Best Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs in Utah, Ranked (2026)
The 5 APA-accredited clinical psychology doctoral programs in Utah for 2026, with cohort sizes, the 4,000 supervised hours (up to 2,000 pre-doctoral + at least 2,000 post-doctoral), EPPP plus the Utah Psychologist Law and Ethics Examination, and Utah's founding PSYPACT status (since March 2017).
Key Takeaways
- Utah has 5 APA-accredited doctoral psychology programs. University of Utah hosts 3 programs (Clinical PhD, Counseling PhD continuously since 1957, School PhD also NASP-approved with ABA specialty track for BCBA eligibility). Brigham Young University (BYU, Provo) hosts 2 programs (Clinical PhD continuously since 1971 + Counseling Psychology PhD via CPSE). Utah State University (USU, Logan) hosts the unique Combined Clinical/Counseling specialization (APA-accredited since 1975) plus a new School Psychology specialization (initial accreditation May 11, 2021 to May 11, 2026 on contingency).
- Utah has zero APA-accredited PsyD programs. All 5 APA programs are PhDs. Southern Utah University (SUU) offers Utah's only PsyD but it is NOT APA-accredited.
- Utah licenses psychologists through the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), Psychology Licensing Board under Utah Code 58-61 and Utah Admin. Code R156-61. Required supervised experience is 4,000 hours total: up to 2,000 hours pre-doctoral (including APA-accredited internship) + at least 2,000 hours post-doctoral. Pre-doctoral applicants may accrue any portion of the 4,000 hours during the doctoral program (per R156-61-302b).
- Exam sequence is the EPPP (passing scaled score 500; $600 registration; two retakes permitted with 60-day waiting periods) plus the Utah Psychologist Law and Ethics Examination (state jurisprudence exam administered by Prov at utahboi.provexam.com/UtahPsychology; passing score 75%; $72).
- Fees: Initial license application $200 non-refundable; biennial renewal $128. Licenses expire September 30 every two years (even-numbered years).
- Utah is a founding PSYPACT state. Senate Bill 106 enacted March 17, 2017 under Gov. Gary R. Herbert, sponsored by Sen. Brian E. Shiozawa; effective July 1, 2020. Utah was one of the earliest jurisdictions to enact PSYPACT, bringing the compact to operational status.
- Utah pays well above the national median for psychologists. BLS May 2024 Clinical and Counseling Psychologists state mean is $112,390; Salt Lake City-Murray metro mean is $124,860 (well above the national 19-3033 median of $96,100). School Psychologists state mean $73,450. Psychologists All Other state mean $102,820.
- Utah State Hospital in Provo is one of the oldest psychiatric hospitals in the western United States. Opened as the Territorial Insane Asylum July 15, 1885; currently 324 beds; reached 140th anniversary in 2025. Operated by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services.
Utah runs a deep APA-accredited doctoral psychology training landscape with 5 programs at 3 institutions (University of Utah, BYU, USU). University of Utah Clinical Psychology PhD (Department of Psychology, Social and Behavioral Science Building) uses the Clinical Science training model. Approximately 4 to 6 students per year from 300 to 400 applications. 6 years to completion (5 years on-campus + 1-year full-time pre-doctoral internship). PhD students receive the Tuition Benefit Program (TBP) with nonresident waiver applied. GRE permanently waived citing "limitations and bias of standardized tests" and moving to holistic admissions review. Concentrations: Clinical Child and Family, Clinical Health/Behavioral Medicine, Clinical Neuropsychology, Human Sexuality. Cross-area Health Psychology program. Affiliations: University of Utah Hospital, George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center, Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI), UU School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry.
University of Utah Counseling Psychology PhD (Department of Educational Psychology, Sorenson Arts and Education Complex) has been continuously APA-accredited since 1957. Scientist-practitioner model. 5+ years including 1-year pre-doctoral internship (slightly less with prior master's in counseling). At least 1,000 supervised hours across practica. Multicultural and socially just practice emphasis. University of Utah School Psychology PhD (also in Educational Psychology) is APA-accredited and NASP-approved. At least 5 academic years of full-time study beyond baccalaureate; 108 semester hours total coursework; 2,000-hour internship in school psychology. Specialty track in Applied Behavior Analysis providing BCBA-eligible coursework; training in behavioral assessment, traumatic brain injury, autism spectrum disorder, and school-based mental health.
