H-1B Visa Lead Therapist Jobs
Lead Therapist roles qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations because they require at least a bachelor's degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a directly related clinical field. Sponsoring employers file a certified LCA with DOL and an I-129 petition with USCIS, covering an initial three-year status period extendable to six years.
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As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.
Job Location (Full Address):
601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14642
Opening:
Worker Subtype:
Regular
Time Type:
Full time
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40
Department:
500128 Psychiatry SMH Ambulatory Svcs
Work Shift:
UR - Day (United States of America)
Range:
UR URCC 212
Compensation Range:
$66,185.00 - $89,356.00
The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.
Responsibilities:
The Strong Family Therapy Services is seeking a Marriage and Family Therapist – Lead (MFT Lead). This role functions as a Lead or coordinator of project(s) for the service and could supervise 1-3 clinicians. The role will primarily support the branch of Strong Family Therapy Service that collaborates with the Ronald McDonald House, Strength From Within Program. This program is in the process of development. The MHT Lead will function clinically as a primary therapist and/or evaluator providing mental health assessment, triage, crisis intervention and treatment to patients with a mental health disorder in the Strength From Within Program. As Lead, they can provide leadership and supervisory support to an interdisciplinary group of clinical staff, as this program grows in scope and size. The Leader may collaborate on policy and program development, operations management, and plan program activities for their assigned clinical program area. The MHT Lead is an integral member of the clinical team, providing psychosocial assessment, crisis intervention, resource consultation, and treatment. Subscribes to the Department’s goal of creating a culturally competent environment by treating patients/families, trainees, research subjects and co-workers in a sensitive and caring manner with appropriate attention to cultural differences. Participates in available cultural competence events and trainings.
Essential Functions:
Clinical Services:
- Conducts assessment and intake interviews of patients and their families and designs appropriate therapeutic treatment plans with clearly defined therapeutic goals consistent with all regulations and guidelines established by the New York State Office of Mental Health and the Department of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Wellness. Conducts the course of individual, family, couple, and systems-oriented therapy within the accepted standards of practice as delineated by OMH and the Department.
- Ensures the development and implementation of comprehensive and individualized treatment plans for patients with clearly defined therapeutic goals; conducts evidence-informed treatment with patients and families.
- Responsible for ensuring assessment of safety in the clinic to provide safe care environment for patients and staff. Involves family and other mental health treatment providers as necessary in interventions.
Clinical Administration Assistance:
- Functions as Team Leader or coordinator of processes/projects. Provides clinical leadership to staff in the clinical program and collaborates with the Ronald McDonald House Team. Assist the Clinic Director and/or Supervisor MFT with program development, evaluation, and to ensure smooth and cost-efficient program operations. As the program grows, may participate in the orientation and training of new staff. Organizes and leads meetings at the discretion of the Clinic Director and/or Supervisor MFT. Provides coverage and accessibility for intakes, vacations, sick calls, as needed.
- May lead multidisciplinary team Strength from Within Team meetings and collaboration where appropriate. Triage referrals to specialty and/or other appropriate services for evaluation and treatment as indicated, and partners around co-management of shared patients where appropriate.
- Assists Clinic Director and/or Supervisor MFT with practice improvement projects and other clinical operations. May assist in providing supervision and contribute to the evaluation of an interdisciplinary group of staff.
Department compliance:
- Participates in activities of the Department and assigned Division including, but not limited to, ensuring policies and procedures are implemented with regard to professional practice, discharge planning and patient care, timely completion of time reporting and other Hospital or Department forms; Hospital and Department mandatory in-service training programs. Documents all interventions and contacts in patient's chart in compliance with Division, Department and Hospital policy. Facilitates Department and Hospital quality assurance and staff development activities.
- Meets minimum target for units of service set by service director. Maintains a thorough knowledge of, and follows, all Family Therapy Services and Psychiatry Mental Health and Wellness Services policies and procedures, as well as those delineated by the Office of Mental Health. Maintains professional standards and continuing education by reading, attending seminars, workshops, and conferences, and staying up to date for the New York State requirements for maintenance of licensure as appropriate.
DEI Compliance:
- Subscribes to the departmental goal of creating a culturally competent environment by treating patients, families, trainees, and co-workers in a sensitive manner with appropriate attention to cultural differences. Participates in available cultural competency events and training appropriate to job duties.
