If you’re planning a counseling career in the islands, the best place to start is by exploring Hawaii CACREP programs. These graduate degrees are designed to meet national training standards and prepare you for licensure as a professional counselor or school counselor.
Although the state has only a limited number of options, the CACREP-accredited counseling programs in Hawaii provide the quality and structure you need to gain clinical skills, complete supervised experience, and move confidently into professional practice. Choosing a CACREP program ensures your coursework lines up with Hawaii counseling licensure requirements, while also giving you flexibility to transfer your credentials to other states if you move in the future.
Quick Facts: Hawaii CACREP Programs
- Number of Programs: 1
- Degree Level: Master’s (60 credits)
- Program Formats: On-campus, hybrid
- Average Program Length: 2 – 3 years
- Tuition Range (per credit): $650 – $1,400
Hawaii CACREP-Accredited Counseling Programs
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
- Location
- 2 years full-time, 4 years part-time
- Campus
Program Name: M.S. in Counseling Psychology
Modality: On-campus with some hybrid course options
Length: 60 credits; 2 – 3 years full-time
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $650 per credit (resident); $1,400 per credit (nonresident)
Program Overview:
The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa offers the state’s only CACREP-accredited counseling program. The M.S. in Counseling Psychology is designed to prepare graduates for professional counseling roles across clinical, community, and school settings. Students complete a balance of coursework, supervised practicum, and internship experiences while working closely with faculty who bring both clinical and research expertise.
The program emphasizes multicultural competence, ethical practice, and research-informed interventions, which are critical skills for working effectively with Hawaii’s diverse communities. Students are encouraged to participate in community partnerships and research projects, gaining practical experience while contributing to the field of counseling.
Key Highlights:
- Hawaii’s only CACREP-accredited counseling program
- Strong emphasis on multicultural counseling and serving diverse communities
- Opportunities for practicum and internships in schools, community centers, and clinical agencies
- Faculty actively engaged in counseling research and clinical supervision
- Small cohorts allow for closer mentorship and peer support
Additional Consideration:
- As the only in-state CACREP option, admission is competitive. Students seeking more flexibility may also explore online CACREP programs in Hawaii offered by universities based in other states.
Accreditation: CACREP
Comparing Hawaii CACREP Programs with Online Options
With the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa offering the only in-state CACREP-accredited counseling program in Hawaii, many students also consider online alternatives. Several mainland universities provide online CACREP programs Hawaii students can enroll in, combining remote coursework with supervised clinical training arranged locally.
Online CACREP programs are especially helpful for students living on the neighbor islands who may not want to relocate to Oʻahu. They also expand specialization options beyond what’s offered in-state. Popular accredited schools that accept Hawaii students include:
- Adams State University (Colorado) – Known for its affordable tuition and fully online CACREP programs in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling.
- Capella University (Minnesota) – Offers online CACREP-accredited counseling programs with flexible pacing.
- Wake Forest University (North Carolina) – A highly regarded program with strong clinical preparation and faculty mentorship.
These programs give Hawaii students the flexibility to stay rooted in their community while earning a degree that qualifies for LMHC licensure in the state. Students can complete coursework online and meet CACREP practicum and internship requirements through placements at local schools, agencies, and health centers.
Why CACREP Accreditation Matters for Hawaii Counselors
Choosing a CACREP-accredited program is the surest way to meet Hawaii counseling licensure requirements. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) sets national standards for coursework, practicum, and internship training. Graduating from a CACREP program means your degree has already been vetted to align with licensure expectations.
For students in Hawaii, this is especially important. The CACREP-accredited counseling programs in Hawaii ensure you’re not only eligible for state licensure but also well-positioned if you decide to move or practice on the mainland later. Many states either require or strongly prefer CACREP degrees, so completing one now gives you long-term career portability.
Career Outlook for Graduates of Hawaii CACREP Programs
Graduates of Hawaii CACREP programs enter a field with steady demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that jobs for substance abuse, behavioral health, and mental health counselors will expand at a pace well above the national average, with strong growth continuing through 2032.
