Utah is known for its picturesque landscapes, and its schools offer strong psychology programs. Public institutions such as the University of Utah and Utah State University, along with respected private colleges, make Utah a great place to earn a degree. Several Utah schools offer online psychology programs, so even students in other states can study at Utah institutions.
The healthcare industry is growing rapidly nationwide, and mental health professionals are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the number of jobs for mental health and substance abuse social works in Utah to grow by 40% by 2024. Careers in psychology are ideal for individuals who are passionate about treating mental illness and helping people lead healthier and happier lives. For students pursuing a bachelor’s, doctoral, or master’s in psychology online, Utah colleges and universities offer quality programs to help you meet your professional goals.
Mental Health Initiatives in Utah
The Utah Department of Human Services (DHS) promotes initiatives that benefit residents’ mental health. Substance abuse, especially opioid addiction, is a major problem in Utah and in the U.S. as a whole. The Utah DHS established the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) to address substance abuse in the state.
The DSAMH offers resources and programs to individuals struggling with addiction and mental health issues. The Adult Peer Support Services program pairs adults who are in recovery with those still struggling with mental illness. The Family Resource Facilitators program is a similar resource for families, children, and youth with psychological issues. The DHS also provides resources such as free screenings, counseling, and therapy.
How do I Become a Psychologist in Utah?
Graduates of psychology programs in Utah undergo a licensing process similar to candidates throughout the country. As in most states, candidates for psychology licensure in Utah must hold a doctorate in the field. Specific procedures and costs vary depending on the candidate’s specialty and career goals.
Choose the Path That’s Right for You: The level of education psychology students need depends on their career path. Utah’s Division of Occupational Licensing requires candidates for psychology licensure to have a doctorate. However, aspiring school psychologists need only a master’s degree. Students who plan to teach college psychology should also earn a doctorate, such as those offered by psychology Ph.D programs in Utah.
Earn Your Degree: When researching psychology programs, consider your goals and lifestyle. Earning an online psychology degree in Utah provides flexibility for working professionals. However, some students prefer the hands-on approach of an on-campus program. Also consider degree completion time, which varies depending on the type of degree, program structure, and curriculum. Psychologists often dedicate ten years to their education. Online students, in particular, should check each program’s in-person requirements for clinicals, fellowships, and internships.
Earn Your License: After earning a doctorate, candidates for psychology licensure must pass two exams. The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) is a national standard exam developed by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards. The EPPP costs $687. The Utah Psychologist Law and Ethics Examination costs $72. Although psychology Ph.D programs in Utah prepare students for the exams, most candidates dedicate additional study time.
Psychology Licensing in Utah
Different licenses are required to practice counseling and psychology. The type of license you obtain depends on your background and career aspirations. Psychologists, social workers, therapists, and counselors require different degrees, training, and licenses. The table below outlines some of the most popular licensing options for graduates of psychology programs in Utah.
Licensed Psychologist
Prerequisites:
- Doctorate
- 4,000 hours of supervised experience
Careers Available With This License:
- Clinical psychologist
- Forensic psychologist
Total Fees: $960
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Prerequisites:
- Master’s of social work
- 4,000 hours of supervised
Careers Available With This License:
- Social worker
- Therapist
- Counselor
Total Fees: $380
Marriage & Family Therapist (MFT)
Prerequisites:
- Master’s degree
- 4,000 hours of supervised experience
Careers Available With This License:
- Child therapist
- Marriage therapist
- Family therapist
Total Fees: $470
Psychology Internships and Fellowships in Utah
Internships and fellowships provide experience for students and recent graduates. Internships may be paid or unpaid and are offered to undergraduate or graduate students. Fellowships are almost always paid positions meant to supplement graduate students’ education with practical experience. The fellowships and internships below are available to students attending psychology programs in Utah.
- VA Salt Lake City Psychology Predoctoral Internship: This APA-accredited internship is a full-time position for students who are certified by their director of training as ready for an internship.
