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Behavioral Health Careers by State

The SAMHSA Behavioral Health Career Navigator is a tool for people who want a job or career in mental health and substance use disorder treatment and prevention. There are many ways to start and grow a career in behavioral health. Each path has its own requirements for getting and keeping a license or certification, and these requirements can be different depending on where you live. You can also learn more about each role.

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Delaware Careers

Addiction Counselor

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification Board of Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Professionals

For more information
Is the state/jurisdiction a member of an interstate compact that covers this license or certification? Not applicable
Obtaining a license or certification for the first time What degree is necessary to obtain this license or certification? Graduate
Is passing a qualifying exam required for this license or certification? Yes
Are practice hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 3200 hours
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 1500 hours (generally supervised); 100 hours (directly supervised)
Does the issuer of the license or certification provide any information for professionals licensed/certified in another state/jurisdiction on how to become licensed/certified in this state/jurisdiction? Yes
Renewing a license or certification How frequently does this license or certification require renewal? 24 months
Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? Yes, 40 hours

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification Delaware Certification Board

For more information
Is the state/jurisdiction a member of an interstate compact that covers this license or certification? Not applicable
Obtaining a license or certification for the first time What degree is necessary to obtain this license or certification? Graduate
Is passing a qualifying exam required for this license or certification? Yes
Are practice hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 2000 hours
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 100 hours directly supervised
Does the issuer of the license or certification provide any information for professionals licensed/certified in another state/jurisdiction on how to become licensed/certified in this state/jurisdiction? Yes
Renewing a license or certification How frequently does this license or certification require renewal? 24 months
Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? Yes, 40 hours

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification Delaware Certification Board

For more information
Is the state/jurisdiction a member of an interstate compact that covers this license or certification? Not applicable
Obtaining a license or certification for the first time What degree is necessary to obtain this license or certification? Undergraduate
Is passing a qualifying exam required for this license or certification? Yes
Are practice hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 5000 hours
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 250 hours directly supervised
Does the issuer of the license or certification provide any information for professionals licensed/certified in another state/jurisdiction on how to become licensed/certified in this state/jurisdiction? Yes
Renewing a license or certification How frequently does this license or certification require renewal? 24 months
Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? Yes, 40 hours

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification Delaware Certification Board

For more information
Is the state/jurisdiction a member of an interstate compact that covers this license or certification? Not applicable
Obtaining a license or certification for the first time What degree is necessary to obtain this license or certification? High school/GED
Is passing a qualifying exam required for this license or certification? Yes
Are practice hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 8000 hours
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 400 hours directly supervised
Does the issuer of the license or certification provide any information for professionals licensed/certified in another state/jurisdiction on how to become licensed/certified in this state/jurisdiction? Yes
Renewing a license or certification How frequently does this license or certification require renewal? 24 months
Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? Yes, 40 hours

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification Delaware Certification Board

For more information
Is the state/jurisdiction a member of an interstate compact that covers this license or certification? Not applicable
Obtaining a license or certification for the first time What degree is necessary to obtain this license or certification? Graduate or Certified as a CADC, CAADC, CDP
Is passing a qualifying exam required for this license or certification? Yes
Are practice hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 10000 hours
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 200 hours directly supervised
Does the issuer of the license or certification provide any information for professionals licensed/certified in another state/jurisdiction on how to become licensed/certified in this state/jurisdiction? Yes
Renewing a license or certification How frequently does this license or certification require renewal? 24 months
Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? Yes, 40 hours

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Practitioner

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification Board of Nursing

For more information
Is the state/jurisdiction a member of an interstate compact that covers this license or certification? Yes for nurse licensure/Yes* for APRNs. *The APRN compact will not go into effect until seven states join the compact
Obtaining a license or certification for the first time What degree is necessary to obtain this license or certification? Graduate
Is passing a qualifying exam required for this license or certification? Yes
Are practice hours required for this license or certification? Yes, Practice in specialty 600 hours (past 2 years) or 1500 hours (past 5 years)
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? Yes, Must be a licensed RN
Does the issuer of the license or certification provide any information for professionals licensed/certified in another state/jurisdiction on how to become licensed/certified in this state/jurisdiction? Yes
Renewing a license or certification How frequently does this license or certification require renewal? 24 months
Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? Yes, 30 hours for RN/24 hours for APRN

Clinical Social Worker

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification Board of Social Work Examiners

For more information
Is the state/jurisdiction a member of an interstate compact that covers this license or certification? No
Obtaining a license or certification for the first time What degree is necessary to obtain this license or certification? Graduate
Is passing a qualifying exam required for this license or certification? Yes
Are practice hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 3200 hours
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 1600 hours (generally supervised)
Does the issuer of the license or certification provide any information for professionals licensed/certified in another state/jurisdiction on how to become licensed/certified in this state/jurisdiction? Yes
Renewing a license or certification How frequently does this license or certification require renewal? 24 months
Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? Yes, 40 hours

