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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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Wisconsin Careers

Addiction Counselor

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services

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 (plus 360 hours specialized education)
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)
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 Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services

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 (plus 360 hours specialized education)
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, 5000 hours (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? 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 Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services

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? Must be a CSAC, PC, MFT, or LCSW
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 CSAC, PC, MFT, or LCSW with 1 year supervisory experience
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? Yes, Must hold a CSAC, PC, MFT, or LCSW license
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, 4 hours

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services

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? Must be a CSAC, PC, MFT, LCSW, or Inter. CS
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 CSAC, PC, MFT, LCSW, or Inter. CS with one year supervisory experience
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? Yes, Must hold a CSAC, PC, MFT, LCSW, or Inter. CS license
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, 4 hours

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Practitioner

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services

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, 16 hours

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services

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 and have 45 contact hours in clinical pharmacology/therapeutics
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, 16 hours (including 2 hours re controlled substance prescribing)

Clinical Social Worker

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services

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? Must be a CSAC, PC, MFT, LCSW, or Inter. CS
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 CSAC, PC, MFT, LCSW, or Inter. CS with one year supervisory experience
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? Yes, Must hold a CSAC, PC, MFT, LCSW, or Inter. CS license
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, 4 hours

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services

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, 30 hours

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services

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 (after certification as APSW)
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, 30 hours

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services

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 (after certification as APSW or ISW)
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, 30 hours

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services

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 Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services

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? Must be a CSAC, PC, MFT, or LCSW
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 CSAC, PC, MFT, or LCSW with 1 year supervisory experience
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? Yes, Must hold a CSAC, PC, MFT, or LCSW license
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, 4 hours

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services

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 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, 30 hours

Marriage and Family Therapist

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services

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, 3000 hours
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 3000 hours (general supervision), including 300 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? 48 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 Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services

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? Must be a CSAC, PC, MFT, LCSW, or Inter. CS
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 CSAC, PC, MFT, LCSW, or Inter. CS with one year supervisory experience
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? Yes, Must hold a CSAC, PC, MFT, LCSW, or Inter. CS license
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, 4 hours

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services

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? Must be a CSAC, PC, MFT, or LCSW
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 CSAC, PC, MFT, or LCSW with 1 year supervisory experience
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? Yes, Must hold a CSAC, PC, MFT, or LCSW license
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, 4 hours

Mental Health Counselor

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services

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? Must be a CSAC, PC, MFT, or LCSW
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 CSAC, PC, MFT, or LCSW with 1 year supervisory experience
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? Yes, Must hold a CSAC, PC, MFT, or LCSW license
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, 4 hours

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services

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? Must be a CSAC, PC, MFT, LCSW, or Inter. CS
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 CSAC, PC, MFT, LCSW, or Inter. CS with one year supervisory experience
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? Yes, Must hold a CSAC, PC, MFT, LCSW, or Inter. CS license
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, 4 hours

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services

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 (master's degree) or 1000 hours (doctorate degree)
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 3000 or 1000 hours, depending on degree (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? Yes
Renewing a license or certification How frequently does this license or certification require renewal? 48 months
Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? Yes, 30 hours

Peer Recovery Support Specialist

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification Wisconsin Department of Health Services

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? None
Is passing a qualifying exam required for this license or certification? Yes
Are practice hours required for this license or certification? No (but training required)
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, 20 hours

Physician Assistant

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services

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 Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services

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 (but training required)
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

Psychiatrist/Addiction Medicine Physician

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services

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, 30 hours

Psychologist

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services

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 (pre-degree internship can count as 1500)
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 3000 hours (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? 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

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=Wisconsin