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Rules checked October 23, 2026 · by Dr. Emily Turinas, PhD

How to start a private practice in Hawaii

The steps are the same everywhere. Hawaii's rules are what change: your board, your entity, your ads, your paperwork. Here they are for counselors, marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, and psychologists, each linked to the official source.

Business education, not legal, tax, or clinical advice. Confirm each rule at the linked source before you rely on it.

Show rules for:
Usual entityAn LLC or a professional corporation, depending on your license
Yearly state filing$15
Recording sessionsOne-party consent state; get written consent either way
AI note toolsNo Hawaii-specific AI note law found as of October 23, 2026

By license

Starting a private practice in Hawaii, by license

Find your license for its Hawaii title, board, and what associates should know. The full rules for every license follow below, each linked to the official source.

Counselors · LMHC

Starting a private practice in Hawaii as an LMHC

License: Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). Board: No separate board. The Director of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), Professional and Vocational Licensing (PVL) Division, runs the Mental Health Counselor Licensing Program, with an advisory committee (HRS 453D-2, 453D-3). Statute: HRS Chapter 453D, plus the Uniform Professional and Vocational Licensing Act, HRS Chapter 436B. The title in Hawaii is Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC).

  • Title in ads: Use the title "Licensed Mental Health Counselor."
  • Continuing education: Your board doesn't list a CE requirement that we could find.
  • Renewal: Renew every 3 years, by June 30.
Before full licensure: Mental Health Counselor intern or associate (supervised)
  • From July 1, 2026, "licensed associate mental health counselor" and "associate mental health counselor" are also protected. (HRS 453D-5)

That's what the board rules we checked say about this level. Whether you may own a practice, bill insurance in your own name, or see private-pay clients outside your supervisor's practice: confirm with your board before you set anything up.

Rules checked October 23, 2026 · Official board site · Ad rules · Consent and records

MFTs · LMFT

Starting a private practice in Hawaii as an LMFT

License: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Board: No separate board. The Director of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), Professional and Vocational Licensing (PVL) Division, runs the Marriage and Family Therapist Program (HRS 451J-2, 451J-3). Statute: HRS Chapter 451J, plus HRS Chapter 436B. I found no MFT-specific Hawaii Administrative Rules on the DCCA site.

  • Title in ads: Use "Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist" (LMFT), and only with a license.
  • Continuing education: 45 credit hours per 3-year renewal period, with at least 6 in ethics.
  • Renewal: Renew every 3 years, on or before December 31. The next deadline is December 31, 2028.
Before full licensure: Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (provisional license)
  • From July 1, 2026, the "associate" versions are also protected. (HRS 451J-5)

That's what the board rules we checked say about this level. Whether you may own a practice, bill insurance in your own name, or see private-pay clients outside your supervisor's practice: confirm with your board before you set anything up.

Rules checked October 23, 2026 · Official board site · Ad rules · Consent and records

Social workers · LCSW

Starting a private practice in Hawaii as an LCSW

License: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Board: No separate board. The Director of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), Professional and Vocational Licensing (PVL) Division, runs the Social Worker Program (HRS 467E-2, 467E-3). Statute: HRS Chapter 467E, plus HRS Chapter 436B. I found no social-worker-specific Hawaii Administrative Rules.

  • Title in ads: Use "Licensed Clinical Social Worker" (LCSW) only with the matching license.
  • Continuing education: 45 credit hours every 3-year renewal period.
  • Renewal: Renew every 3 years, on or before June 30.
Before full licensure: Licensed Social Worker (LSW)

Our research didn't find a Hawaii board rule on this level's ads or private practice. Whether you may own a practice, bill insurance in your own name, or see private-pay clients outside your supervisor's practice: confirm with your board before you set anything up.

Rules checked October 23, 2026 · Official board site · Ad rules · Consent and records

Psychologists

Starting a private practice in Hawaii as a psychologist

License: Psychologist. Board: Hawaii Board of Psychology, within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), Professional and Vocational Licensing Division.

  • Title in ads: Use the title "Licensed Psychologist."
  • Continuing education: Earn 18 credit hours every 2-year licensing biennium.
  • Renewal: Renew every 2 years, on or before June 30 of each even-numbered year.
If you're not fully licensed yet
  • From July 1, 2026, "licensed associate psychologist" is also protected. (HRS 465-15)

That's what the board rules we checked say about this level. Whether you may own a practice, bill insurance in your own name, or see private-pay clients outside your supervisor's practice: confirm with your board before you set anything up.

