How to Become a Psychologist in Utah

Written by Dr. Julian Navarro, PhD, LCSW, Last Updated: October 7, 2025

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Overview: Psychology Careers in Utah

Utah offers promising opportunities for psychology professionals. According to the Utah Department of Workforce Services, mental health occupations are experiencing employment growth that is significantly faster than average, with a high volume of annual job openings. If you're considering a career as a psychologist in the Beehive State, understanding Utah's specific licensing requirements is your first step toward success.

Psychologists play a vital role in helping individuals achieve optimal mental health and overall well-being. This responsibility involves comprehensive assessment, psychological testing, diagnosis, treatment planning, and therapeutic interventions. Due to the significant impact psychologists have on people's lives, Utah maintains strict licensing requirements to ensure that all practitioners meet high professional standards.

Delicate Arch at sunset in Utah, symbolizing career opportunities for psychologists in the Beehive State

The path to becoming a licensed psychologist in Utah typically takes 8-12 years and requires dedication, extensive education, and supervised clinical experience. This guide breaks down each step of the process, from educational requirements through licensure examinations.

Education Requirements for Utah Psychologist Licensing

Utah requires all aspiring psychologists to complete a doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited institution. Your program must be accredited by either the American Psychological Association (APA) or another professional accrediting body approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

You have two doctoral degree options when pursuing a clinical psychology career:

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology – Research-focused degree emphasizing scientific methodology, dissertation research, and preparation for academic or research careers alongside clinical practice
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) – Practice-focused degree emphasizing clinical training, applied psychology, and preparation primarily for direct clinical practice.

Both degrees qualify you for licensure in Utah, though they differ in focus and training emphasis. Your choice depends on your career goals and whether you're more interested in research, academia, or direct clinical practice.

Exception for School Psychologists

Utah offers an alternative pathway for individuals pursuing careers in school psychology. School psychologists can practice with a Master's degree in school psychology, provided they meet Utah's additional requirements for Level 1 or Level 2 school psychologist credentials. This specialized pathway focuses on educational settings and student mental health.

PhD vs PsyD: Choosing Your Path in Utah

Understanding the differences between PhD and PsyD programs helps you make an informed decision about your educational path. Both degrees lead to licensure, but they emphasize different aspects of psychology training.

Factor	PhD in Psychology	PsyD in Psychology
Program Duration	5-7 years	4-6 years
Primary Focus	Research + Clinical Practice	Clinical Practice
Dissertation	An extensive research dissertation is required	Clinical project or shorter dissertation
Funding	Often includes tuition remission and stipends	Typically self-funded through loans
Best For	Research careers, academia, clinical practice	Direct clinical practice, private practice
Clinical Hours	Balanced with research requirements	Emphasis on extensive clinical training

Both degrees are equally respected for clinical licensure in the state of Utah. Your decision should align with your career aspirations, whether you're drawn to research and teaching or prefer to focus entirely on clinical work with clients.

Supervised Professional Experience Requirements

After completing your doctoral degree, you must accumulate 4,000 hours of supervised professional experience before qualifying for full licensure in Utah. This requirement ensures you gain practical, real-world experience under the guidance of licensed professionals.

Supervision Requirements

Your supervised experience must meet specific criteria:

Total hours: 4,000 hours total supervised professional experience
Pre-doctoral hours: Up to 2,000 hours can be completed during your doctoral program (including internship)
Postdoctoral hours: At least 2,000 hours must be completed after earning your doctorate
Duration: Postdoctoral hours must be completed over a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 4 years following your doctoral degree
Supervisor qualifications: Work under a professional certified by the Utah Board as a supervisor of psychology or mental health therapy training, with at least 2 years (4,000 hours) of experience as a licensed psychologist
Supervision ratio: Receive at least 1 hour of supervision for every 20 hours of pre-doctoral training and 1 hour for every 40 hours of postdoctoral training
Status during training: Complete hours while enrolled in an approved doctoral program or licensed as a certified psychology resident in Utah

This supervised experience can take place in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, community mental health centers, or private practices. The experience should provide diverse exposure to different populations, clinical issues, and treatment approaches.

Licensing Examinations for Utah Psychologists

Utah requires two examinations for full psychologist licensure:

1. Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)

The EPPP is a nationally recognized examination administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB). This comprehensive exam tests your knowledge across all areas of professional psychology.

Format: 225 multiple-choice questions
Time limit: 4 hours and 15 minutes
Passing score: Scaled score of 500 (on a range of 200-800). The scaled score is calculated from your raw score, which typically requires answering approximately 70% or more of the questions correctly. Utah follows ASPPB standards for scaled scoring.
Content areas: Biological bases of behavior, cognitive-affective bases, social and cultural bases, growth and development, assessment and diagnosis, treatment and intervention, research methods, and ethical/legal issues

2. Utah Psychologist Law and Ethics Examination

This state-specific jurisprudence exam tests your knowledge of Utah's laws, regulations, and ethical standards governing psychology practice.

