Business Training
This track shifts focus from clinical skills to the business and entrepreneurial aspects of running a successful sexual health or wellness practice. As the stigma around sexual wellness decreases and global demand rises – the sexual wellness industry is projected to reach over $80 billion by 2028 (up from ~$52 billion in 2021) – professionals have a unique opportunity to expand services in this arena. The Business Training track is designed to help clinicians, therapists, and coaches translate their expertise into sustainable practice models. Whether one aims to start a dedicated sexual wellness clinic, add sexual health services to an existing practice, or develop sexual health programs/products, this curriculum covers foundational business skills tailored to the sensitive nature of this field. Participants will learn how to craft a business plan, navigate marketing of intimate services ethically, ensure client acquisition and retention, and build a brand known for professionalism and inclusivity. The content also addresses practical financial and operational considerations, as well as strategies to advocate for sexual health within larger healthcare systems or wellness markets. By the end, learners will be prepared to launch or grow a practice that not only provides excellent care but also thrives as a business – thereby broadening access to sexual health services in their communities.
Learn the basics at your own pace
- Private Learning
- Workshop week
- Summer programs
Learning Objectives
By the end of this training, participants will be able to
business plan
for a sexual health or wellness service, including defining the target market (e.g., women’s sexual wellness, LGBTQ+ health, couples therapy, etc.), analyzing local demand, and outlining services/products to be offered.
financial principles
of running a practice: pricing strategies for services (e.g., packages vs. per session billing), managing insurance vs. cash-pay considerations for sexual health services, budgeting for startup costs (office space, equipment like pelvic exam chairs or devices for therapies, etc.), and revenue streams (clinical services, workshops, product sales like approved devices or supplements).
marketing and branding
techniques specific to sexual health. This includes creating a professional brand image that destigmatizes sexual wellness, leveraging digital marketing (website SEO, social media, email newsletters) while navigating advertising restrictions on sexual content, and educating the public as a marketing strategy (e.g., hosting webinars or writing informational blogs to build credibility).
attract and retain clients/patients.
Topics include developing referral networks (with gynecologists, urologists, mental health providers), obtaining testimonials or reviews in a sensitive field, ensuring excellent customer service (from discreet scheduling to comfortable clinic environment), and follow-up strategies to maintain ongoing care (such as sexual health check-ups or membership models for wellness coaching).
legal and ethical considerations
in marketing and business: truth-in-advertising (avoiding exaggerated claims about treatments), understanding regulations on selling supplements or devices, compliance with telehealth laws if offering virtual consults, and respecting patient confidentiality in all marketing (e.g., using only anonymized success stories).
practice management
hiring and training staff who are comfortable and knowledgeable in sexual health, implementing policies for a respectful and inclusive clinic culture, and using practice management software effectively (especially for maintaining privacy of sensitive records).
professional growth and differentiation
such as obtaining specialty certifications (like AASECT sexuality counselor certification) to boost credibility, partnering with wellness brands or community organizations for outreach, and staying on top of industry trends (like new sextech apps or products).
scaling and sustainability
e.g., expanding to multiple locations, developing online courses or group programs for additional income, or integrating ancillary services (like a boutique selling vetted sexual wellness products). Also, learn when and how to seek investment or partnerships, as investor interest in sexual wellness startups is rising alongside market growth
Modules and Topic
Let’s make progress together
Building Your Sexual Health Practice Business Plan
A step-by-step walkthrough of creating a business plan. Covers defining your niche and mission, market research on sexual health needs in your area (or globally for online services), competitor analysis (who else is offering sexual wellness services and what gaps exist), and outlining services. Participants draft key elements of their plan, such as a mission statement and SWOT analysis, as an exercise. Format: Workshop-style video module with pauses for learners to jot down ideas. Includes a Business Plan Template (Word/PDF) pre-filled with guiding questions specific to a sexual health practice.