Brigham Young University (BYU) Clinical Psychology PhD (Department of Psychology, Spencer W. Kimball Tower) has been continuously APA-accredited since 1971. Most recent re-accreditation granted for 10 years (the longest period APA allows). Scientist-practitioner model. ~7 to 8 students per year. Tuition: LDS graduate rate $4,336/semester; non-LDS graduate rate $8,672/semester (twice LDS rate). 5 years to completion (4 years coursework/research/clinical + 1-year full-time paid internship, generally outside Utah). GRE REQUIRED (Utah's only Clinical PhD that still requires GRE; applicants whose undergraduate degree is not psychology must complete prerequisites or submit GRE Psychology Subject Test). Median entrance GPA 3.89. Affiliations: BYU Comprehensive Clinic, Counseling and Psychological Services, LDS Family Services, Utah State Hospital, APPIC internship matches outside Utah. BYU is owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
BYU Counseling Psychology PhD (Department of Counseling Psychology and Special Education, David O. McKay School of Education) is APA-accredited. 82 semester hours coursework + 24 hours practicum/clerkship + 18 hours dissertation + 8 hours pre-doctoral internship credit. ~3 to 5 students per year. GRE NOT required. Average entrance GPA 3.72. Application deadline January 2. Religion/psychology integration core requirement plus counseling psychology core. Program commits to provide support so non-LDS students pay the same tuition as LDS students.
Utah State University (USU) Combined Clinical/Counseling Specialization PhD (Department of Psychology, Education Building, Logan) has been continuously APA-accredited since 1975 (originally as Combined Clinical/Counseling/School). 5 years on campus (didactic, research, clinical). ~6 to 8 students per year. GRE NOT required. Tuition: ~$7,828/year resident / ~$24,773/year non-resident; PhD students typically receive full tuition + monthly stipend via assistantships. Rural/agricultural mental health focus; USU Sorenson Legacy Foundation Center for Clinical Excellence (Sorenson Center). USU School Psychology Specialization PhD: initial APA accreditation May 11, 2021 to May 11, 2026 (5 years), status "accredited, on contingency". Program established 2018-19; 16 full-time students currently enrolled; 4-5 years on campus. GRE NOT required.
The Utah DOPL Psychology Licensing Board path under Utah Admin. Code R156-61-302b requires a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) from an APA-accredited program, 4,000 hours total supervised psychology training (up to 2,000 hours pre-doctoral including APA-accredited internship + at least 2,000 hours post-doctoral; 1:20 pre-doctoral supervision ratio, 1:40 post-doctoral; full-time capped 40 hrs/week, part-time 20 hrs/week, minimum 2-year timeline regardless), the EPPP (passing scaled score 500), and the Utah Psychologist Law and Ethics Examination (administered by Prov, 75% passing, $72). Initial application $200; biennial renewal $128 (licenses expire September 30 even-numbered years). Intermediate Certified Psychology Resident license available during post-doctoral hours. Total timeline from start of bachelor's through full licensure typically runs 8 to 12 years.
Utah has been a founding PSYPACT state since March 17, 2017 (SB 106 enacted under Gov. Herbert, sponsored by Sen. Shiozawa). UT psychologists holding the E.Passport plus APIT/IPC can practice telepsychology across all 40+ PSYPACT member states. Combined with one of the highest psychologist wages in the country (Salt Lake City-Murray mean $124,860) and the rapidly growing Intermountain Health and University of Utah Health systems, Utah offers exceptional career economics for licensed psychologists.
APA-Accredited Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs in Utah
All 7 programs ranked in this guide, with tuition, format, and accreditation at a glance.
