How to Become a Counselor in Utah: Step-by-Step Guide for 2025
The mental health counselors in Utah earn an average salary of $70,310, which is substantially higher than the national average.
Utah’s counseling field is thriving with 8,600 professionals and shows promising growth. The state projects a 37.20% increase in substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselor positions by 2030. The timing is perfect to join this profession. Drug overdose remains Utah’s leading cause of injury-related deaths, making counselors’ role vital. The path to becoming a counselor in Utah requires specific educational qualifications. You’ll need a master’s degree from a CACREP-accredited program and 4,000 hours of supervised experience to meet Utah’s LPC requirements.
Utah’s counseling careers offer attractive salaries in various specialties. Educational and career counselors earn around $59,030 yearly. Marriage and family therapists in Utah enjoy some of the country’s highest salaries according to the US Department of Labor.
This rewarding career path awaits you. This detailed guide will help you become a licensed counselor in Utah by 2025.
Education Requirements in Utah
The life-blood of becoming a counselor in Utah starts with getting the proper education. The state has specific educational paths that are several years old. These paths depend on your desired counseling specialty.
Utah clinical mental health counselors must complete a master’s or doctorate degree in mental health counseling. The Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) recognizes two main educational paths. You can get a degree from a program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) accredited programs are also acceptable, but they need extra documentation.
Programs without CACREP accreditation need coursework in ten key areas:
- Social and cultural diversity
- Group counseling and group work
- Human growth and development
- Career development
- Counseling and helping relationships
- Substance-related and addictive disorders
- Assessment and testing
- Mental status examination and psychopathological behavior
- Research and evaluation
- Professional ethics
Your program must include at least 700 documented hours of supervised clinical training, and 240 of these hours must be direct client therapy.
The path to becoming a school counselor in Utah has slightly different requirements. You need a master’s degree in school counseling from one of four accredited in-state schools: Utah State University, University of Utah, Utah Valley University, or Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. Students from other states must graduate from a CACREP-accredited program.
Rocky Mountain University has a license-only program that works well if you already have a master’s degree or license in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Utah offers flexibility through the Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor Extern license. This license gives you up to three years to complete any missing requirements if you have a relevant graduate degree. It’s a chance to continue your educational experience while you get supervised experience toward full licensure.
Counseling Programs in Utah
Utah has several outstanding counseling programs that help you meet state licensure requirements. These programs build your foundation to become a successful counselor in different specialties.
University of Utah has its CACREP-accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. The Salt Lake City campus combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on skills. You’ll get great opportunities through their resilient clinical training partnerships. Their research focus on addiction counseling makes this program perfect if you want to work in substance abuse counseling.
Utah State University runs a detailed CACREP-accredited program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. The Logan-based program stands out for its focus on rural mental health services—a vital aspect given Utah’s geographic spread. Working professionals can take advantage of flexible evening classes and excellent practicum placements across northern Utah.
Utah Valley University in Orem has CACREP-accredited programs in both Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. The program excels in multicultural counseling approaches and community involvement. This makes it a great fit if you plan to work with Utah’s growing diverse population.
Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions brings something different with its CACREP-accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. They also have a specialized license-only track for people who already have a master’s degree or license in related fields. This fast-track option makes RMU ideal for professionals switching careers to counseling in Utah.
Westminster University completes the top choices with its Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. While smaller than state universities, Westminster provides close-knit learning with few students per faculty member. You’ll get personal mentoring throughout your studies. Their program focuses on integrated counseling approaches and maintains strong ties with Salt Lake City’s varied clinical settings.
Think about location, specialization options, schedule flexibility, and clinical placement opportunities when picking a program. Each option has special strengths that might match your counseling career goals differently.
Internship and Other Requirements
A licensed counselor in Utah needs more than just a master’s degree. Clinical internships and supervised experience are the foundations of professional practice. These elements ensure you develop practical skills to help clients effectively.
Your graduate program requires a complete internship with at least 700 hours of supervised clinical training. This includes a minimum of 240 hours of direct client therapy. Students typically complete their internships at approved locations like mental health agencies, hospitals, educational institutions, or nonprofit organizations.
The path to full licensure starts with becoming an Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor (ACMHC). Licensed ACMHCs must then complete 3,000 hours of supervised experience. This experience includes:
- A minimum of 1,000 hours of direct mental health therapy with clients
- At least 100 hours of face-to-face supervision with a qualified supervisor
- A timeframe of no less than 18 months
Your supervisor should be a licensed mental health therapist who meets Utah’s qualification standards. You must complete all supervised hours as a W-2 employee at approved facilities such as mental health agencies, hospitals, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, or government agencies.
Utah requires proper documentation of supervision through official forms. Each supervisor needs to complete a separate form that contributes to the total 3,000 required hours.
Clinical internship or practicum hours from your education do not count toward supervised experience. Post-graduate supervision stands separate from academic clinical training.
