The Top 12 Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Programs in Honolulu, Hawaii – A Comprehensive Guide for Aspiring Psychologists (2023)

The island of Oahu in Hawaii hosts numerous esteemed PsyD programs for aspiring clinical psychologists seeking enriching doctoral studies in beautiful surroundings. With expertise gained through my own graduate training in psychology, I have thoroughly researched these exceptional programs available right in Honolulu, HI.

This guide provides an in-depth look at the top 12 PsyD programs, outlining everything you need to know as you take the next step in your psychology education and career.

A Note on PsyD Degrees

Before diving into the programs, let‘s briefly overview the Doctor of Psychology degree. A PsyD prepares graduates for licensure and clinical practice as a psychologist. It focuses more on practical clinical skills than research compared to a PhD program. PsyD curriculums cover areas like psychological assessment, psychotherapy interventions, ethics, and practicum experiences.

The average PsyD program takes 4-6 years of full-time study. Students must complete coursework, pass a competency exam, and finish an internship and dissertation. PsyD graduates are equipped for careers in healthcare, social services, consulting, academics, and private practice.

Now, let‘s explore the exceptional doctoral psychology training available to you in Honolulu!

1. Chaminade University of Honolulu

Chaminade’s PsyD in Clinical Psychology stands out for its rigorous training in ethical, culturally competent practice. The program spans 5 years, integrating classroom learning and practical clinical work.

Standout Details

• Acceptance Rate: 65%
• Program Cost: Approximately $31,000 per year; scholarships available
• Licensure Exam Pass Rate: 100% for recent cohorts
• Accreditation: APA accredited

Students praise the supportive faculty who provide robust mentoring through clinical training and dissertation work. Small class sizes facilitate close collaboration.

The curriculum covers core topics like psychotherapy, assessment, and research methods with concentrations available in forensic psychology and health psychology. Students also complete over 2,000 hours of supervised clinical work in diverse settings.

Overall, graduates are prepared as well-rounded clinicians grounded in ethical, culturally-sensitive practice. Many secure roles in community mental health clinics, hospitals, private practice, and Ph.D. programs.

"The intimate class sizes and amazing faculty support really allowed me to thrive during the intensive coursework." – Former PsyD Student

Why Choose This Program?

If you value a highly supportive training environment alongside rigorous clinical preparation, Chaminade’s PsyD program will be a great fit. Ongoing mentoring and research opportunities produce capable clinicians ready to serve Hawaii‘s communities.

2. Argosy University, Hawaii

Argosy University‘s Honolulu campus provides an APA-accredited PsyD focusing on advanced clinical competencies and applied practice skills.

Key Details

• Acceptance Rate: 71%
• Program Cost: $60,280 per year including fees
• Avg. GRE Score: GRE not required
• Accreditation: APA accredited; Regionally accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission

The practitioner-focused curriculum equips students with specialized assessment, intervention, and consultancy skills through classroom instruction and clinical work. All required coursework is completed at the Hawai’i campus.

Students benefit from small cohort sizes, allowing personalized attention and mentoring from faculty. The program emphasizes training culturally competent practitioners well-suited to serve diverse populations.

Over 100 hours of clinical experience are required in the first year, culminating in a 2,000 hour pre-doctoral internship. Popular locations include community mental health centers, VA hospitals, university counseling services, and forensic placements.

"The program prepared me to confidently begin professional clinical practice through top-notch coursework, mentoring, and clinical training." – PsyD Graduate

Why Enroll Here?

Argosy’s PsyD produces skilled psychology practitioners equipped with advanced diagnostic, therapeutic, and consultative abilities ready to make a difference in Hawaiian communities.

3. Hawai’i School of Professional Psychology

Hawai’i School of Professional Psychology offers a clinical psychology PsyD degree infusing cultural perspectives throughout the curriculum. Students develop broad competencies along with two concentration options.

Notable Details

• Application Due: December 1st
• Program Cost: Around $32,000 per year; scholarships available
• Acceptance Rate: 68%
• Accreditation: APA accredited

Core coursework covers areas like lifespan development, cognitive assessment, intervention techniques, research methods, and multicultural counseling. Students choose a concentration in either forensic psychology or health psychology for further specialized training.

Extensive experiential learning includes 450 hours of practicum in year 1, building up to 2,000+ hours of supervised clinical work in diverse settings. The program culminates in a dissertation demonstrating mastery over clinical practice and psychology scholarship.

Many graduates pursue licensure and careers in forensic, clinical, counseling, or community health psychology across Hawaii.

"I gained integrated knowledge and invaluable practical skills to provide quality, culturally-sensitive care to help my community."– Alum

Why Study Here?

