How to Become a Psychologist in Hawaii 2025
To become a licensed psychologist in Hawaii, you'll need a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology, complete 3,800 hours of supervised experience (1,900 predoctoral internship hours plus 1,900 postdoctoral hours), and pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) with a score of 500 or higher. The complete process typically takes 9-12 years from a bachelor's degree to licensure, with clinical psychologists in Hawaii earning median salaries around $101,980 annually.
Hawaii's unique island setting creates distinctive opportunities and challenges for psychology professionals. Whether you're drawn to the state's diverse multicultural population, interested in addressing rural mental health needs across the neighbor islands, or seeking a career in paradise, becoming a licensed psychologist in Hawaii requires meeting specific educational and professional requirements set by the Hawaii Board of Psychology.
The path to licensure in Hawaii is rigorous and lengthy, typically spanning 9-12 years from undergraduate studies to independent practice. The state's high cost of living, geographic isolation, and critical provider shortages in rural areas make careful planning essential. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of the licensure process, from choosing the right doctoral program to passing your final examination, with realistic timelines and Hawaii-specific insights that can impact your career trajectory.
- Educational Requirements for Hawaii Psychologists
- PhD vs. PsyD: Choosing Your Doctoral Path
- Supervised Professional Experience Requirements
- The EPPP Licensing Examination
- Step-by-Step Path to Licensure
- Hawaii-Specific Practice Considerations
- Psychology Specialization Options
- Salary Data and Career Outlook
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Key Takeaways
Educational Requirements for Hawaii Psychologists
Hawaii requires all practicing psychologists to hold a doctoral degree in psychology or a closely related field from an accredited or approved institution. This means you'll need to complete both undergraduate and graduate education before you can apply for licensure.
Bachelor's Degree Foundation
Your journey begins with a bachelor's degree, typically in psychology, though related fields like neuroscience, sociology, or biology are also acceptable. During your undergraduate years, focus on building a strong foundation in research methods, statistics, and core psychology courses. Maintaining a competitive GPA (generally 3.5 or higher) is essential for doctoral program admission.
Hawaii is home to psychology programs at institutions like the University of Hawaii at Manoa and Hawaii Pacific University. For a comprehensive overview of psychology degree programs in Hawaii, including bachelor's through doctoral options, explore available pathways that can keep you in-state throughout your education.
Master's Degree (Optional but Common)
While not required for licensure, many students complete a master's degree in psychology before applying to doctoral programs. A master's degree can strengthen your application, provide research experience, and help you determine your area of specialization. Some doctoral programs admit students directly from bachelor's programs, while others prefer candidates with master's-level training.
Doctoral Degree (Required)
Hawaii law mandates a doctoral degree for psychology licensure. You'll need to earn either a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) from a program that meets the following criteria:
- Accreditation: The program must be accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) or meet standards approved by the Hawaii Board of Psychology
- Curriculum: Coursework must include comprehensive training in psychological theory, research methods, assessment, and clinical practice
- Dissertation or Project: A substantial research project or doctoral dissertation is required for graduation
- Practicum Training: Supervised clinical experience as part of your doctoral program
- Predoctoral Internship (1,900 hours): A full-time internship (typically one year) or part-time equivalent (typically two years) in an APA-accredited setting. These internship hours count as the first 1,900 hours toward Hawaii's total 3,800-hour supervised experience requirement
The doctoral degree typically requires 5-7 years of full-time study beyond the bachelor's degree, including coursework, clinical training, research, internship, and dissertation completion. Your predoctoral internship usually occurs in your final or near-final year after completing coursework and comprehensive exams.
