Title
Behavioral Health Careers by State
Body
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.
South Carolina Careers
Addiction Counselor
| Issuing body and coverage area | Issuer of the license or certification |
South Carolina Board of Examiners for Licensure of Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, Addiction Counselors and Psycho-Educational Specialists
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, 1120 hours | |
| Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? | Yes, 120 hours (direct 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? | 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 |
South Carolina Board of Examiners for Licensure of Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, Addiction Counselors and Psycho-Educational Specialists
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? | No (but must be a LAC) | |
| Are practice hours required for this license or certification? | Yes, 3 years (and be a LAC) | |
| Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? | Yes, 36 hours (direct 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? | 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, 50 hours |
| Issuing body and coverage area | Issuer of the license or certification |
South Carolina Board of Examiners for Licensure of Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, Addiction Counselors and Psycho-Educational Specialists
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? | No | |
| Renewing a license or certification | How frequently does this license or certification require renewal? | None (but can seek extension after 24 months) |
| Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? | No, Not applicable |
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Practitioner
| Issuing body and coverage area | Issuer of the license or certification |
South Carolina 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; no for APRN | |
| 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, Must be a licensed RN; additional 45 contact hours in pharmacotherapeutics (for prescribing authority) | |
| 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 (or maintain national certification in specialty area) |
| Issuing body and coverage area | Issuer of the license or certification |
South Carolina 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; no for APRN | |
| 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, Must be a licensed RN | |
| Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? | Yes, Not specified | |
| 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 |
Clinical Social Worker
| Issuing body and coverage area | Issuer of the license or certification |
South Carolina 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, 3000 hours | |
| Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? | Yes, 3000 hours (general supervision), including 100 hours (direct 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? | 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 |
South Carolina 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, 3000 hours | |
| Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? | Yes, 3000 hours (general supervision), including 100 hours (direct 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? | 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 |
Community Health Worker
| Issuing body and coverage area | Issuer of the license or certification |
South Carolina Community Health Worker Credentialing Council
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, 80 hours | |
| Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? | Yes, 80 hours (direct 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? | Not specified | |
| 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, 24 hours |
Marriage and Family Therapist
| Issuing body and coverage area | Issuer of the license or certification |
South Carolina Board of Examiners for Licensure of Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, Addiction Counselors and Psycho-Educational Specialists
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, 1500 hours | |
| Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? | Yes, 1500 hours (general supervision), including 120 hours (direct 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? | 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 |
South Carolina Board of Examiners for Licensure of Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, Addiction Counselors and Psycho-Educational Specialists
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? | No (but must be a LMFT) | |
| Are practice hours required for this license or certification? | Yes, 5 years (and be a LMFT) | |
| Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? | Yes, 36 hours (direct 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? | 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 |
Marriage and Family Therapist
| Issuing body and coverage area | Issuer of the license or certification |
South Carolina Board of Examiners for Licensure of Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, Addiction Counselors and Psycho-Educational Specialists
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? | No | |
| Renewing a license or certification | How frequently does this license or certification require renewal? | None (but can seek extension after 24 months) |
| Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? | No, Not applicable |
Mental Health Counselor
| Issuing body and coverage area | Issuer of the license or certification |
South Carolina Board of Examiners for Licensure of Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, Addiction Counselors and Psycho-Educational Specialists
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? | No | |
| Renewing a license or certification | How frequently does this license or certification require renewal? | None (but can seek extension after 24 months) |
| Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? | No, Not applicable |
| Issuing body and coverage area | Issuer of the license or certification |
South Carolina Board of Examiners for Licensure of Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, Addiction Counselors and Psycho-Educational Specialists
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? | No (but must be a LPC) | |
| Are practice hours required for this license or certification? | Yes, 5 years (and be LPC) | |
| Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? | Yes, 36 hours (direct 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? | 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 |
South Carolina Board of Examiners for Licensure of Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, Addiction Counselors and Psycho-Educational Specialists
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 (general supervision), including 120 hours (direct 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? | 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 |
Addiction Professionals of South Carolina
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? | Yes, One year lived/practical experience | |
| 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 |
| Issuing body and coverage area | Issuer of the license or certification |
Addiction Professionals of South Carolina
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 and one year lived/practical experience | |
| 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 |
Physician Assistant
| Issuing body and coverage area | Issuer of the license or certification |
South Carolina Board of Medical 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? | 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? | 24 months |
| Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? | Yes, 4 hours (if have CS prescribing authority) plus must maintain NCCPA certification |
Prevention Specialist
| Issuing body and coverage area | Issuer of the license or certification |
South Carolina Association of Prevention Professionals and Advocates
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, 2000 hours | |
| Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? | Yes, 120 hours | |
| 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? | Not specified |
| Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? | Not specified, Not specified |
Psychiatric Aide
| Issuing body and coverage area | Issuer of the license or certification |
American Association of Medical Assistants (this is a national certification; there is no state-specific 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? | 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? | 5 years (for national certification) |
| Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? | Yes, 60 hours |
Psychiatrist/Addiction Medicine Physician
| Issuing body and coverage area | Issuer of the license or certification |
South Carolina Board of Medical 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, 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 |
South Carolina Board of Examiners in Psychology
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, 3000 hours | |
| Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? | Yes, 3000 hours (general supervision), including 1 hour per week (direct 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? | 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, 24 hours |