Best Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs in Hawaii, Ranked (2026)
The 3 APA-accredited clinical psychology doctoral programs in Hawaii for 2026, with cohort sizes, the 3,800 supervised hours (1,900 internship + 1,900 post-doctoral), EPPP plus the Hawaii Jurisprudence Examination, and Hawaii's status as a notable PSYPACT holdout.
Key Takeaways
- Hawaii has 3 APA-accredited doctoral psychology programs, all in Honolulu on O'ahu. University of Hawai'i at Mānoa Clinical Psychology PhD (continuously APA-accredited since 1972; most recent reaccreditation announced August 21, 2025 through 2035 = the 10-year maximum). Chaminade University of Honolulu PsyD in Clinical Psychology (Hawai'i School of Professional Psychology; received maximum 10-year APA reaccreditation in 2021 through 2030). Hawai'i Pacific University (HPU) PsyD in Clinical Psychology ("Accredited, on contingency" granted April 26, 2024 through April 26, 2029; intends to apply for full accreditation in 2027; program launched fall 2020).
- All 3 APA-accredited Hawaii doctoral psychology programs are Clinical (PhD or PsyD). Hawaii has NO APA-accredited Counseling Psychology PhD or School Psychology PhD doctoral programs. UH Mānoa College of Education launched a new School Psychology PhD in 2022 (first cohort graduating 2025) but it is not yet APA-accredited. Argosy Hawai'i closed in 2019 with the Argosy/Dream Center Education Holdings collapse; the "Hawai'i School of Professional Psychology" name was absorbed into Chaminade.
- Hawaii licenses psychologists through the State of Hawaii DCCA, Professional and Vocational Licensing Division, Board of Psychology under Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 465. Required supervised experience is 3,800 total hours: typically 1,900 hours pre-doctoral internship + 1,900 hours post-doctoral supervised experience.
- Exam sequence is the EPPP (passing scaled score 500; ~$600 ASPPB + ~$80 testing center fee) plus the Hawaii Jurisprudence Examination (state law/ethics exam).
- Fees: $50 non-refundable initial application fee to DCCA + additional license issuance fee due after Board approval. Biennial renewal cycle; licenses renew biennially on or before June 30 of each even-numbered year (per HRS Chapter 465).
- Hawaii is NOT a PSYPACT state as of May 2026. Hawaii is one of the most notable PSYPACT holdouts (along with NY, CA, MA). SB32 (2025) introduced but did not pass. SB2080 SD1 (2026) advanced but did not become law in the 2026 Regular Session. Out-of-state psychologists cannot use E.Passport/IPC to practice telepsychology into Hawaii without a Hawaii license.
- Hawai'i is a single statewide school district (Hawai'i Department of Education / HIDOE), unique in the United States. 258 schools / 15 complex areas / ~170,000 students. Complex areas include Honolulu, Central O'ahu, Leeward O'ahu, Windward O'ahu, Hawai'i (Big Island), Maui-Lanai-Molokai, and Kaua'i.
- Multicultural / Asian-Pacific Islander mental health is the defining clinical specialty of Hawaii psychology training. All three doctoral programs emphasize Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Asian-American cultural competence. UH Mānoa has an explicit Community and Cultural Psychology training area; HPU advertises Pacific Islander, Native Hawaiian, and Asian-American mental health as a specialty training focus.
Hawai'i runs a small but distinguished APA-accredited doctoral psychology training landscape with 3 programs all in Honolulu on O'ahu. University of Hawai'i at Mānoa Clinical Psychology PhD (Department of Psychology, 2530 Dole Street, Sakamaki C 400) has been APA-accredited since 1972. Most recent reaccreditation announced August 21, 2025: reaccredited through 2035 = the 10-year maximum term. Scientist-practitioner model (sometimes referenced as "Clinical Studies Program"). UH Mānoa graduate tuition 2025-26: ~$16,502/year in-state and ~$34,550/year out-of-state. Most PhD students receive tuition remission + assistantships. ~5 to 6 years to completion (4 semesters of practicum + 1-year predoctoral internship + dissertation + clinical comprehensive exam). ~4 to 6 students/year; currently 31 students enrolled total. GRE General no longer required; GRE Psychology Subject Test optional. Department-wide areas include behavioral neuroscience, community and cultural psychology, developmental psychology, experimental psychopathology, social-personality, cognition. Affiliations: on-site Center for Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CCBT) clinic; VA Pacific Islands Health Care System, Tripler Army Medical Center, Hawai'i State Hospital, and Queen's Medical Center for practicum/internship.
