How to Become a Licensed Counselor in Utah (2025)
To become a licensed clinical mental health counselor in Utah, you'll need a CACREP-accredited master's degree (60 credits), 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience over 2-3 years, and must pass both the NCE and NCMHCE exams. The complete process typically takes 8-10 years from bachelor's degree to independent practice, with median salaries of $65,920 annually in Utah.
Utah offers rewarding career opportunities for mental health professionals dedicated to helping individuals, families, and communities navigate behavioral health challenges. The state's growing population and increasing awareness of mental health needs have created strong demand for qualified clinical mental health counselors.
Becoming a licensed counselor in Utah requires substantial education, clinical training, and commitment to professional development. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of the licensure process, from choosing the right degree program to passing your licensure exams and building your career.
Table of Contents
Overview of Utah Counselor Licensing
The Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) regulates mental health counseling practice in the state. Utah uses a tiered licensing system that guides counselors from initial education through supervised practice to full independent licensure.
Utah Counselor License Types
Utah issues three primary mental health counseling credentials:
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC or CMHC): The full professional license allows independent practice. This is your ultimate goal for practicing mental health counseling without supervision in Utah.
Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor (ACMHC): The supervised practice license you'll hold while accumulating your post-graduate clinical hours. You'll work under qualified supervision during this period, which typically lasts 2-3 years.
Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor Extern (ACMHC Extern): A temporary credential for candidates who have a graduate degree but need to complete up to 12 credits of additional coursework to meet Utah's specific requirements. This is less common and typically applies to out-of-state graduates.
What Clinical Mental Health Counselors Do
As a licensed CMHC in Utah, you'll provide mental health counseling services, including observing, describing, evaluating, interpreting, and treating mental or emotional illnesses, maladaptive behaviors, and psychological dysfunctions. Your work might include individual therapy, family counseling, group sessions, crisis intervention, and treatment planning for clients facing depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, and substance abuse challenges.
Education Requirements
Utah requires specific educational qualifications that meet national counseling standards. Understanding these requirements helps you choose the right program and avoid delays in your licensure process.
Master's or Doctoral Degree
You must earn a master's or doctoral degree in mental health counseling or a closely related field. Utah accepts three pathways:
CACREP-Accredited Programs (Recommended): Degrees from programs accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or Counselor Education meet Utah's requirements automatically. CACREP-accredited graduates may also receive examination exemptions.
CACREP Rehabilitation Counseling Programs: CACREP-accredited rehabilitation counseling programs also qualify, though you'll need to ensure coursework aligns with mental health counseling standards.
CHEA-Accredited Programs: Degrees from programs accredited by organizations recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) qualify if the program content matches CACREP standards and includes all required coursework areas.
Credit Hour Requirements
Your graduate program must include at least 60 semester hours of graduate-level coursework. This typically translates to a 2-3 year full-time master's program.
Required Coursework Areas
Utah requires at least two semester hours in each of these core counseling areas:
- Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice: Counseling history, roles, ethical standards, and professional identity
- Social and Cultural Diversity: Multicultural competencies and social justice in counseling
- Human Growth and Development: Lifespan development theories and human behavior
- Career Development: Career counseling theories and vocational psychology
- Counseling and Helping Relationships: Counseling theories, techniques, and therapeutic alliance
- Group Counseling and Group Work: Group dynamics, leadership, and intervention strategies
- Assessment and Testing: Psychological assessment, diagnosis, and evaluation methods
- Research and Program Evaluation: Research methods and evidence-based practice
Practicum and Internship
Your graduate program must include supervised clinical experience:
Minimum Hours: 900-1,000 hours of supervised clinical training
Direct Client Contact: At least 360-400 hours must involve providing mental health therapy directly to clients
Academic Credit: The practicum/internship must be at least four semester hours in length
This clinical training happens during your graduate program and is separate from the post-graduate supervised experience required for full licensure.
Complete Licensure Pathway: Step-by-Step
The path to becoming a licensed counselor in Utah follows a structured sequence. Understanding each step helps you plan your education and career timeline effectively.
