State Requirements

Clinical Supervision Requirements in Hawaii

A summary of clinical supervision requirements for Hawaii-based mental health professionals pursuing LCSW, LMHC, and LMFT licensure. Always verify current requirements directly with the respective Hawaii licensing programs.

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and reflects requirements as of our last review (Last reviewed: February 2026). Licensing requirements change. Always verify current requirements with the appropriate Hawaii board before making decisions about your supervision.

Licensing Board Overview

In Hawaii, mental health professions are regulated by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), Professional and Vocational Licensing Division. Each profession has its own specific program and rules.

LCSW: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (Hawaii)

Hawaii's LCSW is governed by the Social Worker Program, HAR Title 16, Chapter 108. Candidates typically hold a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) credential while accruing supervised experience.

Supervised Experience Requirements

  • Total supervised experience: 3,000 hours of clinical social work experience
  • Timeframe: Must be completed in no less than 2 years and no more than 5 years
  • Supervision hours: At least 100 hours of direct face-to-face supervision
  • Exam: ASWB Clinical Examination

Supervisor Qualifications

  • Must hold an active Hawaii LCSW license
  • Must have at least 4,500 hours of post-master's clinical social work experience

LMHC: Licensed Mental Health Counselor (Hawaii)

Hawaii's LMHC is governed by the Mental Health Counselor Program, HAR Title 16, Chapter 112E. Candidates are typically unlicensed post-graduate supervisees while accruing hours.

Supervised Experience Requirements

  • Total supervised experience: 3,000 hours of post-master's experience
  • Direct client contact: At least 1,000 hours must be direct clinical counseling
  • Supervision hours: At least 100 hours of face-to-face clinical supervision
  • Exam: NCE (National Counselor Examination) or NCMHCE (National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination)

Supervisor Qualifications

  • Must hold an active Hawaii LMHC, LCSW, APRN (with psychiatric specialization), Psychologist, or Psychiatrist license

LMFT: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (Hawaii)

Hawaii's LMFT is governed by the Marriage and Family Therapist Program, HAR Title 16, Chapter 92. Candidates are typically unlicensed post-graduate supervisees while accruing hours.

Supervised Experience Requirements

  • Total supervised experience: 1,000 hours of direct client contact experience
  • Supervision hours: At least 200 hours of clinical supervision
  • Exam: AMFTRB National Examination

Supervisor Qualifications

  • Must hold an active Hawaii LMFT, LCSW, Psychologist, APRN (with psychiatric specialization), or Psychiatrist license
  • Must meet AAMFT supervisor standards or equivalent

Hawaii-Specific Details

No Provisional Licensure for Counselors and MFTs

Unlike many states, Hawaii does not issue a provisional or associate license for counselors or marriage and family therapists while they accrue their post-graduate hours. They practice as unlicensed post-graduate supervisees under the direct responsibility of their qualified supervisor.

Virtual Supervision in Hawaii

Hawaii generally permits telehealth supervision, provided it occurs via secure, HIPAA-compliant, two-way interactive video. Supervisors should verify current DCCA guidance on any limitations related to the percentage of supervision that can be conducted virtually versus in-person.

Key Hawaii Board Contact Information

How to Become a Clinical Supervisor in Hawaii

Supervisor requirements in Hawaii vary by discipline. Always confirm current standards with the respective program.

Becoming an LCSW Supervisor

  • Hold an active Hawaii LCSW license
  • Complete at least 4,500 hours of post-master's clinical social work experience
  • Ensure you meet any additional board requirements for providing supervision

Becoming an LMHC Supervisor

  • Hold an active Hawaii LMHC, LCSW, APRN, Psychologist, or Psychiatrist license
  • Ensure you meet any additional board requirements for providing supervision

Becoming an LMFT Supervisor

  • Hold an active Hawaii LMFT, LCSW, Psychologist, APRN, or Psychiatrist license
  • Meet AAMFT supervisor standards or equivalent
Tip: If you're ready to start supervising, setting up your documentation system before you take on your first supervisee saves time later. See our guide on how to start offering clinical supervision.

How Guidara Helps Hawaii Supervisors

Guidara structures your supervision records the way Hawaii licensing programs expect: signed supervision documentation, hour tracking by category, timesheet approvals, and exportable reports. Everything is stored digitally with timestamps and audit trails, so you're always audit-ready.

See something that needs updating? Licensing requirements change, and we want to keep this page accurate. If you notice outdated or incorrect information, let us know.

Keep your Hawaii supervision records organized

Guidara tracks hours, captures signatures, and stores documentation the way Hawaii licensing boards expect.

Get Started Free