Behavioral & Mental Health Jobs in Illinois

Social workers are in every corner of your community – from schools and hospitals to social service agencies and the military. While there are many different careers paths a social worker can take, here we will focus on clinical social workers in behavioral health: providing therapy, counseling and crisis intervention. A few key experiences influenced my decision to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). During my undergraduate studies, I was drawn to psychology and wanted to support children and adolescents. I majored in psychology and explored various advanced degrees, but it was the advice of a mentor – to gain real-world experience first – that turned out to be pivotal. I began working at a therapeutic day school for adolescents with severe mental health challenges as well as a group home for adult women with serious mental illness. At the group home, my supervisor, an LCSW, opened my eyes to the diverse ways social workers serve, support and advocate in behavioral health, and this mentorship helped solidify my path. I went on to earn a Master of Social Work (MSW), and was soon providing therapy, emergency housing, education and crisis services for youth and families. After completing my LCSW licensure, I began training and supporting MSW students pursuing similar careers. This is just one example of the many rewarding pathways available to future social workers. As you consider a career as an LCSW, it will help to understand: What is clinical social work Where do LCSWs work How to achieve an LCSW license What is clinical social work? According to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), clinical social work focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental illness, emotional difficulties and other behavioral challenges. This often involves providing individual, family and/or group therapy. To practice independently, social workers must hold an LCSW license. Their work often overlaps with that of a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). LCSWs collaborate with clients to assess mental health challenges, set treatment goals and work towards achieving those goals in therapy. They maintain detailed documentation through assessments, treatment plans, session notes and other required paperwork. They may also collaborate with medical professionals, school staff, family members, case managers and others to ensure coordinated care. Key skills for clinical social workers include: Building trust and relationships Active listening and empathy Strong communication (written and oral) Time management, organization and attention to detail Willingness to seek and apply feedback Self-reflection and ethical decision-making A solid self-care plan to prevent burnout and compassion fatigue Managing stress and practicing self-care are essential for maintaining a long, fulfilling career in behavioral health. Where do LCSWs work? Clinical social workers are part of interdisciplinary teams that may include counselors, nurses, physicians and other professionals. Common workplaces include: Hospitals Community mental health centers Private practices Schools Child welfare agencies Specialty clinics Many LCSWs specialize by population (such as children, adults or older adults) or by focus area (such as trauma, addiction or chronic illness). Others serve a wide range of client populations. How do I become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker? Becoming an LCSW requires advanced education, supervised experience and licensure. While it can feel daunting, each step builds valuable skills and professional confidence. Step 1: Earn a bachelor’s degree. The most direct route is earning a Bachelor's of Social Work (BSW). Find accredited BSW programs in Illinois here. Related majors like psychology, human development or rehabilitation sciences can also prepare you for graduate study. Take required coursework (such as statistics and social science credits) to qualify for MSW programs. Step 2: Earn a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) Most MSW programs take two years as a full-time student. Students with a BSW may qualify for advanced standing, allowing them to complete an MSW in one year. Attend a CSWE-accredited program (unaccredited degrees may prevent licensure). Find accredited MSW programs in Illinois here. After graduation, apply to become a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in Illinois. Step 3: Complete 3,000 hours of supervised work Complete 3,000 hours of supervised clinical work, typically over two years full-time, under the guidance of an LCSW. Step 4: Apply for the LCSW licensing exam Apply through the Illinois Department of Professional and Financial Regulations (IDFPR). The National Association of Social Workers of Illinois (NASW-IL) has step-by-step guidance on this process. Step 5: Maintaining your license LCSWs in Illinois renew every two years (odd-numbered years, expiring Nov. 30). At least 30 hours of continuing education units (CEUs) must be completed each year. Some CEUs must cover specific topics, including ethics, clinical supervision and implicit bias. Requirements can change, so check the IDFPR and NASW-IL websites regularly. Becoming an LCSW opens doors to a fulfilling and impactful career where you can help individuals, families and communities thrive. With the right education, mentorship, and self-care, social workers can build long-term, sustainable careers in this vital field. To explore other social work career paths, visit the National Association of Social Workers. Further reading: National Association of Social Workers: About Social Workers National Association of Social Workers Illinois: Licensure Overview Indeed: 16 types of social workers and how they make an impact Written by Catherine Melka-Kaffer, LCSW Catherine Melka-Kaffer earned her MSW at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Her passion for improving mental health services arose from other past roles as a social worker in a youth agency, community mental health center and group home. Catherine is committed to supporting behavioral health providers and improving the quality and availability of services for all those in-need. She serves as an Initiative Coordinator for the Illinois Behavioral Health Workforce Center at UIC, focusing on the needs of Community Mental Health providers across the state, as well as the Training Director of the Integrated Behavioral Health Care Training Program at the Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois Chicago.

