Hawaii Online NP Programs

Dr. Bradley Kuo is a dual-certified nurse practitioner in psychiatric mental health and family practice and the founder of Wellness Partners Mental Health, a Hawaii-based mental health clinic providing telehealth and in-person services across the state. Under his leadership, the clinic has expanded to include a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), and integrated telehealth services that improve access for rural and underserved communities.

Dr. Kuo is a passionate advocate for APRNs and behavioral health providers, serving on the boards of Mental Health Kokua as Chair Elect, NAMI Hawaii, and the Hawaii Board of Nursing. He has led policy efforts to expand access to care, ensure reimbursement equity, and protect independent practice rights for nurse practitioners in Hawaii.

As medical director of Artistry Wellness Hawaii, he brings a science-forward, affirming approach to aesthetic care, believing that mental health and self-perception are deeply interconnected.

Outside of clinical work, Dr. Kuo is a potter who works out of the Hawaii Potters Guild. For him, ceramics is a grounding creative outlet that echoes the values he brings to healthcare—presence, intention, and the beauty of process. He lives in Honolulu with his husband and sons.

NPSchools.com: What do you wish the public understood about nurse practitioner programs in Hawaii?

Dr. Kuo: I wish more people understood that nurse practitioner (NP) programs in Hawaii are not just training providers; they’re preparing highly skilled, community-anchored leaders who are equipped to meet the health needs of our islands in meaningful, sustainable ways. These programs are academically rigorous and clinically intensive. They train students to assess, diagnose, and manage complex medical and mental health conditions across the lifespan, often with a deep focus on underserved populations and rural access. That preparation is especially vital in Hawaii, where our geographic isolation and cultural diversity demand a level of responsiveness that goes beyond traditional clinical care.

Another important point is that NPs in Hawaii do not merely “fill gaps” in healthcare—we meet the needs of our communities in intentional and effective ways. We are independent providers, recognized in state law, and we serve in every sector of the healthcare system, from primary care to mental health, acute care, women’s health, and more. 

Many NP graduates go on to open their own clinics or take on leadership roles that shape policy and improve systems of care. The public and even some fellow health professionals don’t always see how central NPs are to Hawaii’s long-term healthcare future. But I see it every day.

NPSchools.com: What advice would you give to aspiring nurse practitioner program students?

Dr. Kuo: Start with clarity, and stay grounded in your “why.” NP school is demanding mentally, emotionally, and logistically, but it’s also transformative. You’re not just learning to diagnose or prescribe; you’re learning how to listen deeply, think critically, advocate for others, and navigate systems that don’t always work the way they should. Don’t lose sight of the human side of this work. The people you serve will teach you as much, if not more, than any textbook or clinical rotation. Stay humble, stay curious.

I also encourage aspiring NPs to view their education as more than a path to licensure; it’s a foundation for leadership. Hawaii needs nurse practitioners who are not only clinically excellent but also willing to speak up, innovate, and lead. 

Get involved early in advocacy and policy work. Join your local professional organizations. Understand the laws that govern your practice. And if you see an opportunity to create something new, like a clinic, a program, a different way to deliver care, then trust your instincts and go for it.