Therapy in Utah: Costs, Licensing & How to Find Help
A guide to therapy in Utah — costs, licensing, telehealth rules, and how to find a therapist.
$150
Avg. session cost
#32
MH ranking (of 51)
220
Providers per 100K
9%
Uninsured rate
Therapist Licensing Requirements
Overseen by the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.
| Credential | Title | Supervised Hours | Required Exams |
|---|---|---|---|
| LCMHC | Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor | 4,000 | NCE |
| LCSW | Licensed Clinical Social Worker | 4,000 | ASWB Clinical |
| LMFT | Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist | 4,000 | MFT National Exam |
| Licensed Psychologist | Licensed Psychologist | 4,000 | EPPP |
Therapy Costs in Utah
The average therapy session in Utah costs $150 — $25 below the national average of $175. Online therapy is typically 15% less.
| Metro Area | Average | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake City | $160 | $120–$205 |
| Provo | $145 | $110–$185 |
Telehealth Rules in Utah
PSYPACT Member (since 2017)
PSYPACT member state and early adopter. Out-of-state psychologists may practice via APIT. Other providers must hold a Utah license.
Audio-only therapy: Allowed
Medicaid telemental health: Covered
Consent: Informed consent required; must include information about the telehealth modality, privacy, and patient rights.
Insurance & Parity in Utah
Parity enforcement: moderate
Medicaid expanded: Yes (no session cap)
Typical in-network copay: $25–$50
Major insurers: SelectHealth, Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield, University of Utah Health Plans, Molina
Crisis Resources in Utah
Utah Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH)
Crisis Lines
Warm Lines (Non-Crisis Support)
Notable Programs
- SafeUT is a statewide crisis app and tip line for youth, parents, and educators to report safety concerns and access crisis counselors.
- Utah's 13 Local Mental Health Authorities provide comprehensive community behavioral health services statewide.
- The Utah Suicide Prevention Coalition coordinates prevention efforts, particularly targeting youth and high-risk populations.
Therapy Landscape in Utah
Utah has seen rising demand for mental health services, driven in part by the state's young population, rapid growth, and cultural dynamics. Utah reports higher-than-average rates of depression and youth mental health concerns, and the state has responded with increased investment in crisis services and school-based mental health programs. The Wasatch Front corridor — from Ogden through Salt Lake City to Provo — has a strong concentration of providers, while rural Utah remains underserved. Out-of-pocket therapy costs typically range from $120 to $180 per session. SelectHealth, Regence, and University of Utah Health Plans are among the major insurers. Utah Medicaid covers outpatient mental health services for eligible residents.
Finding a Therapist in Utah
Utah licenses clinical mental health counselors (LCMHCs), clinical social workers (LCSWs), psychologists, and marriage and family therapists (LMFTs). The Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) manages all mental health credentials. Utah is a PSYPACT member, expanding telehealth options. Many residents value finding a therapist who is sensitive to the cultural context of the state's large Latter-day Saint community, while others specifically seek providers who offer secular or LGBTQ-affirming care.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is widely practiced across Utah and effective for anxiety, depression, and many other concerns. For trauma-related issues, EMDR is also well-represented in the Salt Lake City metro area.
Without insurance, sessions typically cost $120 to $180. Insurance copays range from $20 to $45. University training clinics and community mental health centers offer lower-cost options.
Yes. Utah Medicaid covers outpatient mental health services, including individual therapy, crisis services, and substance use treatment.
Yes. Directories like TherapyDen and the Inclusive Therapists directory allow you to filter for LGBTQ-affirming providers. Salt Lake City has a particularly active affirming therapy community.
Yes. Utah allows telehealth for mental health services and is a PSYPACT member state. Telehealth is especially valuable for residents outside the Wasatch Front who have limited local options.
Look for LCMHC, LCSW, licensed psychologist, or LMFT. All are regulated by the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL).
Utah's therapy landscape continues to expand as demand grows. Whether you are in Salt Lake City or a remote corner of the state, a combination of in-person providers, telehealth platforms, and community resources makes accessing mental health care more achievable than ever.