Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NY Board of Healthcare
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Licensing in New York
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for mental health and substance abuse social workers in New York, 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 New York
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
NYS Education Department • State Board for Social Work
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$80,230 median (34% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#1 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet New York 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: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to NYS Education Department~State Board for Social Work and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in New York
With a median salary of $80,230, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in New York earn 34% above the national median of $60,060. New York ranks #1 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,739Median annual salary
$80,230Hourly estimate
$38.5734% above national median
Difference: +$20,170
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary Ranking
#1 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $80,230 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Vermont | $69,540 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Massachusetts | $64,960 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6 months |
| Connecticut | $78,820 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| New Jersey | $70,420 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Pennsylvania | $49,590 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Vermont | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Massachusetts | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Connecticut | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| New Jersey | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Pennsylvania | 56 | Medium | 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
NYS Education Department • State Board for Social Work
89 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY, 12234
Phone: 5184743817ext450
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in New York?
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 New York?
New York 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 New York?
The board typically expects Degree required for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensure in New York.
What is the typical Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in New York?
The median annual salary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in New York is $80,230. Salaries range from $49,890 (10th percentile) to $135,690 (90th percentile).
How does the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in New York compare to the national average?
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in New York earn 34% above the national median of $60,060, with a state median of $80,230.
How many Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss work in New York?
New York employs approximately 14,180 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license to New York 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 New York?
The licensing agency is NYS Education Department / State Board for Social Work. Review agency details at http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/.
How often do you renew a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license in New York?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.