Utah Valley University

Programme overview

This graduate programme trains students to deliver clinical mental health services using current counseling theories and evidence-based interventions. Coursework and supervised clinical practica emphasize ethical practice, cultural competence, diagnosis and treatment planning, and the development of counseling skills for work in community mental health centers, hospitals, private practice, and school-linked services.

What you'll study

Students study core counseling theories and techniques, psychopathology and diagnosis, assessment and testing, group counseling, crisis intervention, and practicum/clinical supervision. Coursework typically integrates multicultural counseling, ethics and professional issues, research methods, and strategies for working with specific populations (e.g., children, adolescents, adults, families). Applied clinical placements give hands-on experience under faculty and licensed supervisor oversight.

Entry requirements

Applicants generally need a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Program admissions commonly consider undergraduate GPA, prerequisite coursework in psychology or related fields, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and evidence of readiness for graduate clinical training. Some programs also require background checks, a professional conduct review, or an interview as part of the selection process.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to pursue clinical licensure as professional counselors and work in settings such as community mental health agencies, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, employee assistance programs, crisis centers, and private practice. Roles typically include mental health counselor, clinical case manager, crisis clinician, and behavioral health therapist; further credentialing or supervision hours may be required for independent practice.

Scholarships & funding angle

Funding options for prospective students include institutional scholarships, graduate assistantships, employer tuition benefits, state or federal financial aid, and external scholarships targeted to counseling and mental health fields. Because clinical programmes often require practicum placements, students should also budget for background checks, liability insurance, and any placement-related costs. Contact the university's financial aid and graduate program offices to explore current, programme-specific funding opportunities.