Passing score: Typically 75% or higher (confirm current requirements with Utah DOPL, as scoring standards may be updated)
Content: Utah psychology statutes, administrative rules, ethical principles, and state-specific practice standards
Format: Exam format and administration details are determined by Utah DOPL

You can find detailed information about Utah's licensing process and requirements by visiting the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.

Utah Psychology Programs

Utah offers several high-quality doctoral-level psychology programs. When choosing a program, verify it's accredited by the APA or another recognized accrediting body approved by CHEA.

Major Utah Psychology Programs

Brigham Young University (BYU) – Offers APA-accredited PhD programs in clinical psychology and counseling psychology with a strong emphasis on research and clinical training.
University of Utah – Provides APA-accredited PhD programs in clinical psychology, counseling psychology, and school psychology with diverse research opportunities.
Utah State University – Features APA-accredited PhD programs in combined clinical/counseling/school psychology.

You can explore a comprehensive list of campus-based and online psychology degree programs in Utah to find the best fit for your educational goals.

Utah Psychologist and Mental Health Professional Salaries

Psychology and mental health careers in Utah offer competitive compensation that varies significantly based on credential level and specialization.

Mental Health Counselors in Utah (Master's Level)

According to 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data, mental health counselors (typically master's-level professionals) in Utah earn the following:

Percentile	Annual Salary
10th Percentile	$34,560
25th Percentile	$42,210
Median (50th)	$65,920
75th Percentile	$94,630
90th Percentile	$111,470

Licensed Psychologists in Utah (Doctoral Level)

Licensed psychologists with doctoral degrees typically earn significantly higher salaries than those with master's degrees. While state-specific psychologist salary data varies, national BLS data indicate that clinical, counseling, and school psychologists earn a median annual wage of approximately $90,000 to $110,000, with experienced practitioners and those in private practice often exceeding $120,000 annually.

Factors affecting psychologist salaries in Utah include:

Specialization: Neuropsychologists and industrial-organizational psychologists often earn higher salaries
Practice setting: Private practice typically offers a higher earning potential than institutional settings
Geographic location: Urban areas like Salt Lake City generally offer higher compensation
Years of experience: Salary increases significantly with experience and expertise
Additional certifications: Board certifications and specialized training enhance earning potential

Timeline to Become a Licensed Psychologist in Utah

Understanding the complete timeline helps you plan your educational and career path effectively. Here's a realistic breakdown:

Years 1-4: Bachelor's Degree

Complete your undergraduate degree in psychology or a related field. Maintain a strong GPA (3.5+) and gain research or clinical volunteer experience to strengthen your graduate school applications.

Years 5-10: Doctoral Program

Earn your PhD (5-7 years) or PsyD (4-6 years) in psychology. This includes coursework, clinical practicum, comprehensive exams, and completion of the dissertation or clinical project.

Years 11-12: Postdoctoral Supervised Experience

Accumulate your remaining postdoctoral supervised hours (at least 2,000 hours over 2-4 years) while working as a psychology resident. Remember, you can complete up to 2,000 hours during your doctoral program.

Year 12: Licensure Examinations

Pass both the EPPP and Utah Law and Ethics examinations, then submit your application for full licensure.

Total Timeline: 8-12 years from bachelor's degree to full licensure

Many professionals begin practicing under supervision during their doctoral training and continue to accumulate supervised hours post-graduation, which can help streamline the overall timeline.

Career Specializations for Psychologists in Utah

Once licensed, you can pursue various specializations based on your interests and training:

Clinical Psychology – Diagnose and treat mental health disorders, provide psychotherapy, and conduct psychological assessments
Counseling Psychology – Focus on helping individuals with everyday life challenges, career counseling, and personal development
School Psychology – Work in educational settings to support student mental health, learning, and behavioral needs
Neuropsychology – Assess and treat cognitive and behavioral issues related to brain function and neurological conditions.
Child and Adolescent Psychology – Specializes in developmental issues, behavioral problems, and mental health concerns in young people.
Health Psychology – Address psychological factors affecting physical health, chronic illness management, and health behavior change
Forensic Psychology – Apply psychological principles in legal and criminal justice contexts

Additional certifications and specialized training enhance your career prospects and earning potential in these areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a psychologist in Utah?

The complete path takes 8-12 years, comprising 4 years for a bachelor's degree, 4-7 years for a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD), and 2-4 years for postdoctoral supervised experience. Some overlap occurs when supervised hours are accumulated during doctoral training.

