What exactly does a sexologist do?
A sexologist is a specialist whose role is to diagnose, treat and provide therapy for problems and disorders in the intimate sphere. Their work covers both physical and psychological issues, with the aim of helping patients achieve satisfaction with their sex lives.
Depending on their education, a sexologist may be a doctor (e.g. a gynecologist, psychiatrist or urologist with a specialization in sexology) or a psychologist/psychotherapist who has completed relevant postgraduate studies. A doctor is authorized to provide pharmacotherapy and prescribe medication, while a sexologist psychotherapist focuses on psychological support.
The main areas of a sexologist’s work include:
- Therapy for erectile dysfunction and sexual desire (libido) disorders.
- Help with relationship problems as part of couples therapy.
- Treatment of pain during intercourse (e.g. vaginismus, dyspareunia).
- Support with difficulties achieving orgasm.
- Help in identifying gender identity.
- Therapy for sexual addictions.
What educational path must you follow to become a sexologist?
The path to working as a sexologist in Poland is not uniform, and the profession itself is not fully protected by law. There are three main education paths:
- Psychology path: Completion of a 5-year integrated degree in psychology, followed by 2-year postgraduate studies in clinical sexology. Obtaining a clinical sexologist certificate from the Polish Sexological Society additionally requires, among other things, 3 years of practice and passing an examination. A psychologist may also apply for the title of psychosexual specialist within the state healthcare system.
- Medical path: Completion of a medical degree, obtaining a specialization, e.g. in psychiatry, gynecology or internal medicine, and then completing a 2-year specialization in sexology, ending with the State Specialization Examination.
- Counseling/education path: Completion of a degree in another field (e.g. education) and postgraduate studies in sexology. This path generally qualifies a person to work as a counselor or sex educator, without the possibility of providing clinical therapy.
Where can a sexologist find employment?
Sexology specialists have wide employment opportunities in both the public and private sectors. It is worth remembering, however, that only doctor-sexologists may work in facilities operating under the National Health Fund (NFZ).
The most common workplaces include:
- Hospitals (psychiatric, gynecological and urological wards).
- Mental health clinics.
- Addiction treatment centers.
- Private practices and clinics.
- Couples and family therapy centers.
- Foundations and non-governmental organizations (e.g. help for victims of sexual violence).
- Educational institutions (as sex educators).
Many specialists choose to run their own practices, offering in-person and online consultations.
What salary can a sexologist expect in Poland?
A sexologist’s remuneration varies and depends on education, experience, form and place of employment.
In the public sector, the minimum basic salary is regulated by law. The rates applicable in Poland from July 1, 2026, are listed below:
|
Position |
Minimum gross basic salary |
|
Sexologist (psychologist) |
PLN 9,081.63 |
|
Clinical psychology specialist (with sexology) |
PLN 11,485.59 |
|
Medical sexologist (specialist) |
PLN 11,863.49 |
Allowances, e.g. for length of service or on-call duties, should be added to these amounts.
Significantly higher earnings can be achieved in the private sector, especially by running one’s own practice. It is estimated that, depending on the size of the locality, an hourly sexology consultation costs from PLN 200 to 400. With full-time work, gross revenue in one’s own practice may reach as much as PLN 15,000 to 30,000.
How can you increase income and improve work in your own practice?
Running a private practice offers the greatest earning potential, but requires excellent work organization. The key to success is effective appointment calendar management and minimizing the time spent on administrative tasks. Automating the patient booking process makes it possible to focus on what matters most – therapy.
Modern tools enable not only online appointment booking, but also the sending of automatic SMS and e-mail reminders, which significantly reduces the number of missed appointments. Integration with payment systems and the ability to sell consultation packages are other features that optimize practice management. It is worth checking how Calendesk booking system for psychologists can support a specialist’s daily work and facilitate work-time organization.
Is working as a sexologist a good direction for the future?
Diverse career paths – from work in public healthcare, through the private sector, to educational and online activities – offer considerable flexibility. Attractive earnings, especially from one’s own practice, combined with the mission of genuinely helping others, make sexology a satisfying and financially attractive career path.