J-1 Visa Mental Health Counseling Jobs
Mental health counseling roles in the United States are accessible to international professionals through the J-1 visa under the Trainee or Specialist program category, depending on your experience level. Designated sponsor organizations issue the DS-2019 and manage compliance, while your host employer provides the placement. Finding the right host starts with targeted sponsorship research.
Find J-1 Visa Mental Health Counseling JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 45+ Mental Health Counseling jobs
See all 45+ Mental Health Counseling Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Mental Health Counseling roles.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
As Mount Sinai grows, so does our legacy in high-quality health care.
Since 1949, Mount Sinai Medical Center has remained committed to providing access to its diverse community. In delivering an unmatched level of clinical expertise, our medical center is committed to recruiting and training top healthcare workers from across the country. We offer the latest in advanced medicine, technology, and comfort in 12 facilities across Miami-Dade (including our 674-bed main campus facility) and Monroe Counties, with 38 medical services, including cancer care, 24/7 emergency care, orthopedics, cardiovascular care, and more. Mount Sinai takes pride in being South Florida's largest private independent not-for-profit hospital, dedicated to continuing the training of the next generation of medical pioneers.
Culture of Caring: The Sinai Way
Our hardworking, tight-knit community of more than 4,000 dedicated employees fosters an environment of care and compassion. Each member plays a vital role in our collective mission to deliver excellent healthcare through innovation, education, and research. At Mount Sinai, we take pride in our achievements, aiming to be a beacon of quality healthcare in South Florida. We welcome all healthcare professionals to join our thriving community and contribute to our pursuit for clinical excellence.
DEPARTMENT:
JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY:
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
- UNDER THE DIRECT SUPERVISION OF A LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER
- Initiates & completes comprehensive psychosocial assessment following unit guidelines & time frame.
- Attends & participates in interdisciplinary treatment conferences/reviews & communicates treatment goals to patient, family & team members.
- Documents continuous assessment, intervention & evaluation relative to patient progress, including discharge plans involving patient/family as applicable.
- Selects & implements psychiatric interventions calculated to be most effective in the management of dysfunctional behavior patterns. Utilizes crisis intervention techniques.
- Conducts individual psychotherapy, family therapy & group therapy sessions utilizing theoretical knowledge & treatment techniques.
- Participates/facilitates goal-oriented educational group activities utilizing knowledge of basic dynamics of group interaction.
- Assists in providing alternative measures to avoid patient seclusion/restraints. Assists in placing patient in seclusion or restraints & observes suicide/seclusion precaution.
- Performs in a competent, calm, & professional manner during crises or emergency situations. Responds promptly to emergencies & supports peers & co-workers during stressful events.
- Manages environment of care by assessing patients for fall risk; reporting safety concerns to Nurse Director; & assists in coordinating the function of the therapeutic milieu.
- Takes inquiry calls & performs pre-admission clinical assessments. Understands the predominant diagnoses of patient population served.
- Promotes surveillance, prevention & control of infection by using & teaching hygienic practices.
- Identifies areas needing improvement & actively participates in department's performance improvement program. Provides feedback to Nurse Director on an ongoing basis in regards to concerns, improvements, changes, etc.
- Attends & actively participates in departmental meetings & in-service programs, providing suggestions & input.
- Seeks out & attends educational experiences related to enhancing job knowledge & performance. Completes all required competencies per program regulation.
QUALIFICATIONS
License/Registration/Certification
- Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, State of Florida. CPR certification required. Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Certificate within 6 months of employment.
Education
- Masters in Social Work Degree, Masters in Mental Health Counseling Degree
Experience
- Desired
BENEFITS:
We believe in the physical and mental well-being of our employees and are committed to offering comprehensive benefits that fit their personal needs:
- Health benefits
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Healthcare spending accounts
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Pet Insurance
- Tuition reimbursement
- Employee assistance program
- Wellness program
- On-site housing for select positions and more!
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS:
Certification:
INTRODUCTION
As Mount Sinai grows, so does our legacy in high-quality health care.
Since 1949, Mount Sinai Medical Center has remained committed to providing access to its diverse community. In delivering an unmatched level of clinical expertise, our medical center is committed to recruiting and training top healthcare workers from across the country. We offer the latest in advanced medicine, technology, and comfort in 12 facilities across Miami-Dade (including our 674-bed main campus facility) and Monroe Counties, with 38 medical services, including cancer care, 24/7 emergency care, orthopedics, cardiovascular care, and more. Mount Sinai takes pride in being South Florida's largest private independent not-for-profit hospital, dedicated to continuing the training of the next generation of medical pioneers.
Culture of Caring: The Sinai Way
Our hardworking, tight-knit community of more than 4,000 dedicated employees fosters an environment of care and compassion. Each member plays a vital role in our collective mission to deliver excellent healthcare through innovation, education, and research. At Mount Sinai, we take pride in our achievements, aiming to be a beacon of quality healthcare in South Florida. We welcome all healthcare professionals to join our thriving community and contribute to our pursuit for clinical excellence.
