Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TN Board of Healthcare
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for mental health and substance abuse social workers in Tennessee, 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 Tennessee
Estimated timeline: 18 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Certification: Certification required.
- 4
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 5
63-23-102(a), means a person who practices the professional application of social work theory, knowledge, methods, principles, values and ethics and the professional use of self to restore or enhance social, psychosocial or bio psychosocial functioning of individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations and communities.
- 6
The practice of baccalaureate social work is basic generalist practice that includes interviewing, assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation, case management, mediation, supportive counseling, direct nonclinical practice, information and referral, problem solving, client education, advocacy, community organization, supervision of employees, and the development, implementation, and administration of policies, programs and activities.
- 7
Be at least 18 years of age, of good moral character, and satisfy education requirements.
- 8
An official transcript showing a bachelor's degree in social work from his/her institution to e.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$48,760 median (19% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#37 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Be at least 18 years of age, of good moral character, and satisfy education requirements.).
- 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 ( 63-23-102(a), means a person who practices the professional application of social work theory, knowledge, methods, principles, values a...; An official transcript showing a bachelor's degree in social work from his/her institution to e.).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of Health~Division of Health Related Boards~Division of Health Related Boards and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Tennessee
With a median salary of $48,760, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Tennessee earn 19% below the national median of $60,060. Tennessee ranks #37 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 18 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,297Median annual salary
$48,760Hourly estimate
$23.4419% below national median
Difference: -$11,300
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary Ranking
#37 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $48,760 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 18 years |
| Kentucky | $45,450 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $63,530 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $56,730 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $50,810 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Alabama | $42,100 | Degree required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $48,830 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $49,820 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $46,250 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| North Carolina | 64 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Continuing education compliance is required. |
| Georgia | 25 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Alabama | 78 | High | Board-specific review 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
Agency website unverified
Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards
665 Mainstream Drive 2nd floor, Heritage Place Metrocenter, Nashville, TN, 37243-1010
Phone: 6157415735
This agency is in our manual verification queue. We only publish direct official board URLs after verification.
Related Careers in Tennessee
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | $364,200 | Specific course required | 1-18 years |
| Athletic Trainer | $54,040 | Degree required | 3 months |
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Tennessee?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 18 years, 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 Tennessee?
Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
The board typically expects Degree required for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Tennessee is $48,760. Salaries range from $38,480 (10th percentile) to $72,660 (90th percentile).
How does the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Tennessee earn 19% below the national median of $60,060, with a state median of $48,760.
How many Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 2,130 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license to Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
The licensing agency is Department of Health / Division of Health Related Boards / Division of Health Related Boards. The official board website is currently under manual verification.
How often do you renew a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license in Tennessee?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.