As in some other states, counselors in Utah who have completed their licensure are known as licensed clinical mental health counselors (LCMHCs). Utah counselors who are still in the supervision portion of the licensure process are referred to as associate clinical mental health counselors (ACMHCs), and those who have yet to finish their coursework requirements may be called ACMHC externs.

The state’s premier professional organization for LCMHCs is the Utah Mental Health Counselors Association, a local member of the American Mental Health Counselors Association whose mission is “to enhance the profession of mental health counseling through licensing, advocacy, education, and professional development in the state of Utah.” Licensure for Utah LCMHCs is managed by the state Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, a division of the Utah Department of Commerce.

Licensure requirements for counselors in Utah, including education, supervision, examination, fees, renewal and “licensure by endorsement,” are examined in further detail below, along with salary information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics scholarship opportunities and loan repayment programs available to LCMHCs in the state.

Licensure as a mental health counselor in Utah (PDF, 63 KB) requires the completion of a master’s or doctoral degree in clinical mental health counseling or counselor education and supervision from a program accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Appropriate degree programs will be at least 60 semester hours in length and include coursework in each of the following areas for at least two semester hours:

Additional coursework includes:

In addition to the coursework listed above, Utah LCMHC licensure also requires the completion of an internship or practicum at least four semester hours in length. This must include a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised clinical training, of which at least 400 hours must be in providing mental health counseling directly to clients.

This requirement is distinct from post-graduate supervision, which is also necessary for LPC licensure in Utah.

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“Supervision” is shorthand for directed, post-graduate experience in professional counseling under supervision (PDF, 58.9 KB) in a work setting. Utah requires LCMHCs to complete 4,000 hours of supervision in no less than two years.

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LCMHC licensure in Utah (PDF, 63 KB) requires a passing score the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). The NCMHCE tests knowledge of assessment, diagnosis, counseling, psychotherapy, administration, consultation, and supervision. It consists of 10 clinical mental health counseling cases and assesses clinical problem-solving ability by testing identification, analysis, and treatment. It is administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors.

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Utah LCMHCs can expect to pay the following fees for their license, application and renewal (PDF, 154 KB):

LCMHC Application: $120

CMHC Application: $85

LCMHC Biennial License Renewal: $93

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Utah LCMHC licenses expire biennially on September 30 of each even-numbered year. License renewal requires payment of the appropriate fees and the completion of continuing education.

LCMHCs in Utah are required to complete 40 hours of continuing education (CE) (PDF, 63 KB) during each two-year renewal cycle. At least six of these hours must focus on ethics and laws governing professional counseling. A maximum of 10 hours per cycle can be obtained through teaching, supervision, distance learning, clinical readings, and Internet-based courses. Up to 10 hours of excess can be carried over and applied to the next renewal term.

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For Counselors Licensed in Other States

The Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing has an alternative route to licensure (PDF, 58.9 KB) for counselors who have already obtained their licenses in other states. This process is called “licensure by endorsement.” Out-of-state applicants must submit an application, pay appropriate fees, provide proof of an active license that is in good standing, submit at least 4,000 documented clinical counseling hours with 1,000 in mental health therapy, pass a specific jurisprudence examination, and prove a passing score on the NCMHCE.

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The following types of Utah counselors can expect to earn these mean hourly and annual wages, according to May 2021 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

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The following scholarships and loan repayment programs are available to Utah LCMHCs:

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*Licensure information including requirements, renewals, scholarships and fees, was retrieved as of May 2022. Information may have changed since check with the state’s board of licensing for more information.

Last Updated: May 2022