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Verified by GA Board of Healthcare

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Licensing in Georgia

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for mental health and substance abuse social workers in Georgia, including $100.00 and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

$100.00

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Georgia

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Specific course required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Affidavit or referral required.

  3. 3

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  4. 4

    Master's degree in social work from an accredited program.

  5. 5

    Three years of approved experience in clinical social work.

  6. 6

    Pass a written exam.

  7. 7

    A doctorate degree combined with a master's degree and internship may satisfy up to one year of the experience requirements.

  8. 8

    Application: $100.00.

  9. 9

    Renewal: $100.00 (biennial fee - must be renewed by September 30 on even numbered years).

Exam and processing details

Type
Computer assisted When: Arrange with local testing center Where: ACT Centers located throughout the state Repeats: 3 (after 3 unsuccessful attempts applicant may not practice social work in Georgia until the examination has been passed)

Continuing education and program notes

  • center
Fee TypeAmount
Application$100.00
Testing$175.00

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists

  2. Current Filing Fee

    $100.00

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $50,810 median (15% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #30 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Georgia eligibility requirements for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Affidavit or referral required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required Type: Computer assisted When: Arrange with local testing center Where: ACT Centers located throughout the state Repeats: 3 (after 3 unsuccessful attempts applicant may not pract....
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (Experience: Affidavit or referral required.; Application: $100.00.).
  6. 6. Budget filing costs (Application: $100.00; Testing: $175.00).
  7. 7. Submit the application to Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Georgia

With a median salary of $50,810, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Georgia earn 15% below the national median of $60,060. Georgia ranks #30 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.9%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,339

Median annual salary

$50,810

Hourly estimate

$24.43
15% below national median

Difference: -$9,250

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$31,670
  • P2525th percentile$41,630
  • P50Median$50,810
  • P7575th percentile$61,920
  • P9090th percentile$80,500

State vs National Median

State: $50,810
National: $60,060

Total employment: 1,450 | Annual openings: N/A

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary Ranking

#30 of 50 statesfor Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1New York$80,230
#2Connecticut$78,820
#3Minnesota$77,100
#4California$75,320
#5Oregon$71,830

Nearby States Comparison

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Georgia$50,810Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Tennessee$48,760Degree requiredThird-party exam required18 years
North Carolina$56,730Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
South Carolina$41,750Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Florida$50,860Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Alabama$42,100Degree requiredState-approved examVaries 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Georgia25LowLimited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply.
Tennessee56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
North Carolina64MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Continuing education compliance is required.
South Carolina78HighBoard-specific review required.
Florida50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Alabama78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: No new Licenses.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists

237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, GA, 31217-3858

Phone: 4782072440

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

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FAQ

How long does it take to become a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Georgia?

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 Georgia?

Georgia 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 Georgia?

The board typically expects Specific course required for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensure in Georgia.

What is the typical Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Georgia?

The median annual salary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Georgia is $50,810. Salaries range from $31,670 (10th percentile) to $80,500 (90th percentile).

How does the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Georgia compare to the national average?

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Georgia earn 15% below the national median of $60,060, with a state median of $50,810.

How many Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss work in Georgia?

Georgia employs approximately 1,450 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license to Georgia from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: No new Licenses. 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 Georgia?

The licensing agency is Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists. Review agency details at https://sos.ga.gov/index.php/licensing.

How often do you renew a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license in Georgia?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.