Application Fee
See agencyVerified by WA Board of Healthcare
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Licensing in Washington
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for mental health and substance abuse social workers in Washington, 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 Washington
Estimated timeline: 1-3 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 5
Individuals must have a master's or doctoral degree in mental health counseling from an approved school.
- 6
Individuals must have a minimum of 2 calendar years of full-time marriage and family therapy, 1,000 hours of which must be direct client contact.
- 7
Individual must have a minimum of 36 months of full-time counseling or 3,000 hours of post graduate mental health counseling under the supervision of an approved licensed mental health counselor.
- 8
At least 1,200 hours must be direct counseling with individuals, families, groups or couples.
- 9
Individual must pass either the National Counselor Examination or the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination.
- 10
Individual must submit application and pay required fee.
Exam and processing details
- National Counselor Examination or the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Health
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$69,060 median (15% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#9 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Washington 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 National Counselor Examination or the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; Individual must submit application and pay required fee.).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of Health and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Washington
With a median salary of $69,060, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Washington earn 15% above the national median of $60,060. Washington ranks #9 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-3 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.3%Average Weekly Wage
$1,837Median annual salary
$69,060Hourly estimate
$33.2015% above national median
Difference: +$9,000
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary Ranking
#9 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 regionLicense 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Idaho | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Oregon | 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
Official website verified
Department of Health
101 Israel Rd SE, Tumwater, WA, 98501
Phone: 3602364700
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Washington?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-3 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 Washington?
Washington 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 Washington?
The board typically expects Degree required for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensure in Washington.
What is the typical Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Washington?
The median annual salary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Washington is $69,060. Salaries range from $45,000 (10th percentile) to $104,430 (90th percentile).
How does the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Washington compare to the national average?
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Washington earn 15% above the national median of $60,060, with a state median of $69,060.
How many Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss work in Washington?
Washington employs approximately 3,490 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license to Washington 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 Washington?
The licensing agency is Department of Health. Review agency details at http://www.doh.wa.gov/.
How often do you renew a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license in Washington?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.