Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST)
Compulsive sexual behavior is a potentially debilitating mental health issue affecting many people in California. The Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST) is a clinical assessment tool that evaluates problematic sexual behaviors.
This questionnaire identifies patterns of behavior that may point to sexual addiction and serves as a private entry point for understanding sexual health and how it may or may not be affecting your life.
This Screening Test was developed by Dr. Patrick Carnes, one of the leading researchers in the field of sexual addiction.
How to Use This Screening Test
Filling out the SAST is very simple. You will see a series of questions about your sexual behaviors and thoughts. In order to achieve the best and most accurate results, please keep the following instructions in mind:
- Respond to each question honestly with a "Yes" or "No."
- Respond relative to your experience and behavior over the past 12 months.
- There are no right or wrong answers. The goal is to reflect on your own pattern of behavior.
When it comes to scoring, please remember that for each "Yes", you will score 1 point. For each "No", you will score 0 points. You will add up all of your points at the end to get your total score.
SAST Scoring and Interpretation: What Your Score Means
The total score gives some indication of how likely you may have compulsive sexual behavior. It is important to keep in mind that this is a screening tool - you cannot get an official diagnosis for “Am I a sex addict” online.
A certified professional can offer a true diagnosis. Think of your score as an indication of whether reaching out for a professional consultation is a wise next step.
About Dr. Invia A. Betjoseph, LMFT, CSAT, CPTT
Dr. Invia A. Betjoseph is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT) that leads individuals in their recovery from sexual addiction.
His trauma-informed approach will address not only the addictive behaviors, but also the emotional hurt underneath it for both the individual and their partner. Dr. Invia has a specialized teletherapy practice in which he works with clients throughout California.
He is uniquely qualified to interpret assessment tools like the SAST and create a personalized plan to help you regain control of your life and relationships. Learn more about sex addiction therapists in California.
Understanding the SAST Question Categories
The SAST is directed at understanding areas of your life commonly affected by compulsive sexual behavior, and the questions are arranged in groups, as they are not arbitrary or random. Learning the categories will give you a better understanding of what behaviors damage your health and wellbeing.
Relationship and Social Consequences
This category examines the impact of your sexual behaviors on your relationships. The questions in this section will often reveal whether your behavior resulted in secrets from your partner, broken promises, and damage to important relationships. It assesses the social and emotional cost of your sexual behavior and damage to intimacy and trust with those closest to you.
Online and Risky Behavior
These questions are about behaviors that may have a physical risk, possible legal consequences, or emotional risks, (for example, using online pornography, engaging with sex workers, and having unprotected sex). The category also asks questions that examine whether you may have put yourself in unsafe situations, or if you felt worried about being caught by authorities (indicating a loss of control of your behavior).
Emotional and Personal Impact
In this section, the SAST (Sexual Addiction Screening Test) looks at the internal emotional cost. Questions ask to what extent you feel shame, anxiety or depression after sexual behavior. This section is trying to determine if you use sex to escape from negative feelings, such as loneliness or stress, and if your behavior leaves you feeling powerless or dislike yourself.
Preoccupation and Thoughts
This last category measures the mental energy associated with sexual thought. It asks whether you are constantly preoccupied with sexual thoughts, planning sexual behaviour, and/or unable to focus your attention on other matters because of these preoccupying sexual thoughts. It measures an obsessive mental preoccupation characteristic of addiction.
Take The Next Steps: Free Consultation with a CSAT Expert
Schedule a free consultationIt takes courage to recognize these patterns in your life, and if your SAST score is moderate and/or high you have a good indication that seeking professional help is your best chance for wellness. You don't have to face your issues alone.
Now we invite you to take the next step in a completely safe, non-judgmental environment. Dr. Invia offers a free sex addiction consultation to help you gain clarity, get answers to your questions, and discuss next steps. This private conversation is the first step to finding your life and achieving healthy relationships. Schedule a free consultation with Dr. Invia today!
