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Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Licensing in Kentucky

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

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

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

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    License Type: Preliminary/temporary license.

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Professional Licensing • Kentucky Board of Alcohol and Drug Counselors

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $45,450 median (24% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #42 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Kentucky eligibility requirements for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensure.
  2. 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required state examinations.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Department of Professional Licensing~Kentucky Board of Alcohol and Drug Counselors and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Kentucky

With a median salary of $45,450, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Kentucky earn 24% below the national median of $60,060. Kentucky ranks #42 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,180

Median annual salary

$45,450

Hourly estimate

$21.85
24% below national median

Difference: -$14,610

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$35,080
  • P2525th percentile$37,330
  • P50Median$45,450
  • P7575th percentile$58,290
  • P9090th percentile$73,210

State vs National Median

State: $45,450
National: $60,060

Total employment: 1,040 | Annual openings: N/A

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary Ranking

#42 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
Kentucky$45,450Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Indiana$54,410Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Ohio$46,330Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
West Virginia$47,840Degree requiredThird-party exam required1 month
Virginia$63,530Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Tennessee$48,760Degree requiredThird-party exam required18 years
Missouri$46,250Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Illinois$58,090Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries 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
Kentucky78HighBoard-specific review required.
Indiana50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Ohio50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
West Virginia56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Virginia56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Tennessee56MediumState-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 Professional Licensing • Kentucky Board of Alcohol and Drug Counselors

500 Mero Street, 2 SC 32, Frankfort, KY, 40601

Phone: 5027828814

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FAQ

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

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

The median annual salary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Kentucky is $45,450. Salaries range from $35,080 (10th percentile) to $73,210 (90th percentile).

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

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Kentucky earn 24% below the national median of $60,060, with a state median of $45,450.

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

Kentucky employs approximately 1,040 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license to Kentucky 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 Kentucky?

The licensing agency is Department of Professional Licensing / Kentucky Board of Alcohol and Drug Counselors. Review agency details at http://adc.ky.gov/.

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

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