Can I practice psychology in Utah with a master's degree in psychology?

You cannot practice as a licensed psychologist with only a master's degree. However, you can work as a licensed professional counselor (LPC) or pursue a career in school psychology with a master's degree and the appropriate certification. Full licensure as a psychologist requires a doctoral degree.

What's the difference between a PhD and PsyD for Utah licensure?

Both degrees qualify you for licensure in the state of Utah. PhDs emphasize research and typically take 5-7 years with funding opportunities, while PsyDs focus on clinical practice, take 4-6 years, and are usually self-funded. Choose based on whether you want research/academic careers (PhD) or primarily clinical practice (PsyD).

How much does the EPPP exam cost?

The EPPP exam costs approximately $687 for the standard administration. Additional fees may apply for score transfers, practice exams, and late registration. Check the ASPPB website for current pricing.

Can I get licensed in Utah if I attended school in another state?

Yes, as long as your doctoral program is accredited by the APA or another accrediting body approved by CHEA. Utah recognizes accredited programs from any state. You'll still need to meet Utah's specific supervised experience and examination requirements.

What is the EPPP passing score in Utah?

Utah accepts the ASPPB-recommended passing score of 500, which falls within a scaled score range of 200-800. The scaled score is calculated from your raw score (the actual percentage of questions answered correctly, typically requiring 70% or higher). Utah follows ASPPB standards for scaled scoring to ensure consistency across all states. Check with the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing for the most current requirements.

Do I need malpractice insurance to practice in the state of Utah?

While not always legally required, professional liability insurance is strongly recommended and often required by employers. Most psychologists carry malpractice insurance to protect themselves from potential lawsuits.

Can I do telepsychology in Utah?

Yes, Utah allows telepsychology services. You must be licensed in Utah to provide services to clients physically located in Utah, even if you're providing services remotely. Comply with HIPAA regulations and Utah's telepsychology guidelines.

How do I maintain my psychology license in the state of Utah?

Utah requires license renewal every two years. You must complete continuing education requirements, which typically include 40 hours of approved continuing education credits, including specific ethics training. Check with the Utah Department of Public Health for exact requirements.

What's the job outlook for psychologists in Utah?

The Utah Department of Workforce Services reports that psychology and mental health occupations are experiencing employment growth significantly faster than average, with high volumes of annual job openings. Demand for mental health services continues to increase across Utah.

Can I open a private practice immediately after I am licensed?

Technically, yes, but most psychologists gain additional experience working in established settings first. Starting a private practice requires business knowledge, client referral sources, insurance credentialing, and financial stability during the startup phase.

Does Utah offer reciprocity with other states?

Utah participates in the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT), which facilitates practice across state lines through two types of authority: the Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) for providing telepsychology services to clients in multiple compact states, and Temporary Authorization to Practice (TAP) for providing temporary in-person, face-to-face psychological services in other compact states. Each requires separate applications and has specific requirements. Check the current PSYPACT member states and the application process through ASPPB.

Key Takeaways

Essential Points for Becoming a Psychologist in Utah

Education: A Doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) from an APA-accredited program is required for full psychologist licensure
Experience: Complete 4,000 total hours of supervised professional experience (up to 2,000 pre-doctoral, minimum 2,000 postdoctoral over 2-4 years)
Examinations: Pass both the EPPP (scaled score of 500) and Utah Law and Ethics exam (typically 75% minimum)
Timeline: Plan for 8-12 years total from bachelor's degree to full licensure
Salary: Master's-level mental health counselors in Utah earn a median of $65,920, while doctoral-level psychologists typically earn $90,000-$110,000+
Programs: Utah offers multiple APA-accredited doctoral programs at BYU, the University of Utah, and Utah State University
School Psychology Exception: Master's-level school psychologists can practice with Level 1 or Level 2 certification
Career Options: Specializations include clinical, counseling, school, neuropsychology, child/adolescent, health, and forensic psychology
Growth Outlook: Psychology careers in Utah show much faster than average job growth, with high demand

Ready to Start Your Psychology Career in Utah?

Becoming a licensed psychologist in Utah requires significant dedication, but the reward of helping others achieve better mental health makes the journey worthwhile. With strong job growth, competitive salaries, and diverse career opportunities, Utah offers an excellent environment for psychology professionals.

Start by researching accredited psychology programs in Utah that align with your career goals. Whether you choose a research-focused PhD or practice-oriented PsyD, ensure your program meets Utah's accreditation requirements. Connect with current students, attend program open houses, and speak with admissions counselors to find the best fit for you.

For the most current licensing requirements, application procedures, and fee schedules, visit the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing website or contact them directly with specific questions about your situation.