Minimum Education & Experience:
- Master’s degree from an AAMFT accredited program with major course work in Marriage and Family Therapy or a related field and 2 years professional counseling experience beyond the Master’s degree required.
- Prior experience working in a psychiatric care setting and working with adult and/or pediatric and adolescent populations preferred.
- Or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Knowledge about and ability to provide behavioral health assessments/evaluations and evidence-based interventions within a systems framework preferred.
- Commitment to and routine demonstration of biopsychosocial approach to care of individuals and families preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to be flexible and responsive in rapidly evolving health care environments preferred.
- Dedication to delivering a team-based integrated model of care preferred.
- Demonstrates cultural humility and anti-racism values and works toward ensuring all patients feel welcome preferred.
Licenses and Certifications:
- NYS licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist required
The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship in Lead Therapist
Verify your clinical credentials match specialty occupation
USCIS expects your degree field to align directly with Lead Therapist duties. A master's in counseling or clinical social work strengthens your petition. If your degree is in a related but adjacent field, gather course transcripts showing clinical theory and supervised practicum hours.
Research prevailing wage tiers before negotiating offers
Your employer's LCA must certify a wage at or above DOL's prevailing wage for your SOC code and work location. Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up the Level I through Level IV wage tiers for your specific county before any salary discussion begins.
Target employers with multi-site LCA filing experience
If your Lead Therapist role spans multiple clinic locations, each worksite needs its own certified LCA. Employers experienced in multi-site behavioral health programs are better prepared to handle this. Ask HR directly whether they've filed site-specific LCAs for therapists before.
Find H-1B sponsors through Migrate Mate
Search Migrate Mate to identify behavioral health employers with verified H-1B LCA filing history for therapist roles. Filtering by role and location shows you which organizations have already navigated the sponsorship process, saving you from cold-applying to employers unfamiliar with the requirements.
Account for cap selection timing in your job search
H-1B cap selection rules have changed recently, so plan your offer and start-date timeline carefully with your sponsoring employer. If you're currently on OPT or another status, confirm your authorization end date and build in enough lead time for USCIS petition processing.
Use O*NET to document specialty occupation duties
Your employer's I-129 petition must demonstrate the Lead Therapist role requires specialized degree-level knowledge. Pull the O*NET occupation profile for your SOC code and work with your employer's attorney to map your actual job duties to the listed knowledge and skills requirements.
H-1B Visa Lead Therapist: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Lead Therapist role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes. Lead Therapist positions typically qualify because they require at least a bachelor's degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a closely related clinical field. USCIS evaluates whether the specific role, as described in the job duties and employer documentation, requires that theoretical and specialized knowledge. A master's degree is standard for many clinical leadership roles, which further supports the specialty occupation determination.
Which employers sponsor H-1B visas for Lead Therapist positions?
Behavioral health organizations, hospital systems, community mental health centers, and outpatient group practices are among the most active H-1B sponsors for therapist roles. You can browse verified H-1B sponsoring employers in this space on Migrate Mate, which shows LCA filing history by role and location so you're targeting organizations already familiar with the process.
What happens to my H-1B status if I move to a different clinic location?
Each worksite where you perform Lead Therapist duties requires its own certified LCA. If your employer adds a new location or transfers you to a site not covered by the original LCA, they must file and receive certification for that location before you begin working there. Short-term placements have a limited exception, but ongoing multi-site work requires separate LCA filings for each location.
Can I switch employers while on H-1B status as a Lead Therapist?
Yes, H-1B portability allows you to start with a new employer once they've filed an H-1B transfer petition on your behalf, as long as your previous status was lawfully maintained. You don't need to wait for USCIS approval before beginning work. The new employer must file a fresh LCA certified for your new worksite and job duties before submitting the I-129 transfer petition.
How long does H-1B sponsorship last for a Lead Therapist role?
H-1B status is initially granted for up to three years and can be extended for an additional three years, reaching a six-year maximum in most cases. Beyond six years, extensions are available if you have a qualifying permanent residence application pending at a certain stage. Each extension requires your employer to file a new I-129 petition with a current certified LCA for your worksite.