You can apply for full licensure as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Utah after completing these requirements and passing the required examinations.
Examinations
Professional examinations play a crucial role in your path to counselor licensure in Utah. The Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) sets different exam requirements based on your license classification.
Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC) candidates must pass both the National Counselor Examination (NCE) and the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE). The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) administers these tests through their partner organization, the Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE).
The NCMHCE structure includes 11 case studies that feature 9-15 multiple-choice questions each. These questions cover three counseling phases: intake and assessment, first follow-up session, and second follow-up session. Test takers get 4 hours and 15 minutes to complete the exam. The test reviews your expertise in six counseling domains:
- Intake, Assessment, and Diagnosis
- Treatment Planning
- Counseling Skills and Interventions
- Professional Practice and Ethics
- Core Counseling Attributes
- Areas of Clinical Focus
The NCE features 200 multiple-choice questions that test knowledge and skills needed to provide effective counseling services. The scoring system counts 160 questions across the same six domains as the NCMHCE.
NBCC’s system allows only one registration per candidate, so you must take these exams sequentially. Your licensure application needs to include the official score reports.
The Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor (ACMHC) and Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor Extern classifications don’t require any examinations.
School counseling credentials have substantially different requirements. Candidates must achieve a PRAXIS 5422 score of 153 or higher. The PRAXIS 5421 with a score of 164 or higher was acceptable before September 1, 2023.
Professional organizations and online platforms offer various study materials and practice tests to help candidates prepare effectively.
Licensing Fees
Planning your professional path as a counselor in Utah requires a clear understanding of the financial commitments involved. The state follows a well-laid-out fee structure that changes according to your credential level.
The Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor (ACMHC) application comes with an $85.00 processing fee. This starter license lets you gain supervised experience as you work toward full licensure. The Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC) application fee rises to $120.00 after you complete all requirements.
Your budget should include several other expenses. The FBI fingerprint file search costs $10.00 per person, and the BCI fingerprint file search adds $20.00 per person. These background checks protect public safety and maintain professional standards in counseling.
License upkeep needs financial attention too. CMHC licenses need renewal by September 30 of even-numbered years. Licensees receive renewal notices about 60 days before this deadline. The CMHC license renewal costs $93.00, and you must submit proof of continuing education credits with your payment.
Utah’s participation in the Counseling Compact creates opportunities to practice across state lines. Clinical mental health counselors who want multi-state practice privileges must pay $50.00 for original enrollment and again at renewal.
Additional costs might include a $20.00 late renewal fee and $50.00 to reinstate a lapsed license. A duplicate license for display purposes costs $10.00.
Your counseling career budget in Utah should account for both the original application costs and the ongoing renewal expenses every two years. This includes any specialty credentials you might want to pursue.
Counseling Salaries in Utah
Licensed counselors in Utah can look forward to excellent pay. The financial outlook remains promising for all counseling specialties in the state.
Utah’s substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors earn better wages than the national average. The median annual wage is $70,310, which tops the national median. Entry-level positions start at around $40,000, and experienced counselors can earn up to $93,310.
The state’s marriage and family therapists earn even more, with median annual salaries reaching $83,980. This is a big deal as it means that the top 10% of professionals in this field make $102,050 yearly.
School and career counselors also enjoy competitive pay at $59,030 per year. New counselors start around $36,970, while experienced professionals can take home up to $84,810 annually.
Pay varies across Utah’s cities. Mental health counselors in Salt Lake City earn about $58,140 yearly, while their colleagues in Ogden-Clearfield make $53,210. The Provo-Orem area offers the best compensation, where mental health professionals earn roughly $60,870 each year.
These attractive salaries stem from several key factors:
- High demand for mental health services throughout Utah
- Metropolitan areas’ cost of living
- Extra certifications and qualifications
- Experience levels and advanced degrees
The future looks bright for counseling careers, with growth rates that exceed national averages. More people now recognize mental health issues, insurance coverage has expanded for counseling services, and Utah takes an active stance on substance abuse challenges.
The combination of competitive pay and strong job security makes counseling licensure in Utah both a rewarding career choice and a smart financial decision.
Counseling Organizations in Utah
Your path to becoming a successful mental health counselor in Utah starts with joining professional counseling organizations. These groups are a great way to get resources that help you grow from student to licensed practitioner.
The Utah Mental Health Counselors Association (UMHCA) is Utah’s main branch of the American Counseling Association. Members get access to continuing education, networking events, and advocacy work that shapes Utah LPC requirements and counseling laws. The annual conferences connect you with potential mentors and employers from all over the state.
School counseling professionals will find the Utah School Counselor Association (USCA) particularly helpful. USCA runs workshops that tackle the challenges school counselors face in Utah’s varied communities.
The Utah Association for Marriage and Family Therapy helps professionals who want to work in family therapy. Their supervision registry is especially useful when you need to complete your supervised practice hours.
