Application Fee
See agencyVerified by OH Board of Healthcare
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Licensing in Ohio
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for mental health and substance abuse social workers in Ohio, 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 Ohio
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 4
Certification: Certification required.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 6
Please refer to the licensing authority or the Ohio Career Information System (OCIS) at (800) 700-6247 for more information on license requirements.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board of Ohio
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$46,330 median (23% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#40 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Ohio 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.).
- 6. Submit the application to Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board of Ohio and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Ohio
With a median salary of $46,330, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Ohio earn 23% below the national median of $60,060. Ohio ranks #40 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.9%Average Weekly Wage
$1,256Median annual salary
$46,330Hourly estimate
$22.2723% below national median
Difference: -$13,730
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary Ranking
#40 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | $46,330 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Michigan | $60,000 | Degree required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Pennsylvania | $49,590 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $47,840 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 1 month |
| Kentucky | $45,450 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Indiana | $54,410 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Michigan | 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. |
| West Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Indiana | 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
Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board of Ohio
77 S. High Street, 24th Floor, Room 2468, Columbus, OH, 43215-6171
Phone: 6144660912
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Ohio?
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 Ohio?
Ohio 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 Ohio?
The board typically expects Degree required for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensure in Ohio.
What is the typical Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Ohio?
The median annual salary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Ohio is $46,330. Salaries range from $34,370 (10th percentile) to $74,320 (90th percentile).
How does the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Ohio compare to the national average?
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Ohio earn 23% below the national median of $60,060, with a state median of $46,330.
How many Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss work in Ohio?
Ohio employs approximately 6,870 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license to Ohio 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 Ohio?
The licensing agency is Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board of Ohio. Review agency details at https://www.cswmft.ohio.gov/.
How often do you renew a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license in Ohio?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.