Chaminade University of Honolulu PsyD in Clinical Psychology (Hawai'i School of Professional Psychology, 3140 Waialae Avenue) is fully APA-accredited; received maximum 10-year reaccreditation in 2021 through 2030. Practitioner-scholar generalist model. 5-year program (≥1,500 hours clinical practicum + 2,000-hour predoctoral internship). 30 to 35 students per cohort (entering each August). Tuition 2025-26: $1,050 to $1,350 per credit hour. No formal concentration tracks; generalist program with 12 credits of required electives that allow tailoring (e.g., trauma, child/adolescent, neuropsychology, multicultural). Catholic Marianist university. APPIC-member internship placements include VA Pacific Islands HCS, Hawai'i State Hospital, Tripler Army Medical Center, Queen's Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente Hawaii, Adventist Health Castle.
Hawai'i Pacific University (HPU) PsyD in Clinical Psychology (College of Liberal Arts; Pioneer Plaza at 900 Fort Street Mall and Waterfront Plaza at 500 Ala Moana Boulevard) is "Accredited, on contingency" by APA effective April 26, 2024, through April 26, 2029. Program intends to apply for full accreditation in 2027. Program launched fall 2020. Tuition 2025-26: $1,433 per credit; estimated total program cost ~$183,424 (128-credit curriculum). 5+ years full-time. 1:10 faculty-to-student ratio advertised; typically ~10 to 15 per cohort. GRE not strictly required (test scores like GRE, PRAXIS, or GMAT may be considered). Specialty training areas: Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian/Asian-American mental health; forensic assessment and criminal justice applications; behavioral medicine/chronic disease/biopsychosocial health; CBT, DBT, ACT, and trauma-informed care. Led by Vincent Tsushima, PhD, JD.
Important context on what is NOT APA-accredited in Hawaii: (1) UH Mānoa Counseling Psychology / School Psychology: UH Mānoa College of Education offers Counselor Education and Educational Psychology (including a new School Psychology PhD launched 2022, first cohort graduating 2025), but no UH Counseling Psychology PhD or School Psychology PhD currently holds APA doctoral accreditation. (2) UH at Hilo: offers MA in Counseling Psychology (MPCAC-accredited at master's level, not APA doctoral). (3) Argosy University Hawai'i: closed 2019 with the Argosy/Dream Center collapse; the "Hawai'i School of Professional Psychology" name was absorbed into Chaminade.
The Hawaii Board of Psychology licensure path under HRS Chapter 465 requires a PhD, PsyD, or EdD in psychology from an APA-accredited program (or equivalent training meeting Board standards), 3,800 total hours of supervised experience (typically 1,900 hours pre-doctoral internship + 1,900 hours post-doctoral), the EPPP (passing scaled score 500; ~$600 ASPPB + ~$80 testing center fee), and the Hawaii Jurisprudence Examination. Initial application fee $50 non-refundable + additional license issuance fee after Board approval. Biennial renewal cycle on or before June 30 of each even-numbered year. Total timeline from start of bachelor's through full licensure typically runs 10 to 14 years.
Hawaii is NOT a PSYPACT state as of May 2026. Hawaii is one of the most notable PSYPACT holdouts (along with New York, California, and Massachusetts). SB32 (2025) introduced to adopt PSYPACT but did not pass. SB2080 SD1 (2026) advanced to Senate Draft 1 but did not become law in the 2026 Regular Session. Out-of-state licensed psychologists cannot use the E.Passport/IPC to practice telepsychology into Hawaii without a Hawaii license.
