Application Fee
See agencyVerified by CO Board of Healthcare
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Licensing in Colorado
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for mental health and substance abuse social workers in Colorado, 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 Colorado
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Certification: Certification required.
- 4
License Type: Preliminary/temporary license.
Exam and processing details
- State Board of Social Work Examiners regulates licensed social workers and clinical social workers in the State of Colorado
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Regulatory Agencies • Division of Professions & Occupations • State Board of Addiction Counselor Examiners
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$65,080 median (8% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#12 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet Colorado eligibility requirements for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required State Board of Social Work Examiners regulates licensed social workers and clinical social workers in the State of Colorado.
- 5. Submit the application to Department of Regulatory Agencies~Division of Professions & Occupations~State Board of Addiction Counselor Examiners and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Colorado
With a median salary of $65,080, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Colorado earn 8% above the national median of $60,060. Colorado ranks #12 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.8%Average Weekly Wage
$1,540Median annual salary
$65,080Hourly estimate
$31.298% above national median
Difference: +$5,020
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary Ranking
#12 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $65,080 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Wyoming | $42,220 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Nebraska | $45,120 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 1-19 years |
| Kansas | $56,110 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $43,190 | 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 |
| Arizona | $46,650 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Utah | $60,060 | Degree required | Third-party 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Wyoming | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Kansas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Oklahoma | 50 | Low | 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. |
- 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
Agency website unverified
Department of Regulatory Agencies • Division of Professions & Occupations • State Board of Addiction Counselor Examiners
1560 Broadway Suite 1350, Denver, CO, 80202
Phone: 3038947800
This agency is in our manual verification queue. We only publish direct official board URLs after verification.
Related Careers in Colorado
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $62,670 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $94,670 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Colorado?
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 Colorado?
Colorado 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 Colorado?
The board typically expects Degree required for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensure in Colorado.
What is the typical Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Colorado?
The median annual salary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Colorado is $65,080. Salaries range from $46,350 (10th percentile) to $85,310 (90th percentile).
How does the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Colorado compare to the national average?
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Colorado earn 8% above the national median of $60,060, with a state median of $65,080.
How many Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss work in Colorado?
Colorado employs approximately 1,980 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license to Colorado 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 Colorado?
The licensing agency is Department of Regulatory Agencies / Division of Professions & Occupations / State Board of Addiction Counselor Examiners. The official board website is currently under manual verification.
How often do you renew a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license in Colorado?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.