Mental Health Jobs at University of Colorado with Visa Sponsorship
Mental Health jobs at University of Colorado span its campuses and health system, with the university sponsoring international candidates for roles ranging from counselors and therapists to clinical psychologists. The university has established immigration infrastructure, making it a realistic target if you're pursuing U.S. work authorization in this field.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Marcus Institute for Brain Health (MIBH) seeks a full-time Behavioral Health Clinician with formal training and clinical experience in Expressive and/or Creative Arts Therapy to work within an interdisciplinary, trauma-informed care team. This dual role provides the opportunity to see individuals and groups to provide behavioral health assessment, psychotherapy, education, and art therapy for patients with mild to moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI) and co-occurring psychological health conditions.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:
- Conducting initial health and behavior assessments for individual patients during the evaluation phase of care
- Communicating results of the assessment to the interdisciplinary team and the patient in a professional and culturally competent manner (military and responder)
- Working independently and within an interdisciplinary team to implement a treatment plan and adjust it according to clinical needs of the patient
- Providing individual education and trauma-informed behavioral health treatment addressing a wide range of behavioral and social aspects of brain health
- Developing and conducting Art Therapy in a group Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) setting with focus on promoting development, self-expression, and mastery
- Developing and conducting individual adjunctive art therapy assessments and/or therapy sessions for patients who would benefit from an art-based approach
- Conducting education for individuals, groups, and family members with a focus on sleep, mood regulation, anxiety reduction strategies, and overall brain health
- Building relationships with patients that foster early communication of risky situations to allow for preventative interventions
- Preparing appropriate documentation in a timely and culturally sensitive manner including evaluations, progress notes, treatment plans, and charges
- Assisting in developing program processes, policies and procedures, and best practices
WORK LOCATION
Onsite - this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, CO
WHY JOIN US
The Department of Family Medicine (DFM) is dedicated to “helping people be healthier" by educating, nurturing, fostering, and enhancing those in the field of family medicine and the communities we live in and serve. The Department of Family Medicine has five (5) focus areas, each with specific goals:
- Patient Care: Provide outstanding Family Medicine to every patient.
- Research: Create and disseminate new knowledge.
- Training: Train a future integrated, Family Medicine workforce.
- Community Engagement: Achieve health equity with community engagement and advocacy.
- Our People: Nurture a thriving, diverse and equitable department culture
The University of Colorado offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, tuition benefits, ECO pass, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays and more. To see what benefits are available, please visit:
We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation, and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:
- Medical: Multiple plan options
- Dental: Multiple plan options
- Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
- Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay
- Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year
- Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
- Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
- Holiday Days: 10/year
- Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
- ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.
Open Rank: Rank at the time of appointment will be based on the candidate’s demonstrated contributions and experience in teaching, clinical, research, and/or service to the field. We welcome applicants with a range of backgrounds and accomplishments and encourage individuals to highlight the breadth and depth of their professional impact. Learn more about faculty tracks at the Office for Faculty Affairs.
Instructor
- Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling or Clinical Psychology
- Colorado professional license (or eligibility to obtain)
- Licensed as a Registered Art Therapist (ATR) or Registered Art Therapist Board Certification (ATR-BC)
- Minimum 2 years of direct clinical experience with trauma-exposed populations
- Formal training and supervised clinical experience in Expressive Arts Therapy
- Experience working within an interdisciplinary care team
Senior Instructor
- Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling or Clinical Psychology
- Colorado professional license (or eligibility to obtain)
- Licensed as a Registered Art Therapist (ATR) or Registered Art Therapist Board Certification (ATR-BC)
- Minimum 3 years of direct clinical experience with trauma-exposed populations
- Formal training and supervised clinical experience in Expressive Arts Therapy
- Experience working within an interdisciplinary care team
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Clinical experience with military Veterans, active-duty service members, or first responders
- Experience working with TBI, PTSD, chronic pain, sleep disturbance, addiction, or suicidality
- Advanced trauma certifications (EMDR, CPT, PE, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy)
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
To be successful in this position, candidates will need the following:
- Strong clinical judgment and flexibility when working with complex trauma and neurological conditions
- Ability to integrate verbal and nonverbal therapeutic approaches
- Comfort facilitating expressive arts processes with individuals and groups
- Cultural humility and responsiveness, particularly with military and first responder populations
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
- Ability to work under moderate to high stress while maintaining therapeutic presence
- Strong organizational skills and technological competence
HOW TO APPLY
For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):
- A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position
- Curriculum vitae / Resume
- Five professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address
Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers.
Questions should be directed to: Lydia Lyon Lydia.lyon@cuanschutz.edu
SCREENING OF APPLICATIONS BEGINS
Screening begins on the date of posting and accepted till apply date of 8/7/26
ANTICIPATED PAY RANGE
The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as HIRING RANGE:
Clinical Instructor
The hiring range for this position has been established at $90,000 - $100,000.
Senior Instructor
The hiring range for this position has been established at $100,000 - $110,000.
