H-1B Visa Behavioral Health Therapist Jobs
Behavioral Health Therapist roles qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations because they require at least a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a directly related field. Many hospital systems, community mental health centers, and telehealth companies sponsor H-1B petitions for licensed therapists, making this one of the more accessible clinical paths for international candidates.
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- APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED WITHOUT WORK EXPERIENCE OR A RESUME WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. IF ATTACHING A RESUME, RESUME MUST INCLUDE DATES OF EMPLOYMENT FOR EACH JOB (MONTH and YEAR) AND DETAILS OF WORK EXPERIENCE/JOB DUTIES*
Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.
This posting may be used to fill multiple positions.
Due to the available budget allocated for this position, the hiring rate will not exceed $41.66 per hour.
Why does the job exist?
This position provides evidenced based behavioral health treatment for individuals by providing group treatment, individual treatment and psychoeducation. The position provides a wide range of treatment including but not limited to substance abuse treatment, relationship difficulties, trauma, mental illness and crisis intervention. The incumbent will provide Mental Health Treatment for diagnosed mental health disorders; aid individuals/groups by providing best practices and evidence-based interventions; and provide for individuals dealing with addictions, substance dependency, relationship difficulties, and issues associated with mental, emotional and behavioral health.
How does it get done?
- Assesses inmates to aid in determining diagnosis, treatment needs, and recommendations.
- Provides direct treatment of inmates using various psychotherapeutic modalities and group treatment, individual treatment, and psychoeducation.
Who are the customers?
The New Mexico Corrections Department
Ideal Candidate
The New Mexico Corrections Department
Minimum Qualification
Licensure in New Mexico as an LMSW, LISW, LMHC, LMFT, LPCC, LCSW, or LPAT; or provisional licensure in New Mexico as an LMSW, or temporary licensure in New Mexico as an LPCC, LMHC, LMFT, or LPAT, with full licensure obtained within one (1) year of hire; and one (1) year of experience related to the essential duties and responsibilities of the classification. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field above licensure requirements and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling one (1) year may substitute for the required experience.
Department of Public Safety only: Applicants must be fully licensed.
Employment Requirements
This position is designated as safety sensitive. Employment is subject to pre-employment and random testing, in accordance with all terms and conditions of federal and state law, rules and regulations in relation to alcohol and/or drug testing. Pre-employment background investigation is required and is conditional pending results. Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in an adult prison environment, which includes daily contact with inmates. Willingness to work in a correctional facility, may be required to work odd hours, overtime, holidays, and weekends.
Supplemental Information
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: Paul Romero (505) 487-6727, or email: paul.romero@cd.nm.gov.
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.
Posting Details
- APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED WITHOUT WORK EXPERIENCE OR A RESUME WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. IF ATTACHING A RESUME, RESUME MUST INCLUDE DATES OF EMPLOYMENT FOR EACH JOB (MONTH and YEAR) AND DETAILS OF WORK EXPERIENCE/JOB DUTIES*
Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.
This posting may be used to fill multiple positions.
Due to the available budget allocated for this position, the hiring rate will not exceed $41.66 per hour.
Why does the job exist?
This position provides evidenced based behavioral health treatment for individuals by providing group treatment, individual treatment and psychoeducation. The position provides a wide range of treatment including but not limited to substance abuse treatment, relationship difficulties, trauma, mental illness and crisis intervention. The incumbent will provide Mental Health Treatment for diagnosed mental health disorders; aid individuals/groups by providing best practices and evidence-based interventions; and provide for individuals dealing with addictions, substance dependency, relationship difficulties, and issues associated with mental, emotional and behavioral health.
How does it get done?
- Assesses inmates to aid in determining diagnosis, treatment needs, and recommendations.
- Provides direct treatment of inmates using various psychotherapeutic modalities and group treatment, individual treatment, and psychoeducation.
Who are the customers?
The New Mexico Corrections Department
Ideal Candidate
The New Mexico Corrections Department
Minimum Qualification
Licensure in New Mexico as an LMSW, LISW, LMHC, LMFT, LPCC, LCSW, or LPAT; or provisional licensure in New Mexico as an LMSW, or temporary licensure in New Mexico as an LPCC, LMHC, LMFT, or LPAT, with full licensure obtained within one (1) year of hire; and one (1) year of experience related to the essential duties and responsibilities of the classification. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field above licensure requirements and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling one (1) year may substitute for the required experience.