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification

For more information
Is the state/jurisdiction a member of an interstate compact that covers this license or certification? No
Obtaining a license or certification for the first time What degree is necessary to obtain this license or certification? Graduate
Is passing a qualifying exam required for this license or certification? Yes
Are practice hours required for this license or certification? No
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? No
Does the issuer of the license or certification provide any information for professionals licensed/certified in another state/jurisdiction on how to become licensed/certified in this state/jurisdiction? Yes
Renewing a license or certification How frequently does this license or certification require renewal? 24 months
Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? Yes, 30 hours

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification

For more information
Is the state/jurisdiction a member of an interstate compact that covers this license or certification? No
Obtaining a license or certification for the first time What degree is necessary to obtain this license or certification? Undergraduate
Is passing a qualifying exam required for this license or certification? Yes
Are practice hours required for this license or certification? No
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? No
Does the issuer of the license or certification provide any information for professionals licensed/certified in another state/jurisdiction on how to become licensed/certified in this state/jurisdiction? Yes
Renewing a license or certification How frequently does this license or certification require renewal? 24 months
Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? Yes, 20 hours

Community Health Worker

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification No certification or license currently available. Community Health Worker Association of Delaware is advocating for certification

For more information
Is the state/jurisdiction a member of an interstate compact that covers this license or certification? Not applicable
Obtaining a license or certification for the first time What degree is necessary to obtain this license or certification? High School/GED
Is passing a qualifying exam required for this license or certification? No
Are practice hours required for this license or certification? No
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? No
Does the issuer of the license or certification provide any information for professionals licensed/certified in another state/jurisdiction on how to become licensed/certified in this state/jurisdiction? No
Renewing a license or certification How frequently does this license or certification require renewal? Not applicable
Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? Not applicable, Not applicable

Marriage and Family Therapist

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification Board of Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Professionals

For more information
Is the state/jurisdiction a member of an interstate compact that covers this license or certification? Not applicable
Obtaining a license or certification for the first time What degree is necessary to obtain this license or certification? Graduate
Is passing a qualifying exam required for this license or certification? Yes
Are practice hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 3200 hours
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 1600 hours (generally supervised); 100 hours (directly supervised)
Does the issuer of the license or certification provide any information for professionals licensed/certified in another state/jurisdiction on how to become licensed/certified in this state/jurisdiction? Yes
Renewing a license or certification How frequently does this license or certification require renewal? 24 months
Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? Yes, 40 hours

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification Board of Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Professionals

For more information
Is the state/jurisdiction a member of an interstate compact that covers this license or certification? Not applicable
Obtaining a license or certification for the first time What degree is necessary to obtain this license or certification? Graduate
Is passing a qualifying exam required for this license or certification? Yes
Are practice hours required for this license or certification? No
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? No
Does the issuer of the license or certification provide any information for professionals licensed/certified in another state/jurisdiction on how to become licensed/certified in this state/jurisdiction? Yes
Renewing a license or certification How frequently does this license or certification require renewal? 24 months
Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? Yes, 40 hours

Mental Health Counselor

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification Board of Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Professionals

For more information
Is the state/jurisdiction a member of an interstate compact that covers this license or certification? Yes
Obtaining a license or certification for the first time What degree is necessary to obtain this license or certification? Graduate
Is passing a qualifying exam required for this license or certification? Yes
Are practice hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 3200 hours
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 1500 hours (generally supervised); 100 hours (directly supervised)
Does the issuer of the license or certification provide any information for professionals licensed/certified in another state/jurisdiction on how to become licensed/certified in this state/jurisdiction? Yes
Renewing a license or certification How frequently does this license or certification require renewal? 24 months
Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? Yes, 40 hours

Peer Recovery Support Specialist

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification Delaware Certification Board

For more information
Is the state/jurisdiction a member of an interstate compact that covers this license or certification? Not applicable
Obtaining a license or certification for the first time What degree is necessary to obtain this license or certification? High school/GED (if already CPRS); undergraduate (otherwise)
Is passing a qualifying exam required for this license or certification? No (but training required)
Are practice hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 1 year or 2000 hours (if undergraduate degree); 2 years or 4000 hours as a CPRS (if no undergraduate degree)
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? Yes, Practice hours appear to require general supervision
Does the issuer of the license or certification provide any information for professionals licensed/certified in another state/jurisdiction on how to become licensed/certified in this state/jurisdiction? No
Renewing a license or certification How frequently does this license or certification require renewal? 24 months
Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? Yes, 12 hours, plus must maintain CPRS

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification Delaware Certification Board

For more information
Is the state/jurisdiction a member of an interstate compact that covers this license or certification? Not applicable
Obtaining a license or certification for the first time What degree is necessary to obtain this license or certification? High School/GED
Is passing a qualifying exam required for this license or certification? Yes
Are practice hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 1000 hours
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 25 hours (directly supervised)
Does the issuer of the license or certification provide any information for professionals licensed/certified in another state/jurisdiction on how to become licensed/certified in this state/jurisdiction? Yes
Renewing a license or certification How frequently does this license or certification require renewal? 36 months
Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? Yes, 30 hours