Financial Management for Your Practice
Basics of accounting, pricing, and financial decision-making. Discusses how to set prices for consultations, therapy sessions, or procedures (with consideration of value and market rates). Addresses insurance billing challenges for sexual dysfunction treatments (many may be cash services) and the use of superbills if needed. Talks about controlling expenses and knowing when to invest in new equipment or training. Format: Tutorial style, perhaps with a downloadable Practice Budget Spreadsheet Template. May include an interview with a healthcare accountant or practice owner about common pitfalls
Marketing & Branding in Sexual Wellness
Teaches how to present and promote services. Topics: naming your program/clinic, designing logos/websites with an inviting yet professional tone, content marketing (blogging about sexual health topics to draw interest), and social media strategies. Discusses platform policies (for example, how to navigate Facebook/Instagram rules on sexual content marketing) and how to frame messages around wellness, education, and empowerment. Also explores community outreach (e.g., speaking at local events or collaborating with other healthcare providers). Format: Slideshow with real-world examples of successful branding (case studies of clinics or sexual wellness companies). Provides a Marketing Checklist covering both digital and traditional marketing tasks.
Online and Telehealth Services
How to leverage telemedicine and online platforms to reach a broader audience. Covers licensing considerations for providing telehealth across regions, setting up secure video consultation tools, and perhaps creating online courses or group programs (for less acute issues like general sexual wellness coaching) as a scalable product. Also, the importance of a strong online presence and credibility in telehealth is emphasized. Format: Video module including technical how-tos. Provides a Telehealth Setup Checklist (covering platform security, consent for virtual services, etc.). 6. Growing and Scaling the Business – Once the basics are running, how to expand. Topics: hiring additional providers or trainers (what qualities to seek – e.g., comfort with topic, certifications), training your team in delivering quality sexual health services, adding new revenue streams (perhaps retail sales of approved products or offering retreats/workshops). Also covers monitoring KPIs (key performance indicators) like client retention rate, referral rates, etc., to gauge growth. Format: Case study of a hypothetical clinic “from start-up to expansion.” Could include a panel video with experienced clinic owners. Provides a Growth Plan Worksheet.
Ethical Sales & Client Acquisition
Focuses on ethically “selling” services in a field that can be sensitive. Covers how to conduct free initial consultations or webinars to educate potential clients
rather than hard-sell, how to use testimonials appropriately (maintaining anonymity and consent), and how to follow up with inquiries. Also introduces basic sales funnels (e.g., offering a free e-book or checklist on sexual wellness to attract leads). Format: Video lecture with scenario role-plays (e.g., an initial phone inquiry conversation). Learners get a Sample Outreach Email Template for following up with interested clients and a Lead Magnet Example (like a downloadable guide on “5 Tips for a Healthier Sex Life”) they can adapt
Industry Trends and Innovation
A forward-looking module. Discusses how to stay at the cutting edge: monitoring research (maybe joining professional societies like WAS or ISSM), being aware of
sextech trends (e.g., apps for intimate wellness ) that could complement your services, and possibly how to contribute to the field (writing, speaking, advocating for better sexual health policies). Encourages professionals to see themselves as part of a movement normalizing sexual health. Format: Podcast or interview with industry leaders. Provides a curated list of Resources (professional associations, conferences, publications in sexual health business).
Formats & Materials
A variety of content formats are used
Guides and Templates
This track supplies practical business documents – e.g., a
Business Plan Outline, Budget Template
marketing plan worksheet, and policy templates (like a social media policy or client confidentiality agreement for your practice).
Video Lectures & Case Interviews
Modules are delivered via video lectures, enriched with case studies of successful sexual health businesses. Interviews with clinic founders or entrepreneurs provide insight into real challenges and solutions, aligning with the fact that many advanced training programs now include marketing and practice management guidance
Checklists
Every module includes checklists (for marketing tasks, startup steps, legal compliance checks for business, etc.) to methodically guide the learner through setting up their practice. For instance, a
Startup Checklist
ensures nothing is missed when launching (from registering the business to stocking educational materials).
Interactive Assignments
Learners are prompted to actively apply
concepts – e.g., draft a mini marketing plan or do a SWOT analysis for their practice idea – and can compare
with sample answers or get feedback (if an instructor is involved). This hands-on approach turns ideas into
concrete plans.
Community Forum (Optional)
A discussion board or peer group may be available for participants to share their business ideas, challenges, and get peer feedback. Building a network is encouraged, as it can lead to referrals and support beyond the course.