In Hawaii, the need is amplified by the state’s unique geographic and cultural context. Rural communities, island-specific challenges, and diverse populations create demand for counselors who are both clinically skilled and culturally responsive. Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) and school counselors are needed in schools, community health centers, private practice, and government agencies.
Salaries for counselors in Hawaii typically range from $52,000 to $68,000 annually, depending on specialization, setting, and years of experience. School counselors may fall under Department of Education salary schedules, while clinical mental health counselors can earn higher wages in private practice or advanced roles.
Graduates of CACREP-accredited counseling programs in Hawaii benefit from strong job security, cultural relevance in their training, and the confidence that their degree prepares them for licensure both locally and nationally.
Counseling Licensure Requirements in Hawaii
To practice as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Hawaii, graduates must meet requirements set by the Hawaii Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs (DCCA). The process typically includes:
- Education: Earn a master’s degree from a CACREP-accredited counseling program in Hawaii or another state (minimum 60 credits).
- Practicum and Internship: Complete 100 supervised practicum hours and 600 internship hours during your graduate program.
- Post-Graduate Supervised Experience: Accumulate 3,000 hours of supervised counseling practice after graduation, including at least 100 hours of direct supervision.
- Examination: Pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) through the NBCC.
- Application: Submit transcripts, supervised experience verification, exam scores, and application fees to the Hawaii DCCA for review.
Once licensed, counselors may practice independently as LMHCs in Hawaii and pursue opportunities across clinical, school, and community settings.
FAQs: Hawaii CACREP Counseling Programs
How many CACREP-accredited counseling programs are in Hawaii?
Currently, Hawaii has one: the M.S. in Counseling Psychology at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
Why must the program be CACREP-accredited for licensure in Hawaii?
The state board follows national CACREP standards. Graduating from a CACREP program ensures your degree meets the requirements for LMHC licensure in Hawaii.
Are there online CACREP programs available to Hawaii students?
Yes. While the University of Hawaiʻi offers the only in-state option, students may also enroll in online CACREP programs in Hawaii offered by universities based on the mainland. These allow you to complete coursework remotely while arranging local clinical placements.
How many supervised hours are required for licensure in Hawaii?
Students must complete 100 hours of practicum and 600 internship hours during their degree, followed by 3,000 hours of supervised post-graduate counseling experience.
What’s the difference between LMHC and LPC?
Hawaii licenses counselors as Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs), but the training standards are similar to those in states that issue LPC credentials. A CACREP degree ensures you’re eligible for licensure in both Hawaii and most other states.
Do Hawaii programs accept transfer credits?
Policies vary by school. The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa may accept a limited number of recent graduate transfer credits that align with CACREP standards, but most coursework must be completed in the program.
Steps on How to Choose & Apply to Your Program
Applying to a CACREP-accredited counseling program in Hawaii is a straightforward process when broken down into steps:
- Plan for Licensure – Remember, you’ll need 3,000 post-graduate supervised hours plus passing the NCE or NCMHCE exam before becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Hawaii.
- Confirm Accreditation – Start by verifying your program in the CACREP directory.
- Choose a Track – At the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, the focus is on Counseling Psychology, but you may also explore online CACREP programs in Hawaii that offer Clinical Mental Health Counseling or School Counseling tracks.
- Review Program Format – Decide if you prefer fully on-campus coursework or hybrid delivery with some online components.
- Compare Tuition – Resident tuition averages $650 per credit, while nonresident rates are closer to $1,400. Check financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
- Prepare Application Materials – Most programs require transcripts, recommendation letters, a personal statement, and sometimes an interview.
Conclusion & Next Action
For aspiring counselors, completing one of the Hawaii CACREP programs is the clearest path to licensure and long-term career success. These programs are built to meet both state and national standards, giving you confidence that your degree will count when it’s time to apply for your LMHC credential.
With the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa offering the state’s only in-person option, and additional online CACREP-accredited counseling programs in Hawaii available from universities based on the mainland, students have multiple pathways to reach their goals.
Next Step: Compare tuition, program format, and admissions requirements, then reach out to your chosen program’s admissions office for more details. Starting with a CACREP-accredited program ensures you’ll be prepared for licensure in Hawaii and well-positioned for career opportunities nationwide.
