How to become a Counselor in Hawaii
Learn how to earn your counseling licensure in HI
Additional Information
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Below are basic guidelines for those wishing to earn their counseling certification in Hawaii. Most requirements such as earning your Master's degree, completing 3000 hours of supervised experience and passing the NCE examination have been and will continue to be mandatory in the Hawaii counseling licensure process. However, it is wise to contact the Hawaii Board of Professional and Vocational Licensing at (808) 586-3000 to make sure you are on the right track.
I'm a High School Graduate...
Congratulations! Being a high school graduate already researching Hawaii counseling certification requirements shows motivation and initiative that will serve you well throughout your life.
Right now, the most important step you can take is to start earning your associate's or bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field. In order to be eligible for Hawaii counseling licensure, you will need to have at least a Master's degree.
Click on the links below to browse schools offering programs in psychology and counseling!
Once you have enrolled in a program, take advantage of your school's career services department and learn how you can find employment or volunteer opportunities that are related to the counseling career path.
I've already received my Bachelor's degree...
Once you have your bachelor's degree, you will need to find a school offering a master's or doctoral degree program in counseling.
Step One:
Click on the links below to contact schools offering Master's or PhD programs in counseling or related field.
- Capella University - Master's of Science in Human Services (HS) - Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
- Adler School of Professional Psychology - Master's in Counseling Psychology
- Argosy University - EdD in Counseling Psychology
- Grand Canyon University - Master's in Addiction Counseling and Master's in Professional Counseling
- Liberty University - Master's and PhD programs in Professional Counseling and Pastoral Counseling
Or request information from additional Counseling Schools in Hawaii.
Be sure to speak with your university's designated advisor and learn whether the school provides the supervisory experience requirements necessary for Hawaii counseling certification.
To learn more about specific requirements, download the pdf file found on the following Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs webpage.
Step Two:
While you were working towards your degree, you should have completed 2 supervised academic terms of internship experience including 300 hours of direct client contact. If you have not, you will need to contact your university to see how this deficiency can be satisfied.
You can find more information on the internship requirements on the following Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs webpage.
Step Three:
Next, you will need to complete the required 3000 hours of mental health counseling experience including 100 hours of direct supervision. This process should not take less than two years and no more than four. The supervisor must also be Board approved.
You can find more information regarding supervision requirements for Hawaii counseling certification or licensure at the following Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs webpage.
Step Four:
At this point, you can download the Hawaii Counseling Licensure application and submit it to the Hawaii Licensing Board. Once your application is evaluated and approved, you will then be eligible to take the National Counselor Examination for Licensure.
You can download the application on the following Hawaii DCCA webpage. You will also find more information about Hawaii counseling licensure examination such as dates, locations and contents at the following NBCC webpage.