LicenseCompass

Mental Health Counselor License in Hawaii

Quick Answer

To become a licensed counselor in HI, you need a master's degree in counseling, pass the NCE (National Counselor Examination), and pay approximately $60 in application fees. Most states also require supervised clinical experience.

Exam
NCE (National Counselor Examination)
Total Cost
$376 (est.)
Timeline
2-4 years (including supervised experience)
Background Check
Required

Requirements

Mental Health Counselor license in Hawaii

gold
Education
Degree required
Exam
Third-party exam required
Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
Continuing Education
No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Veterans Benefits
N/A - Not displayed

Estimated Costs Est.

Application Fee
$60
Exam Fee
$316
Total Estimated Cost
$376

Licensing Agency

Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs~Professional and Vocational Licensing Division~Mental Health Counselor Program

Cost Breakdown

Estimated costs for getting your Mental Health Counselor license in Hawaii. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.

Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program

$
Application FeeEst.$60
Exam FeeEst.$316
Total Estimated Cost$376

Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Hawaii licensing board.

Mental Health Counselor Salary in Hawaii

Entry Level

$48,910

Median

$54,390

Experienced

$158,310

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.

How to Get Licensed

Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Mental Health Counselor in Hawaii.

  1. 1

    Complete Education Requirements

    Degree required

  2. 2

    Submit Background Check

    No criminal record prohibitions

  3. 3

    Pass the Required Exam

    Third-party exam required — NCE (National Counselor Examination)

  4. 4

    Submit Your Application

    File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$60.

  5. 5

    Receive Your License

    Processing typically takes 2-4 years (including supervised experience).

Mental Health Counselor Licensing in Hawaii: What to Know

DESCRIPTION OF OCCUPATION: A Mental Health Counselor works with individuals and groups to promote optimum mental health, with emphasis on prevention. May help deal with addictions and substance abuse; family, parenting, and marital problems; suicide; stress management; problems with self-esteem; an Licensed as 'Mental Health Counselor' in HI. Education: Degree required. Exam: Third-party exam required. Background: No criminal record prohibitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Mental Health Counselor license cost in Hawaii?
The estimated total cost is $376, including application fees, exam fees ($316), and education costs.
How long does it take to get a Mental Health Counselor license in Hawaii?
The process typically takes 2-4 years (including supervised experience), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
What exam do I need for a Mental Health Counselor license in Hawaii?
You need to pass the NCE (National Counselor Examination). Third-party exam required

Considering another state?

Compare Mental Health Counselor requirements across states.

View all states →

Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.