How to become a Counselor in Utah

Below are basic guidelines for those wishing to earn their counseling certification in Utah. Most of these requirements, such as earning your Master’s degree, completing 3000 hours of supervised experience and passing the Clinical Mental Health Counseling examination, are likely to continue to be mandatory in the Utah counseling licensure process. However, it is wise to contact the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing at (801) 530-6628 to make sure you are on the right track.

I’m a High School Graduate

In an increasingly complex world, counselors are becoming more and more in demand. Where is the world economy headed? How can we deal with our specific issues with depression, mental illness, substance abuse, or family related issues? Counselors need to be highly open minded and equipped with a large set of skills to effectively help clients. It takes a large amount of motivation and discipline to arrive at the point where you can be an effective Utah counselor.

However, as a high school graduate researching Utah counseling certification requirements, you are showing a great amount of both motivation and discipline. The next step for you should be to learn more about how you can advance your level of education.

You can either begin by enrolling in an associate’s degree program or enrolling immediately in a four year bachelor’s degree program.

Click on the links below to browse schools offering psychology and counseling degree programs!

Once you have enrolled in a program, take advantage of your school’s career services department and learn how you can find employment or volunteer opportunities that are related to the counseling career path.

Already Received Bachelor’s Degree

You’re getting closer! Utah counseling certification requirements state that all applicants must possess a minimum of a master’s degree in counseling or a related field. Get in touch with schools offering counseling programs in Utah to get started.

Step One:

Utah counseling licensure requires at least 2 years, or 4000 hours, of supervised professional work experience. In addition, these hours should be completed over a period of no less than 2 years.

For more information and details about qualifying supervisors and supervised experience specifics, click on the links under “Statutes and Rules” section on the following Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing webpage.

Step Two:

Pass the National Counselor Examination and the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination, as well as the Utah Professional Counselor Law, Rules and Ethics Examination. Information about the national exams is available on the NBCC website.

Contact the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing for more information about the state administered exam. Contact information can be found by clicking here.

Step Three:

Once all requirements have been met, submit an application for Utah counseling certification to the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. Include all supporting forms and fees as stated on the application. The Utah DOPL should notify you of your licensure status once they have reviewed your application packet.

Download the Utah counseling licensure application here.

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