PhD vs. PsyD: Choosing Your Doctoral Path
Both the PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) and PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) fulfill Hawaii's doctoral requirement, but they prepare you for different career emphases. Understanding the distinctions helps you choose the path that aligns with your professional goals.
| Aspect | PhD in Psychology | PsyD in Psychology |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Research and academia, with clinical training | Clinical practice and applied psychology |
| Typical Duration | 5-7 years full-time | 4-6 years full-time |
| Dissertation | Original research dissertation required; significant emphasis on contributing new knowledge to the field | Doctoral project or clinical dissertation; less research-intensive than a PhD |
| Coursework Balance | Heavy research methodology, statistics, and theory courses alongside clinical training | Greater emphasis on clinical skills, assessment, and treatment modalities |
| Funding | Often includes stipends, teaching assistantships, or research funding | Typically requires tuition payment; less funding available |
| Career Paths | Clinical practice, university teaching, research positions, and hospital leadership | Private practice, clinical settings, hospitals, and community mental health centers |
| Average Total Cost | Often fully funded through assistantships and grants | $80,000-$200,000+ in tuition and fees |
Which Degree is Right for You?
Choose a PhD program if you want to conduct research, teach at the university level, or work in settings that value research contributions alongside clinical work. PhD graduates often pursue academic positions, research institutions, or leadership roles in healthcare systems.
Choose a PsyD program if your primary goal is direct patient care and clinical practice. PsyD graduates typically work in private practice, community mental health centers, hospitals, or other applied settings where they spend the majority of their time providing therapy, assessments, and clinical services.
Both degrees fully qualify you for licensure in Hawaii and allow you to practice independently as a psychologist.
Supervised Professional Experience Requirements
Hawaii requires a total of 3,800 hours of supervised professional experience to become a licensed psychologist. This requirement is divided into two distinct phases: predoctoral internship hours and postdoctoral supervised experience. Understanding both components is essential for planning your path to licensure.
Predoctoral Internship (1,900 Hours)
The first 1,900 hours of supervised experience occur during your doctoral program through an APA-accredited predoctoral internship. This is typically a full-time, year-long placement (or two-year part-time equivalent) that happens after you've completed your coursework and passed comprehensive exams.
Your predoctoral internship must meet these criteria:
- Timing: Completed as part of your doctoral program, usually in your final or near-final year
- Accreditation: Must be an APA-accredited internship or meet APPIC standards
- Full-time equivalent: Typically one year full-time (2,000 hours minimum) or two years half-time
- Supervision: Regular supervision by licensed psychologists throughout the internship
- Activities: Comprehensive clinical experience, including assessment, diagnosis, treatment, consultation, and documentation
These internship hours count toward your 3,800-hour total requirement for Hawaii licensure. Your doctoral program will help you apply for and secure an internship placement through the APPIC Match process or other approved pathways.
Postdoctoral Supervised Experience (1,900 Hours)
After completing your doctoral degree, you must accumulate an additional 1,900 hours of supervised postdoctoral experience over a minimum of one year. This postdoctoral requirement ensures you're ready for independent practice with the full scope of responsibilities.
Hawaii's postdoctoral supervision requirements include:
- Timing: Must occur after you've received your doctoral degree
- Duration: Completed over at least 12 consecutive months (cannot be rushed)
- Supervision: Direct oversight by a licensed psychologist approved by the Hawaii Board of Psychology
- Activities: Diverse professional activities, including assessment, therapy, consultation, supervision of others (if applicable), and professional development
- Setting: Can be in hospitals, clinics, private practices, military facilities, or other approved settings
- Documentation: Detailed logs with dates, activities, and supervisor verification required
Combined Requirement: 3,800 Total Hours
When you apply for Hawaii licensure, you'll document both your predoctoral internship hours (1,900) and postdoctoral supervised hours (1,900) for a combined total of 3,800 hours of supervised professional experience. Both components are mandatory and cannot be substituted for each other.
Supervision Structure and Expectations
Throughout both your internship and postdoctoral experience, your supervisors must be licensed psychologists who take responsibility for your professional development. Supervision typically includes regular meetings (usually weekly or biweekly) to discuss cases, review clinical work, provide feedback on professional skills, and ensure you're meeting ethical and legal standards.
Your supervisor should have no conflicts of interest and must be experienced in the practice areas where you're gaining experience. During your postdoctoral year, you may need to arrange your own supervision, so start networking with potential supervisors during your doctoral program or internship.
