Mental health & social services
Mental health and substance use social worker
Help people address mental health and substance use needs through services, advocacy and treatment support.
BLS · May 2025
EDUCATION & ENTRY
Social work study; clinical practice has additional steps
An MSW follows undergraduate study, with separate advanced-standing options for eligible applicants. Clinical licensure involves additional requirements. Compare the role, degree, practicum and post-degree supervision before planning a timeline.
The state’s typical entry education classification is “Master's degree.” This describes the occupation broadly; employers, programs and licensing bodies set specific requirements.
CONNECT THE CAREER TO A PLACE TO LEARN
Oregon training options
These are related routes to investigate. Confirm the full preparation, current admissions and eligibility for your intended role with the provider.
Portland State University
Social Work (MSW)
Graduate social work study with supervised field education.
Ask: Which route fits my bachelor’s degree, and what is required after graduation for clinical licensure?
Program page reviewed September 15, 2026
Take this question to a counselor.
Am I drawn to individual care, community services, advocacy or a combination?
Before choosing a program, ask for prerequisites, the complete timeline, class and placement schedules, and a full cost estimate including supplies, exams, travel and living expenses.
Build a working cost estimate →Understand the numbers.
The median is the midpoint of estimated wages for Oregon workers in this occupation. The hourly median is $32.79. These figures describe workers across experience levels; they are not starting pay or the earnings of graduates from the programs below.
Oregon projects employment moving from 2,346 jobs in 2024 to 2,657 in 2034. The projected 2,436 openings over the decade include growth and replacement needs as workers leave an occupation. Dividing that total by ten gives the rounded annual average shown above. These are projections, not today’s vacancies.
How to read wage information →