APA-Accredited Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs in Hawaii
All 3 programs ranked in this guide, with tuition, format, and accreditation at a glance.
| # | School | In-State Tuition | Format | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Hawai'i at Mānoa (UH Mānoa Clinical PhD) | ~$16,502/year (in-state); most PhD students receive tuition remission + assistantships | On-campus | |
| 2 | Chaminade University of Honolulu (PsyD in Clinical Psychology) | $1,050-$1,350 per credit hour (private flat rate; ~5-year program) | On-campus | |
| 3 | Hawai'i Pacific University (HPU PsyD) | $1,433 per credit (2025-26); estimated total program cost ~$183,424 (128-credit curriculum) | On-campus |
University of Hawai'i at Mānoa (UH Mānoa Clinical PhD)
In-State
~$16,502/year (in-state); most PhD students receive tuition remission + assistantships
Out-of-State
~$34,550/year (out-of-state); same with funding
Length
~5 to 6 years (4 semesters of practicum + 1-year predoctoral internship + dissertation + clinical comprehensive exam)
Field Hours
1,900 on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum at on-site Center for Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CCBT) clinic; VA Pacific Islands HCS, Tripler Army Medical Center, Hawai'i State Hospital, Queen's Medical Center
Concentrations
- Continuously APA-accredited since 1972
- Most recent reaccreditation announced August 21, 2025: reaccredited through 2035, the 10-year maximum term
- ~4 to 6 students/year; 31 students enrolled total
- GRE General no longer required; GRE Psychology Subject Test optional
- Affiliations with VA Pacific Islands HCS, Tripler Army Medical Center, Hawai'i State Hospital, Queen's Medical Center; community and cultural psychology training area
Chaminade University of Honolulu (PsyD in Clinical Psychology)
In-State
$1,050-$1,350 per credit hour (private flat rate; ~5-year program)
Out-of-State
Same private rate
Length
5-year generalist program
Field Hours
≥1,500 hours clinical practicum + 2,000-hour predoctoral internship
Concentrations
- Received maximum 10-year APA reaccreditation in 2021 through 2030
- 30 to 35 students per cohort (entering each August)
- Catholic Marianist university
- Generalist program with 12 credits of required electives for tailoring
- APPIC-member internship placements include VA Pacific Islands HCS, Hawai'i State Hospital, Tripler Army Medical Center, Queen's Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente Hawaii, Adventist Health Castle
Hawai'i Pacific University (HPU PsyD)
In-State
$1,433 per credit (2025-26); estimated total program cost ~$183,424 (128-credit curriculum)
Out-of-State
Same private rate
Length
5+ years full-time
Field Hours
1,500+ on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum
Concentrations
- "Accredited, on contingency" by APA April 26, 2024 through April 26, 2029; intends to apply for full accreditation in 2027
- Program launched fall 2020
- 1:10 faculty-to-student ratio; typically ~10 to 15 per cohort
- Test scores (GRE, PRAXIS, or GMAT) may be considered (effectively optional)
- Specialty training in Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian/Asian-American mental health, forensic assessment, behavioral medicine
How to Become a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Hawaii
The licensing board, exam pathway, and supervised hours you'll need to practice independently.
Licensing Board
Hawaii Board of Psychology (DCCA, Professional and Vocational Licensing Division)
(808) 586-3000
Hawaii regulates psychologists through the State of Hawaii DCCA, Professional and Vocational Licensing Division, Board of Psychology under Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 465.
Education requirement is a PhD, PsyD, or EdD in psychology from an APA-accredited program OR equivalent training meeting Board standards (regionally accredited; must meet doctoral-level core curriculum).
Required supervised experience is 3,800 total hours: typically 1,900 hours pre-doctoral internship + 1,900 hours post-doctoral supervised experience.
Exam sequence is the EPPP (passing scaled score 500; ~$600 ASPPB + ~$80 testing center fee) plus the Hawaii Jurisprudence Examination (state law/ethics exam).
Fees: $50 non-refundable initial application fee to DCCA + additional license issuance fee due after Board approval (amount notified by Board; exact current schedule on cca.hawaii.gov). Biennial renewal cycle; licenses renew biennially on or before June 30 of each even-numbered year (per HRS Chapter 465). Total timeline from start of bachelor's through full licensure typically runs 10 to 14 years.
