Application Fee
See agencyVerified by AZ Board of Healthcare
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Licensing in Arizona
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for mental health and substance abuse social workers in Arizona, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Arizona
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 4
Physical Requirement: Some physical requirements.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Board of Behavioral Health Examiners
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$46,650 median (22% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#39 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Arizona eligibility requirements for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
- 6. Submit the application to Board of Behavioral Health Examiners and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Arizona
With a median salary of $46,650, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Arizona earn 22% below the national median of $60,060. Arizona ranks #39 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
-1.3%Average Weekly Wage
$1,369Median annual salary
$46,650Hourly estimate
$22.4322% below national median
Difference: -$13,410
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary Ranking
#39 of 50 statesfor Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | New York | $80,230 |
| #2 | Connecticut | $78,820 |
| #3 | Minnesota | $77,100 |
| #4 | California | $75,320 |
| #5 | Oregon | $71,830 |
Nearby States Comparison
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $46,650 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Utah | $60,060 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Colorado | $65,080 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New Mexico | $65,600 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Nevada | $49,850 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 21 years |
| California | $75,320 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Utah | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Colorado | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Mexico | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Nevada | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| California | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Board of Behavioral Health Examiners
1740 W Adams St, Ste 3600, Phoenix, AZ, 85007
Phone: 6025421882
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Arizona?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Arizona?
Arizona lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss.
What education do you need to become a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Arizona?
The board typically expects Degree required for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensure in Arizona.
What is the typical Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Arizona?
The median annual salary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Arizona is $46,650. Salaries range from $39,790 (10th percentile) to $61,910 (90th percentile).
How does the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Arizona compare to the national average?
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Arizona earn 22% below the national median of $60,060, with a state median of $46,650.
How many Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss work in Arizona?
Arizona employs approximately 3,610 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license to Arizona from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Arizona?
The licensing agency is Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. Review agency details at https://www.azbbhe.us/.
How often do you renew a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license in Arizona?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.