Associate Marriage & Family Therapist (Provisional License)
Back to all licensesStatute HRS 451J (Act 93, SLH 2024) Scope of Practice Practice marriage & family therapy ONLY under the direct supervision of the named licensed supervisor, while completing the post-graduate experience required for full licensure. Supervision Direct supervision by a Hawaiʻi-licensed MFT (2 yrs good standing) OR a licensed mental health professional who is an AAMFT clinical member (2 yrs). Examination None at this level. Term 1 year Renewable Yes — renewable for one additional 1-year period. Continuing Education None required to renew. Reciprocity None — no reciprocity with any state. Effective Date July 1, 2026 Insurance Reimbursable Yes — services billable to insurance if the supervisor is an eligible contracted provider; rate commensurate with training (Act 93). Notes Approval as an associate does not guarantee eligibility for full MFT licensure.
Marriage & Family Therapist
Associate / Provisional
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist (Provisional License)
Scope & Exemptions
Who must be licensed? (HRS §451J-5)
Licensure is required only for individuals who use, or represent themselves under, the titles "marriage and family therapist," "licensed marriage and family therapist," "associate marriage and family therapist," or "licensed associate marriage and family therapist." The requirement is tied to use of these protected titles — not the underlying work.
Who is exempt? (HRS §451J-6)
- People whose work overlaps with MFT practice but who do not use the protected titles.
- Students in a supervised practicum in an accredited graduate program identified by a trainee title.
- Members of other licensed professions (social work, psychology, nursing, medicine) working within their own profession's standards without using the protected MFT titles.
Unsure whether your role, title, or services require licensure? Contact the Professional and Vocational Licensing Division at 1-844-808-3222 ext. 1 or cca.hawaii.gov/pvl.