Rules checked October 23, 2026 · Official board site · Ad rules · Consent and records

Licensing

Your licensing board in Hawaii

Read your board's rules before you name your practice or write your website.

LicenseBoardContinuing educationRenewal
CounselorsNo separate board. The Director of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), Professional and Vocational Licensing (PVL) Division, runs the Mental Health Counselor Licensing Program, with an advisory committee (HRS 453D-2, 453D-3). Statute: HRS Chapter 453D, plus the Uniform Professional and Vocational Licensing Act, HRS Chapter 436B. The title in Hawaii is Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)Your board doesn't list a CE requirement that we could find.Renew every 3 years, by June 30.
Marriage and family therapistsNo separate board. The Director of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), Professional and Vocational Licensing (PVL) Division, runs the Marriage and Family Therapist Program (HRS 451J-2, 451J-3). Statute: HRS Chapter 451J, plus HRS Chapter 436B. I found no MFT-specific Hawaii Administrative Rules on the DCCA site45 credit hours per 3-year renewal period, with at least 6 in ethics.Renew every 3 years, on or before December 31. The next deadline is December 31, 2028.
Clinical social workersNo separate board. The Director of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), Professional and Vocational Licensing (PVL) Division, runs the Social Worker Program (HRS 467E-2, 467E-3). Statute: HRS Chapter 467E, plus HRS Chapter 436B. I found no social-worker-specific Hawaii Administrative Rules45 credit hours every 3-year renewal period.Renew every 3 years, on or before June 30.
PsychologistsHawaii Board of Psychology, within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), Professional and Vocational Licensing DivisionEarn 18 credit hours every 2-year licensing biennium.Renew every 2 years, on or before June 30 of each even-numbered year.

Advertising

Advertising rules for therapists in Hawaii

Every ad counts: your website, directory profiles, business cards, and often your bills.

Counselors

Your title

Use the title "Licensed Mental Health Counselor."

  • Practicing or using the title "licensed mental health counselor" or "mental health counselor" without a license is barred. The fine is up to $1,000 per offense, and each day is a separate offense.
  • From July 1, 2026, "licensed associate mental health counselor" and "associate mental health counselor" are also protected.

Not yet confirmed: No rule requiring a license number in ads was found. Check with the DCCA program.

HRS 453D-5

What you can't say

Keep ads truthful and avoid untruthful or improbable statements.

  • False, fraudulent or deceptive advertising is grounds for discipline. So is conduct contrary to recognized ethics standards.
  • The fine is up to $1,000 per violation.
  • Be careful with outcome promises and testimonials.

Not yet confirmed: No DCCA rule on testimonials, "specialist" or guarantees was found. Check with the DCCA program.

HRS 453D-12(a)(2), (a)(8), (b) and 436B-19(2)

Marriage and family therapists

Your title

Use "Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist" (LMFT), and only with a license.

  • Using the title without a license can bring a fine up to $1,000 per violation, with each day a separate offense.
  • From July 1, 2026, the "associate" versions are also protected.
  • Hawaii's MFT law is a title law.

Not yet confirmed: We found no license number requirement. Check with the DCCA program.

HRS 451J-5

What you can't say

Don't use false, fraudulent or deceptive advertising or untruthful or improbable statements.

  • Fine up to $1,000 per violation.
  • Discipline grounds also include fraud or misrepresentation in getting or renewing a license, and violating recognized MFT ethical standards "as set by the association."

Not yet confirmed: We found no Hawaii rule on testimonials, "specialist" or guarantees. Check with the DCCA program.

HRS 436B-19(2) and 451J-11(a)

Clinical social workers

Your title

Use "Licensed Clinical Social Worker" (LCSW) only with the matching license.

  • You can't use "social worker," "licensed bachelor social worker," "licensed social worker" or the letters S.W., L.B.S.W., L.S.W. or L.C.S.W. without the matching license.
  • Only an LCSW may do clinical diagnosis or psychotherapy or practice autonomous, independent clinical social work.
  • Penalty: a fine up to $1,000, and each day is a separate offense.

