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The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) is preparing for the July 1 implementation of Act 93, which creates new provisional licenses for associate psychologists, associate marriage and family therapists, and associate mental health counselors.
The law is intended to reduce barriers for emerging professionals, strengthen Hawaiʻi’s mental health workforce, and improve access to care statewide. Applications opened June 1, and DCCA has dedicated additional staff and resources to process applications as quickly as possible. Current supervisors are only required to complete supervision verification forms for applicants.
Licensure requirements differ by profession. Individuals are encouraged to review the category below that applies to them.
Marriage and Family Therapists
Under HRS §451J-5, licensure is required only for individuals who use, or represent themselves under, the title “marriage and family therapist,” “licensed marriage and family therapist,” “associate marriage and family therapist,” or “licensed associate marriage and family therapist.” The licensure requirement is tied to use of these titles, not to the underlying work performed.
Licensure is not required for (HRS §451J-6):
Mental Health Counselors
Under HRS §453D-5, licensure is required for any individual who either uses a protected title — “licensed mental health counselor,” “mental health counselor,” “licensed associate mental health counselor,” or “associate mental health counselor” — or who engages in the practice of mental health counseling.
Licensure is not required for (HRS §453D-6):
Psychologists
Under HRS §465-2, licensure is required for any individual who represents themselves as a “psychologist” or “associate psychologist,” or who engages in the practice of psychology.
Licensure is not required for (under HRS §465-3) the following persons (as are pertinent)
Individuals uncertain whether their role, title, or services require licensure are encouraged to contact PVL directly for guidance.
Application materials and program-specific information are available on the respective board and program pages at https://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl. For general inquiries, contact the Professional and Vocational Licensing Division at 1-844-808-3222 ext. 1.
Supervision Verification
Regarding post-master’s and post-doctoral supervision verification, only the applicant’s current supervisor is required to complete the supervision verification form. Applicants may voluntarily provide a list of former supervisors but are not required to do so.
Under the law, associate-level practitioners must practice under the clinical supervision of a licensed professional in good standing with the Department:
Applicants are encouraged to check the website regularly for updates, application materials and a frequently asked questions (FAQ) document.
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