The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training.
The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation unless it is non-exempt.
Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
The University of Colorado (CU) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
ADA STATEMENT
The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@ucdenver.edu.
BACKGROUND CHECK STATEMENT
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.
VACCINATION STATEMENT
CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.
APPLICATION MATERIALS REQUIRED: Cover Letter, Resume/CV, List of References
JOB CATEGORY: Faculty
PRIMARY LOCATION: Aurora
DEPARTMENT: U0001 - Anschutz Med Campus or Denver - 20148 - SOM-FM GENERAL OPERATIONS
SCHEDULE: Full-time
POSTING DATE: Jul 17, 2026
UNPOSTING DATE: Ongoing
POSTING CONTACT NAME: Lydia Lyon
POSTING CONTACT EMAIL: Lydia.lyon@cuanschutz.edu
POSITION NUMBER: 00850622
INTRODUCTION
The Marcus Institute for Brain Health (MIBH) seeks a full-time Behavioral Health Clinician with formal training and clinical experience in Expressive and/or Creative Arts Therapy to work within an interdisciplinary, trauma-informed care team. This dual role provides the opportunity to see individuals and groups to provide behavioral health assessment, psychotherapy, education, and art therapy for patients with mild to moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI) and co-occurring psychological health conditions.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:
- Conducting initial health and behavior assessments for individual patients during the evaluation phase of care
- Communicating results of the assessment to the interdisciplinary team and the patient in a professional and culturally competent manner (military and responder)
- Working independently and within an interdisciplinary team to implement a treatment plan and adjust it according to clinical needs of the patient
- Providing individual education and trauma-informed behavioral health treatment addressing a wide range of behavioral and social aspects of brain health
- Developing and conducting Art Therapy in a group Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) setting with focus on promoting development, self-expression, and mastery
- Developing and conducting individual adjunctive art therapy assessments and/or therapy sessions for patients who would benefit from an art-based approach
- Conducting education for individuals, groups, and family members with a focus on sleep, mood regulation, anxiety reduction strategies, and overall brain health
- Building relationships with patients that foster early communication of risky situations to allow for preventative interventions
- Preparing appropriate documentation in a timely and culturally sensitive manner including evaluations, progress notes, treatment plans, and charges
- Assisting in developing program processes, policies and procedures, and best practices
WORK LOCATION
Onsite - this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, CO
WHY JOIN US
The Department of Family Medicine (DFM) is dedicated to “helping people be healthier" by educating, nurturing, fostering, and enhancing those in the field of family medicine and the communities we live in and serve. The Department of Family Medicine has five (5) focus areas, each with specific goals:
- Patient Care: Provide outstanding Family Medicine to every patient.
- Research: Create and disseminate new knowledge.
- Training: Train a future integrated, Family Medicine workforce.
- Community Engagement: Achieve health equity with community engagement and advocacy.
- Our People: Nurture a thriving, diverse and equitable department culture
The University of Colorado offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, tuition benefits, ECO pass, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays and more. To see what benefits are available, please visit:
We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation, and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:
- Medical: Multiple plan options
- Dental: Multiple plan options
- Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
- Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay
- Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year
- Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
- Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
- Holiday Days: 10/year
- Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
- ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.
Open Rank: Rank at the time of appointment will be based on the candidate’s demonstrated contributions and experience in teaching, clinical, research, and/or service to the field. We welcome applicants with a range of backgrounds and accomplishments and encourage individuals to highlight the breadth and depth of their professional impact. Learn more about faculty tracks at the Office for Faculty Affairs.
Instructor
- Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling or Clinical Psychology
- Colorado professional license (or eligibility to obtain)
- Licensed as a Registered Art Therapist (ATR) or Registered Art Therapist Board Certification (ATR-BC)
- Minimum 2 years of direct clinical experience with trauma-exposed populations
- Formal training and supervised clinical experience in Expressive Arts Therapy
- Experience working within an interdisciplinary care team
Senior Instructor
- Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling or Clinical Psychology
- Colorado professional license (or eligibility to obtain)
- Licensed as a Registered Art Therapist (ATR) or Registered Art Therapist Board Certification (ATR-BC)
- Minimum 3 years of direct clinical experience with trauma-exposed populations
- Formal training and supervised clinical experience in Expressive Arts Therapy
- Experience working within an interdisciplinary care team
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Clinical experience with military Veterans, active-duty service members, or first responders
- Experience working with TBI, PTSD, chronic pain, sleep disturbance, addiction, or suicidality
- Advanced trauma certifications (EMDR, CPT, PE, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy)
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
To be successful in this position, candidates will need the following:
- Strong clinical judgment and flexibility when working with complex trauma and neurological conditions
- Ability to integrate verbal and nonverbal therapeutic approaches
- Comfort facilitating expressive arts processes with individuals and groups
- Cultural humility and responsiveness, particularly with military and first responder populations
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
- Ability to work under moderate to high stress while maintaining therapeutic presence
- Strong organizational skills and technological competence
HOW TO APPLY
For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):
- A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position
- Curriculum vitae / Resume
- Five professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address
Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers.
