Hawaii is a unique and captivating destination, boasting three schools offering Master in Psychology programs. Each of these schools provides diverse educational opportunities for students seeking to further their understanding of human behavior, cognition, and emotion. The University of Hawaii at Manoa offers a Master’s in Clinical Psychology program, focusing on developing students’ clinical skills for mental health treatment. The Chaminade University of Honolulu provides a Master’s in Counseling Psychology program that emphasizes integrating theory, research, and practice to help students become ethical and effective mental health professionals. Finally, Hawaii Pacific University offers a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy program to equip students with the skills necessary to help individuals, couples, and families improve their relationships and mental health. By embarking on any of these three distinctive degree programs, students can find themselves on an extraordinary educational journey in Hawaii, fortified with the requisite knowledge and skills to thrive as licensed psychologists in this captivating destination.
In addition to its Master’s programs, Hawaii also provides an array of Doctorate in Psychology programs, further cementing its reputation as a hub for advanced psychological education. Several esteemed institutions in the state offer diverse and comprehensive doctoral programs, catering to individuals who aspire to attain the highest level of expertise in the field.
Master’s in General Psychology
University of Hawaii Manoa Psychology Master of Arts
The University of Hawaii Manoa offers a Master of Arts in Psychology program located in Honolulu. This program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and aims to provide students with a broad-based education in psychology, emphasizing both research and clinical skills. Students can choose from three concentrations: Clinical Studies, Social/Personality Psychology, and Developmental Psychology. The Clinical Studies concentration is designed for students who want to become practicing psychologists and includes clinical assessment, therapy, and psychopathology coursework. The Social/Personality Psychology concentration focuses on studying social behavior and individual differences, while the Developmental Psychology concentration emphasizes studying human development across the lifespan. With its diverse range of concentrations and APA accreditation, the University of Hawaii Manoa’s Master of Arts in Psychology program provides students with a comprehensive and rigorous education in the field of psychology. This program is designed for students to progress into a PsyD program.
Click here for Masters in Clinical Psychology programs in the state of Hawaii.
Master’s in Counselling Psychology
Chaminade University of Honolulu Master of Science in Counseling Psychology
The Chaminade University of Honolulu offers a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology program that is located in Honolulu, Hawaii. This program is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). It is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to become effective mental health counselors. The program includes coursework in counseling theories, ethics, research methods, and supervised clinical training. Students can choose from two concentrations: Marriage and Family Therapy or Mental Health Counseling. The Marriage and Family Therapy concentration is designed for students who want to work with couples and families, while the Mental Health Counseling concentration is designed for students who want to work with individuals. With its strong focus on clinical training and WASC accreditation, Chaminade University of Honolulu’s Master of Science in Counseling Psychology program provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the field of mental health counseling.
University of Hawaii Hilo Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
The University of Hawaii Hilo offers a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology program that is located in Hilo, Hawaii. This program is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). It is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to become licensed mental health counselors. The program includes coursework in counseling theories, multicultural issues, research methods, and supervised clinical training. Students can choose from two concentrations: Clinical Mental Health Counseling or Marriage and Family Therapy. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration is designed for students who want to work with individuals, while the Marriage and Family Therapy concentration is designed for students who want to work with couples and families. With its strong emphasis on clinical training and WASC accreditation, the University of Hawaii Hilo’s Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology program provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the field of mental health counseling.
Hawaii Psychology and Mental Health-Focused Organizations
- Hawaii Psychological Association: A professional organization for licensed psychologists in Hawaii, offering networking opportunities, continuing education, and advocacy for the profession.
- Mental Health America of Hawaii: A non-profit organization focused on improving mental health in Hawaii through education, advocacy, and community outreach.
- Hawaii Department of Health – Adult Mental Health Division: A state agency that provides mental health services to adults with severe and persistent mental illness, including case management, medication management, and residential services.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Hawaii: A non-profit organization that provides education, support, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental illness.
- Hawaii Counseling and Education Center: A private counseling center offering individual and group therapy, as well as educational workshops and training programs.
- Hawaii Health & Harm Reduction Center: A non-profit organization that provides harm reduction services, including substance abuse treatment and mental health counseling, to underserved populations in Hawaii.
- Hawaii Association of Marriage and Family Therapy: A professional organization for licensed marriage and family therapists in Hawaii, offering networking opportunities, continuing education, and advocacy for the profession.
- Child and Family Service: A non-profit organization that provides a wide range of mental health services to children, adolescents, and families in Hawaii, including therapy, case management, and crisis intervention.
Hawaii Data and Mental Health Statistics
- According to the Hawaii Department of Health, suicide is the leading cause of fatal injuries in Hawaii, with an average of 245 deaths per year from 2015-2019.
- The Hawaii Department of Health also reports that Hawaii has a higher prevalence of mental illness than the national average, with an estimated 21% of adults experiencing a mental illness in the past year compared to the national average of 19.4%.
- A 2020 report by Mental Health America ranked Hawaii as the state with the highest prevalence of mental illness in the nation based on factors such as the prevalence of mental illness, access to care, and rates of substance use.
- In 2020, the Hawaii Department of Health reported that 15.5% of adults in Hawaii reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder, an increase from 10.9% in 2018.
- The Hawaii Department of Health also reported that in 2019, there were 4,464 hospitalizations for mental health disorders in Hawaii, with a total cost of $82 million.
- A 2021 report by the Hawaii State Commission on Fatherhood found that the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the mental health of fathers in Hawaii, with increased rates of depression, anxiety, and substance use reported.
- The same report also found that fathers in Hawaii have lower access rates to mental health services than mothers, with only 38% of fathers reporting ever seeking mental health treatment compared to 53% of mothers.
