Best and Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Hawaii
Hawaii has two nonprofit colleges and universities with master’s-level programs in mental health counseling (MHC), clinical mental health counseling (CMHC), or a related counseling discipline.1 Both offer flexible delivery options, collectively including on-campus, hybrid, or online formats. This guide provides information on these programs leading to Hawaii’s Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) credential, along with the job outlook, typical salary ranges, and the professional organizations that serve counselors in Hawaii.
Table of Contents
- Hawaii MHC Program Comparison
- Best MHC Programs
- Most Affordable MHC Programs
- Online MHC Programs
- Hawaii MHC Salary and Outlook Information
- Additional Resources
Comparison of Hawaii Schools With Mental Health Counseling Programs
The table below compares the Hawaii mental health counseling programs on key factors, including accreditation status, institution type, program format, US News & World Report rankings, in-state and out-of-state tuition, and total number of credit hours required. All institutions listed below are not-for-profit. If we’ve missed a Hawaii school with a mental health counseling program, please let us know. For more information on these schools, please visit our Hawaii counseling degrees page, master’s in mental health counseling degree guide, or individual school websites.
| School Name | Accreditation2,3 | MHC Degrees Offered | Program Format | US News National Rank4 | In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour | Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour | Total Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chaminade University of Honolulu | — | MS Counseling Psychology (MSCP): MHC | Traditional; Online | — | $1,185 | $1,185 | 60 |
| University of Hawaii at Hilo | MPCAC | MA Counseling Psychology: CMHC | Hybrid | #329 tie | $489 | $1,107 | 60 |
Best Mental Health Counseling Programs in Hawaii
The schools below offer the top-ranked mental health counseling programs in Hawaii, as determined by program accreditation and third-party school ratings. Tiebreakers are determined by total in-state program cost.
University of Hawaii at Hilo
The University of Hawaii at Hilo (UH Hilo) offers an MPCAC-accredited 60-credit Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling Psychology with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC). Courses are delivered primarily through synchronous distance education, with a minimum of four required visits to the Hilo campus over the two-year program, but students must reside in Hawaii for the duration. Fall and spring courses are held synchronously, typically on a Tuesday/Thursday schedule, while the program begins with an online summer course. During the second year, students complete practicum and internship placements at community field sites across the state. Students may also pursue optional concentrations in Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) or Research for those interested in doctoral study. Graduates meet the educational requirements for licensure as an LMHC in Hawaii.
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Chaminade University of Honolulu, a private institution, offers a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology (MSCP) with an emphasis in Mental Health Counseling (MHC). The 60-credit program is available both in person on Chaminade’s O’ahu campus and fully online, giving students the flexibility to choose the format that fits their circumstances. The curriculum is structured so that students build a strong theoretical foundation and basic counseling skills before entering the clinical portion of the program, which takes place during the final three terms. Coursework covers areas such as abnormal psychology, personality theory, counseling ethics, multicultural counseling, assessment, and group facilitation. Students complete supervised practicum and internship placements under a licensed mental health professional, gaining direct client experience in community settings. Chaminade additionally offers an integrated pathway for MSCP graduates to continue into a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Psychology, potentially reducing doctoral completion time. The program meets the educational requirements for mental health counselor licensure in Hawaii, though students planning to practice in other states should verify requirements with the relevant licensing board.
Most Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Hawaii
The following school offers the most cost-effective mental health counseling degree, based on its minimum tuition, not including additional fees. Required credit hours may differ depending on the concentration area, so be sure to check with schools of interest for more details on specific program options. For a detailed comparison, you can refer to the comparison table above to find the quality indicators that align with your needs. Tuition shown is the lowest per-credit rate published as of the most recent catalog; confirm totals with each school.
- University of Hawaii at Hilo ($29,340)
Online Mental Health Counseling Programs in Hawaii
The following schools offer an online or hybrid degree in mental health counseling:
- Chaminade University of Honolulu (Online)
- University of Hawaii at Hilo (Hybrid)
Hawaii Mental Health Counselor Salary and Outlook Information
Projections for Hawaii mental health counselors are more favorable than national trends, with an expected growth rate of 24.8% in the state compared to 16.8% nationwide.5 This growth is likely to result in an average of 190 annual openings in Hawaii through 2034.5 The table below shows salaries by metro area for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors, compared to the statewide average.
| City | Number Employed6 | 10th Percentile Salary6 | 25th Percentile Salary6 | 50th Percentile (Median) Salary6 | 75th Percentile Salary6 | 90th Percentile Salary6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 2,110 | $48,460 | $50,290 | $60,090 | $77,200 | $104,790 |
| Kahului-Wailuku | 210 | $41,690 | $55,910 | $62,760 | $82,230 | $114,400 |
| Honolulu | 1,500 | $48,590 | $50,210 | $58,500 | $74,880 | $99,920 |
Additional Resources
- Counseling Degrees Guide: Explore counseling degree options by level and specialization, including online and on-campus programs.
- Counseling Interviews and Advice: Read our interviews page for career advice from experienced clinical mental health counselors.
- Counseling School Accreditation Information: Learn about accreditation at both the institutional and program levels.
- Hawaii Behavioral Health Services Administration: A division within the Hawaii Department of Health that oversees the state’s mental health and substance use services, including the Adult Mental Health Division, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division, and Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division.
- Hawaii Counseling Schools: Find accredited counseling programs in Hawaii, including on-campus, online, and hybrid options.
- Hawaii Counselors Association (HCA): A statewide professional organization dedicated to promoting professionalism among counselors through advocacy, professional development, and networking. Member divisions include the Hawaii Mental Health Counselors Association (HMHCA) and the Hawaii Multicultural Counseling and Development Association (HMCDA).
- Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Mental Health Counselor Licensing Program: The state licensing authority for mental health counselors in Hawaii, administered through the DCCA Professional and Vocational Licensing Division, with information on LMHC requirements, applications, examinations, and renewal.
- Hawaii LMHC Licensing Process: Step-by-step guidance on how to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Hawaii, including education, supervised experience, and examination requirements.
- Mental Health Counselor Career Guide: An overview of the counseling profession, including job duties, required skills, and common work environments.
References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, Accredited Programs: https://www.cacrep.org/directory/
3. Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council Accredited Programs: https://mpcacaccreditation.org/accredited-programs/
4. US News & World Report 2025 Best National University Rankings: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-universities
5. Projections Central, Long Term Occupational Projections: https://projectionscentral.org/longterm
6. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcma.htm