Best and Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Utah
Utah has three not-for-profit colleges and universities that offer graduate programs in clinical mental health counseling (CMHC). Students complete their training in traditional, campus-based formats designed to provide structured, in-person clinical preparation. These degrees provide the academic foundation required for Utah’s Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC) credential. This guide highlights reputable Utah CMHC programs, along with information on job outlook, salary trends, and professional organizations that support counselors in the state.
Table of Contents
- Utah MHC Program Comparison
- Best MHC Program
- Most Affordable MHC Programs
- Utah MHC Salary and Outlook Information
- Additional Resources
Comparison of Utah Schools With Mental Health Counseling Programs
The table below compares three Utah mental health counseling programs across key factors, including accreditation status, institution type, program format, US News & World Report rankings, in-state and out-of-state tuition, and total number of credit hours required. All institutions listed below are not-for-profit. If we’ve missed a Utah school with a mental health counseling program, please let us know. For more information on these schools, please visit our Utah counseling degrees page, master’s in mental health counseling degree guide, or individual school websites.
| School Name | Accreditation2,3 | MHC Degrees Offered | Program Format | US News National Rank4 | In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour | Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour | Total Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Utah | MPCAC | M.Ed. CMHC | Traditional | #151 tie | $301 | $1,058 | 60 |
| Utah Valley University | — | MS CMHC | Traditional | — | $421 | $1,096 | 60 |
| Westminster University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | — | $1,020 | $1,020 | 61 |
Best Mental Health Counseling Program in Utah
The school below offers the top-ranked mental health counseling program in Utah, as determined by program accreditation and third-party school ratings. Tiebreakers are determined by total in-state program cost.
University of Utah
The University of Utah (U of U) offers a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC), a campus-based program designed to prepare students for professional counseling practice and licensure. The curriculum blends counseling theory, ethics, human development, and assessment with a structured practicum and internship sequence. Students work with diverse client groups in supervised clinical settings, gaining experience that supports both skill development and professional identity formation. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, cultural responsiveness, and reflective learning. Graduates complete the 60-credit program with the academic requirements needed to pursue LCMHC licensure and move into roles in community agencies, hospitals, school-based services, and private practice.
Most Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Utah
The following two schools offer the most cost-effective mental health counseling degrees, based on their minimum tuition, not including additional fees. Required credit hours may differ depending on the concentration area, so be sure to check with schools of interest for more details on specific program options. For a detailed comparison, you can refer to the comparison table above to find the quality indicators that align with your needs. Tuition shown is the lowest per-credit rate published as of the most recent catalog; confirm totals with each school.
- University of Utah ($18,060)
- Utah Valley University ($25,260)
Utah Mental Health Counselor Salary and Outlook Information
Utah’s projected job growth for mental health counselors is almost quadruple the national rate, with estimates of 56.1% growth compared to 18.4% nationwide.5 This level of growth is projected to generate an average of 610 annual job openings in Utah through 2032.5 The table below shows salaries by metro area for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors, compared to the statewide average.
| City | Number Employed6 | 10th Percentile Salary6 | 25th Percentile Salary6 | 50th Percentile (Median) Salary6 | 75th Percentile Salary6 | 90th Percentile Salary6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 4,720 | $34,560 | $42,210 | $65,920 | $94,630 | $111,470 |
| Logan | 200 | $30,880 | $48,320 | $74,400 | $93,010 | $123,280 |
| Ogden | 800 | $35,940 | $52,580 | $81,300 | $98,150 | $123,240 |
| Provo-Orem-Lehi | 930 | $33,820 | $36,950 | $60,170 | $82,350 | $103,960 |
| Salt Lake City-Murray | 1,930 | $37,120 | $44,480 | $67,540 | $93,900 | $107,150 |
| St. George | 350 | $33,790 | $36,520 | $59,230 | $94,500 | $126,270 |
Additional Resources
- Counseling Degrees Guide: Explore counseling degree options by level and specialization.
- Counseling Interviews and Advice: Read interviews and career guidance from experienced clinical mental health counselors.
- Counseling School Accreditation Information: Learn about institutional and programmatic accreditation for counseling programs.
- Mental Health Counselor Career Guide: An overview of responsibilities, required skills, and common work settings for mental health counselors.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Utah: The Utah chapter of NAMI, offering education, support groups, and mental health advocacy across the state.
- Utah Counseling Schools: A list of counseling programs offered by Utah colleges and universities.
- Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS): The state agency overseeing behavioral health services, crisis support, and statewide mental health programs.
- Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL): Clinical Mental Health Counselor Licensure: Official information on requirements, applications, renewals, and regulations for the LCMHC credential.
- Utah LCMHC Licensing Process: A step-by-step guide to earning the Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) credential in Utah.
- Utah Mental Health Counselors Association (UMHCA): Utah’s professional association supporting mental health counselors through advocacy, education, and professional development.
References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, Accredited Programs: https://www.cacrep.org/directory/
3. Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council Accredited Programs: https://mpcacaccreditation.org/accredited-programs/
4. US News & World Report 2025 Best National University Rankings: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-universities
5. Projections Central, Long Term Occupational Projections: https://projectionscentral.org/longterm
6. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcma.htm