Not yet confirmed: We found no license number requirement. Check with the DCCA program.

HRS 467E-5 and 467E-13

What you can't say

Keep ads honest, because false, fraudulent or deceptive advertising is grounds for discipline.

  • Untruthful or improbable statements are also barred for all licensed professions.
  • Discipline also covers unethical conduct and practicing beyond your license scope.
  • Fine up to $1,000 per violation.

Not yet confirmed: We found no Hawaii rule on testimonials, "specialist" or guarantees. Check with the DCCA program.

HRS 436B-19(2), 467E-12(a)(7) and (13)

Psychologists

Your title

Use the title "Licensed Psychologist."

  • Using any designation implying licensure, or advertising as a psychologist, without a valid license or temporary permit is barred. The fine is up to $1,000 per violation, up to 1 year in jail, or both.
  • From July 1, 2026, "licensed associate psychologist" is also protected.

Not yet confirmed: No license number requirement was found. Check with the board.

HRS 465-15

What you can't say

Don't make untruthful, deceptive or improbable statements about your qualifications or treatment results.

  • False, fraudulent or deceptive advertising is also barred.
  • Don't work outside your competence, and follow the board's ethics rules.

Not yet confirmed: The HAR Chapter 98 version read has no advertising section, and no rule on testimonials or "specialist" was found. Check with the board.

HRS 465-13(a)(3), (16), (17) and 436B-19(2)

Your business

Forming your practice in Hawaii

Hawaii has no separate PLLC, and whether you can use a regular LLC or need a professional corporation (PC) depends on your licence. Ask your licensing board which entity is allowed before you file, and consider a short call with a local attorney or CPA.

Hawaii's general excise tax (GET) applies to nearly all business income, therapy included: 4% plus a 0.5% county surcharge (4.5%) on your gross receipts. You need a GET license (Form BB-1) before you see clients, and you file periodic returns. The 2026 health care exemption covers physicians, dentists, nurse practitioners, and pharmacists for Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE payments, not therapists, so plan on paying it and ask your accountant whether anything has changed.

Then get your free EIN, open a business bank account, and get your free NPI. More in do therapists need a PLLC or LLC?

WhatHawaii
Usual entityLLC or a professional corporation, depending on your license
Yearly state filing$15
When it's dueDuring the quarter of your anniversary date
Where to filecca.hawaii.gov/breg

Paperwork

Informed consent and records in Hawaii

What your intake paperwork must cover, and how long to keep records. For the full form, see informed consent for therapy and the Good Faith Estimate guide.

Counselors

Informed consent

Your board doesn't list required informed consent or disclosure content for counselors that we could find.

  • Ethics violations are grounds for discipline, so many counselors follow the ACA Code of Ethics as good practice.

Not yet confirmed: No rule adopting the ACA Code was found. Check with the DCCA program.

HRS 453D-12(a)(8)

Records

Your board has no counselor-specific records rule that we could find.

  • The general medical records law requires a "health care provider" to keep records at least 7 years after the last entry, and for minors until majority plus 7 years.

Not yet confirmed: Whether a counselor is a "health care provider" under HRS 671-1 wasn't confirmed, so don't assume it applies. Ask the DCCA program, your malpractice carrier and payers.

HRS 622-58

Complaints

Your board doesn't require a complaint notice that we could find.

  • Complaints go to the DCCA Regulated Industries Complaints Office (RICO).

Marriage and family therapists

Informed consent

Hawaii law has no consent content rule that we could find. Violating the ethical standards "set by the association" is a ground for discipline.

Not yet confirmed: We didn't open the definition of "association" in HRS 451J-1 or the code of ethics it points to. Check them and ask the DCCA program.

HRS 451J-11(a)(3)

Records

Hawaii has no MFT-specific retention rule that we could find.

  • The general medical records law requires health care providers to keep records at least 7 years after the last entry, and for minors until the age of majority plus 7 years.

Not yet confirmed: We didn't confirm an MFT is a "health care provider" under that definition, so don't assume it applies. Ask the DCCA program, your malpractice carrier and payers.

HRS 622-58

Complaints

Your board doesn't require a complaint notice that we could find.

  • Complaints go to the DCCA Regulated Industries Complaints Office (RICO).

Not yet confirmed: Check with DCCA if you want to be sure.