- The Children’s Center internship: Interns at the Children’s Center assist therapists as they treat young children with emotional and behavioral difficulties. Contact Leslie Durham for more information.
- Sandy Counseling Centers internship: Interns shadow professionals who specialize in domestic violence, substance abuse, parenting, and anger management. Interns also conduct research and perform administrative work. Contact Jenny Bates for additional information.
Psychology Careers in Utah
After earning an on-campus or online psychology degree, Utah graduates pursue a variety of careers. Licensed psychologists, social workers, and therapists are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the number of clinical, counseling, and school psychologists in Utah to increase 37% by 2024. The BLS projects only a 20% growth rate for those occupations in the U.S. as a whole — demand for psychologists in Utah is well above average.
How Much do Psychologists Make in Utah?
A psychologist’s salary depends on geographic location, experience, and specific profession. Social workers earn an average of $43,619 per year. Licensed psychologists, who require more education, average annual salaries of nearly $80,000. In addition, a licensed psychologist typically increases their earning potential by about $20,000 over a 20-year career, while a social worker’s salary remains fairly consistent, regardless of experience level.
| Employment | Hourly Mean Wage | Annual Mean Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utah | 1,410 | $32.17 | $66,920 |
| United States | 122,310 | $38.77 | $80,640 |
Source: BLS
Mental Health Service Providers in Utah
Students considering a career as a practicing psychologist, therapist, or counselor should become familiar with mental health service providers before graduation. These providers offer employment opportunities for recent graduates and may provide internships or fellowships for students.
- Highland Ridge Hospital: This facility specializes in the treatment of substance abuse and mental health issues. The hospital treats patients with addictions to alcohol and prescription drugs.
- University of Utah Hospital: The hospital’s University Neuropsychiatric Institute treats patients with mental health and behavioral issues, including anxiety, eating disorders, personality disorders, and addiction.
- Utah State Hospital: This government-run mental health facility has more than 200 beds and provides a variety of mental health services. The hospital treats adults and children, and an offsite location offers group psychotherapy.
- Provo Canyon Behavioral Hospital: This facility provides psychological help for adolescents, adults, and seniors. The hospital treats patients with mental issues, but its focus is substance abuse.
- Salt Lake Behavioral Health Center: This facility treats patients with mental illnesses and provides military mental health programs. The center offers programs tailored for service members, veterans, and military families.
Mental Health Research Centers in Utah
Many graduates of psychology programs in Utah pursue careers in research to advance the field of psychology and the overall understanding of mental health. Becoming familiar with prominent research centers in Utah helps graduates find employment and begin contributing to the field.
- Multisensory Cognition Lab: This Utah State University research center focuses on how people, from infancy through adulthood, understand the world through their five senses.
- National Center for Veterans Studies: This center, operated by the University of Utah, conducts psychological research and advocacy to improve the lives of veterans. Researchers study psychological issues common in veterans.
- Relationship Decisions Lab: This University of Utah lab studies how people make decisions about romantic relationships. Researchers explore the thought processes involved in breakups and dates.
Professional Organizations for Mental Health Professionals
Joining professional organizations benefits psychology students and mental health professionals. Utah’s professional associations provide resources such as conferences, professional development, and job listings. Some organizations also help mental health professionals grapple with ethical questions through confidential ethics consultations.
- Utah Psychological Association: This professional organization promotes individual well-being by advancing the science of psychology. Members have access to professional development workshops, forums, and job listings.
- Utah Mental Health Counselors Association: This association supports mental health counselors through licensing, advocacy, and professional development. Members receive discounted admission to annual conferences, free ethics consultations, and access to a counselor directory.
- National Association of Social Workers Utah Chapter: With more than 145,000 members, NASW is the largest organization of social workers in the world. Members of the Utah chapter receive the benefits of joining a large, national professional organization, including mentoring, job listings, publications, and ethical assistance.
Scholarships for Online Psychology Programs in Utah
Mary Lou Fulton Chair Internship Grant
This annual scholarship from Brigham Young University is awarded to five students in the College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences.