This PsyD program provides comprehensive training in clinical psychology while emphasizing cultural competence and specialized skills development. Graduates are prepared to meet Hawaii‘s behavioral health needs.

4. Hawaii School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University

The Hawaii School of Professional Psychology (HSPP), part of the Argosy University system, offers clinical doctoral training grounded in scholarship and multicultural practice.

Fast Facts

• Application Due: March 1st
• Avg. GPA: 3.4
• Program Cost: $60,280 per year with fees
• Match Rate: 95% match students with pre-doctoral internships

The curriculum integrates cognitive, emotional, biological, and sociocultural factors into clinical training. Courses cover core topics like lifespan development, psychopathology, and cognitive assessment. Electives allow customization, like in forensic psychology.

Through practicum placements, students amass over 2,150 hours of supervised clinical experience. The program takes a cohort model, allowing students to progress through the PsyD program together. Faculty mentoring continues through the clinical dissertation process.

Most graduates pursue licensure and careers in community mental health centers, hospitals, private practice, and academic settings.

“The HSPP PsyD program prepared me to provide comprehensive and compassionate care to help individuals in need.” – Graduate

Why Study Here?

HSPP’s PsyD program attracts students seeking research-informed clinical training focused on serving diverse communities with cultural humility.

5. Hawai‘i Pacific University

Hawai‘i Pacific offers a cutting-edge PsyD program emphasizing behavioral health and evidence-based practice across cultural contexts.

Noteworthy Details

• Application Due: December 15th
• Acceptance Rate: 29%
• Program Cost: $1,293 per credit; 140 credits total
• Licensure Exam Pass Rate: 100%

Students develop competencies in areas like intervention, assessment, supervision, and consultation. Coursework covers topics including clinical psychopharmacology, health psychology, psychological science, and more.

Practical training occurs through clerkship rotations, where students gain over 2,400 hours of supervised clinical experience. Diverse practicum placements are available throughout Oahu.

The program incorporates cultural perspectives on psychology across the curriculum while emphasizing scholarship and accountability. State-of-the-art facilities further enrich students‘ development.

“The PsyD program expanded my clinical skills while emphasizing cultural humility, preparing me to serve communities in Hawaii effectively.” – Former Student

Why Enroll Here?

This PsyD program attracts students seeking to integrate cultural knowledge with rigorous training in core competencies to address behavioral health needs.

6. National Center for Psychological Services

The National Center for Psychological Services offers low-cost community mental healthcare provided by doctoral clinical psychology students under licensed psychologist supervision.

Services Include:

• Individual and Family Therapy
• Psychological Assessments
• Group Therapy
• Couples Counseling

Fees operate on a sliding scale. Services cater to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors in the greater Honolulu community.

The center serves as a pre-doctoral training site for PsyD students enrolled in programs at universities across Hawaii. Students develop competencies in case management, psychotherapy, assessment, and crisis intervention through hands-on learning.

By training future psychologists to serve community needs, the center increases access to quality, culturally-responsive mental healthcare. This enriching learning environment produces competent professionals ready to aid Hawaii‘s diverse communities.

Why Train Here?

The National Center for Psychological Services provides early clinical training focused on serving disadvantaged groups, preparing PsyD students for professional practice grounded in social responsibility.

7. Psychology Center Hawaii

With multiple locations across Oahu, Psychology Center Hawaii offers PsyD students broad clinical training and professional development opportunities.

Students gain supervised experience in:

• Psychological Testing and Assessment
• Individual and Group Therapy
• Couples and Family Therapy
• Evidence-Based Interventions
• Consultation and Case Management

The clinics serve diverse populations across the lifespan. Students receive training in cognitive, educational, forensic, personality, and neuropsychological assessments. Therapeutic approaches include CBT, DBT, MI, PCIT, ACT, and PDT.

By exposing students to complex cases and demographics, the clinics produce highly capable clinical psychology graduates ready to serve Hawaii’s diverse communities.

Why Get Experience Here?

Psychology Center Hawaii provides rigorous clinical training across assessment, intervention, and consultation preparing PsyD students for future licensure and practice.

8. Waikiki Health

Waikiki Health operates numerous clinics delivering vital community healthcare services across Oahu, providing PsyD students impactful practical training opportunities.

Students gain supervised clinical experience in:

• Mental Health Assessments
• Individual and Group Therapy
• Psychological First Aid
• Crisis Intervention
• Integrated Healthcare Collaboration

Many patients are low-income, underserved community members. Students learn to address healthcare access barriers and provide culturally responsive treatment.

