Application Fee
See agencyVerified by VA Board of Healthcare
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Licensing in Virginia
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for mental health and substance abuse social workers in Virginia, 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 Virginia
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 4
"Social worker" means a person trained to provide service and action to effect changes in human behavior, emotional responses, and the social conditions by the application of the values, principles, methods, and procedures of the profession of social work.
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 Professions • Virginia Board of Social Work
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$63,530 median (6% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#15 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Virginia 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 ("Social worker" means a person trained to provide service and action to effect changes in human behavior, emotional responses, and the so...).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of Health Professions~Virginia Board of Social Work and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Virginia
With a median salary of $63,530, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Virginia earn 6% above the national median of $60,060. Virginia ranks #15 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,471Median annual salary
$63,530Hourly estimate
$30.546% above national median
Difference: +$3,470
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary Ranking
#15 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $63,530 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $61,100 | 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 |
| Tennessee | $48,760 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 18 years |
| North Carolina | $56,730 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maryland | 50 | Low | 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. |
| Tennessee | 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. |
- 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
Department of Health Professions • Virginia Board of Social Work
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA, 23233-1485
Phone: 8043674441
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Virginia?
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 Virginia?
Virginia 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 Virginia?
The board typically expects Degree required for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensure in Virginia.
What is the typical Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Virginia?
The median annual salary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Virginia is $63,530. Salaries range from $46,990 (10th percentile) to $99,990 (90th percentile).
How does the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Virginia compare to the national average?
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Virginia earn 6% above the national median of $60,060, with a state median of $63,530.
How many Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss work in Virginia?
Virginia employs approximately 3,130 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license to Virginia 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 Virginia?
The licensing agency is Department of Health Professions / Virginia Board of Social Work. Review agency details at https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/SocialWork/.
How often do you renew a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license in Virginia?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.