- Amount Offered: $1,600
- Scholarship Deadline: November 15, March 15, and July 15
- Eligibility Requirements: The applicant must be a declared FHSS major who wishes to complete an internship.
The Danielle Vacca Scholarship
This award, offered through the University of Utah’s department of psychology, supports students whose lives have been impacted by drunk driving.
- Amount Offered: $4,000
- Scholarship Deadline: February 1
- Eligibility Requirements: The applicant must be a full-time graduate or undergraduate student with a 2.8 GPA.
Clayton Awards for Excellence in Research
The University of Utah’s psychology department offers two graduate scholarships funded by the Joseph A. and Ruth S. Clayton Trust.
- Amount Offered: $4,000
- Scholarship Deadline: Early March
- Eligibility Requirements: The applicant must be a graduate student of psychology at the University of Utah.
Ella Carpenter Jensen Fellowship
This fellowship from Brigham Young University supports women pursuing a graduate degree in the College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences.
- Amount Offered: $2,000
- Scholarship Deadline: Varies
- Eligibility Requirements: The applicant must be a woman studying in BYU’s College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences.
Walter R. Borg Scholarship
This Utah State University scholarship is awarded to academically achieving graduate students who have completed at least one year in the psychology department.
- Amount Offered: Varies
- Scholarship Deadline: Varies
- Eligibility Requirements: The applicant must have completed one year of graduate studies in Utah State’s psychology department.
Elwin C. Nielsen Scholarship
This annual scholarship is awarded to a graduate student with strong psychological assessment and counseling skills who demonstrates financial need.
- Amount Offered: Varies
- Scholarship Deadline: Varies
- Eligibility Requirements: The applicant must be enrolled in the psychology Ph.D program at Utah State, must have completed an MS degree, and must have at least 15 semester hours of Ph.D coursework remaining.
Division 53 Student Achievement Award
This APA award is offered to one undergraduate student and three graduate students whose research contributes to the field of child and adolescent psychology.
- Amount Offered: $1,000
- Scholarship Deadline: May 30
- Eligibility Requirements: The applicant must be enrolled in an APA- or CPA-accredited program.
AAC Behavioral Health Academic Scholarship Program
This scholarship, sponsored by the American Addiction Centers, supports undergraduate and graduate students who are passionate about treating mental health and substance abuse issues.
- Amount Offered: $5,000
- Scholarship Deadline: May 31
- Eligibility Requirements: The applicant must be enrolled in or entering a program in nursing, counseling, psychology, social work, or therapy.
Kay Wilson Presidential Leadership Award
Psi Chi, the international honor society in psychology, presents this annual award for outstanding academic achievement to one of its chapter presidents.
- Amount Offered: $1,200
- Scholarship Deadline: March 15
- Eligibility Requirements: The recipient must be a Psi Chi chapter president and must be nominated for the award.
Gallagher Student Health Careers Scholarship Program
The Arthur J. Gallagher and Co. insurance company awards this scholarship to undergraduate students in their junior or senior year of health-related study.
- Amount Offered: $7,500
- Scholarship Deadline: May 6
- Eligibility Requirements: The applicant must be a full-time student entering their junior or senior year and must demonstrate financial need.
Accreditation for Online Psychology Programs in Utah
When pursuing an online psychology degree, Utah students should choose accredited programs to ensure they receive a quality education and a degree that will be recognized by employers. The two main types of accreditation in the U.S. are regional and national. Nationally accredited schools are typically career-focused, while regionally accredited institutions are usually academically oriented.
The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities handles regional accreditation for Utah institutions. Regional accreditation is the most common and highly regarded type of accreditation. Psychology students should also look for field-specific accreditation from the American Psychological Association; licensing requirements often include a degree from an APA-accredited program.
Explore Psychology Careers
Program Database of Online Psychology Programs in Utah
For students pursuing an online psychology degree, Utah offers a variety of options. When choosing a school, consider the psychology program’s curriculum, available concentrations, and in-person requirements. The database below includes every accredited school that offers an online psychology degree in Utah.