Clinical social workers

Informed consent

Your board doesn't list required informed consent or disclosure content for social workers that we could find.

  • Ethics violations are grounds for discipline.

Not yet confirmed: We found no statute or administrative rule on this. Check with the DCCA program.

HRS 467E-12(a)(7)

Records

Your board has no retention rule for social work case records that we could find.

  • The general 7-year medical records law exempts social workers' case records.
  • Ask the DCCA program, your malpractice carrier and payers.

Not yet confirmed: HRS Chapter 467E has no retention rule, so the 7-year rule doesn't set a period for you. Check with the DCCA program.

HRS 622-58

Complaints

Your board doesn't require a complaint notice that we could find.

  • Complaints go to the DCCA Regulated Industries Complaints Office (RICO) at https://cca.hawaii.gov/file-a-complaint/.

Not yet confirmed: We found no requirement to tell clients how to file a complaint with DCCA. Check with the DCCA program.

Psychologists

Informed consent

Your board doesn't list required informed consent or disclosure content that we could find.

  • The board can discipline for unethical practice as defined by its own rules.

Not yet confirmed: No rule adopting an ethics code was found. Check with the board.

HRS 465-13(a)(3)

Records

Your board has no psychologist-specific records rule that we could find.

  • The general medical records law requires a "health care provider" to keep records at least 7 years after the last entry, and for minors until majority plus 7 years.
  • It exempts psychological test booklets.

Not yet confirmed: Whether a psychologist is a "health care provider" under HRS 671-1 wasn't confirmed, so don't assume it applies. Ask the board, your malpractice carrier and payers.

HRS 622-58

Complaints

Your board doesn't require a complaint notice that we could find.

  • Complaints go to the DCCA Regulated Industries Complaints Office (RICO).

Practice

Telehealth, recording, AI notes, and reporting in Hawaii

Telehealth consent

No extra Hawaii items beyond a standard telehealth consent were found. Keep the basics: the client's location each session, an emergency contact, and what happens if the connection drops.

Recording

Hawaii is a one-party consent state under its general recording law (HRS 803-42, 711-1111). Whatever the law, get written consent before recording a session or using an AI tool that listens to one.

AI note tools

No state law or board rule specific to AI note tools confirmed as of Oct 2026. Federal HIPAA, state confidentiality law, and board ethics rules still apply.

More in AI scribe consent for therapists.

Your consent should
  • Name the AI tool and what it does (drafts notes from a recording, transcript, or the therapist's summary)
  • Say whether the session is recorded or transcribed, and how long any audio, transcript, and AI data is kept before deletion
  • Client may say no or withdraw at any time without losing care
  • the therapist reviews and signs every note

Reporting abuse

Report any reason to believe child abuse or neglect has occurred, or may occur, right away by phone to DHS or the police.

  • Follow with a written report to DHS as soon as possible.
  • DHS hotline, 24/7: Oahu 808-832-5300. Neighbor islands toll-free 1-888-380-3088.
  • Privilege laws don't excuse the duty.

HRS 350-1.1

The order

The order to do it in

The same steps as anywhere, with Hawaii's rules above plugged in. The full walk-through, with costs and a timeline, is in how to start a private practice.

01.

Read your board's rules

02.

Decide who you help and how clients pay

03.

Name it and set up the business

04.

Get malpractice insurance

05.

Set up HIPAA-ready systems

06.

Write your paperwork with these rules

07.

Set your fee

08.

Get found, early

Your Hawaii checklist, done for youThe free checklist fits every step to your license and Hawaii: your board's rules, your entity steps with filing links, and starter intake forms filled in with Hawaii's requirements.
Get your Hawaii checklist →

Next steps

Guides for your Hawaii practice

Free, and written for therapists. Start with the free private practice checklist for Hawaii: it fits each step to your license.

Do therapists need a PLLC or LLC?Entity types, costs, and taxes, state by state.How much should I charge for therapy?A simple fee formula and a free calculator.Credentialing with insurance companiesGetting on insurance panels, in order.Informed consent for therapyWhat your form must include, with a checklist.AI scribe consent for therapistsState laws on AI note tools in 2026.Good Faith Estimate for therapistsWhat it must include and when to give it.Google Business Profile for therapistsSetup and privacy for a therapy practice.How much does it cost to start a private practice?Every cost, line by line, with three budgets.Liability insurance for therapistsWhat malpractice coverage costs and what to ask.How much do therapists make?Pay by license, and private practice math.

