Clinical psych, sex research, and sex education

[RM5]

Hello!

I am looking to combine my interests in clinical psych and sex research/education.

Has anyone on here forged this path before? Would pursuing a clinical psych phd program with an emphasis in human sexuality (they're few and far between, by the way) be the best way to go? I've flirted with the idea of going for a mph before getting my phd, but I just don't know if it would be worth the expense, in terms of where it would get me in my psych career. I see myself as a sex educator and advocate (for sexual health/positivity), but in my future capacity as a psychologist.

I would appreciate any advice that can be dispensed. And if you know of any sex researchers that serve as faculty members within clinical psych programs (i.e., possible mentors/POIs) don't hesitate to mention them by name if you feel comfortable doing so. I have done some research on my own, of course, but I am not satisfied with its yield.

Thank you so much!

RM

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[KillerDiller]

Specialties/emphases are very overrated. It also happens to be the case that a lot of schools that offer specialty tracks are just using it as a marketing strategy and aren't really the best places to go to do that kind of work. You're much more on the right track by finding researchers who match your interests in clinical programs. Off the top of my head check out....

Bailey at Northwestern (very big name, but also controversial)
Diamond at University of Utah (technically part of the developmental program, but you can also be a clinical student and have her as a mentor)
Snyder at Texas A&M (if you're more interested in things like infidelity)

I think there are also people in clinical/counseling psych programs at St. Louis University and Colorado State.

 

[PhDToBe]

Ana Bridges at U Arkansas studies the effect of porn on relationships...so that is somewhat related. Perhaps she would allow you to make your own niche in there, though!

 

[PsychPhDone]

Barbara Andersen at Ohio State is doing some stuff with sex ed/sex interventions for cancer survivors.

 

[paramour]

I had a list of these way back when... Unfortunately, I know a few of them have retired.

I've seen a few familiar names posted. Also check out Cindy Meston. 👍 She does psychophys research at UTexas-Austin. I think Kim Fromme is still there as well (although not necessarily psychophys); although her stuff is more regarding risky behaviors, she still has some sex-y stuff in there!

 

[Ollie123]

Not sure if she is still there, but Alessandra Rellini did work in that area and was a new hire at University of Vermont back when I interviewed there.

 

[Member012345678]

Donald Strassberg, Lisa Diamond, and Dave Huebner are all sex researchers at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. Debra Mollen and Sally Stabb at TWU in Denton, TX study sexuality as well. I also know that Widener University has a joint program consisting of a both a clinical doctorate and a Master's in Human Sexuality.

 

[psych123456]

Sharon Lamb does sex education and sexual subjectivity at UMass in Counseling Psych

 

[PhishGirl]

Alessandra Rellini is an outstanding research mentor and is extraordinarily supportive to her students. She's at UVM and definitely someone to take a look at given your research interests.

 

[RM5]

Many thanks for the input, everyone!

 

[Oscar07]

Many thanks for the input, everyone!

+1 on Widener.

 

[Psych2011]

there's some interesting sex research at the Kinsey institute at Indiana University... however, the woman's name is escaping me atm...

 

[Feathermft]

At one time, I believed that was the path I would also pursue. While, I don't have an answer to your question about faculty members, here is one site that may help: http://www.psychotherapist.net/sex-therapy-training.html
Also, my interest in this field sparked when I learned of Dr. Laura Berman: http://www.drlauraberman.com/about-dr-berman
and she chose the education path of MSW and Phd in health education. She gained her training in sex therapy by completing a fellowship at NYU. So that direction is also an option-but possibly longer and more expensive as you mentioned.