Department of Public Safety only: Applicants must be fully licensed.
Employment Requirements
This position is designated as safety sensitive. Employment is subject to pre-employment and random testing, in accordance with all terms and conditions of federal and state law, rules and regulations in relation to alcohol and/or drug testing. Pre-employment background investigation is required and is conditional pending results. Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in an adult prison environment, which includes daily contact with inmates. Willingness to work in a correctional facility, may be required to work odd hours, overtime, holidays, and weekends.
Supplemental Information
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: Paul Romero (505) 487-6727, or email: paul.romero@cd.nm.gov.
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship in Behavioral Health Therapist
Verify your licensure transfers across state lines
H-1B approval ties your petition to a specific work location. If your employer operates across multiple states, confirm your clinical license is valid in each intended practice state before the LCA is filed with DOL.
Check prevailing wage levels before negotiating offers
Your employer's LCA must certify a wage at or above DOL's prevailing rate for your occupation and location. Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up Level I through Level IV wages for your SOC code before you discuss compensation.
Target employers enrolled in E-Verify for STEM adjacency
Community mental health centers and hospital systems that file H-1B petitions consistently are listed in DOL's LCA disclosure data. Use Migrate Mate to filter for Behavioral Health Therapist roles at employers with active H-1B filing history.
Submit credential evaluations before the petition window opens
USCIS requires a U.S.-equivalent degree evaluation for foreign transcripts. Order a course-by-course evaluation from a NACES-approved service early. Late evaluations are a common reason petitions miss the April 1 filing window.
Clarify supervision requirements in your offer letter
Many states require supervised clinical hours for full licensure. If you're still completing supervised hours, your petition's specialty occupation argument must show the role requires a degree regardless of licensure stage, not just after full licensure.
Understand how telehealth roles affect your LCA worksite
If your Behavioral Health Therapist role is fully remote, USCIS and DOL treat your home address as a covered worksite. Your employer must file a separate LCA for each state where you'll regularly work, including your home state.
H-1B Visa Behavioral Health Therapist: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Behavioral Health Therapist role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes. USCIS recognizes Behavioral Health Therapist positions as specialty occupations when the role normally requires at least a bachelor's degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or a directly related clinical field. The O*NET profile for this occupation confirms the degree requirement, and employers use that classification in their H-1B petition to establish specialty occupation status.
Which types of employers sponsor H-1B visas for Behavioral Health Therapists?
Hospital systems, federally qualified health centers, community mental health organizations, VA-contracted clinics, and telehealth platforms regularly sponsor H-1B petitions for licensed therapists. Nonprofits and government-affiliated health entities may also qualify as cap-exempt employers, meaning they can file H-1B petitions year-round without waiting for the annual lottery. Browse open roles at H-1B-sponsoring employers on Migrate Mate.
How does state clinical licensure affect my H-1B petition as a therapist?
Your H-1B petition is tied to the worksite listed on the Labor Condition Application your employer files with DOL. If your license is only valid in one state and your employer later assigns you to a different location, a new LCA and potentially an amended petition are required. Confirm your license is active and recognized in the state where you'll primarily practice before your employer submits the LCA.
Can I switch Behavioral Health Therapist employers while on H-1B status?
Yes, through H-1B portability. Once your current petition has been pending or approved for at least 180 days, you can start working for a new employer as soon as they file an H-1B transfer petition on your behalf, without waiting for approval. Your new employer must file before your current status expires, and the new role must still qualify as a specialty occupation in behavioral health.
What credentials does USCIS expect for a Behavioral Health Therapist H-1B petition?
USCIS expects evidence of a U.S. bachelor's degree or foreign equivalent in a directly related field such as psychology, clinical social work, counseling, or marriage and family therapy. If your degree is from outside the U.S., you'll need a credential evaluation from a NACES-approved service confirming U.S. equivalency. Active state licensure strengthens the specialty occupation argument, though the degree requirement is the primary qualifying criterion.