National associations also bring significant value to Utah counselors:
- American Counseling Association (ACA) – Provides liability insurance, scholarly journals, and career development resources
- American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) – Focuses specifically on clinical mental health counselors
- National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) – Offers certification programs that boost your credentials
Students and new professionals can join these organizations at reduced rates, whatever stage they’re at in their counseling career. Starting your membership early will guide you through the licensing process.
These professional communities also connect you with mentors who can help you build a counseling practice that fits Utah’s unique social and cultural scene.
Counseling Scholarships in Utah
Getting funding for your counseling education is one of the most important challenges you’ll face while working toward your professional license in Utah. The good news is that aspiring mental health counselors can tap into several scholarship opportunities across the state.
Utah universities with counseling programs offer their own scholarships. The College of Education at the University of Utah gives out multiple scholarships each year to graduate students in counseling programs. Like in Utah State University, the Psychology Department awards scholarships based on academic excellence and financial need.
Professional organizations are a great way to get scholarship opportunities. Students who commit to practicing in Utah after graduation might get financial help from the Utah Mental Health Counselors Association. On top of that, Utah residents can apply for national scholarships through the American Counseling Association Foundation, including the Glen E. Hubele National Graduate Student Award.
The T.H. Bell Teaching Incentive Loan Program offers forgivable loans that first-generation college students in counseling should look into. This program helps students who plan to work in high-need areas after graduation, especially when you have an interest in becoming a school counselor in Utah.
Students focusing on addiction counseling should consider the NAADAC Minority Fellowship Program. This program supports those who want to serve underrepresented communities affected by substance use disorders.
Here are some key tips to help you with scholarship applications:
- Begin your scholarship research at least 12 months before starting your program
- Develop a basic application you can adapt for different scholarships
- Get recommendation letters from professors who know your counseling abilities well
Notwithstanding that scholarships are important, they’re not your only option for financial aid. Federal work-study positions in campus counseling centers help you earn money while gaining valuable pre-licensure experience. Many students now combine scholarships with federal loans that come with income-based repayment options. Public service roles after completing Utah LPC requirements might qualify you for loan forgiveness too.
Begin Your Journey Now
A career as a licensed counselor in Utah follows a clear and rewarding path. This piece outlines the detailed requirements you’ll need. These include completing a CACREP-accredited master’s degree and gaining 4,000 hours of supervised experience. Utah counseling professionals earn salaries that are by a lot higher than national averages across specialties.
The path to licensure might look tough at first glance. The steps are clear though – education, supervised practice, examinations, and licensing. Utah’s counseling world gives you many options to specialize. You can work in clinical mental health, school counseling, or marriage and family therapy.
Money plays a big role in career planning without doubt. You’ll need to weigh both costs and potential earnings. Costs include application fees, examination expenses, and license renewal. Top professionals can earn over $100,000 each year. This helps you make smart choices about your future.
Professional organizations and scholarships are a great way to get support on your path to becoming a Utah counselor. These resources help with education costs and provide networking connections. They also support continuing education throughout your career.
Mental health counselor jobs in Utah will grow by 37.20% by 2030. This is a big deal as it means qualified professionals are in high demand. The exceptional growth and above-average pay make counseling an attractive career choice in Utah. Your choice to become a licensed counselor in Utah is both personally rewarding and financially smart.
Your Utah counselor license is just the beginning – professional development becomes crucial to build a lasting career. The next steps involve constant learning and staying up-to-date with the latest best practices in the field.
Utah’s continuing education requirements help maintain high standards in the counseling profession. Clinical Mental Health Counselors need 40 hours of continuing education every two years when renewing their license. These hours must include at least 6 hours focused on ethics or law, and 2 hours on suicide prevention.
Professional development goes beyond meeting standards – it helps you build specialized skills that open new career doors. Many Utah counselors get additional certifications in play therapy, EMDR, or addiction treatment. These certifications boost your market value and income potential.
Your growth as a professional doesn’t stop at getting licensed. You should think over joining supervision groups even after full licensure. These peer consultations are a great way to get support throughout your professional experience.
Moving from a new counselor to a 5-year old professional takes time. This period lets you find your ideal work environment by trying different practice settings. Some counselors do their best work in private practice, while others thrive in agencies or hospital-based roles.
Successful Utah counselors know how important it is to balance work and life. Counseling work’s emotional demands mean you need excellent self-care practices. Therefore, experienced professionals suggest setting clear boundaries between work and personal life when starting your career.
Self-employment is a popular choice for experienced counselors. Starting a private practice needs business skills along with clinical expertise. New practice owners can get great help through mentorship from the Utah Mental Health Counselors Association, which supports counselors moving into private practice.
The most successful counselors stay flexible and open to constant growth. The field keeps changing, and counselors who adapt their practices tend to feel more satisfied and stay longer in their careers.