Social workers are in every corner of your community – from schools and hospitals to social service agencies and the military. While there are many different careers paths a social worker can take, here we will focus on clinical social workers in behavioral health: providing therapy, counseling and crisis intervention. A few key experiences influenced my decision to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). During my undergraduate studies, I was drawn to psychology and wanted to support children and adolescents. I majored in psychology and explored various advanced degrees, but it was the advice of a mentor – to gain real-world experience first – that turned out to be pivotal. I began working at a therapeutic day school for adolescents with severe mental health challenges as well as a group home for adult women with serious mental illness. At the group home, my supervisor, an LCSW, opened my eyes to the diverse ways social workers serve, support and advocate in behavioral health, and this mentorship helped solidify my path. I went on to earn a Master of Social Work (MSW), and was soon providing therapy, emergency housing, education and crisis services for youth and families. After completing my LCSW licensure, I began training and supporting MSW students pursuing similar careers. This is just one example of the many rewarding pathways available to future social workers. As you consider a career as an LCSW, it will help to understand: What is clinical social work Where do LCSWs work How to achieve an LCSW license What is clinical social work? According to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) , clinical social work focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental illness, emotional difficulties and other behavioral challenges. This often involves providing individual, family and/or group therapy. To practice independently, social workers must hold an LCSW license. Their work often overlaps with that of a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) . LCSWs collaborate with clients to assess mental health challenges, set treatment goals and work towards achieving those goals in therapy. They maintain detailed documentation through assessments, treatment plans, session notes and other required paperwork. They may also collaborate with medical professionals, school staff, family members, case managers and others to ensure coordinated care. Key skills for clinical social workers include: Building trust and relationships Active listening and empathy Strong communication (written and oral) Time management, organization and attention to detail Willingness to seek and apply feedback Self-reflection and ethical decision-making A solid self-care plan to prevent burnout and compassion fatigue Managing stress and practicing self-care are essential for maintaining a long, fulfilling career in behavioral health. Where do LCSWs work? Clinical social workers are part of interdisciplinary teams that may include counselors, nurses, physicians and other professionals. Common workplaces include: Hospitals Community mental health centers Private practices Schools Child welfare agencies Specialty clinics Many LCSWs specialize by population (such as children, adults or older adults) or by focus area (such as trauma, addiction or chronic illness). Others serve a wide range of client populations. How do I become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker? Becoming an LCSW requires advanced education, supervised experience and licensure. While it can feel daunting, each step builds valuable skills and professional confidence. Step 1: Earn a bachelor’s degree. The most direct route is earning a Bachelor's of Social Work (BSW). Find accredited BSW programs in Illinois here. Related majors like psychology, human development or rehabilitation sciences can also prepare you for graduate study. Take required coursework (such as statistics and social science credits) to qualify for MSW programs. Step 2: Earn a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) Most MSW programs take two years as a full-time student. Students with a BSW may qualify for advanced standing, allowing them to complete an MSW in one year. Attend a CSWE-accredited program (unaccredited degrees may prevent licensure). Find accredited MSW programs in Illinois here . After graduation, apply to become a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in Illinois. Step 3: Complete 3,000 hours of supervised work Complete 3,000 hours of supervised clinical work, typically over two years full-time, under the guidance of an LCSW. Step 4: Apply for the LCSW licensing exam Apply through the Illinois Department of Professional and Financial Regulations (IDFPR) . The National Association of Social Workers of Illinois (NASW-IL) has step-by-step guidance on this process. Step 5: Maintaining your license LCSWs in Illinois renew every two years (odd-numbered years, expiring Nov. 30). At least 30 hours of continuing education units (CEUs) must be completed each year. Some CEUs must cover specific topics , including ethics, clinical supervision and implicit bias. Requirements can change, so check the IDFPR and NASW-IL websites regularly. Becoming an LCSW opens doors to a fulfilling and impactful career where you can help individuals, families and communities thrive. With the right education, mentorship, and self-care, social workers can build long-term, sustainable careers in this vital field. To explore other social work career paths, visit the National Association of Social Workers . Further reading: National Association of Social Workers: About Social Workers National Association of Social Workers Illinois: Licensure Overview Indeed: 16 types of social workers and how they make an impact   Written by Catherine Melka-Kaffer, LCSW Catherine Melka-Kaffer earned her MSW at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Her passion for improving mental health services arose from other past roles as a social worker in a youth agency, community mental health center and group home. Catherine is committed to supporting behavioral health providers and improving the quality and availability of services for all those in-need. She serves as an Initiative Coordinator for the Illinois Behavioral Health Workforce Center at UIC, focusing on the needs of Community Mental Health providers across the state, as well as the Training Director of the Integrated Behavioral Health Care Training Program at the Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois Chicago.