| # | School | In-State Tuition | Format | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Utah (Clinical PhD) | ~$8,724/year (resident); ~$311/credit-hour. PhD students receive the Tuition Benefit Program (TBP) with nonresident waiver applied | On-campus | |
| 2 | University of Utah (Counseling Psychology PhD) | ~$8,724/year (resident); PhD students typically funded via assistantships + TBP | On-campus | |
| 3 | University of Utah (School Psychology PhD) | ~$8,724/year (resident) | On-campus | |
| 4 | Brigham Young University (BYU Clinical PhD) | LDS graduate rate: $4,336/semester; Non-LDS graduate rate: $8,672/semester (program commits to provide support so non-LDS students pay the same tuition as LDS students) | On-campus | |
| 5 | Brigham Young University (BYU Counseling Psychology PhD) | LDS $4,336/semester; Non-LDS $8,672/semester (partial-tuition scholarships awarded based on merit/need through pre-internship years) | On-campus | |
| 6 | Utah State University (Combined Clinical/Counseling PhD) | ~$7,828/year (resident); ~$330/credit; PhD students typically receive full tuition + monthly stipend via assistantships | On-campus | |
| 7 | Utah State University (School Psychology PhD) | ~$7,828/year (resident); tuition + assistantship typical | On-campus |
University of Utah (Clinical PhD)
In-State
~$8,724/year (resident); ~$311/credit-hour. PhD students receive the Tuition Benefit Program (TBP) with nonresident waiver applied
Out-of-State
~$27,983/year (non-resident); ~$1,095/credit-hour; same with TBP funding
Length
6 years (5 years on-campus coursework/supervised experience + 1-year APA-accredited internship)
Field Hours
2,000 on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum at University of Utah Hospital, George E. Wahlen VA, Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI), UU School of Medicine Psychiatry
Concentrations
- Clinical Science training model
- ~4 to 6 students per year from 300-400 applications
- GRE PERMANENTLY WAIVED citing "limitations and bias of standardized tests"; holistic admissions review
- PhD students receive Tuition Benefit Program (TBP) with nonresident waiver
- Affiliations with University of Utah Hospital, George E. Wahlen VA, Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI), UU School of Medicine Psychiatry
University of Utah (Counseling Psychology PhD)
In-State
~$8,724/year (resident); PhD students typically funded via assistantships + TBP
Out-of-State
~$27,983/year (non-resident); same with funding
Length
5+ years including full-year APA-accredited internship
Field Hours
1,000+ supervised hours across practica + APA-accredited internship
Concentrations
- Continuously APA-accredited since 1957
- Scientist-practitioner model
- Multicultural and socially just practice emphasis
- At least 1,000 supervised hours across practica
- Affiliations with University of Utah Counseling Center and George E. Wahlen VA
University of Utah (School Psychology PhD)
In-State
~$8,724/year (resident)
Out-of-State
~$27,983/year (non-resident)
Length
At least 5 academic years of full-time study beyond baccalaureate; 108 semester hours total
Field Hours
2,000-hour internship in school psychology
Concentrations
- APA-accredited School Psychology PhD with NASP approval
- Specialty track in Applied Behavior Analysis providing BCBA-eligible coursework
- 108 semester hours total + 2,000-hour internship
- Training in behavioral assessment, traumatic brain injury, autism spectrum disorder, school-based mental health
- Part of UU Department of Educational Psychology
Brigham Young University (BYU Clinical PhD)
In-State
LDS graduate rate: $4,336/semester; Non-LDS graduate rate: $8,672/semester (program commits to provide support so non-LDS students pay the same tuition as LDS students)
Out-of-State
Same flat private rate
Length
5 years (4 years coursework/research/clinical + 1-year full-time paid internship, generally outside Utah)
Field Hours
1,500+ on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum at BYU Comprehensive Clinic, BYU Counseling and Psychological Services, LDS Family Services, Utah State Hospital
Concentrations
- Continuously APA-accredited since 1971; most recent re-accreditation granted for 10 years (the longest APA allows)
- ~7 to 8 students per year
- GRE REQUIRED (Utah's only Clinical PhD that still requires GRE)
- Median entrance GPA 3.89
- LDS $4,336/semester; non-LDS $8,672/semester (program commits to support so non-LDS pay LDS rates); APPIC internship matches outside Utah
Brigham Young University (BYU Counseling Psychology PhD)
In-State
LDS $4,336/semester; Non-LDS $8,672/semester (partial-tuition scholarships awarded based on merit/need through pre-internship years)
Out-of-State
Same flat private rate
Length
82 semester hours coursework + 24 hours practicum/clerkship + 18 hours dissertation + 8 hours pre-doctoral internship credit
Field Hours
24-hour practicum/clerkship + APA-accredited internship
Concentrations
- APA-accredited Counseling Psychology PhD
- ~3 to 5 students per year
- GRE NOT required; average entrance GPA 3.72
- Application deadline January 2
- Religion/psychology integration core requirement; graduates typically place into college/university counseling centers, faculty positions, agencies, or private practice
Utah State University (Combined Clinical/Counseling PhD)
In-State
~$7,828/year (resident); ~$330/credit; PhD students typically receive full tuition + monthly stipend via assistantships
Out-of-State
~$24,773/year (non-resident); ~$1,145/credit; same with funding
Length
5 years on campus (didactic, research, clinical); full-time in-residence required
Field Hours
1,500+ on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum at USU Sorenson Legacy Foundation Center for Clinical Excellence
Concentrations
- Continuously APA-accredited since 1975 (originally as Combined Clinical/Counseling/School)
- ~6 to 8 students per year
- GRE NOT required
- PhD students typically receive full tuition + monthly stipend via assistantships
- Rural/agricultural mental health focus; Sorenson Legacy Foundation Center for Clinical Excellence
Utah State University (School Psychology PhD)
In-State
~$7,828/year (resident); tuition + assistantship typical
Out-of-State
~$24,773/year (non-resident); same with funding
Length
4 to 5 years on campus
Field Hours
1,500+ on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum
Concentrations
- Initial APA accreditation May 11, 2021 to May 11, 2026 (5 years); status "accredited, on contingency"
- Program established academic year 2018-19
- 16 full-time students currently enrolled
- GRE NOT required
- Part of USU Department of Psychology
How to Become a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Utah
The licensing board, exam pathway, and supervised hours you'll need to practice independently.
