MFT Hawaii Licensure Process

Becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Hawaiʻi

It’s all here: Requirements & Instructions – Marriage and Family Therapist License

All Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists in Hawai'i have:

• A graduate degree in Counseling Psychology / MFT track, or a closely related field
• Practicum and post-master's direct therapy experience and supervision hours
• Taken and passed the MFT National Examination

How do I earn my degree?

We are fortunate to have Chaminade University that offers the only classroom-based MFT-track program that will qualify your for licensure as an MFT in Hawai'i. There are a few online or hybrid programs available, however, if you choose to attend one of these programs BE SURE it is accredited (e.g., COAMFTE, WASC,  or similar) and includes all of the requisite classes for a Hawai'i MFT license.

Who supervises my intern hours?

You will need minimums of 300 hours of verified practicum experience and 1000 hours of post-master’s direct supervised experience with 200 hours of clinical supervision from a qualified supervisor. Be certain your supervisor(s) meet the qualifications outlined in the application information, which includes a minimum of two years of licensure in good standing.

I have my degree and hours, so how do I apply for the Hawai'i MFT license?

In order to apply for a license to practice marriage and family therapy in Hawai'i, you must submit documentation verifying your accredited degree, with proof of minimum levels of graduate-level studies in specific courses related to marriage and family therapy, along with practicum and intern hours verifications. All these forms are in the Requirements and Instructions.

Then there's a national exam?

After your application is approved, you will be mailed instructions regarding registering to take the National Marriage and Family Therapy (NMFT) exam. You are encouraged by the PVL to be mindful of exam dates and deadlines; for more information on the exam visit https://amftrb.org/dates .

What if I already have my MFT license in another state?

If you are Licensed MFT in another state and are a Clinical member of the AAMFT, you will not need to submit the above documentation when you provide an original letter from AAMFT verifying your Clinical member status. Note that you must remain a Clinical member of AAMFT until you receive your Hawai'i license. You also must have taken and passed the national exam instructions on either taking the exam or having your passing score recognized are on the application form. Of course, you also are encouraged to join and participate in Hawaii’s own MFT organization: HIAMFT. See details for joining on this website!

That's it?

All licenses must be renewed every three years, and licensees must have completed 45 hours of continuing education, including 6 hours of Law and Ethics to renew.

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR ALL MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS REGARDING CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes section 451J-10, continuing education ("CE") will be required to renew an MFT license. Beginning with the renewal for the licensing triennium 1/1/2017 - 12/31/2019, and prior to every triennial renewal thereafter, each licensee shall complete 45 credit hours of CE within the 3-year period preceding the renewal date; provided that a minimum of 6 credit hours are in ethics.

Thus, to renew for the licensing triennium starting on 1/1/2017, the licensee shall complete 45 credit hours of CE between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2019. A first-time licensee is exempt from the CE requirement for the first license renewal. For instance, if you were initially issued a license between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2019, you are exempt from the CE requirement for this renewal period only. Continuing education courses means courses approved by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, Hawaiian Islands Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (formerly known as American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy: Hawaii Division), American Psychological Association, Hawaii Psychological Association, National Association of Social Workers, or National Board for Certified Counselors and Affiliate, Inc.

Credit hours means 50-minutes of instruction. Please note that each licensee is responsible for maintaining the licensee's CE records. Upon audit by the DCCA, the licensee shall present proof of CE compliance. A licensee is subject to disciplinary action for failure to comply with these CE requirements, failure to present proof of CE compliance upon audit by DCCA or filing with the DCCA a false statement regarding CE compliance. Questions regarding the mandatory CE requirement should be directed to the Marriage and Family Therapist Program's office at (808) 586-2692, between the hours of 7:45am - 4:30pm.

What law governs the MFT license in Hawai'i ?

HRD451J

Additional resources:

Application-MFT_11.21.pdf (hawaii.gov)
Professional & Vocational Licensing Division, Marriage and Family Therapist Application Deadline & Examination Dates (hawaii.gov)