Supervised pre-doctoral internship (1,900 hours)
Supervised practice during the doctoral program under faculty and site supervision; not a separate Board credential
Hours
N/A
Duration
Associate
Exam: Not applicable
Licensed Psychologist
Independent practice, mental health diagnosis and treatment, psychological testing and assessment, supervision of trainees, expert testimony. Hawaii is NOT a PSYPACT state.
Hours
3,800
Duration
3,800 total hours: 1,900 hours pre-doctoral internship + 1,900 hours post-doctoral
Exam: EPPP (passing scaled score 500) + Hawaii Jurisprudence Examination
Hawaii does not offer automatic reciprocity. Out-of-state applicants must complete the Hawaii Jurisprudence Examination.
Hawaii is NOT a PSYPACT state as of May 2026. Hawaii is one of the most notable PSYPACT holdouts (along with New York, California, and Massachusetts). SB32 (2025) "DCCA; Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT); Adoption; Rules" introduced to adopt PSYPACT for telepsychology and temporary in-person practice across state lines but did not pass into law. SB2080 SD1 (2026) bill to join PSYPACT was reintroduced and advanced to SD1 (Senate Draft 1) but did not become law in the 2026 Regular Session, which adjourned Sine Die. Out-of-state psychologists cannot use the E.Passport/IPC to practice telepsychology into Hawaii without a Hawaii license.
Clinical Psychologist Salary in Hawaii
BLS state median wages by counseling specialty, with national comparison and top-paying metros.
Hawaii psychologist wages typically run near or above national averages for the occupation due to cost-of-living adjustments. BLS Hawaii OEWS data should be verified for SOC 19-3033 (state median + Honolulu metro). National median for SOC 19-3033 is $96,100. Cost of living in Honolulu is among the highest in the United States; salary discussions must be read against the COL premium.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists (SOC 19-3033)
National median: $96,100
Top metro: Verify with BLS MSA pages (Honolulu (most psychology employment))
School Psychologists (SOC 19-3034)
National median: $86,930
Top metro: HIDOE salary schedule (Honolulu, Central O'ahu, Leeward O'ahu, Windward O'ahu, Hawai'i (Big Island), Maui-Lanai-Molokai, Kaua'i complex areas)
Psychologists, All Other (SOC 19-3039)
National median: National mean ~$120,000
Top metro: Verify with BLS (Honolulu)
Hawaii Clinical Psychology Job Market and Top Employers
Major employers, mental health shortage context, and loan repayment programs that erase debt for service.
Hawaii has a small but distinctive psychology employment market concentrated almost entirely on O'ahu (Honolulu). Major employers fall into five buckets.
Health systems (nonprofit; PSLF-eligible): Hawai'i Pacific Health, the largest nonprofit health system in Hawai'i. Formed 2001 via merger; HQ Honolulu. ~$1B annual revenue; 5,000-10,000 employees. Anchored by four medical centers: Kapi'olani Medical Center for Women and Children (Honolulu), Pali Momi Medical Center (West O'ahu, Aiea), Straub Benioff Medical Center (Honolulu), Wilcox Medical Center (Lihue, Kaua'i). The Queen's Health Systems, comprehensive behavioral health services statewide: The Queen's Medical Center Punchbowl (1301 Punchbowl Street; inpatient psychiatric Kekela Unit), Queen's Outpatient Behavioral Health Services (Kaheiheimaile Building, 1374 Nu'uanu Avenue), The Queen's Medical Center West O'ahu, The Queen's Medical Center North Hawai'i (Waimea, Big Island), Kahi Mōhala (behavioral health hospital, 'Ewa Beach). Kaiser Permanente Hawaii, integrated nonprofit with mental health and addiction medicine departments. Adventist Health Castle (Kailua, O'ahu), operates 29-bed inpatient behavioral health unit (one of only two inpatient BH units on O'ahu). Kuakini Medical Center (Honolulu).