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification Delaware Certification Board

For more information
Is the state/jurisdiction a member of an interstate compact that covers this license or certification? Not applicable
Obtaining a license or certification for the first time What degree is necessary to obtain this license or certification? High School/GED
Is passing a qualifying exam required for this license or certification? Yes
Are practice hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 500 hours
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 25 hours (directly supervised)
Does the issuer of the license or certification provide any information for professionals licensed/certified in another state/jurisdiction on how to become licensed/certified in this state/jurisdiction? Yes
Renewing a license or certification How frequently does this license or certification require renewal? 24 months
Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? Yes, 20 hours

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification Delaware Certification Board

For more information
Is the state/jurisdiction a member of an interstate compact that covers this license or certification? Not applicable
Obtaining a license or certification for the first time What degree is necessary to obtain this license or certification? High School/GED
Is passing a qualifying exam required for this license or certification? Yes
Are practice hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 500 hours
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 25 hours (directly supervised)
Does the issuer of the license or certification provide any information for professionals licensed/certified in another state/jurisdiction on how to become licensed/certified in this state/jurisdiction? Yes
Renewing a license or certification How frequently does this license or certification require renewal? 24 months
Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? Yes, 20 hours

Physician Assistant

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline

For more information
Is the state/jurisdiction a member of an interstate compact that covers this license or certification? Yes
Obtaining a license or certification for the first time What degree is necessary to obtain this license or certification? Graduate
Is passing a qualifying exam required for this license or certification? Yes
Are practice hours required for this license or certification? No
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? No
Does the issuer of the license or certification provide any information for professionals licensed/certified in another state/jurisdiction on how to become licensed/certified in this state/jurisdiction? Yes
Renewing a license or certification How frequently does this license or certification require renewal? 24 months
Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? Yes, 100 hours

Prevention Specialist

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification Delaware Certification Board

For more information
Is the state/jurisdiction a member of an interstate compact that covers this license or certification? Not applicable
Obtaining a license or certification for the first time What degree is necessary to obtain this license or certification? Undergraduate
Is passing a qualifying exam required for this license or certification? Yes
Are practice hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 4000 hours
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 120 hours (directly supervised)
Does the issuer of the license or certification provide any information for professionals licensed/certified in another state/jurisdiction on how to become licensed/certified in this state/jurisdiction? Yes
Renewing a license or certification How frequently does this license or certification require renewal? 24 months
Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? Yes, 40 hours

Psychiatrist/Addiction Medicine Physician

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline

For more information
Is the state/jurisdiction a member of an interstate compact that covers this license or certification? Yes
Obtaining a license or certification for the first time What degree is necessary to obtain this license or certification? Graduate
Is passing a qualifying exam required for this license or certification? Yes
Are practice hours required for this license or certification? Yes, Post graduate training (e.g., residency)
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? Yes, Post-graduate training (e.g., residency)
Does the issuer of the license or certification provide any information for professionals licensed/certified in another state/jurisdiction on how to become licensed/certified in this state/jurisdiction? Yes
Renewing a license or certification How frequently does this license or certification require renewal? 24 months
Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? Yes, 40 hours

Psychologist

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification Board of Examiners of Psychologists

For more information
Is the state/jurisdiction a member of an interstate compact that covers this license or certification? Yes
Obtaining a license or certification for the first time What degree is necessary to obtain this license or certification? Graduate
Is passing a qualifying exam required for this license or certification? Yes
Are practice hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 1500 hours
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 1500 hours (generally supervised); 150 hours (directly supervised)
Does the issuer of the license or certification provide any information for professionals licensed/certified in another state/jurisdiction on how to become licensed/certified in this state/jurisdiction? Yes
Renewing a license or certification How frequently does this license or certification require renewal? 24 months
Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? Yes, 40 hours

Social Worker

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification Board of Social Work Examiners

For more information
Is the state/jurisdiction a member of an interstate compact that covers this license or certification? No
Obtaining a license or certification for the first time What degree is necessary to obtain this license or certification? Undergraduate (minimum)
Is passing a qualifying exam required for this license or certification? Yes
Are practice hours required for this license or certification? No
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? No
Does the issuer of the license or certification provide any information for professionals licensed/certified in another state/jurisdiction on how to become licensed/certified in this state/jurisdiction? Yes
Renewing a license or certification How frequently does this license or certification require renewal? 24 months
Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? Yes, Bachelors: 20 hours Masters: 30 hours

Last Updated: 10/18/2024, 05/07/2025, 07/21/2025

Source: https://www.samhsa.gov/about/careers/behavioral-health-workforce/careers-by-state?field_bwc_state_value=Delaware