Application Fee
See agencyVerified by WV Board of Healthcare
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Licensing in West Virginia
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for mental health and substance abuse social workers in West 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 West Virginia
Estimated timeline: 1 monthCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 4
Level D - LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Work) License.
- 5
An eligible applicant must hold a master's degree in social work from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited social work program, and/or a Ph.D.
- 6
Or DSW degree in social work from a university that is accredited by the CSWE.
- 7
The applicant must have completed a supervised clinical field placement at the graduate level, or post-master's clinical training that is found by the board to be equivalent.
- 8
Clinical Supervision/Experience:.
- 9
The applicant must verify a minimum of two years of full-time employment and/or 3,000 hours of practice in full or part time employment.
Exam and processing details
- passed the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical level examination
Continuing education and program notes
- certified social worker, licensed graduate social worker, and licensed social worker
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
SOCIAL WORK
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$47,840 median (20% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#38 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (An eligible applicant must hold a master's degree in social work from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited social work pr...).
- 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 passed the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical level examination.
- 5. Submit the application to SOCIAL WORK and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in West Virginia
With a median salary of $47,840, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in West Virginia earn 20% below the national median of $60,060. West Virginia ranks #38 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1 month.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.7%Average Weekly Wage
$1,167Median annual salary
$47,840Hourly estimate
$23.0020% below national median
Difference: -$12,220
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary Ranking
#38 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | $47,840 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 1 month |
| Pennsylvania | $49,590 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $61,100 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $63,530 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $45,450 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Ohio | $46,330 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | 56 | Medium | 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. |
| Maryland | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Ohio | 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
SOCIAL WORK
See official licensing board website
Phone: 3044004980
Related Careers in West Virginia
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | 18 years |
| Anesthesiologist | $168,390 | Degree required | 2-3 months |
| Athletic Trainer | $45,140 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in West Virginia?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1 month, 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 West Virginia?
West 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 West Virginia?
The board typically expects Degree required for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensure in West Virginia.
What is the typical Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in West Virginia?
The median annual salary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in West Virginia is $47,840. Salaries range from $32,940 (10th percentile) to $72,140 (90th percentile).
How does the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in West Virginia compare to the national average?
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in West Virginia earn 20% below the national median of $60,060, with a state median of $47,840.
How many Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss work in West Virginia?
West Virginia employs approximately 390 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license to West 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 West Virginia?
The licensing agency is SOCIAL WORK. Review agency details at http://www.wvsocialworkboard.org/.
How often do you renew a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license in West Virginia?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.