ABOUT USIn Ontario, psychotherapy is a regulated health profession, but sex therapy is not a regulated sub-discipline. That means that any therapist can use the title of Sex Therapist. Concerned with this, BESTCO (Board of Examiners in Sex Therapy & Counselling in Ontario) was created to certify sex therapists in Ontario. Its members voluntarily agree to be governed by BESTCO’s core competencies and Code of Ethics. BESTCO also has a complaint process should concerns arise about a member. BESTCO sets out to ensure that its members provide the highest standards of sex therapy in Ontario. In 2022, the decision was made to incorporate, and with that process came a new name for BESTCO. At the May 2023 Spring Meeting in Toronto, the chosen name was presented and a new logo was voted upon by members. BESTCO will now be known as ASTO (Association of Sex Therapy in Ontario). Join us! We welcome you to attend one of our bi-annual conferences that offer participants the opportunity to learn, share knowledge and clinical experiences and meet others interested in sex therapy and sexual health. |
OUR Mission, Vision AND PURPOSE
| Our Mission: |
To advance excellence in the field of sex therapy in Ontario. |
| Our Vision: | People of all identities are offered leading-edge, respectful, and ethical therapy for their sexual well-being. |
| Our Purpose: |
To identify to the public, clinicians who have expertise as a Certified sex therapist To set and uphold standards for the granting of Certified status in sex therapy in Ontario. To satisfy certification requirements To provide bi-annual continuing education for ASTO members and guests. |