Step 1: Earn Your Bachelor's Degree (4 Years)
While Utah doesn't specify a required bachelor's major, most successful counseling students major in psychology, social work, sociology, human services, or related behavioral sciences, strong undergraduate preparation in psychology and human behavior provides a solid foundation for graduate studies.
Step 2: Complete a Master's Degree in Counseling (2-3 Years)
Apply to and complete a CACREP-accredited or CHEA-accredited graduate program in mental health counseling. Your program will include 60+ semester hours of coursework plus practicum/internship experiences. During this time, you'll develop clinical skills under faculty supervision and complete your graduate thesis or capstone project if required.
Step 3: Pass Required Licensing Examinations
Before or shortly after graduation, you'll take the National Counselor Examination (NCE) and potentially the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE), depending on your program accreditation. CACREP graduates from Clinical Mental Health Counseling programs may only need to pass the NCMHCE.
Step 4: Apply for Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor (ACMHC) License
Submit your application to Utah DOPL, including:
- Official transcripts showing degree conferral
- Course descriptions or syllabi for each graduate course (if not CACREP-accredited)
- Official exam score reports from NBCC
- Application fee ($85)
- Background check clearance
Once approved, you'll receive your ACMHC license, allowing you to begin supervised clinical work.
Step 5: Complete Supervised Clinical Experience (2-3 Years)
While holding your ACMHC license, you'll accumulate 3,000 hours of post-graduate supervised clinical experience. This must be completed over at least two years, working under qualified supervision.
Step 6: Pass the NCMHCE Examination (If Not Already Completed)
If you didn't take the NCMHCE before becoming an ACMHC, you'll need to pass it before applying for full licensure. This exam specifically tests clinical mental health counseling competencies through simulated case scenarios.
Step 7: Apply for Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC) License
After completing your supervised hours and passing all required exams, submit your application for full CMHC licensure, including:
- Documented supervision forms verifying 3,000 hours
- Official NCMHCE score report
- Three professional reference letters
- Application fee
Once approved, you'll receive your CMHC license and can practice independently.
Timeline Summary
| Stage | Duration | Key Milestone |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree | 4 years | Complete undergraduate education in psychology or a related field |
| Master's Degree | 2-3 years | 60 credits + 900-1,000-hour internship |
| Examinations | 1-6 months | Pass NCE and NCMHCE |
| ACMHC + Supervised Practice | 2-3 years | Complete 3,000 supervised clinical hours |
| Total to Full Licensure | 8-10 years | Licensed CMHC, independent practice |
Supervised Experience Requirements
The post-graduate supervised experience requirement is one of the most substantial components of Utah counselor licensure. Understanding these requirements helps you plan your supervised practice period effectively.
Total Hours Required
Utah law requires 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience completed over a minimum of two years. This is significantly more than the 1,000 hours mentioned in older guidance and reflects Utah's commitment to thorough clinical preparation.
Mental Health Therapy Hours
Of your 3,000 total hours, at least 1,000 hours must consist of providing direct mental health therapy to clients. This ensures you gain substantial clinical treatment experience, not just administrative or support activities.
Supervision Requirements
Minimum Supervision Hours: You must receive at least 100 hours of face-to-face supervision from a qualified supervisor during your 3,000-hour supervised practice period.
Qualified Supervisors: Your supervisor must be a currently licensed mental health professional in Utah holding one of these credentials:
- Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC)
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
- Licensed Psychologist
- Licensed Psychiatrist
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Specialist
Your supervisor must also meet the experience requirements set by Utah DOPL and maintain an active license in good standing.
Time Frame
You must complete your 3,000 supervised hours within three years. This prevents extended gaps in supervised practice and ensures continuity in your clinical development. Most counselors complete their hours in 2-3 years working full-time in clinical settings.
Documentation Requirements
You'll need to maintain detailed records of your supervised experience, including dates, hours, activities, supervision received, and supervisor signatures. Utah DOPL provides official supervision verification forms that must be submitted with your CMHC application.
Examination Requirements
Utah requires counselor candidates to pass national examinations administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). The specific exams you'll take depend on your graduate program's accreditation status.
National Counselor Examination (NCE)
The NCE is a comprehensive exam covering fundamental counseling knowledge and professional practice standards.
