UH Hilo MA Counseling Psychology Program fully re-accredited

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Master of Arts Program in Counseling Psychology (Specialization: Clinical Mental Health Counseling) recently received full re-accreditation by the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) for the period of June 2021 through June 2029. The MPCAC accredits academic programs in psychology and counseling, which promote training in the scientific practice of professional psychology and counseling at the master's level.

“Accredited programs must demonstrate a commitment to science-based training and to enhancing services to the consumer and the public at large,” noted Dr. Charmaine Higa-McMillan, professor of psychology and director of the MA Counseling Psychology Program. “The program provides multicultural, student-centered training in counseling psychology with a specialization in clinical mental health counseling.

“There is a shortage of qualified mental health counselors in Hawaiʻi, particularly in rural areas, and employment opportunities in this field are expected to grow at a faster than average rate over the coming years,” she added. “Graduates of the program have employment opportunities in a number of settings, including, but not limited to, community mental health clinics, public and private elementary and secondary schools, colleges and universities, correctional facilities, vocational rehabilitation and career counseling, residential care, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, child welfare, and military counseling settings. Graduates of the program are also eligible for the Mental Health Counselor license, which allows those who are licensed to open a private practice and receive third-party payments from health insurance companies.”

In 2018 the program expanded its reach to all residents of Hawaiʻi through distance education.

For more information on the MA Counseling Psychology Program, see: http://counseling.uhh.hawaii.edu/.