Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MS Board of Healthcare
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Licensing in Mississippi
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for mental health and substance abuse social workers in Mississippi, 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 Mississippi
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore 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
Clinical social work practice means the application of social work methods, knowledge, theory, and ethics in the application of specialized clinical knowledge and advanced clinical skill in areas of assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, conditions, and addictions.
- 7
This involves the professional application of psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of therapy services to those persons.
- 8
Licensed clinical social workers may provide evaluations consistent with the scope of their education, training and experience, which shall occur within the context of a therapeutic relationship.
- 9
Qualifications of license applicants Currentness The board shall issue the appropriate license to applicants who meet the qualifications of this section.
- 10
(a) A license as a licensed social worker shall be issued to an applicant who demonstrates to the satisfaction of the board that he or she meets the following qualifications: (i) Has a baccalaureate degree in social work from a college or university accredited by the Council on Social Work Education or Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and has satisfactorily completed the Association for Social Work Boards (ASWB) examination for this license
- or (ii) Has a comparable license or registration from another state or territory of the United States of America that imposes qualifications substantially similar to those of this chapter.
- 11
(b) A license as a licensed master's social worker shall be issued to an applicant who demonstrates to the satisfaction of the board that he or she meets the following qualifications: (i) Has a doctorate or master's degree from a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education
- and (ii) Has satisfactorily completed the ASWB examination for this license
- or (iii) Has a comparable license or registration from another state or territory of the United States of America that imposes qualifications substantially similar to those of this chapter.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- certified social worker shall be issued to an applicant who demonstrates to the satisfaction of the board that he or she meets the following qualifications: (i) Is licensed under thi
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage & Family Therapists
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$48,830 median (19% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#36 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Mississippi 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.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.; Clinical social work practice means the application of social work methods, knowledge, theory, and ethics in the application of specializ...).
- 6. Submit the application to Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage & Family Therapists and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Mississippi
With a median salary of $48,830, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Mississippi earn 19% below the national median of $60,060. Mississippi ranks #36 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.5%Average Weekly Wage
$999Median annual salary
$48,830Hourly estimate
$23.4819% below national median
Difference: -$11,230
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary Ranking
#36 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | $48,830 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $48,760 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 18 years |
| Alabama | $42,100 | Degree required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Louisiana | $44,050 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 1-13 months |
| Arkansas | $49,820 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Alabama | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| 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. |
- 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
Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage & Family Therapists
P.O. Box 4508, Jackson, MS, 39296
Phone: 6019876806
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Mississippi?
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 Mississippi?
Mississippi 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 Mississippi?
The board typically expects Degree required for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensure in Mississippi.
What is the typical Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Mississippi?
The median annual salary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Mississippi is $48,830. Salaries range from $24,600 (10th percentile) to $70,550 (90th percentile).
How does the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Mississippi compare to the national average?
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Mississippi earn 19% below the national median of $60,060, with a state median of $48,830.
How many Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss work in Mississippi?
Mississippi employs approximately 890 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license to Mississippi 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 Mississippi?
The licensing agency is Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage & Family Therapists. Review agency details at https://www.swmft.ms.gov/.
How often do you renew a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license in Mississippi?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.