Licensing Board
Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), Psychology Licensing Board
(801) 530-6628
Utah regulates psychologists through the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), Psychology Licensing Board under Utah Code 58-61 and Utah Admin. Code R156-61.
Education requirement is a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) from an APA-accredited program in psychology.
Required supervised experience is 4,000 hours total supervised psychology training (per Utah Admin. Code R156-61-302b and Utah Code 58-61-304(1)(e)): up to 2,000 hours pre-doctoral (including APA-accredited internship) + at least 2,000 hours post-doctoral. Supervision ratio: pre-doctoral 1 hour supervision per 20 hours training; post-doctoral 1 hour supervision per 40 hours training. Full-time training capped at 40 hrs/week; part-time at 20 hrs/week. Minimum 2-year timeline regardless. Pre-doctoral applicants MAY accrue any portion of the 4,000 hours during the doctoral program. An intermediate Certified Psychology Resident license is available for supervised work while completing post-doctoral hours.
Exam sequence is the EPPP (passing scaled score 500; $600 registration; two retakes permitted with 60-day waiting periods) plus the Utah Psychologist Law and Ethics Examination (state jurisprudence exam administered by Prov at utahboi.provexam.com/UtahPsychology; passing score 75%; $72).
Fees: Initial license application $200 non-refundable; biennial renewal $128. Licenses expire September 30 every two years (even-numbered years); DOPL mails renewal notice ≥60 days before expiration. Total timeline runs 8 to 12 years post-bachelor's.
Supervised pre-doctoral training (up to 2,000 hours during doctoral program)
Supervised practice during the doctoral program under faculty and site supervision; not a separate Board credential
Hours
N/A
Duration
Associate
Exam: Not applicable
Certified Psychology Resident (intermediate credential)
Supervised work while completing post-doctoral hours toward full licensure
Hours
2,000
Duration
At least 2,000 hours post-doctoral with 1:40 supervision ratio
Exam: EPPP may be pending
Licensed Psychologist
Independent practice, mental health diagnosis and treatment, psychological testing and assessment, supervision of trainees, expert testimony, telepsychology under PSYPACT for UT LPs holding APIT/IPC
Hours
4,000
Duration
Up to 2,000 hours pre-doctoral + at least 2,000 hours post-doctoral; minimum 2-year timeline; pre-doctoral 1:20 supervision, post-doctoral 1:40
Exam: EPPP (passing scaled score 500) + Utah Psychologist Law and Ethics Examination (75% passing, $72)
Utah does not offer automatic reciprocity. Out-of-state applicants must complete the Utah Psychologist Law and Ethics Examination.
Utah is a founding PSYPACT state. Senate Bill 106 enacted March 17, 2017 under Gov. Gary R. Herbert, sponsored by Sen. Brian E. Shiozawa; effective July 1, 2020. Utah was one of the earliest jurisdictions to enact PSYPACT, bringing the compact to operational status. UT LPs holding the E.Passport and APIT/IPC can practice telepsychology across all 40+ PSYPACT member states.
Clinical Psychologist Salary in Utah
BLS state median wages by counseling specialty, with national comparison and top-paying metros.