Nearby states: How to start a private practice in California · How to start a private practice in Washington · How to start a private practice in Oregon · How to start a private practice in Alaska

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a PLLC to start a private practice in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, plan on an LLC or a professional corporation, depending on your license. Hawaii has no separate PLLC, and whether you can use a regular LLC or need a professional corporation (PC) depends on your licence. A sole proprietorship needs no state filing, but it doesn't separate your business from your personal assets. Check what your licensing board allows before you file.

How many CE hours do therapists need in Hawaii?

Counselors: Your board doesn't list a CE requirement that we could find. Marriage and family therapists: 45 credit hours per 3-year renewal period, with at least 6 in ethics. Clinical social workers: 45 credit hours every 3-year renewal period. Psychologists: Earn 18 credit hours every 2-year licensing biennium.

How long do I have to keep therapy records in Hawaii?

Counselors: Your board has no counselor-specific records rule that we could find. Marriage and family therapists: Hawaii has no MFT-specific retention rule that we could find. Clinical social workers: Your board has no retention rule for social work case records that we could find. Psychologists: Your board has no psychologist-specific records rule that we could find.

Is Hawaii a one-party or all-party consent state for recording sessions?

Hawaii is a one-party consent state under its general recording law (HRS 803-42, 711-1111). Even so, ethics rules and HIPAA mean you should get your client's written consent before recording any session or using an AI note tool that records.

Can an LMHC open a private practice in Hawaii?

The Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) is Hawaii's full license for counselors, issued by the No separate board. The Director of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), Professional and Vocational Licensing (PVL) Division, runs the Mental Health Counselor Licensing Program, with an advisory committee (HRS 453D-2, 453D-3). Statute: HRS Chapter 453D, plus the Uniform Professional and Vocational Licensing Act, HRS Chapter 436B. The title in Hawaii is Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). The level before it is Mental Health Counselor intern or associate (supervised). On your website and ads: use the title "Licensed Mental Health Counselor." Then set up your business (in Hawaii, usually an LLC or a professional corporation, depending on your license) and confirm with the board that nothing else applies to your setup, such as a separate private-practice approval.

Can an LCSW open a private practice in Hawaii?

The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is Hawaii's full license for clinical social workers, issued by the No separate board. The Director of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), Professional and Vocational Licensing (PVL) Division, runs the Social Worker Program (HRS 467E-2, 467E-3). Statute: HRS Chapter 467E, plus HRS Chapter 436B. I found no social-worker-specific Hawaii Administrative Rules. The level before it is Licensed Social Worker (LSW). On your website and ads: use "Licensed Clinical Social Worker" (LCSW) only with the matching license. Then set up your business (in Hawaii, usually an LLC or a professional corporation, depending on your license) and confirm with the board that nothing else applies to your setup, such as a separate private-practice approval.

What title do LMFTs use on their website in Hawaii?

Use "Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist" (LMFT), and only with a license. Using the title without a license can bring a fine up to $1,000 per violation, with each day a separate offense. From July 1, 2026, the "associate" versions are also protected. Source: HRS 451J-5.

Can associates see private-pay clients in Hawaii?

Hawaii's associate and pre-licensed levels include Mental Health Counselor intern or associate (supervised), Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (provisional license), and Licensed Social Worker (LSW). What the board rules say: From July 1, 2026, "licensed associate mental health counselor" and "associate mental health counselor" are also protected. From July 1, 2026, the "associate" versions are also protected. From July 1, 2026, "licensed associate psychologist" is also protected. Our research did not confirm whether Hawaii lets associates own a practice, bill in their own name, or see private-pay clients outside a supervisor's practice, so confirm with your board and your supervisor before you set one up.

Which board licenses psychologists in Hawaii?

The Hawaii Board of Psychology, within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), Professional and Vocational Licensing Division. Continuing education: earn 18 credit hours every 2-year licensing biennium. Renewal: renew every 2 years, on or before June 30 of each even-numbered year. Confirm current requirements on the board's site.

Sources

Board rules checked October 23, 2026 from official board, statute, and state filing sites. If something has changed, email [email protected] and we'll update it.

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