Application Fee
See agencyVerified by CT Board of Healthcare
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Licensing in Connecticut
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for mental health and substance abuse social workers in Connecticut, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Connecticut
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 3
In order to qualify, an applicant must hold a master's degree from a social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education or, if educated outside the United States or its territories, have completed an educational program deemed equivalent by the council.
- 4
Please note that the ASWB master's level examination requirement is suspended until January 1, 2026.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Public Health • Health Care Systems Branch • Practitioner Licensing & Investigations Section
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$78,820 median (31% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#2 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Connecticut eligibility requirements for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to Department of Public Health~Health Care Systems Branch~Practitioner Licensing & Investigations Section and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Connecticut
With a median salary of $78,820, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Connecticut earn 31% above the national median of $60,060. Connecticut ranks #2 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.9%Average Weekly Wage
$1,619Median annual salary
$78,820Hourly estimate
$37.8931% above national median
Difference: +$18,760
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary Ranking
#2 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | $78,820 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Massachusetts | $64,960 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6 months |
| Rhode Island | $60,490 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New York | $80,230 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Massachusetts | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Rhode Island | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New York | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Department of Public Health • Health Care Systems Branch • Practitioner Licensing & Investigations Section
410 Capitol Avenue, P.O.Box 340308, Hartford, CT, 06134-0308
Phone: 8605097603
Related Careers in Connecticut
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $67,090 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $96,610 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Connecticut?
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 Connecticut?
Connecticut lists State 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 Connecticut?
The board typically expects Degree required for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensure in Connecticut.
What is the typical Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Connecticut?
The median annual salary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Connecticut is $78,820. Salaries range from $44,270 (10th percentile) to $107,860 (90th percentile).
How does the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Connecticut compare to the national average?
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Connecticut earn 31% above the national median of $60,060, with a state median of $78,820.
How many Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss work in Connecticut?
Connecticut employs approximately 1,350 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license to Connecticut from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. 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 Connecticut?
The licensing agency is Department of Public Health / Health Care Systems Branch / Practitioner Licensing & Investigations Section. Review agency details at https://www.dph.state.ct.us/licensure/licensure.htm.
How often do you renew a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license in Connecticut?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.