Utah pays well above the national median for psychologists. The BLS Utah OEWS May 2024 shows Clinical and Counseling Psychologists (SOC 19-3033) at a state mean of $112,390; Salt Lake City-Murray metro mean is $124,860. School Psychologists (SOC 19-3034) state mean is $73,450. Psychologists All Other (SOC 19-3039) state mean is $102,820. Postsecondary Psychology Teachers state mean is $99,320. National median for SOC 19-3033 is $96,100.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists (SOC 19-3033)
National median: $96,100
Top metro: $124,860 mean (May 2024) (Salt Lake City-Murray)
School Psychologists (SOC 19-3034)
National median: $86,930
Top metro: $77,450 (Salt Lake City metro)
Psychologists, All Other (SOC 19-3039)
National median: National mean ~$120,000
Top metro: Verify with BLS (Salt Lake City)
Utah Clinical Psychology Job Market and Top Employers
Major employers, mental health shortage context, and loan repayment programs that erase debt for service.
Utah has a deep psychology employment market driven by two major nonprofit health systems plus aggressive Wasatch Front growth. Major employers fall into five buckets.
Health systems: Intermountain Health (HQ Salt Lake City; the largest nonprofit health system in the Intermountain West; 33 hospitals + 385 clinics across Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming; 64,000+ employees system-wide post-2022 SCL Health merger), University of Utah Health (Utah's only academic health care system; Mountain West's only academic health system; 5 hospitals + 12 community health centers; flagship University of Utah Hospital has 613 inpatient beds; 14,000+ faculty and staff; includes Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI)), MountainStar Healthcare (HCA Healthcare division), Steward Health Care (multiple Utah hospitals), Lakeview Hospital (Bountiful).
State government / state psychiatric: Utah State Hospital (1300 East Center Street, Provo; state psychiatric facility opened as Territorial Insane Asylum July 15, 1885; currently 324 beds; reached 140th anniversary in 2025; one of the oldest psychiatric hospitals in the western United States; operated by Department of Health and Human Services), Utah State Developmental Center (USDC) (American Fork, established 1931; state-operated ICF for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities), and Utah Department of Corrections (Utah State Correctional Facility in Salt Lake City and Central Utah Correctional Facility in Gunnison).
VA: George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (500 Foothill Drive, Salt Lake City; APA-accredited psychology internship site; affiliated training site for University of Utah School of Medicine psychiatry residency).
K-12 school districts (largest employers of school psychologists): Alpine School District (Utah County; the largest district in Utah with ~80,953 students and 91 schools), Davis School District (Davis County; ~71,428 students, 7,354 staff), Granite School District (Salt Lake County; ~60,000 students, 7,500+ employees, 56 elementary + 15 junior high + 8 high schools), Jordan School District (~57,800 students, ~8,500 employees), Canyons School District (split from Jordan SD in 2009; ~34,000 students, 50 schools, 6,000 employees), Salt Lake City School District, Provo City School District, and Ogden School District.
Academic employers: University of Utah (Psychology, Educational Psychology, School of Medicine Psychiatry, Huntsman Mental Health Institute, UU Counseling Center), Brigham Young University (Psychology Department, CPSE, Comprehensive Clinic, Counseling and Psychological Services), Utah State University (Psychology Department, Sorenson Legacy Foundation Center for Clinical Excellence), Westminster University, Weber State University, Utah Valley University, and Southern Utah University (Cedar City; hosts Utah's only PsyD but it is NOT APA-accredited).
Loan Repayment & Scholarship Programs
Utah Behavioral Health Workforce Loan Repayment Program (BHWLRP): Administered by Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Primary Care and Rural Health. Behavioral healthcare professionals (including health service psychologists) eligible. Award range $15,000 to $120,000 (Utah Health Care Workforce Financial Assistance Program range). 3-year service commitment at participating sites in medically underserved areas. Site match 10% of award amount. Funding: 45% HRSA/HHS funded, 55% Utah Legislature funded.
NHSC Loan Repayment Program: Federal program. Eligible Utah providers include health service psychologists. Up to $50,000 for 2-year full-time service at NHSC-approved site in HPSA. NHSC Substance Use Disorder Workforce LRP and NHSC Rural Community LRP also available to Utah behavioral health professionals at qualifying sites.
VA Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center employed psychologists can qualify for EDRP awards up to $200,000 over 5 years.
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): UT psychologists employed full-time by qualifying 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government agencies (state/federal/VA/Indian Health Service), public schools, public hospitals (Utah State Hospital, University of Utah Health, Intermountain nonprofit hospitals) qualify for PSLF after 120 qualifying payments.
Utah High Wage Context: Combined with Salt Lake City-Murray psychologist mean of $124,860 (well above the national median of $96,100), Utah provides exceptional career economics for licensed psychologists even before loan repayment.