Documentation is Critical
Maintain meticulous records of all supervised hours, including specific dates, activities performed, type of supervision received, and supervisor signatures. The Hawaii Board of Psychology provides official forms for tracking postdoctoral hours. Incomplete or inaccurate documentation can significantly delay your licensure application, so keep detailed logs from day one of your postdoctoral experience.
The EPPP Licensing Examination
The final major requirement for Hawaii psychology licensure is passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), a standardized test administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB).
About the EPPP
The EPPP is a computer-based examination that tests your knowledge of psychology across multiple domains. The exam consists of 225 multiple-choice questions covering eight content areas:
- Biological Basis of Behavior
- Cognitive-Affective Basis of Behavior
- Social and Cultural Basis of Behavior
- Growth and Lifespan Development
- Assessment and Diagnosis
- Treatment, Intervention, and Prevention
- Research Methods and Statistics
- Ethical and Legal Standards
Exam Logistics and Scoring
You'll have 4 hours and 15 minutes to complete the examination at an approved testing center. The EPPP is scored on a scale of 200 to 800, and Hawaii requires a passing score of 500 or higher. Results are typically available within days of completing the exam.
Check with the Hawaii Board of Psychology to confirm whether any additional examinations are required beyond the EPPP, such as a Hawaii jurisprudence or state law examination covering Hawaii-specific regulations, ethics, and professional standards.
When to Take the EPPP
Hawaii allows you to take the EPPP after completing your doctoral degree and supervised experience hours. Some candidates take the exam during their supervised experience year, while others wait until they've completed all requirements. Check with the Hawaii Board of Psychology for current policies on examination timing.
Exam Preparation
Most candidates spend 3-6 months preparing for the EPPP using study guides, practice exams, and review courses. ASPPB offers official practice materials, and several commercial test prep companies provide comprehensive study programs. Given Hawaii's isolated location, online study resources are particularly valuable for candidates preparing for the examination.
Step-by-Step Path to Licensure in Hawaii
Here's a comprehensive timeline showing the typical path from undergraduate studies to licensure as a psychologist in Hawaii. Individual timelines may vary based on program structure, dissertation progress, supervisor availability, and application processing times. The process commonly takes 9-12 years, though some candidates complete it faster while others need additional time.
| Step | Timeline | Description | Key Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Bachelor's Degree | Years 1-4 | Complete undergraduate education in psychology or a related field | Maintain a strong GPA (3.5+), gain research experience, prepare for the GRE, and obtain letters of recommendation |
| 2. Master's Degree (Optional) | Years 5-6 | An optional master's degree in psychology to strengthen doctoral applications | Conduct thesis research, gain clinical or research experience, and build a publication record |
| 3. Doctoral Coursework & Practicum | Years 5-9 (or 7-11 with master's) | Complete PhD or PsyD coursework, comprehensive exams, and practicum training | Complete required courses, pass comprehensive exams, gain practicum hours, and prepare for internship applications |
| 4. Predoctoral Internship | Year 10 (or Year 12 with master's) | Complete 1,900 hours (typically one year full-time) of APA-accredited internship | Apply through APPIC Match, complete internship requirements, document all hours, and continue dissertation work |
| 5. Dissertation Completion | Years 9-11 (often overlaps with internship) | Complete doctoral dissertation, including proposal, research, writing, and defense | Finalize research, write dissertation, defend successfully, make any required revisions, and receive the degree |
| 6. Postdoctoral Supervised Experience | Year 11-12 (after degree conferral) | Accumulate 1,900 postdoctoral supervised hours over a minimum of one year | Secure approved supervisor, document all hours, engage in diverse professional activities, and maintain detailed logs |
| 7. EPPP Examination | During or after the postdoctoral year | Pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology with a score of 500+ | Study for the exam (3-6 months recommended), schedule testing date, and achieve a passing score |
| 8. Licensure Application | After completing all requirements | Submit a complete application to the Hawaii Board of Psychology | Gather all documentation, submit forms and transcripts, pay fees, pass background check, and allow 2-3 months for processing |
| 9. Licensed Psychologist | Year 12-13+ | Receive license and begin independent practice | Complete required continuing education, renew license biennially, follow ethical guidelines, and maintain professional development |
Factors That Can Extend the Timeline
While the 9-12 year estimate represents a typical path, several factors can add time to your journey:
- Dissertation delays: Research complications, committee availability, or revision requirements can add 6-24 months
- Internship match: Not matching in the APPIC process requires reapplying the following year
- Part-time study: Working while completing your degree extends the timeline significantly
- Supervisor availability: Finding an approved postdoctoral supervisor in Hawaii, especially on the neighbor islands, may take several months
- EPPP preparation: Some candidates need multiple attempts to achieve the passing score
- Board processing: Application backlogs or incomplete documentation can delay final licensure by 3-6 months
- Life circumstances: Family obligations, health issues, or financial constraints often necessitate breaks in training
Plan for the upper end of the timeline range and build in flexibility for unexpected delays. Many successful psychologists take 12-14 years from undergraduate admission to Hawaii licensure.