Format: 200 multiple-choice questions (160 scored, 40 pilot questions)
Content Areas: Professional counseling orientation, social and cultural diversity, human growth and development, career development, counseling relationships, group work, assessment, and research
Time Limit: 3 hours and 45 minutes
Passing Score: Varies by administration but typically around 105-110 correct answers
Cost: $335 (as of 2025)
National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE)
The NCMHCE tests your clinical mental health counseling competencies through case-based scenarios.
Format: 10 clinical simulations with multiple-choice questions based on each scenario
Content Focus: Assessment and diagnosis, counseling and psychotherapy, administration and case management
Time Limit: 3 hours
Passing Score: Varies, but typically 84-90 points out of 200 possible
Cost: $335 (as of 2025)
Which Exams Do You Need?
CACREP Clinical Mental Health Counseling Graduates: You may only need to pass the NCMHCE to qualify for ACMHC licensure. Check with Utah DOPL to confirm your specific requirements based on your program.
Non-CACREP Graduates: You'll need to pass both the NCE and NCMHCE before qualifying for ACMHC licensure.
Exam Registration and Scheduling
Register for exams through the NBCC's online system. You'll need to:
- Create an account through the NBCC website
- Submit official transcripts showing degree completion
- Pay the examination fee
- Wait for approval (typically 2-3 weeks)
- Schedule your exam at a Pearson VUE testing center
Exams are typically available for two weeks per month. You may attempt each exam up to three times within a two-year period. NBCC provides study materials and practice exams to help you prepare.
Counseling Programs in Utah
Utah offers several quality graduate programs in counseling, including CACREP-accredited options that streamline your path to licensure.
CACREP-Accredited Programs in Utah
University of Utah - Department of Educational Psychology
Program: Master of Education (MEd) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The University of Utah offers a 60-credit CACREP-accredited program that meets all Utah licensure requirements. The program typically takes three years to complete and includes a 1,000-hour internship during the final year. Graduates immediately qualify for ACMHC licensure after passing the required exams.
Brigham Young University
BYU offers CACREP-accredited programs in Counseling and related mental health fields. Check with the university for current program offerings and admission requirements.
Additional Utah Programs
Other Utah universities offer counseling programs that may meet licensure requirements. When choosing a program, verify that it includes the required 60 semester hours, covers all mandated content areas, and includes adequate supervised clinical experience.
Online and Out-of-State Programs
Utah accepts degrees from regionally accredited online programs and out-of-state institutions, provided they meet CACREP or CHEA accreditation standards. Explore accredited counseling programs that accept Utah residents and offer the flexibility you need.
If you're considering an out-of-state or online program, contact Utah DOPL before enrolling to confirm the program meets licensure requirements. Some graduates from non-CACREP programs may need to complete additional coursework or provide detailed syllabi to demonstrate equivalency.
Career Outlook and Salary Data in Utah
Mental health counseling offers strong career prospects in Utah, driven by population growth, increased mental health awareness, and expanding access to behavioral health services.
Employment and Growth
According to May 2024 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Utah employs 4,720 mental health, substance abuse, and behavioral disorder counselors. This represents significant growth from previous years and reflects Utah's expanding behavioral health workforce.
The Utah Department of Workforce Services projects continued growth in the counseling sector, with demand driven by:
- Population growth in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area and surrounding regions
- Increased insurance coverage for mental health services
- Growing recognition of mental health in schools and workplaces
- Expansion of telehealth counseling options
- Substance abuse treatment needs
Utah Salary Data for Mental Health Counselors
Counselor salaries in Utah vary based on experience, specialization, work setting, and geographic location. Here's the complete salary breakdown for mental health counselors in Utah based on 2024 BLS data:
| Percentile | Annual Salary | What This Means |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $34,560 | Entry-level positions, part-time work |
| 25th Percentile | $42,210 | Early career counselors |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $65,920 | Mid-career counselors with full licensure |
| 75th Percentile | $94,630 | Experienced counselors, specialized roles |
| 90th Percentile | $111,470 | Senior clinicians, private practice, and leadership positions |
Mean Annual Salary: $71,890
Utah's median counselor salary of $65,920 is competitive with many neighboring states and reflects the state's growing mental health services sector.