Government / public sector: Hawai'i State Hospital (Kāne'ohe, O'ahu), the ONLY state psychiatric hospital in Hawai'i. Site opened 1930 as the "Territorial Hospital"; renamed Hawai'i State Hospital at statehood (1959). Operated by Hawai'i Department of Health, Adult Mental Health Division. New $160M, 144-bed forensic behavioral health facility opened April 2022. Virtually all current admissions are forensic (court-committed). Hawai'i Department of Health Adult Mental Health Division / AMHD (community mental health centers + case management statewide; hires Clinical Psychologists at SR-26/SR-28 civil service grades). Hawai'i Department of Health Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division / CAMHD. Hawai'i Department of Public Safety / DOC (forensic and correctional psychology positions).
Federal: VA Pacific Islands Health Care System (VAPIHCS), Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center, Honolulu. Operates APA-accredited psychology internship (6 generalist positions including 1 generalist-rural health) + APA-accredited postdoctoral fellowship, plus practicum program affiliated with UH Mānoa and Chaminade HSPP. Major employer of staff psychologists statewide (O'ahu + outpatient clinics on Maui, Kaua'i, Big Island, and American Samoa/Guam). Tripler Army Medical Center (Honolulu), DoD psychology positions; APPIC internship.
Hawai'i Department of Education (HIDOE): The entire State of Hawai'i is a single statewide school district, unique in the United States. 258 schools / 15 complex areas / ~170,000 students. Complex areas include Honolulu, Central O'ahu, Leeward O'ahu, Windward O'ahu, Hawai'i Big Island (Hilo-Waiakea, Kau-Keaau-Pahoa, Honoka'a-Kealakehe-Kohala-Konawaena), Maui (Baldwin-Kekaulike-Maui, Hana-Lahainaluna-Lanai-Molokai), Kaua'i. HIDOE launched an in-state online School Psychology PhD program in 2022 (first cohort graduating Fall 2025) to address school psychologist shortages.
Loan Repayment & Scholarship Programs
Hawai'i State Loan Repayment Program (HSLRP): Administered by the Hawai'i/Pacific Basin Area Health Education Center (AHEC) at the John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM), University of Hawai'i. Federally funded HRSA SLRP grant. Eligible disciplines include Health Service Psychologists. Award $25,000-$50,000 per year for a minimum 2-year commitment at a HSLRP-approved site in a designated HPSA. HSLRP site or another donor must provide matching funds equal to half the award. Eligible sites: FQHCs, rural health clinics, critical access hospitals, long-term care facilities, community outpatient facilities, free clinics, school-based health clinics, state or federal correctional facilities, certain solo/group practices. 2026 cycle expected to reopen May 2026. Gov. Josh Green announced $30M in state loan repayment funding for healthcare professionals serving Hawai'i (HELRP / state-funded supplement to HSLRP).
Hawai'i Behavioral Health Workforce Support (HBMC Foundation): The Hawaii Behavioral Medicine Corps (HBMC) Foundation maintains additional loan repayment and workforce development support tracks for behavioral health providers in Hawai'i.
NHSC Loan Repayment Program: Federal. Health service psychologists at NHSC-approved sites in Mental Health HPSAs can receive up to $55,000 for 2 years full-time (or up to $30,000 half-time), plus up to $5,000 language access enhancement (total up to $60,000 FT). NHSC SUD Workforce LRP and NHSC Rural Community LRP offer enhanced awards (up to $75,000-$100,000) for SUD and rural service.
VA Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): VA Pacific Islands HCS (Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center) employed psychologists can qualify for EDRP awards up to $200,000 over 5 years.
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): Highly applicable to Hawai'i psychology jobs at VA Pacific Islands, Hawai'i DOH, Hawai'i DOE, Hawai'i State Hospital, Hawai'i Pacific Health (nonprofit), Queen's Health Systems (nonprofit), Kaiser Permanente Hawaii (nonprofit), Adventist Health Castle (nonprofit). 120 qualifying payments while working full-time (≥30 hrs/week).
How to Choose a Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program in Hawaii
Decision factors that actually matter, not generic checklist filler.
Choosing a Hawaii clinical psychology doctoral program is well-defined given only 3 APA-accredited options, all on O'ahu. Here is how to actually narrow it down.