Licensure Application Process
When you've completed all requirements, submit a comprehensive application to the Hawaii Board of Psychology that includes:
- Completed application forms with all required information
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Verification of your doctoral degree conferral
- Documentation of your 3,800 supervised experience hours (both predoctoral internship and postdoctoral)
- Verification of EPPP examination scores (minimum 500)
- Letters of recommendation from supervisors
- Proof of APA-accredited internship completion
- Application fee (check current fee schedule with the Board)
- Background check and fingerprinting results
The Hawaii Board of Psychology reviews applications on a regular schedule. Allow 2-3 months minimum for application processing after submission, though timelines can vary based on application volume and completeness of your documentation. Incomplete applications or missing documentation can add several months to the process. Once approved, you'll receive your psychology license and can begin practicing independently in Hawaii.
Hawaii-Specific Practice Considerations
Practicing psychology in Hawaii comes with unique considerations that differ from mainland states. Understanding these factors helps you prepare for a successful career in the islands.
Geographic Isolation and Rural Practice
Hawaii's island geography creates significant challenges for mental health service delivery. Many areas, particularly on the neighbor islands (Kauai, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Hawaii Island), face critical shortages of mental health professionals. Rural communities often lack access to specialized psychological services, creating both opportunities and challenges for psychologists willing to serve these populations.
Telehealth has become essential in Hawaii, allowing psychologists to serve clients across the islands while addressing transportation barriers, geographic isolation, and provider shortages. Hawaii law permits psychologists to provide telepsychology services, though you must be physically located in Hawaii while providing services to Hawaii residents, and clients must provide informed consent for telehealth services.
If you plan to practice in Hawaii, developing telehealth competencies is highly recommended. Consider investing in HIPAA-compliant video platforms, secure documentation systems, and training in evidence-based telehealth interventions. Telehealth skills significantly expand your potential client base and allow you to serve underserved rural communities from your primary practice location.
Multicultural Competence
Hawaii's diverse population includes Native Hawaiians, Asians, Pacific Islanders, and other ethnic groups, each with distinct cultural values and perspectives on mental health. Cultural competence isn't just recommended in Hawaii—it's essential for effective practice.
Successful Hawaii psychologists develop an understanding of:
- Native Hawaiian cultural values: Including concepts like ohana (family), lokahi (harmony), and traditional healing practices
- Asian and Pacific Islander communities: Understanding collectivist values, family dynamics, and culturally-influenced expressions of psychological distress
- Local communication styles: Familiarity with Hawaii's unique linguistic blend and communication norms
- Stigma and help-seeking: Awareness of cultural factors that may influence willingness to seek mental health services
Military and Veteran Population
Hawaii hosts multiple military installations, creating significant demand for psychologists who work with active-duty service members, veterans, and military families. Opportunities exist in military treatment facilities, VA hospitals, and community practices serving this population.
