Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Degree Programs in Hawaii 2025

Hawaii offers limited but high-quality options for Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) education, with a strong emphasis on cultural competence, community-based therapy, and working with diverse populations. Due to the state’s unique geographic and cultural landscape, MFT students in Hawaii are trained to address issues affecting Native Hawaiian communities, military families, and multicultural populations.

This program prepares students for licensure in Hawaii and includes internship placements in local mental health clinics, hospitals, and community organizations. Students interested in online or hybrid programs may need to explore out-of-state universities that offer distance learning options while allowing supervised clinical experience in Hawaii.

Given Hawaii’s high cost of living, many students seek financial aid, scholarships, and part-time study options to balance tuition expenses with practical training requirements. Some Hawaii-based programs also partner with healthcare providers and military support services, offering scholarships or tuition assistance for students working in mental health or veteran support roles.

In this guide

MFT Programs in Hawaii

Hawaii has a limited number of in-state MFT programs, but students have access to COAMFTE-accredited and regionally recognized programs that meet state licensure requirements.

School	Degree Offered	Type
Chaminade University of Honolulu	MS in Marriage & Family Therapy	Campus
University of Hawaii at Manoa	MA in Counseling Psychology (MFT Track)	Hybrid
Hawaii Pacific University	MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MFT Specialization)	Hybrid

Chaminade University of Honolulu offers the only COAMFTE-accredited MFT program in the state, making it the top choice for students pursuing LMFT licensure in Hawaii. The University of Hawaii at Manoa and Hawaii Pacific University provide closely related counseling programs with MFT tracks, but students may need to ensure they meet Hawaii’s specific coursework and clinical training requirements for licensure.

Hawaii's Quickest MFT Programs

For students looking to complete their degree efficiently, Hawaii offers structured MFT programs that can be completed in two to three years with full-time enrollment and year-round coursework. Programs at Chaminade University of Honolulu and Hawaii Pacific University integrate clinical training early, allowing students to complete supervised hours alongside their coursework.

Several factors can accelerate completion time, including summer enrollment, transferring credits from psychology-related coursework, and taking additional practicum hours per semester. Students looking for a faster route to licensure should consider enrolling in full-time coursework and choosing a program that integrates supervised clinical hours as early as possible.

Hawaii's Cheapest MFT Programs

Higher education costs in Hawaii can be more expensive due to the state’s cost of living, making affordability an important factor for many students. Public universities and financial aid opportunities can help reduce tuition costs for in-state residents.

School	Estimated Tuition	Type
Chaminade University of Honolulu	$15,000	Campus
University of Hawaii at Manoa	$14,500	Hybrid
Hawaii Pacific University	$16,200	Hybrid

Students may also qualify for grants, assistantships, and employer tuition reimbursement programs, especially if they work in state mental health organizations, non-profits, or military support services. Some programs offer scholarships for Native Hawaiian students pursuing careers in mental health, helping reduce financial burdens.

How to Become Licensed as an LMFT in Hawaii

The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) oversees LMFT licensure, ensuring that therapists meet state-mandated educational and clinical training requirements.

Steps to Become an LMFT in Hawaii:

Complete a COAMFTE-Accredited MFT Degree – Earn a master’s or doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy or a closely related field with an MFT concentration.
Accumulate 3,000 Hours of Supervised Clinical Experience – Hawaii requires candidates to complete post-graduate clinical training under a licensed MFT supervisor.
Pass the National MFT Examination – Candidates must take and pass the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) exam.
Submit an Application for Licensure – Applicants must submit proof of education, clinical hours, and exam results to the Hawaii Board of MFT Examiners.
Complete Continuing Education (CE) for License Renewal – Hawaii LMFTs must complete 45 hours of CE credits every three years to maintain licensure.

Since Hawaii has unique cultural and legal considerations, therapists often receive additional training in working with Native Hawaiian communities, military families, and island-based teletherapy practices.

LMFT Career & Salary Outlook in Hawaii

Hawaii’s mental health sector has a growing need for licensed therapists, particularly in rural areas and underserved communities. Many LMFTs work in private practice, hospitals, and government-funded health services, providing therapy for families, veterans, and multicultural populations.

Average Salary: $61,400 per year
Top 10% Salary: $92,000+ per year
Entry-Level Salary: $50,000 per year
High-Demand Areas: Honolulu, Maui, Big Island
Primary Work Environments: Private practice, hospitals, military support services, telehealth

Hawaii’s island geography creates unique challenges for mental health accessibility, leading to a high demand for therapists in rural and underserved areas. The rise of teletherapy services has helped bridge this gap, with a significant increase in virtual therapy job listings across the state.

With a strong job outlook, competitive salaries, and a focus on culturally competent therapy, Hawaii is an excellent state for LMFTs looking to make a meaningful impact.

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