, and credential to confidently address sex, intimacy, and relationships in their clinical work.

  • Our Mission at the Institute for Sex & Occupational Therapy is to dismantle restrictive norms related to sexuality and intimacy that limit our clients and limit ourselves, both as clinicians and sexual beings.

    Through international professional education and community, we strive to grow the field of occupational therapy to position sexuality interventions as widespread and mainstream in OT service delivery. Learn More About ISOT.

  • We offer limited scholarships, available upon request, for individuals identifying in minoritized groups such as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people with disabilities. We also offer scholarships to OT students and veterans. Please contact us for current opportunities.

  • Yes, The Institute for Sex, Intimacy & Occupational Therapy is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development.

  • We are continually learning and implementing the practice of allyship to help support DEI efforts within OT, reduce health disparities, and stay true to our mission to dismantle restrictive norms related to sexuality.

    Here are just a few of my practices that are specific to the Sex-Savvy OT.

    • 10% of sales from the LGBTQIA+ course is gifted to The Network for LGBTQIA+ Concerns in Occupational Therapy to cover operational costs and scholarship funds. We know OTs identifying with marginalized identities often experience exacerbated financial burden.

    • We offer scholarships for our courses.

    • Additionally, by making the CEU course "Guided Self-Reflection of Sexuality Values, Beliefs, Attitudes, and Bias" a requirement, we are dedicated to ensuring OTs with the Certified Sexuality OT certification have had the opportunity to consider how their biases impact the services they provide and how to reduce harm to their clients, especially clients who are from minoritized groups that are at a greater risk of receiving poor or harmful care in the healthcare system.

  • Dr. Ellis offers 1:1 mentorships and consultations for any practitioner who is looking for a more personalized experience. Contact her for availability.

  • Yes! The Institute seeks to be an economic ecosystem which supports the amazing work sexuality OT educators are doing. We always love hearing from other OT practitioners who are looking to share their sex and intimacy knowledge with a wider audience. Please contact us here.

  • If you’re looking for more support before you start addressing sex + intimacy with your clients, we offer CEU courses and individual consulting. An easy way to get started with us is by taking the free CEU course.

  • We have a variety of courses that are aimed at both beginners and advanced practitioners. For our current course listings, click here.

  • Please contact Kathryn with special needs or learning requests prior to purchasing.

  • All sales are final. Please enroll in the certification mindfully.

CSOT Certification FAQs

  • The CSOT certification is a comprehensive program designed to equip OT practitioners, students, and professors with the knowledge and skills needed to address sexual health and intimacy issues in their practice. It includes four self-paced courses, 1 virtual CEU workshop, two mock client interviews, live chats with experts, and access to an international professional community of Certified Sexuality OTs.

  • The Certified Sexuality OT Certification is specifically tailored to occupational therapy professionals, focusing on the application of OT principles to enhance health and quality of life. This certification bridges the gap for clinicians who want to integrate sexuality into their OT practice but need support, guidance, and training. The CSOT helps OTs grow in place, develop advanced practice, or specialize.

  • Licensed OT clinicians, OT professors, and OT students are eligible to enroll in the CSOT certification program. The program is designed for both new and experienced practitioners, as well as students who want to enhance their skills and knowledge in sexual health.

  • Yes, we love having OT/OTA students enroll in the CSOT. About 30% of enrollees are students, which speaks to the lack of sufficient sexuality curriculum in OT/OTA programs. Here at ISOT, we’re thrilled to fill that gap for students.

  • Enroll in our CSOT program, complete the required courses, and renew your CSOT credentials annually. Once enrolled, you’ll have immediate access to the full CSOT curriculum and join the CSOT Community, including meetups, expert-led sessions, and the CSOT Directory once certified.

    • 6 AOTA-approved CEUs

    • Increased comfort and confidence addressing sexual health in any OT setting

    • A spot in the CSOT Directory

    • Access to online and in-person meetups

    • Pre-sale access to the OT Sex Summit (8 contact hours)

    • A community of Certified Sexuality OTs across the globe

  • The enrollment fee for the Certified Sexuality OT (CSOT) certification is $449, which includes 4 self-paced courses, a live virtual workshop, 2 mock interviews, 4 live expert-led chats throughout the academic year, 6 CEUs, and access to the CSOT Community and Directory (once certified).

