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Verified by MO Board of Healthcare

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Licensing in Missouri

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

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

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

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: No experience required.

  3. 3

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  4. 4

    Applicant must contact Missouri Division of Professional Registration for license requirements.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division Of Professional Registration • Missouri State Committee of Psychologists

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $46,250 median (23% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #41 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (6)

  1. 1. Meet Missouri eligibility requirements for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  5. 5. Submit the application to Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance~Division Of Professional Registration~Missouri State Committee of Psychologists and monitor board communications.
  6. 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Missouri

With a median salary of $46,250, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Missouri earn 23% below the national median of $60,060. Missouri ranks #41 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,232

Median annual salary

$46,250

Hourly estimate

$22.24
23% below national median

Difference: -$13,810

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$37,390
  • P2525th percentile$39,180
  • P50Median$46,250
  • P7575th percentile$54,520
  • P9090th percentile$61,050

State vs National Median

State: $46,250
National: $60,060

Total employment: 2,530 | Annual openings: N/A

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary Ranking

#41 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
Missouri$46,250Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Iowa$50,340Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Illinois$58,090Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Kentucky$45,450Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Tennessee$48,760Degree requiredThird-party exam required18 years
Arkansas$49,820Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Oklahoma$43,190Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Kansas$56,110Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Nebraska$45,120Varies by state boardState-approved exam1-19 years

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
Missouri56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Iowa50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Illinois50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Kentucky78HighBoard-specific review required.
Tennessee56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arkansas50LowState-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

Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division Of Professional Registration • Missouri State Committee of Psychologists

3605 Missouri Boulevard, P.O. Box 1335, Jefferson City, MO, 65102-1335

Phone: 5737510099ext8007352966

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FAQ

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

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 Missouri?

Missouri 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 Missouri?

The board typically expects Degree required for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensure in Missouri.

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

The median annual salary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Missouri is $46,250. Salaries range from $37,390 (10th percentile) to $61,050 (90th percentile).

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

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Missouri earn 23% below the national median of $60,060, with a state median of $46,250.

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

Missouri employs approximately 2,530 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss according to BLS data.

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

The licensing agency is Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance / Division Of Professional Registration / Missouri State Committee of Psychologists. Review agency details at http://pr.mo.gov/psychologists.asp.

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

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