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Dr. James Olsen

JD, PhD, LMHC, SOTP, CST, DST

Co-Founder
Certified Sex Therapist

Dr. Olsen is an expert in sexual health and specializes in research, clinical training, and treatment for problematic sexual behaviors as well as couples sexual wellness.  He is active in the field of sexual health and previously served on the board of directors for Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health (SASH).  He was one of the lead clinicians in charge of developing international training standards and credentialing for treating sexually compulsive behaviors.  He is currently engaged in multiple research projects and continues to present nationally on the topic of sexual health.  


Education & Credentials

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD) - University of Memphis

Juris Doctor (JD) - University of Memphis

Washington State Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

Washington State Sex Offender Treatment Provider (SOTP)

AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST)

SASH Certified Problematic Sexual Behavior Therapist (CPSBT)

SASH Certified Sexual Wellness Therapist (CSWT)

SASH Certified Sex Offender Clinician (CSOC)

SASH Distinguished Sex Therapist (DST)

IITAP Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT) ​


Example Speaking Engagements & Trainings

Sex as a Vital Health Behavior: A Review of the Psychological, Relationship, and Physical Benefits of Sexual Behavior and Associated Risks of Prolonged Abstinence, Presentation at the Annual Conference of the Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health. ​


Preparing your Client for a Psychosexual Evaluation, Presentation for Sex Offense Defense Symposium, Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. ​


National Level Trainer For Advanced Training For Problematic Sexual Behavior (Level 1 & Level 2) Society For Advancement in Sexual Health (SASH) ​


Media Appearances and Blog Posts


Service

  • Past Board of Directors Member - Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health (SASH)

  • Past Board of Directors Member & Treasurer - Valley Cities Behavioral Health Services      

  • Editor-in-Chief - Mental Health Law & Policy Journal                      

  • Sergeant - United States Marine Corps ​


Scientific Research and Publications

Olsen, J. P., Parra, G. R., Cohen, R., Schoffstall, C. L., & Egli, C. J. (2012). Beyond relationship reciprocity: A consideration of varied forms of children’s relationships. Personal Relationships, 19, 72-88.  


Parra, G. R., Buckholdt, K. E., Olsen, J. P., Jobe-Shields, L., Davis, G. L., & Gamble, H. L. (2011). Targeting family risk factors in the context of treating youth depression. The Family Journal, 19, 381-388. ​


Parra, G. R., Jobe-Shields, L. E., Kitzmann, K., Luebbe, A. M., Olsen, J. P., & Davis, G. L. (2011). Investigation of change in adolescent perceptions of mothers' and fathers' contributions to interparental discord from grades 7 to 9. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 21, 408-419. ​


Olsen, J. P., Baldwin, S., & Houts, A. C. (2011). Development, reliability and validity of an index specific to chemotherapy induced neutropenia. Oncology Nursing Forum, 38, 1-8. ​


Olsen, J. P., Parra, G. R., & Bennett, S. A. (2010). Predicting violence in romantic relationships during adolescence and emerging adulthood: A critical review of the mechanisms by which familial and peer influences operate. Clinical Psychology Review, 30, 411-422. ​ Parra, G. R., Olsen, J. P., Buckholdt, K.,


Jobe-Shields, L. E., & Davis, G. L. (2010). A pilot study of the development, factor structure and initial validation of a measure assessing adolescent reactions to parental emotional responsiveness. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 19, 596-606. ​


Houts, A. C., Lipinski, D., Olsen, J. P., Baldwin, S., & Hasan, M. (2010). Use of the patient care monitor to screen for depression in adult cancer patients interviewed with the structured clinical interview for DSM-IV. Psycho-Oncology, 19, 399-407. ​

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