Cost of Living Considerations
Hawaii consistently ranks as having the highest or second-highest cost of living in the United States. This reality significantly impacts psychologists at every career stage, from students to established practitioners. While psychologist salaries in Hawaii appear competitive on paper, they must be carefully weighed against:
- Housing costs: Median home prices in Honolulu exceed $800,000, with rent for a one-bedroom apartment averaging $1,800-$2,500 per month
- Transportation: Car ownership is essential on most islands, with vehicle costs, insurance, and gas prices all significantly higher than mainland averages
- Food and goods: Groceries cost approximately 50% more than the national average due to shipping costs
- Student loan burden: High living costs during doctoral training can force students to take larger loans, increasing debt burden during postdoctoral years when salaries are lowest
Many new psychologists find that entry-level positions paying $60,000-$75,000 don't provide financial sustainability given Hawaii's costs. Private practice psychologists who can set their own fees typically achieve better financial outcomes, but building a full caseload takes time. Carefully evaluate salary offers against actual living costs in your intended practice location, and consider whether dual-income households or other financial support will be necessary during your early career years.
License Portability and Reciprocity
Hawaii participates in the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT), which allows licensed psychologists to provide telepsychology services to clients in other participating states. This expands your potential client base and increases practice flexibility. However, if you're moving to Hawaii from another state, you'll still need to apply for Hawaii licensure through the standard application process.
Psychology Specialization Options in Hawaii
Hawaii offers opportunities across multiple psychology specializations. Your choice of specialty affects your training path, work setting, and career trajectory.
Clinical Psychology
Clinical psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders across the lifespan. In Hawaii, clinical psychologists work in hospitals, private practices, community mental health centers, and integrated healthcare settings. The state's shortage of mental health providers creates strong demand for clinical psychologists, particularly those who serve underserved populations.
Counseling Psychology
Counseling psychologists focus on helping individuals navigate life transitions, relationships, career challenges, and less severe mental health concerns. They often work in university counseling centers, private practices, and community agencies. Hawaii's universities and community organizations provide numerous opportunities for counseling psychologists.
School Psychology
School psychologists work in educational settings, conducting assessments, developing interventions, and supporting students' academic and emotional well-being. Hawaii's Department of Education employs school psychologists across the islands, though requirements differ from clinical licensure. If you're interested in school psychology, explore school counseling pathways in Hawaii as an alternative route.
Forensic Psychology
Forensic psychologists work at the intersection of psychology and the legal system, conducting evaluations for courts, providing expert testimony, and working with correctional populations. Hawaii's criminal justice system employs forensic psychologists, and opportunities exist in the state hospital system and private practice.
Health Psychology
Health psychologists address psychological factors in physical health, chronic illness management, health behavior change, and integrated care. With Hawaii's emphasis on wellness and its aging population, health psychologists find opportunities in hospitals, medical centers, and healthcare organizations throughout the islands.
Neuropsychology
Neuropsychologists specialize in brain-behavior relationships, conducting assessments for neurological conditions, traumatic brain injury, dementia, and cognitive disorders. This specialty typically requires additional postdoctoral training and board certification. Hawaii's hospitals and medical centers employ neuropsychologists, though positions are limited compared to larger mainland markets.
Hawaii also offers opportunities in related mental health fields. If you're interested in counseling or therapy but want a shorter educational path than doctoral-level psychology, consider becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist, which requires a master's degree rather than a doctorate.
Salary Data and Career Outlook in Hawaii
Psychology offers strong earning potential in Hawaii, with salaries that reflect both the profession's value and the state's higher cost of living.
Current Salary Data for Hawaii Psychologists
According to recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and salary surveys, psychologists in Hawaii earn competitive salaries across specializations, though figures must be considered alongside the state's high cost of living:
| Psychology Specialty | Entry Level (10th Percentile) | Median Salary | Experienced (90th Percentile) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical & Counseling Psychologists | $58,000 - $65,000 | $101,980 | $140,000+ |
| School Psychologists | $56,000 - $62,000 | $88,000 - $95,000 | $120,000 - $130,000 |
| Industrial-Organizational Psychologists | $68,000 - $75,000 | $120,000 - $135,000 | $180,000+ |
| Neuropsychologists | $75,000 - $85,000 | $110,000 - $130,000 | $160,000 - $200,000 |
| Forensic Psychologists | $60,000 - $70,000 | $95,000 - $110,000 | $135,000 - $155,000 |
Note: Salary ranges reflect data from BLS, professional surveys, and Hawaii-specific salary aggregators. Actual salaries vary based on setting, experience, specialization, and practice location.