Factors Affecting Counselor Salaries
Geographic Location: Counselors in the Salt Lake City metro area, Park City, and other high-cost areas typically earn higher salaries than those in rural Utah communities.
Work Setting: Private practice, hospitals, and specialized treatment centers often pay more than community mental health centers or school settings.
Specialization: Counselors specializing in areas like trauma treatment, substance abuse, or couples therapy may command higher fees, especially in private practice.
Experience and Credentials: Fully licensed CMHCs earn significantly more than associate-level counselors. Additional certifications and years of experience increase earning potential.
Career Specialization Options
Utah counselors can pursue various specializations based on their interests and the state's needs:
Substance Abuse Counseling: Utah has ongoing needs for counselors specializing in addiction treatment and recovery support.
School Counseling: School counselors in Utah follow a separate certification path through the Utah State Board of Education, but can benefit from mental health counseling training.
Marriage and Family Therapy: While requiring separate MFT licensure, many counselors pursue dual credentials. Learn about becoming a marriage and family therapist in Utah if you're interested in this specialization.
Private Practice: Many experienced CMHCs establish private practices, offering greater income potential and schedule flexibility.
Crisis Intervention and Trauma: Counselors with crisis intervention training are in demand at hospitals, crisis centers, and emergency services.
Counseling Compact: Practice Across State Lines
Utah is a member state of the Counseling Compact, a groundbreaking interstate agreement that significantly expands career opportunities for licensed professional counselors.
What Is the Counseling Compact?
The Counseling Compact creates reciprocal practice privileges for licensed professional counselors across member states, addressing mental health workforce shortages and improving access to care. The compact allows you to provide counseling services in other member states without obtaining separate licenses in each state.
Benefits for Utah Counselors
Teletherapy Across States: Provide online counseling to clients in any compact member state without additional licensure.
Temporary Practice: Work temporarily in other compact states for up to 30 days without obtaining that state's license.
Career Flexibility: Relocate to other compact states more easily, with streamlined license recognition.
Expanded Client Base: Serve clients across multiple states from your Utah practice.
Current Compact Member States
As of 2025, 39 states participate in the Counseling Compact, including Utah's neighboring states of Colorado, Idaho (pending), and Nevada. The compact continues to grow, with additional states regularly joining. Visit the Counseling Compact Commission website for the current list of member states and implementation status.
How to Use the Compact
Once you hold a full CMHC license in Utah, you can apply for privilege to practice in other compact states through the compact's online system. The process is streamlined compared to traditional licensure by endorsement and typically involves verifying your Utah license, paying applicable fees, and confirming you meet the compact's eligibility requirements.
Continuing Education and License Renewal
Maintaining your CMHC license requires ongoing professional development and regular renewal.
License Renewal Period
Utah CMHC licenses must be renewed every two years. You'll receive renewal notices from DOPL before your license expiration date.
Continuing Education Requirements
Utah requires 40 hours of continuing education per year for licensed CMHCs, totaling 80 hours for each two-year renewal period.
Ethics and Law Requirement: At least six hours per year (12 hours per renewal period) must focus on ethics or laws related to mental health counseling practice. This ensures you stay current on professional standards and legal obligations.
Approved Providers: Continuing education must come from approved providers such as professional associations, accredited universities, or organizations recognized by DOPL or NBCC.
Professional Development Opportunities
The Utah Mental Health Counselors Association (UMHCA) offers continuing education opportunities, networking events, and professional support for counselors throughout Utah. Membership provides access to workshops, conferences, and resources that help you meet your continuing education requirements while expanding your clinical skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a licensed counselor in Utah?
The complete process typically takes 8-10 years from starting your bachelor's degree to receiving your CMHC license. This includes four years for a bachelor's degree, 2-3 years for a master's degree, and 2-3 years of supervised practice as an ACMHC.
Can I practice counseling in Utah without a license?
No. Utah law requires licensure to practice mental health counseling. You must hold at least an ACMHC license under supervision or a full CMHC license for independent practice. Unlicensed practice of mental health counseling is illegal and subject to penalties.
