Application Fee
See agencyVerified by LA Board of Healthcare
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Licensing in Louisiana
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for mental health and substance abuse social workers in Louisiana, 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 Louisiana
Estimated timeline: 1-13 monthsCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 4
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 6
Must have a master's (at least 60 hours) or doctoral degree from a Marriage and Family Therapy Program or certificate from a post-graduate training institute accredited by COAMFTE or substantially equivalent to COAMFTE standards.
- 7
Must pass the National Marriage and Family Therapy Exam.
- 8
Must document qualified post-graduate work experience in marriage and family therapy and that includes at least 3,000 hours of clinical services to individuals, couples, families, or groups.
- 9
At least 2,000 hours must qualify as direct work experience.
- 10
Up to 500 hours of direct work experience received during the completion of a graduate program that is systemically oriented as determined by the advisory committee may be counted toward the required 2000 hours.
- 11
The remaining 1,000 hours may be indirect work experience or other professional activities that may include but are not limited to qualified supervision, workshops, public relations, administrative tasks, consulting with referral sources, etc.
Exam and processing details
- National Marriage and Family Therapy Exam
Continuing education and program notes
- certificate from a post-graduate training institute accredited by COAMFTE or substantially equivalent to COAMFTE standards
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals • State of Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$44,050 median (27% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#45 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Louisiana 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 National Marriage and Family Therapy Exam.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.; Must have a master's (at least 60 hours) or doctoral degree from a Marriage and Family Therapy Program or certificate from a post-gradu...).
- 6. Submit the application to Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals~State of Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Louisiana
With a median salary of $44,050, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Louisiana earn 27% below the national median of $60,060. Louisiana ranks #45 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-13 months.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.2%Average Weekly Wage
$1,176Median annual salary
$44,050Hourly estimate
$21.1827% below national median
Difference: -$16,010
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary Ranking
#45 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | $44,050 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 1-13 months |
| Arkansas | $49,820 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $48,830 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Texas | $44,790 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arkansas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Mississippi | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Texas | 50 | Low | 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
Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals • State of Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors
8631 Summa Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA, 70809
Phone: 2257652515
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Louisiana?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-13 months, 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 Louisiana?
Louisiana 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 Louisiana?
The board typically expects Degree required for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensure in Louisiana.
What is the typical Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Louisiana?
The median annual salary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Louisiana is $44,050. Salaries range from $30,220 (10th percentile) to $72,560 (90th percentile).
How does the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Louisiana compare to the national average?
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Louisiana earn 27% below the national median of $60,060, with a state median of $44,050.
How many Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss work in Louisiana?
Louisiana employs approximately 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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana?
The licensing agency is Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals / State of Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors. Review agency details at https://www.lpcboard.org/.
How often do you renew a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license in Louisiana?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.