  • Whether you're a seasoned OT, a current student, or an OT professor, becoming a CSOT offers specialized education, enhanced patient care, and distinguishes you in the field by confidently addressing sexual health and intimacy issues for all.

  • The certification process typically takes 1 month, depending on your pace through the courses and your availability for the 1 live synchronous course.

    There are 5 courses in total. 4 of which are self-paced and some people complete these 4 in one day. Our virtual workshop, The Guided Self-Reflection of Sexuality Values, Beliefs, Attitudes, and Bias is offered monthly are varying times to accommodate different time zones. Meaning, if you live in India, you won’t need to attend this course in the middle of the night!

    • Preferential Hiring: Our CSOT graduates are stepping into the workforce with a distinctive edge, experiencing preferential hiring across various healthcare settings. This reflects the high value placed on their specialized training in sexual health.

    • Patient Satisfaction: Patients are vocal in their appreciation for the nuanced care provided by CSOT-trained professionals. This feedback underscores the vital role of sexual health integration in enhancing patient care and satisfaction.

    • Leadership Approval: Health care leaders are increasingly recognizing and supporting CSOT programs, demonstrating the essential need and institutional acknowledgment of these specialized skills within clinical settings.

CSOT Renewal & The OT Sex Summit

  • If you completed your CSOT on or before 12/31/2025, you need to renew your CSOT credential this July. If you completed your CSOT, on or after Jan 1, 2026, you need to renew your CSOT credential in July of 2027.

    Renewal Access Opens July 1 to July 31st.

  • The CSOT Community is the group of Certified Sexuality OTs who’ve enrolled in the CSOT program or earned the CSOT credential and maintain the credential through renewal every July.

    As a member of this community, you get:

    • A spot on the CSOT Directory

    • Ongoing support, collaboration, and conversation with other CSOTs

    • First access to pre-sale tickets for the annual OT Sex Summit

    When you renew your CSOT credential in July, your OT Sex Summit ticket is included in your renewal—no separate purchase required.

  • The CSOT Directory is a public listing of Certified Sexuality OT professionals. Clients, healthcare providers, and peers can use it to find OTs who are trained to address sexual health and intimacy within occupational therapy. Being on the Directory gives CSOTs visibility, credibility, and a unique edge in the field.

    To be listed in the CSOT Directory, you must complete the Certified Sexuality OT (CSOT) certification and maintain your credential through renewal every July.

  • The OT Sex Summit is our annual, two-day virtual event designed for occupational therapy professionals who want to better address sexuality and intimacy in their clinical work. Taking place virtually on November 7th & 8th, 2026.

  • The Summit is open to anyone in or adjacent to the OT world — OTs, OTAs, students, and professors. Even PTs and SLPs are welcome.

    Tickets are priced by group:

    • General admission — $199

    • Students — $99

    • Groups of 10 or more — $99 per person (contact us for group registration)

    • Active CSOTs renewing in July — ticket included in your $169 renewal, no separate purchase needed

    1. Pre-sale Access: Anyone enrolled in the CSOT program on or after January 1st, 2026 will get first access to purchase tickets at the standard $199 rate on July 1st and 2nd.

    2. General Admission: All other professionals can purchase tickets once general sales open on July 3rd.

    3. CSOTs renewing their credentials in July: As part of their $169 annual renewal CSOTs enrolled anytime before January 1st, 2026 will have their OT Sex Summit ticket automatically included — no separate purchase required.

  • Topics for the 2026 Summit will be released on the OT Sex Summit page directly. Please see there for summit speakers and topics (announced June 2026).

  • Yes! The 2026 OT Sex Summit is proud to offer 8 contact hours.

  • Yes. Recordings of all lectures will be available for 60 days after the Summit.

Have more questions?

If you didn't find the answer you were looking for, don't worry! Ask us right here, and our founder, Dr. Kathryn Ellis, will get back to you as soon as she can.