How to Become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Hawaii
Hawaii doesn't use the LPC title. Counselors here are Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs), licensed by the Hawaii Board of Mental Health Counselors, part of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs' Professional and Vocational Licensing division (PVL).
Step 1: Earn a Qualifying Master's Degree
You need a master's degree or higher in counseling or an allied field, with at least 48 semester hours (or 72 quarter hours) of coursework in core content areas, from an accredited institution. Your program should include a practicum with at least 300 hours of supervised client contact, and your institution must certify in writing that your practicum experience is equivalent to a mental health graduate-level practicum program.
Step 2: Complete Your Supervised Experience
Hawaii requires 3,000 hours of supervised mental health counseling work experience, including at least 100 hours of face-to-face supervision, accrued over two to four years.
Step 3: Pass the NCE
Hawaii requires the National Counselor Examination, administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors. The registration fee is currently $195 and grants a six-month testing window. Hawaii has one testing site, in Honolulu, though out-of-state AMP testing sites may be available. Request that your score be sent directly to the Hawaii Board of Mental Health Counselors.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Gather and submit the following to PVL:
Official transcripts sent directly from your institution
Notarized supervision verification forms from your supervisor(s)
Your NCE score report
A completed application and the application fee (currently around $60, though costs change)
You'll also need to complete a criminal background check as required under Hawaii law.
Renewing Your License
Hawaii LMHC licenses renew every three years, expiring June 30, which is longer than the two-year cycle most states use.
Apply for Your License
Start or continue your application directly with Hawaii Board of Mental Health Counselors (DCCA / PVL), the official licensing authority. Applications submitted anywhere else won't be processed.
A Note on Accuracy
This post reflects information published by Hawaii's PVL and the Board of Mental Health Counselors. Licensing rules, fees, and statutes change. Verify current requirements directly with PVL at cca.hawaii.gov/pvl before making any licensure decision.
Hawaii's single testing site and geographic isolation make exam scheduling worth planning around early, particularly if you're relocating from the mainland.
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