How to Choose a Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program in Utah
Decision factors that actually matter, not generic checklist filler.
Choosing a Utah clinical psychology doctoral program comes down to four levers: the U of Utah vs BYU vs USU institution choice, training model (Clinical Science vs Scientist-Practitioner vs Combined), specialization (Clinical vs Counseling vs School), and faith-based vs secular setting (BYU has unique faith-based perspective). Here is how to actually narrow it down.
If you want a Clinical Science PhD with GRE permanently waived: University of Utah Clinical PhD (Clinical Science model; UU Department of Psychology has permanently waived GRE citing "limitations and bias of standardized tests"; Clinical Child and Family, Clinical Health/Behavioral Medicine, Clinical Neuropsychology concentrations; HMHI affiliation).
If you want a Counseling Psychology PhD with deep history: University of Utah Counseling Psychology PhD continuously APA-accredited since 1957. Scientist-practitioner with multicultural and socially just practice emphasis.
If you want a School Psychology PhD with BCBA-eligible coursework: University of Utah School Psychology PhD. APA + NASP. Specialty track in Applied Behavior Analysis providing BCBA-eligible coursework. 108 semester hours + 2,000-hour internship.
If you want a Clinical PhD with faith-based perspective: BYU Clinical Psychology PhD continuously APA-accredited since 1971; most recent re-accreditation granted the maximum 10-year period; ~7 to 8 students/year; GRE REQUIRED (Utah's only Clinical PhD that still requires GRE). LDS $4,336/semester; non-LDS $8,672/semester (program commits to support non-LDS students at LDS tuition rates).
If you want a Counseling Psychology PhD with religion/psychology integration: BYU Counseling Psychology PhD via CPSE McKay School. Religion/psychology integration core requirement. ~3 to 5 students per year. GRE NOT required. Application deadline January 2.
If you want the unique Combined Clinical/Counseling PhD: Utah State University Combined Clinical/Counseling Psychology PhD continuously APA-accredited since 1975. Rural/agricultural mental health focus. PhD students typically receive full tuition + monthly stipend. GRE NOT required.
If you want a new School Psychology specialization at USU: USU School Psychology PhD with initial accreditation May 11, 2021 to May 11, 2026 (on contingency). 16 full-time students currently enrolled. GRE NOT required.
If you want maximum PSYPACT leverage: Utah has been a founding PSYPACT state since March 17, 2017 (SB 106 under Gov. Herbert, sponsored by Sen. Shiozawa, effective July 1, 2020). UT LPs with APIT/IPC can practice telepsychology across 40+ PSYPACT jurisdictions.
If you want high-wage psychology employment: Utah pays well above the national median. Salt Lake City-Murray Clinical and Counseling Psychologists mean is $124,860 (vs. national $96,100). Intermountain Health (33 hospitals across 6 states), University of Utah Health, and HMHI provide deep employer infrastructure.
Caveats worth knowing before applying: Utah has zero APA-accredited PsyD programs. All 5 APA programs are PhDs. Southern Utah University (SUU) offers Utah's only PsyD but it is NOT APA-accredited. Research did NOT confirm Utah has eliminated post-doctoral supervised hours; current Utah Admin Code R156-61-302b still references 4,000 total hours including post-doctoral with 1:40 supervision (verify with DOPL). BYU is owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; expect faith-based content in CPSE Counseling PhD curriculum.
Related Pages
Counseling Programs in Utah
CACREP-accredited counseling programs and the Utah LMFT/LCPC licenses, a master's alternative to the 7-year clinical psychology doctorate
MSW Programs in Utah
CSWE-accredited social work programs and Utah LCSW licensure
ABA Programs in Utah
BACB-verified course sequences and Utah BCBA practice (includes UU School Psych PhD ABA specialty track)
Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs by State
Browse APA-accredited clinical psychology doctoral programs (PhD and PsyD) in every state
Sources
- APA Commission on Accreditation, Accredited Programs Directory
- Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), Psychology
- Utah Admin Code R156-61-302b
- PSYPACT, Compact Map
- Utah SB 106 (PSYPACT Final Bill)
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS Utah Estimates
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, Psychologists
- Utah Behavioral Health Workforce LRP
- NHSC Loan Repayment Program
- University of Utah Clinical Psychology PhD
- BYU Clinical Psychology PhD
- USU Combined Clinical/Counseling Psychology
- Utah State Hospital History