Factors Affecting Psychologist Salaries in Hawaii
Several factors influence earning potential for Hawaii psychologists:
- Geographic Location: Oahu (particularly Honolulu) generally offers higher salaries than the neighbor islands, though lower competition on the outer islands can benefit private practitioners
- Practice Setting: Private practice psychologists often earn more than those in community mental health centers or public sector positions
- Specialization: Neuropsychologists, forensic psychologists, and industrial-organizational psychologists typically command higher fees than generalist clinical psychologists
- Experience Level: Seasoned psychologists with established practices or specialized expertise earn significantly more than new licensees
- Insurance Panels: Accepting insurance affects reimbursement rates; psychologists who maintain private-pay practices may set higher fees
Career Outlook and Job Growth
The career outlook for psychologists in Hawaii remains positive. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% growth in psychology employment nationally through 2032, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Hawaii-specific factors that support strong demand include:
- Provider Shortages: Many areas of Hawaii face critical shortages of mental health professionals
- Increased Awareness: Growing recognition of mental health importance drives demand for services
- Aging Population: Hawaii's growing elderly population needs psychological services for cognitive decline, chronic illness, and aging-related challenges
- Military Presence: Ongoing need for psychologists serving military personnel and families
- Integration of Behavioral Health: Healthcare systems increasingly integrate psychological services into primary care
- Telehealth Expansion: Technology enables psychologists to serve remote communities more effectively
Employment Settings in Hawaii
Hawaii psychologists work in diverse settings:
- Private Practice: Solo or group practices serving the community
- Hospitals: The Queen's Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, Tripler Army Medical Center, and other facilities
- Community Mental Health: Agencies serving diverse populations across the islands
- Government: State departments, VA facilities, military installations
- Educational Institutions: University of Hawaii counseling centers, student support services
- Healthcare Organizations: Integrated care settings, HMOs, medical groups
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Psychologist in Hawaii
How long does it take to become a licensed psychologist in Hawaii?
The complete process typically takes 9-12 years after high school, though many candidates need 12-14 years. This includes four years for a bachelor's degree, 5-7 years for a doctoral program (PhD or PsyD), including your predoctoral internship, and at least one year of postdoctoral supervised experience. Additional time may be needed for dissertation revisions, finding approved supervisors, preparing for the EPPP exam, and waiting for board application processing. Part-time study, family obligations, or needing to retake exams can extend the timeline further.
How many supervised hours does Hawaii require for psychology licensure?
Hawaii requires a total of 3,800 hours of supervised professional experience. This breaks down into 1,900 hours during your predoctoral internship (completed as part of your doctoral program) and 1,900 hours of postdoctoral supervised experience (completed after receiving your doctoral degree). Both components are mandatory, and the postdoctoral hours must be completed over at least one consecutive year.
Can I practice in Hawaii with a psychology license from another state?
No, you must obtain a Hawaii psychology license even if you're already licensed elsewhere. Hawaii doesn't offer automatic reciprocity or license transfer. However, your existing license and experience may streamline the application process through licensure by endorsement. You'll still need to meet Hawaii's education, examination, and supervised experience requirements, though the Board may waive some requirements based on your credentials. Contact the Hawaii Board of Psychology directly to inquire about endorsement eligibility and required documentation.
What EPPP score does Hawaii require?
Hawaii requires a minimum score of 500 on the EPPP (Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology). The exam is scored on a scale of 200-800, and you must achieve at least 500 to meet Hawaii's licensure requirements. If you don't pass on your first attempt, you can retake the exam, though ASPPB limits how frequently you can test. Check with the Hawaii Board of Psychology about any additional jurisprudence or state law examinations that may be required.
What's the difference between a psychologist and other mental health professionals in Hawaii?
Psychologists hold doctoral degrees and can diagnose mental health disorders, provide therapy, conduct comprehensive psychological testing and assessments, and practice independently. Other mental health professionals include licensed professional counselors (master's degree), marriage and family therapists (master's degree), and clinical social workers (master's degree). While all these professionals can provide therapy, only psychologists and psychiatrists (medical doctors) can conduct formal psychological assessments and testing. Psychologists also receive more extensive training in research methods, assessment, and diagnosis than master's-level clinicians.