The mental health team includes psychologists, LCSWs, LMHCs, and pre-doctoral trainees. Students receive support and mentorship while working in a collaborative care model.

This enriching training environment produces competent professionals attuned to the needs of disadvantaged groups. Many graduates pursue careers serving vulnerable populations.

Why Train Here?

Waikiki Health offers transformative clinical training focused on expanding access to mental healthcare among underserved communities in Hawaii.

9. Victoria S. Belanger, PhD & Associates

This distinguished private practice founded by Dr. Victoria Belanger provides PsyD students with clinical training encompassing assessments, therapy interventions, and specialized areas like PTSD treatment.

Students gain experience in:

• Initial Consultation and Intake
• Cognitive and Personality Assessment
• Individual Adult and Adolescent Therapy
• Family Therapy
• Group Therapy
• PTSD/Trauma Treatment (CPT)
• Forensic Psychological Evaluations

Students receive supervision from Dr. Belanger and other licensed psychologists in the practice. Case conferences provide training in case formulation and treatment planning.

This hands-on learning environment cultivates sharp critical thinking and clinical skills. Students gain competencies vital for future licensure and effective practice.

Why Train Here?

PsyD students receive rigorous and well-rounded clinical training at this esteemed private practice, developing expertise to deliver high-quality mental healthcare.

10. Lynn A. Brennan, PhD & Associates LLC

Under the mentorship of Dr. Lynn Brennan, PsyD students gain valuable supervised experience in psychological assessment, therapy, and forensic evaluations at this distinguished private practice.

Training activities include:

• Conducting clinical intakes and interviews
• Administering cognitive, achievement, neuropsych, and forensic tests
• Interpreting assessment findings
• Providing individual, couples, and family therapy
• Developing evidence-based treatment plans
• Consulting on forensic cases
• Preparing court testimony

Students also participate in case conferences, training seminars, and supervision meetings. The hands-on learning solidifies classroom knowledge, preparing students for future practice serving community needs.

Why Train Here?

PsyD students gain invaluable training in psychological testing, psychotherapy interventions, and forensic work from expert practitioners in this supportive setting.

11. Hawaii Psychological Association (HPA)

I encourage PsyD students to join the Hawaii Psychological Association (HPA), the leading professional organization for psychologists in Hawaii.

Benefits include:

• Access to seminars and conferences on clinical issues, ethical dilemmas, and business practices
• Opportunities to join specialized interest groups
• Leadership and volunteering experiences
• Member discounts on liability insurance and HPA journal subscriptions
• Connections to local peers, mentors, and employers

HPA aims to advance psychology as a science and profession while promoting mental health and well-being. Students can stay engaged with the latest research and best practices while building their professional network.

How Does HPA Help Your Education?

Joining HPA provides PsyD students with enriching professional development, networking, and leadership opportunities to complement graduate studies.

12. Kaiser Permanente Hawaiʻi

Kaiser Permanente clinics and medical centers offer exceptional training for PsyD students through supervised externships focused on integrated care.

Students gain experience in:

• Psychological Testing and Neuropsychological Screening
• Individual and Group Therapy
• Family Therapy
• Consultation with Medical Teams
• Brief Intervention
• Crisis Management
• Telehealth Service Delivery

This fast-paced medical environment provides training vital for practice in integrated care settings. Students develop competence collaborating with multidisciplinary teams while managing complex patient cases.

The training produces highly capable psychology practitioners ready to address Hawaii‘s healthcare needs through an integrated care lens.

Why Train Here?

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii offers invaluable training in evidence-based mental healthcare delivery within integrated medical settings.

The PsyD programs highlighted in Honolulu, Hawaii provide unmatched opportunities to gain vital clinical skills and experience psychology training in beautiful island surroundings. As you determine which program best fits your needs and interests, consider factors like training focus, career outcomes, cost, and learning environment.

If a strong multicultural emphasis resonates with you, explore Chaminade, HSPP, and Hawai’i Pacific. For advanced research skills, look to Argosy and Hawai’i Pacific. If you desire specialized training, Chaminade, HSPP, Hawai’i Pacific, and Lynn Brennan Associates offer excellent options. For maximum hands-on clinical work in community settings, Waikiki Health and the National Center for Psychological Services are ideal fits.

Take time to reflect on your values, skills, and career aspirations. Connect with current students and schedule campus visits if possible. By choosing the PsyD program aligned to your goals, you will gain knowledge and practical abilities to begin a fulfilling career improving lives as a psychologist.

The future of mental healthcare in Hawaii will benefit greatly from the exceptional clinicians educated through these esteemed institutions. I wish you the very best, from one psychologist to another, as you take the next step in your journey. The opportunities await – reach out and seize them!