Society for Sex Therapy and Research

The Society for Sex Therapy and Research (SSTAR, pronounced "star") is an international non-profit professional association. It was founded in 1975 and its members "have clinical and/or research interests in human sexual concerns." It provides means for exchanging ideas among clinicians and scientists treating or studying human sexuality. SSTAR membership includes professionals in varying disciplines including Psychology, Medicine (including Psychiatry, Ob/Gyn, Urology, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine), Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, Nursing, Sexology and the sciences.

SSTAR provides annual professional meetings, clinical conferences, membership newsletters, and an e-mail listserv for members. Notable members have included Stefani Goerlich, Peggy Kleinplatz, Sandra Leiblum, Marta Meana, Kenneth J. Zucker and William (Bill) Maurice.

Masters & Johnson Award
The Masters & Johnson Award honors exceptional lifetime contributions to clinical sexuality and sexual research.


 * (2023) Cynthia Graham, PhD
 * (2021) E. Sandra Byers, PhD
 * (2018) Marta Meana, PhD
 * (2016) Barry W. McCarthy, PhD
 * (2014) William Lamont Marshall, OC, FRSC, PhD
 * (2013) Beverly Whipple, PhD
 * (2012) Betty Dodson, PhD
 * (2008) Eli Coleman, PhD
 * (2007) Irv Binik, PhD
 * (2006) Julia Heiman, PhD
 * (2005) Steve Levine, MD
 * (2005) Stanley Althof, PhD
 * (2005) Candace Risen, LISW
 * (2004) Richard Green MD, JD, FRCPsych
 * (2002) Raymond C. Rosen, PhD
 * (2001) Sandra Leiblum, PhD
 * (1997) Joseph LoPiccolo, PhD
 * (1991) Raul Schiavi, MD
 * (1990) Gene G. Abel, MD
 * (1989) John Bancroft, MD, FRCP, FRCPsych
 * (1988) John Money, PhD
 * (1987) Robert Stoller, MD
 * (1986) Harold Lief, MD
 * (1985) William Masters, MD and Virginia E. Johnson, DSc

SSTAR Consumer Book Award
The Consumer Book Award recognizes the best recent book for a non-professional audience which enhances the understanding of human sexuality and/or sexual problems in the general public.


 * (2023) Woman Cancer Sex by Anne Katz, PhD, RN, FAAN
 * (2021) Magnificent Sex: Lessons from Extraordinary Lovers by Peggy Kleinplatz, PhD and Dana Menard, PhD
 * (2019) Becoming Cliterate. Why Orgasm Equality Matters and How to Get It by Laurie Mintz, PhD
 * (2017) Come As You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life by Emily Nagoski, PhD
 * (2015) Prostate Cancer and the Man You Love – Supporting and Caring for Your Partner by Anne Katz, PhD, RN
 * (2013) Sex Matters for Women – A Complete Guide to Taking Care of Your Sexual Self – Second Edition by Sallie Foley, Sally A. Kope and Dennis P. Sugrue
 * (2011) Sex at Dawn: The Prehistoric Origins of Modern Sexuality by Christopher Ryan and Cacilda Jetha
 * (2009) Mating in Captivity: Reconciling the Erotic and the Domestic by Esther Perel
 * (2007) Coping with Erectile Dysfunction: How to Regain Confidence and Enjoy Great Sex by Michael E. Metz and Barry W. McCarthy
 * (2006) Reclaiming Your Sexual Self: How to Bring Desire Back Into Your Life by Kathryn Hall, PhD

SSTAR Health Professional Book Award
The Health Professional Book Award honors the best recent book for health professionals which advances their understanding of human sexuality and/or sexual problems.


 * (2024) Trans Sex: Clinical Approaches to Trans Sexualities and Erotic Embodiments by Lucie Fielding, PhD, MA, LMHC
 * (2022) The Leather Couch - Clinical Practice with Kinky Clients by Stefani Goerlich, LMSW-Clinical, LISW, CST
 * (2020) Better Sex Through Mindfulness: How Women Can Cultivate Desire by Lori Brotto, PhD
 * (2018) Treating Out of Control Sexual Behavior: Rethinking Sex Addiction by Douglas Braun-Harvey, MA, MFT, CGP, CST and Michael A. Vigorito, LMFT, CGP, CST
 * (2016) Human Sexuality: A Contemporary Introduction edited by Caroline Pukall, PhD
 * (2014) The LGBT Casebook by Drs. Petros Levounis, Jack Drescher, and Mary Barber
 * (2012) Rehabilitating Sexual Offenders: A Strength-Based Approach by William L. Marshall, PhD, Liam E. Marshall, PhD, Geris A. Serran, PhD, and Matt D. O'Brien, MA, MSc
 * (2010) Principles and Practice of Sex Therapy * (4th Edition) edited by Sandra Leiblum, PhD
 * (2008) Sex, Therapy, and Kids by Sharon Lamb, EdD
 * (2006) Sexual Medicine in Primary Care by William L. Maurice, MD, FRCPC

SSTAR Service Award
The Service Award recognizes those who have made major contributions to the growth and history of SSTAR, often awarded ex post facto.


 * (2023) Kathryn Hall, PhD
 * (2016) Marta Meana, PhD
 * (2013) Richard Carroll, PhD
 * (2008) William Maurice, MD
 * (2006) S. Michael Plaut, PhD

SSTAR Mentorship Award
The Mentorship Award recognizes extraordinary mentorship of other SSTAR members.


 * (2022) Natalie O. Rosen, PhD
 * (2019) Irving M. Binik, PhD

Sandra R. Leiblum Student Research Award
The Sandra R. Leiblum Student Research Award recognizes students who are pursuing a career in sexual health and is meant to support the winner’s professional development as they begin their careers.


 * (2024) Kiarah O’Kane
 * (2023) Todd Jennings
 * (2022) Veronique Charbonneau-Lefebvre
 * (2021) Stéphanie Gauvin, PhDc
 * (2020) Beata Bothe, PhD
 * (2019) Laura Vowels
 * (2018) Myriam Pâquet
 * (2017) Stephanie Montgomery-Graham
 * (2016) Amelia Stanton
 * (2015) Katy Bois
 * (2014) Carey S. Pulverman
 * (2013) Jackie S. Huberman
 * (2011) Julia Elizabeth Mackaronis
 * (2010) Jane Woo
 * (2009) Tuuli Kukkonen
 * (2008) Melanie Jodoin
 * (2007) Nicole Prause
 * (2006) Kelly Smith
 * (2005) Nicole Flory
 * (2004) Emily Impett
 * (2003) Lori Brotto
 * (2000) Caroline Pukall
 * (1998) Lucia F. O'Sullivan