Do I need to complete a postdoctoral fellowship to practice in Hawaii?
Hawaii requires 1,900 hours of supervised postdoctoral professional experience but doesn't mandate a formal "fellowship" structure. You can fulfill this requirement through various arrangements, including formal postdoctoral fellowships, supervised positions in clinics or hospitals, supervised private practice arrangements, or employment under a licensed psychologist's supervision. The key requirement is having appropriate supervision from a licensed psychologist approved by the Hawaii Board of Psychology and documenting your hours properly.
Can I specialize in a particular area of psychology in Hawaii?
Yes, you can specialize in areas like clinical psychology, counseling psychology, neuropsychology, forensic psychology, or health psychology. However, Hawaii issues a general psychology license without specialty designations. You demonstrate your specialization through your doctoral training, postdoctoral experience, board certifications (such as ABPP in your specialty area), continuing education, and your practice focus. Some specialties, like neuropsychology, typically require 1-2 years of additional postdoctoral fellowship training beyond the minimum 1,900-hour requirement.
How much does it cost to become a licensed psychologist in Hawaii?
Total costs vary dramatically based on your educational path. PhD programs often provide full funding through teaching or research assistantships, making them low-cost or even providing a stipend. PsyD programs typically cost $80,000-$200,000+ in tuition alone. Additional expenses include EPPP exam preparation materials ($100-$1,000), the EPPP exam fee (approximately $600), licensure application fees, background checks, and living expenses during 9-12 years of education. Hawaii's high cost of living means housing, food, and transportation costs will be substantially higher than mainland averages throughout your training years.
What are the continuing education requirements for Hawaii psychologists?
Hawaii requires licensed psychologists to complete continuing education (CE) to maintain their license. While specific requirements may change, psychologists typically need to complete a certain number of CE hours every renewal period (licenses are renewed biennially). CE topics often must include ethics, cultural competence, and other mandated subjects. Check with the Hawaii Board of Psychology for current CE requirements, approved providers, and specific hour requirements for your renewal period. Keep detailed records of all CE activities, as you'll need to verify completion when renewing your license.
Key Takeaways
Essential Points for Becoming a Licensed Psychologist in Hawaii
- Doctoral degree required: You must earn a PhD or PsyD in psychology from an accredited program to qualify for Hawaii licensure
- 3,800 total supervised hours: Complete 1,900 hours during your predoctoral internship, plus 1,900 hours of postdoctoral supervised experience (minimum one year) with an approved licensed psychologist
- Pass the EPPP with 500+: Achieve a minimum score of 500 on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology
- 9-12 year commitment (often longer): The complete path from bachelor's degree to licensure typically takes 9-12 years, with many candidates needing 12-14 years due to dissertation delays, supervisor availability, or application processing times
- Competitive earning potential: Clinical psychologists in Hawaii earn median salaries around $101,980, with specialized practitioners and experienced psychologists earning $120,000-$200,000+
- Cultural competence essential: Hawaii's diverse population requires psychologists to develop strong multicultural competencies, understanding of Native Hawaiian values, and familiarity with Asian and Pacific Islander cultural perspectives
- Geographic considerations: Hawaii's island geography creates unique challenges, including rural provider shortages, high cost of living, and opportunities for telehealth practice across the islands
- Plan for application delays: Allow 2-3 months for board processing after submitting your complete application, and ensure all documentation is accurate to avoid additional delays
Ready to Start Your Psychology Career in Hawaii?
Take the first step by exploring accredited doctoral programs that align with your career goals. Compare PhD and PsyD options, consider whether Hawaii-based programs or mainland training better fit your needs, and connect with current Hawaii psychologists to learn about practice realities in the islands.
Find psychology degree programs in Hawaii to begin your journey toward licensure.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists, Industrial-Organizational Psychologists, School Psychologists, Psychologists-All Other are based on national and state data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed October 2025.
