Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

Statute

HRS 453D

Scope of Practice

Independent practice of mental health counseling, no supervision required.

Supervision

Not required — this is a fully independent license. Supervision was required before licensure (during the associate period), but is no longer required once licensed.

Examination

NCE — National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NBCC). NOT the NCMHCE.

Term

3 years (triennial), renew by June 30.

Renewable

Yes — triennial.

Continuing Education

None stated in HRS 453D or the application (verify current HAR).

Reciprocity

Application says none; statute §453D-8 permits discretionary agreements; passed NCE scores transfer.

Effective Date

Long-standing.

Insurance Reimbursable

n/a — bills independently.

Notes

Education adds 48 sem / 72 qtr coursework hours across 9 areas; post-graduate experience 3,000 hrs with 100 face-to-face supervision hrs over 2–4 years.

Scope & Exemptions

Who must be licensed? (HRS §453D-5)

Licensure is required for anyone who either uses a protected title ("licensed mental health counselor," "mental health counselor," "licensed associate mental health counselor," "associate mental health counselor") OR engages in the practice of mental health counseling.

Who is exempt? (HRS §453D-6)

People whose work overlaps but who do not use a protected title or describe services as "mental health counseling."
Clergy acting within their religious role.
Students in a supervised practicum with a trainee title.
Government employees acting in a counseling capacity within their government role.
Individuals obtaining supervised clinical experience toward licensure as a psychologist, social worker, MFT, or other licensed profession whose title indicates trainee or intern status.

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.