If you want a Clinical PhD with the longest continuous APA accreditation in Hawaii: University of Hawai'i at Mānoa Clinical Psychology PhD (continuously APA-accredited since 1972; most recent reaccreditation announced August 21, 2025 through 2035 = the 10-year maximum; ~4-6 students/year with 31 enrolled; GRE no longer required; on-site CCBT clinic; community and cultural psychology training area).
If you want a PsyD with maximum reaccreditation and Marianist Catholic identity: Chaminade University of Honolulu PsyD (received maximum 10-year reaccreditation in 2021 through 2030; 30-35 students per cohort entering each August; 5-year generalist program; 12 credits of required electives allow tailoring; APPIC-member internship placements across O'ahu).
If you want a newer PsyD with explicit Asian-Pacific Islander mental health focus: HPU PsyD ("Accredited, on contingency" April 26, 2024 through April 26, 2029; intends to apply for full accreditation in 2027; program launched fall 2020; 1:10 faculty-to-student ratio; Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian/Asian-American mental health + forensic assessment + behavioral medicine specialty training).
If you want Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Asian-American cultural competence: All 3 APA-accredited Hawaii doctoral psych programs emphasize multicultural / AAPI mental health. UH Mānoa has an explicit Community and Cultural Psychology training area; HPU advertises Pacific Islander, Native Hawaiian, and Asian-American mental health as a specialty training focus.
If you want VA Pacific Islands HCS training: VAPIHCS / Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center operates APA-accredited psychology internship (6 generalist positions including 1 generalist-rural health) + APA-accredited postdoctoral fellowship; practicum program affiliated with UH Mānoa and Chaminade HSPP.
If you want forensic psychology placement: Hawai'i State Hospital (Kāne'ohe; the only state psychiatric hospital in Hawai'i since 1930) opened a new $160M, 144-bed forensic behavioral health facility in April 2022. Virtually all current admissions are forensic (court-committed). Tripler Army Medical Center provides DoD psychology placements.
If you want a unique single-statewide school district employer: Hawai'i Department of Education / HIDOE is the only single statewide school district in the United States. 258 schools / 15 complex areas / ~170,000 students. HIDOE launched an in-state School Psychology PhD program in 2022 (first cohort graduating Fall 2025) to address school psychologist shortages.
Caveats worth knowing before applying: Hawaii is NOT a PSYPACT state; SB32 (2025) and SB2080 SD1 (2026) introduced but did not pass. If telepsychology mobility matters to you, this is a significant consideration. Hawaii has NO APA-accredited Counseling Psychology PhD or School Psychology PhD doctoral programs. Argosy Hawai'i closed in 2019; older aggregator pages may still list it incorrectly. Cost of living in Honolulu is among the highest in the US; salary discussions must be read against the COL premium. UH at Hilo offers MA in Counseling Psychology (MPCAC-accredited at master's level), not APA doctoral.
Related Pages
Counseling Programs in Hawaii
CACREP-accredited counseling programs and the Hawaii LMHC license, a master's alternative to the 7-year clinical psychology doctorate
MSW Programs in Hawaii
CSWE-accredited social work programs and Hawaii LCSW licensure
ABA Programs in Hawaii
BACB-verified course sequences and Hawaii BCBA practice for students considering applied behavior analysis
Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs by State
Browse APA-accredited clinical psychology doctoral programs (PhD and PsyD) in every state
Sources
- APA Commission on Accreditation, Accredited Programs Directory
- Hawaii Board of Psychology (DCCA)
- HRS Chapter 465 (Psychologists)
- PSYPACT, Compact Map
- PSYPACT State Legislation
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS Hawaii Estimates
- Hawaii State Loan Repayment Program (HSLRP) via JABSOM AHEC
- NHSC Loan Repayment Program
- UH Mānoa Clinical Psychology PhD
- UH Mānoa Clinical Psychology PhD reaccredited through 2035 (UH System News August 2025)
- Chaminade University PsyD
- Hawaii Pacific University PsyD
- Hawaii State Hospital (Kāne'ohe)
- VA Pacific Islands Health Care System Psychology Training