My journey into drug and alcohol counseling began at 37, after realizing I was deeply unfulfilled working in retail management. I’ve always been guided by the value of service and wanted to use my experience in long-term recovery to help others, so I left my job and began working as a case manager at a men’s homeless shelter. Over time, my skills and passion for helping others grew, leading me to a role as a peer support specialist at SIU Medicine’s Support Team for Addiction Recovery Treatment (START) . With encouragement and guidance from my clinical supervisor, I decided to pursue my CADC certification — a step that transformed my career. What is a CADC? A Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) is a professional credential issued by the Illinois Certification Board (ICB) . CADCs provide substance use counseling across various settings, performing tasks such as: Screening and assessing individuals entering treatment Facilitating group therapy sessions Conducting one-on-one counseling As they gain experience, CADCs may also supervise peer support specialists, mentor new counselors or transition into administrative and treatment planning roles. Where do CADCs work? Most CADCs work in substance use treatment centers, which may be: Residential/inpatient programs, where clients live on-site during treatment Outpatient programs, where clients attend sessions and return home afterward In addition, CADCs are often employed in homeless shelters, community living centers and nonprofits that focus on improving lives through recovery services and case management. Their training equips them to assess client needs, connect individuals with services and deliver evidence-based support. How to become a CADC The CADC certification process can feel overwhelming, but becomes manageable with guidance and persistence. The certification process is mostly self-guided and there are multiple ways to fulfill the requirements. Here’s an overview of the steps required by the Illinois Certification Board (ICB): 1. Education Before you can apply for certification, you’ll need to meet specific education requirements focused on alcohol and other drug (AOD) counseling. These courses give you the foundational knowledge you’ll draw from throughout your career. Minimum requirement is a high school diploma or GED Complete 225 hours of ICB-approved AOD education Training can be completed through self-study, college courses or a CADC training program. Keep certificates of completion to submit with your application. Tip: Use the Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association (IAODAPCA) website to find approved courses and confirm eligibility for college credit. I was able to complete my education hours using a combination of previously earned college credits in counseling related courses and self-study courses I found on the IAODAPCA website. 2. Work Experience Your education provides the foundation — now it’s time to apply what you’ve learned in real-world settings. Hands-on experience is where you’ll develop practical skills, build confidence and gain a deeper understanding of client needs. As of July 1, 2025, candidates must complete 2,000 hours of paid work experience in substance use counseling. Job titles must include “counselor” or “counseling” and reflect direct work with clients. Many treatment centers will employ uncredentialed AOD counselors and provide on-the-job experience, education and supervision. Tip: Some positions that are similar but hold different titles will not immediately qualify. However, a letter from your supervisor may help verify experience. My work experience as a peer support supervisor was initially rejected, but was approved after verification. 3. Supervision This step is vital for new counselors to have oversight and guidance throughout their 2,000-hour work experience period. Questions around ethics, boundaries and service delivery are learned not only through education, but through the practical application of counseling principles. 150 hours of direct supervision are required. Supervision can come from a clinical supervisor, program director or qualified professional familiar with CADC competencies. This step ensures ethical, effective service delivery and ongoing professional development. Tip: Use your supervision hours intentionally. Bring real scenarios, ethical questions or boundary challenges to discuss. These conversations help turn theory into confident practice. 4. The Exam The final step is passing a 100-question multiple-choice exam at an ICB-approved testing site. The exam covers all areas of CADC core competencies outlined in the educational portion of the certification process. Tip: A study guide is available for purchase through the ICB website and helped me prepare. What I learned along the way In the beginning, I was confused about whether each step needed to be completed before starting the next. I was fortunate to work with an experienced CADC who encouraged me to seek ongoing clarification from the ICB whenever I felt unsure. Here are a few tips that helped me through the process: The ICB application is now fully digital, allowing you to upload documentation as you progress. You can submit an incomplete application to receive feedback on missing requirements. You’ll have one year from your initial submission date to complete all steps. Expect fees throughout the process (education, application and exam). Many employers offer financial support for staff pursuing certification, so don’t hesitate to ask. Becoming a CADC is both challenging and rewarding. The process helped me grow not only as a professional but as a person in recovery committed to serving others. My biggest takeaway? You don’t have to do it alone. Seek out a mentor who can guide you through the steps, answer questions and celebrate your progress. If you’re beginning this journey, I’d be happy to help. Feel free to reach out at mlantgen28@siumed.edu .   Written by Matt Lantgen, CADC, CRSS Matt Lantgen is the Peer Support Supervisor at SIU’s START Clinic. Before entering the helping field, he spent 15 years in retail management. His career in behavioral health began as a case manager with Helping Hands, and in 2023 he joined SIU as a Peer Support Specialist. Since then, he has earned both his CRSS and CADC credentials. Matt is married with three children and enjoys spending time with his Great Danes, traveling and tackling DIY projects. As a person in recovery, he is passionate about giving back and dedicates much of his time outside of work to supporting others on their recovery journeys.