Psychology in Utah: Learn About Becoming a Psychologist in UT
Learn about the steps to become a psychologist in Utah and your earning potential in the state.
Utah is experiencing a critical shortage of mental health professionals. In fact, Mental Health America data show that Utah ranks 46th nationwide in the prevalence of mental health illness and lower rates of access. Discover how to become a psychologist in the state. This guide explores Utah’s psychology licensure requirements and career opportunities.
Utah Psychology Licensure Requirements
The Utah Division of Professional Licensing issues several psychology licenses for psychologists, certified prescribing psychologists, and school psychological practitioners.
Most applicants for a psychology license in Utah will need to complete a doctorate in psychology and supervised clinical training. School psychological practitioners are the exception as they are only required to complete a master’s degree in school psychology and a one-year internship.
All candidates will need to pass their respective licensure exams.
Explore the various levels of Utah psychology licensure.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Psychologist in Utah?
Each state sets its own requirements for licensure as a psychologist. It typically takes eight to 12 years to complete the education and training necessary for licensure as a clinical and counseling psychologist. School psychologists can complete their training in 6-7 years.
A bachelor’s degree takes about four years, while a master’s or Ed.S. takes two to three years. The length of your clinical training will depend on your specialty. If you plan to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s as a part-time student, this will lengthen the time to become a psychologist in Utah.
Out-of-State Licensing Reciprocity in Utah
Utah offers a pathway to licensure by reciprocity for qualified applicants. To qualify, candidates must have an equivalent license in good standing in another state or jurisdiction and demonstrate that they have actively practiced psychology in that jurisdiction for at least 2,000 hours a year.
Finally, the applicant must provide documentation of the licensure requirements—such as education, supervised experience, and examination—for their present jurisdiction.
Utah is a participating state in PSYPACT, an interstate compact that allows psychologists to practice telepsychology and in-person temporarily across state boundaries.
How to Renew a Psychology License in Utah
Psychologists must renew their license every two years. To qualify, applicants must complete 48 hours of continuing education, including a minimum of six hours on law, technology, or ethics of clinical practice.
School psychologists renew a professional school psychologist license after completing 100 hours of approved professional development. The licensee is valid for five years, while an associate license is valid for three.
Salary Expectations for Psychologists in Utah
Depending on their specialty, psychologists in Utah earn average salaries ranging from about $90,100-$90,800, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Clinical and counseling psychologists made an average annual salary of $94,070, compared to the $106,850 national average. In comparison, school psychologists in Utah earned $77,180, significantly lower than the $93,610 national average.
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $94,070 | $45.23 |
| School Psychologists | $77,180 | $37.11 |
| Psychologists, All Other | $99,720 | $47.94 |
Professional Organizations for Psychologists in Utah
- Utah Psychological Association: UPA represents the field of psychology through advocacy at the legislative level and professional development opportunities for its more than 300 members. Benefits include continuing education events, a members-only listserve and referral network, and access to the jobs board.
- Utah Association of School Psychologists: UASP empowers the state’s school psychologists through advocacy and the advancement of effective practices and policies. Member benefits include access to publications, mini-grants, event discounts, and scholarships.
- Utah Coalition of Mental Health Professions: At UCMHP, organizations representing mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and social workers work together to advance better mental health for Utahns. Individual membership is not available.
Frequently Asked Questions About Utah Psychology Licensure
You’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree in psychology (optional for some doctoral programs), and a doctorate in psychology. After you’ve completed the required supervised psychology training and passed the EPPP and state exam, you can apply for state licensure.