Do I need a CACREP-accredited degree to become licensed in Utah?
No, but CACREP accreditation is strongly recommended. CACREP-accredited programs automatically meet Utah's educational requirements and may reduce your examination requirements. Non-CACREP programs must demonstrate equivalency through course syllabi and may require additional documentation.
What's the difference between ACMHC and CMHC in Utah?
ACMHC (Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor) is the supervised practice license you hold while completing your 3,000 required post-graduate hours. CMHC (Clinical Mental Health Counselor) is the full professional license allowing independent practice after completing supervision, passing all exams, and meeting all requirements.
How much do licensed counselors make in Utah?
The median annual salary for mental health counselors in Utah is $65,920, according to 2024 BLS data. Salaries range from $34,560 at the 10th percentile to $111,470 at the 90th percentile, depending on experience, specialization, and work setting.
Can I transfer my counseling license to Utah from another state?
Utah offers licensure by endorsement for counselors licensed in other states. You'll need to provide documentation of your out-of-state license in good standing, demonstrate at least 4,000 hours of clinical experience (including 1,000 in mental health therapy), pass a Utah jurisprudence exam, and show a passing score on the NCMHCE. If Utah is a Counseling Compact member state, compact privileges may provide a simpler pathway.
What types of jobs can I get with an ACMHC license?
As an ACMHC, you can work under supervision in various settings, including community mental health centers, hospitals, residential treatment facilities, private practice (under a licensed supervisor), substance abuse treatment centers, and nonprofit counseling agencies. These positions allow you to gain your required supervised hours while earning income.
How many times can I take the NCE or NCMHCE?
You may attempt each exam up to three times within a two-year period. If you don't pass after three attempts, you must wait until the two-year period expires before registering again. The NBCC provides study materials and recommends thorough preparation before each attempt.
Are online counseling programs accepted for Utah licensure?
Yes, Utah accepts degrees from regionally accredited online graduate programs that meet CACREP or CHEA standards and include all required coursework and supervised clinical hours. Verify with Utah DOPL that your chosen program meets requirements before enrolling.
What if I want to specialize in school counseling?
School counselors in Utah follow a separate certification path through the Utah State Board of Education rather than DOPL. While mental health counseling training can be beneficial, school counseling requires specific educator preparation and credentials. Research Utah school counselor certification requirements if you're interested in working specifically in K-12 schools.
Key Takeaways
- Utah requires a 60-credit master's degree from a CACREP or CHEA-accredited program, with CACREP accreditation streamlining the licensure process and potentially reducing exam requirements.
- Post-graduate supervised experience requires 3,000 clinical hours over 2-3 years (not 1,000 hours), with at least 1,000 hours in direct mental health therapy and 100 hours of face-to-face supervision.
- Candidates must pass the NCE and NCMHCE exams (or only NCMHCE for CACREP Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduates), with each exam costing $335 and allowing up to three attempts within two years.
- The complete journey from bachelor's degree to full CMHC licensure typically takes 8-10 years, including education, exams, and supervised practice.
- Mental health counselors in Utah earn a median salary of $65,920 annually (2024 data), with experienced counselors and specialists earning up to $111,470 at the 90th percentile.
- Utah participates in the Counseling Compact, allowing licensed CMHCs to provide teletherapy and temporary services across 39+ member states without additional licenses.
- License maintenance requires 40 continuing education hours per year (80 hours per two-year renewal cycle), with at least 6 hours annually focused on ethics and law.
Ready to Start Your Counseling Career in Utah?
Explore CACREP-accredited counseling programs that meet Utah licensure requirements and match your career goals.
Find Counseling Programs
Additional Resources for Utah Counselors
For more information about related mental health careers in Utah, explore these resources:
- How to Become a Licensed Psychologist in Utah
- Utah Social Work Licensure Guide
- Becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Utah
- Licensed Professional Counseling Careers Nationwide
Official Utah Licensing Authority
For the most current licensure requirements, application forms, and official guidance, visit the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) Clinical Mental Health Counseling page. Utah DOPL is the official regulatory body for mental health counselors and provides authoritative information on all licensing matters.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Health and Mental Health Counselors are based on national and state data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed October 2025.