Questions should be directed to: Lydia Lyon Lydia.lyon@cuanschutz.edu
SCREENING OF APPLICATIONS BEGINS
Screening begins on the date of posting and accepted till apply date of 8/7/26
ANTICIPATED PAY RANGE
The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as HIRING RANGE:
Clinical Instructor
The hiring range for this position has been established at $90,000 - $100,000.
Senior Instructor
The hiring range for this position has been established at $100,000 - $110,000.
The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training.
The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation unless it is non-exempt.
Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
The University of Colorado (CU) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
ADA STATEMENT
The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@ucdenver.edu.
BACKGROUND CHECK STATEMENT
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.
VACCINATION STATEMENT
CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.
APPLICATION MATERIALS REQUIRED: Cover Letter, Resume/CV, List of References
JOB CATEGORY: Faculty
PRIMARY LOCATION: Aurora
DEPARTMENT: U0001 - Anschutz Med Campus or Denver - 20148 - SOM-FM GENERAL OPERATIONS
SCHEDULE: Full-time
POSTING DATE: Jul 17, 2026
UNPOSTING DATE: Ongoing
POSTING CONTACT NAME: Lydia Lyon
POSTING CONTACT EMAIL: Lydia.lyon@cuanschutz.edu
POSITION NUMBER: 00850622
Tips for Finding Mental Health Jobs at University of Colorado
Align your licensure with Colorado requirements
Colorado requires state licensure for most clinical mental health roles. If your credentials are foreign, start the equivalency evaluation through a NACES-approved agency early. University of Colorado hiring managers expect candidates to have a clear path to licensure before extending an offer.
Target postings within CU's health system
University of Colorado's mental health openings are split between Student Affairs counseling centers and UCHealth clinical settings. Each hiring unit has different sponsorship processes, so identify which division posted the role before you apply and tailor your outreach accordingly.
Request an H-1B filing before your OPT expires
If you're on F-1 OPT, raise the H-1B timeline with your hiring contact before the offer stage. Universities can file H-1B petitions year-round as cap-exempt employers, but internal processing still takes weeks and missing your OPT end date creates a gap in work authorization.
Understand how J-1 waiver status affects your application
Many international mental health professionals enter the U.S. on J-1 exchange visas with a two-year home residency requirement. If that applies to you, securing a Conrad 30 or federal agency waiver before targeting University of Colorado roles will remove a major barrier for the HR team.
Confirm your specialty occupation classification upfront
For H-1B sponsorship, USCIS must classify your mental health role as a specialty occupation requiring a specific degree. Roles like licensed professional counselor or clinical psychologist generally meet this standard, but general wellness or case management titles can face scrutiny. Clarify the job title and duties before accepting an offer.
Use Migrate Mate to find open mental health roles
Browsing University of Colorado's full mental health job listings filtered by visa sponsorship saves significant time. Use Migrate Mate to identify which current openings are actively hiring international candidates so you can prioritize your applications strategically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does University of Colorado sponsor H-1B visas for Mental Healths?
Yes. University of Colorado is a qualifying higher education institution, which makes it a cap-exempt H-1B visa employer. That means it can file H-1B petitions at any time of year without competing in the annual lottery. For mental health roles, this is a significant advantage over private-sector employers, where lottery selection is the main barrier to sponsorship.
How do I apply for Mental Health jobs at University of Colorado?
Applications go through CU's centralized careers portal. Most mental health postings require a CV, cover letter, and documentation of licensure eligibility or current licensure status. If you need visa sponsorship, state that clearly in your application and follow up directly with the HR contact listed. Use Migrate Mate to browse current openings filtered for international candidates before applying.
Which visa types does University of Colorado commonly use for Mental Health roles?
The most common pathways for mental health professionals at University of Colorado are H-1B, J-1 visa, and F-1 OPT. The university also supports TN visas for Canadian and Mexican nationals in qualifying clinical occupations. For permanent residency, EB-2 and EB-3 sponsorship is available for longer-tenured employees, typically initiated after a period of H-1B employment.
What qualifications does University of Colorado expect for Mental Health roles?
Most clinical mental health positions require a master's degree or doctoral degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field, plus eligibility for Colorado state licensure. Roles within UCHealth's clinical system often require or prefer current licensure. Research or faculty-adjacent positions may prioritize doctoral credentials and a publication record over direct clinical experience.
How long does the visa sponsorship process take for a University of Colorado Mental Health hire?
Timeline depends on visa type. H-1B petitions at cap-exempt universities typically take two to four months with standard USCIS processing, or two to three weeks with premium processing. J-1 sponsorship through the university's exchange visitor program can move faster but involves DS-2019 issuance steps. Factor in Colorado licensure processing time separately, as that runs on its own timeline independent of immigration filings.