Become a Psychologist in Utah - UT

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: February, 19 2010

Psychology is a very rewarding occupation; however, those interested in knowing how to become a psychologist in Utah should set the right expectations for themselves.  The number of psychologists in the state dropped to 710 in 2008, which is 40% less than in 2002.  Only about three out every 5,000 workers in Utah is a professional psychologist.  Only Arizona and New Mexico have a smaller percentage of psychologists among the states that border Utah.  An additional 260 professionals teach psychology at the college or university level in Utah.  The average annual income for psychologists in Utah is about six percent lower than the national mean.  However, since the average cost of living in Utah is about five percent less than the national mean, psychologists in Utah tend to do very well financially.

Becoming a Psychologist In Utah

The licensing process for becoming a psychologist in Utah has two parts:  (1) certification as a psychology resident and (2) licensure as a psychologist.  The Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) is in charge of the licensing of psychologists in the state.  Pertinent information about the DOPL is given below. 

Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL)
Mailing:
P.O. Box 146741
Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-6741
Physical:
160 East 300 South, 1st Floor Lobby
Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
Tel: (801) 530-6628
Fax: (801) 530-6511
http://www.dopl.utah.gov/licensing/psychology.html

Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB)
P.O. Box 241245
Montgomery, AL 36124-1245
Tel: 334-832-4580
Fax: 334-269-6379
Email: asppb@asppb.org
http://www.asppb.net/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1

In addition to the EPPP, psychologists in Utah must also complete the Utah Psychologist Law Examination, which is administered by PSI Exams Online.

PSI Exams Online
3210 East Tropicana
Las Vegas, NV 89121
Tel: 1-800-733-9267
Fax: 1-702-932-2666
Email: comments@psiexams.com
http://candidate.psiexams.com/index.jsp

The following regulations are covered on the law examination:
Division of Occupational & Professional Licensing Act
General Rules of the Division of Occupational & Professional Licensing
Psychologist Licensing Act
Psychologist Licensing Act Rules

Psychologists going into mental health practices must also review and understand several other statutes listed at the DOPL’s website.

Associations

The Utah Psychological Association (UPA) is the primary resource for psychologists in the state.  The services of the UPA may be utilized by both students and professionals.  The annual dues for the association vary with career levels.  For example, students must pay only $30 for membership, new graduates pay $90, practitioners pay $195, etc.  The UPA aids psychologists in several ways.  For example, it provides representation to the state legislature.  The UPA also provides continuing education services, state and local networking among other psychologists, and advocacy.  The national association for psychologists is the American Psychological Association, which may also be useful to both students and professionals in Utah.  Contact information for both of these associations is listed below.

Utah Psychological Association (UPA)
Application for Membership
2040 East Murray Holladay Blvd.
Suite 112
Holladay, UT 84117
Tel: (801) 359-5646
Fax: (801) 359 5641
Email: utahpsych@softsolutions.com
www.utahpsych.org

American Psychological Association (APA)
750 First Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002-4242
Tel:  (800) 374-2721
http://www.apa.org/
www.bls.gov
http://www.top50states.com/cost-of-living-by-state.html