DEPARTMENT:
JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY:
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
- UNDER THE DIRECT SUPERVISION OF A LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER
- Initiates & completes comprehensive psychosocial assessment following unit guidelines & time frame.
- Attends & participates in interdisciplinary treatment conferences/reviews & communicates treatment goals to patient, family & team members.
- Documents continuous assessment, intervention & evaluation relative to patient progress, including discharge plans involving patient/family as applicable.
- Selects & implements psychiatric interventions calculated to be most effective in the management of dysfunctional behavior patterns. Utilizes crisis intervention techniques.
- Conducts individual psychotherapy, family therapy & group therapy sessions utilizing theoretical knowledge & treatment techniques.
- Participates/facilitates goal-oriented educational group activities utilizing knowledge of basic dynamics of group interaction.
- Assists in providing alternative measures to avoid patient seclusion/restraints. Assists in placing patient in seclusion or restraints & observes suicide/seclusion precaution.
- Performs in a competent, calm, & professional manner during crises or emergency situations. Responds promptly to emergencies & supports peers & co-workers during stressful events.
- Manages environment of care by assessing patients for fall risk; reporting safety concerns to Nurse Director; & assists in coordinating the function of the therapeutic milieu.
- Takes inquiry calls & performs pre-admission clinical assessments. Understands the predominant diagnoses of patient population served.
- Promotes surveillance, prevention & control of infection by using & teaching hygienic practices.
- Identifies areas needing improvement & actively participates in department's performance improvement program. Provides feedback to Nurse Director on an ongoing basis in regards to concerns, improvements, changes, etc.
- Attends & actively participates in departmental meetings & in-service programs, providing suggestions & input.
- Seeks out & attends educational experiences related to enhancing job knowledge & performance. Completes all required competencies per program regulation.
QUALIFICATIONS
License/Registration/Certification
- Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, State of Florida. CPR certification required. Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Certificate within 6 months of employment.
Education
- Masters in Social Work Degree, Masters in Mental Health Counseling Degree
Experience
- Desired
BENEFITS:
We believe in the physical and mental well-being of our employees and are committed to offering comprehensive benefits that fit their personal needs:
- Health benefits
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Healthcare spending accounts
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Pet Insurance
- Tuition reimbursement
- Employee assistance program
- Wellness program
- On-site housing for select positions and more!
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS:
Certification:
See all 45+ J-1 Visa Mental Health Counseling Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new J-1 Visa Mental Health Counseling Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship in Mental Health Counseling
Verify your licensure transfers across state lines
Most U.S. states require a separate counseling license even for J-1 visa Trainee placements. Research whether your home-country credentials satisfy the host state's supervised hours requirement before applying, so gaps don't stall your DS-2019 issuance.
Distinguish Trainee from Specialist before applying
The J-1 Trainee category suits early-career counselors within five years of graduation. The Specialist category fits seasoned practitioners with recognized expertise. Applying under the wrong category causes your designated sponsor to reject the training plan outright.
Target community mental health centers and FQHCs
Federally Qualified Health Centers and nonprofit community mental health centers routinely host J-1 exchange visitors and are familiar with the DS-2019 process. These organizations often have existing relationships with designated sponsors, shortening your timeline to an approved training plan.
Search Migrate Mate to find J-1-aligned counseling roles
Use Migrate Mate to identify U.S. mental health employers whose hiring history aligns with exchange visitor placements. Filtering by role type lets you prioritize host organizations before reaching out about J-1 compatibility.
Build a training plan before contacting host employers
Designated sponsors require a detailed training plan outlining your learning objectives, supervision structure, and measurable outcomes. Arriving at a host employer conversation with a draft plan signals seriousness and speeds up the formal DS-2019 application.
Clarify the two-year home residency requirement early
Mental health counselors on J-1 visas sponsored under government funding or in exchange programs may carry a two-year home residency requirement. Confirm with your designated sponsor whether your placement triggers it, since this affects any future H-1B visa or green card path.
Mental Health Counseling J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category applies to mental health counseling roles?
The J-1 Trainee category applies to mental health counselors who graduated within the past five years and are seeking supervised clinical or professional development experience in the United States. Counselors with established careers and recognized field expertise may qualify under the Specialist category instead. Your designated sponsor, not the host employer, makes the final category determination based on your credentials and the proposed training plan.
Who actually sponsors the J-1 visa for a counseling placement, the employer or a separate organization?
The J-1 visa sponsor is always a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, such as Cultural Vistas or IIE, not your host employer. The host mental health organization provides the placement and supervision, while the designated sponsor issues the DS-2019 form, monitors your program compliance, and serves as the legal program sponsor. The two roles are separate and both must be in place before you can apply for the visa.
How do I find U.S. mental health employers open to J-1 exchange visitors?
Migrate Mate lets you search for U.S. mental health counseling roles and filter by employer characteristics that signal openness to J-1 placements. Because J-1 hosting is not always advertised in job postings, targeting organizations with prior exchange visitor history saves significant outreach time. Community mental health centers, hospital-affiliated outpatient programs, and nonprofit behavioral health agencies are the most common host types in this field.
Does the two-year home residency requirement affect mental health counseling J-1 participants?
It can. The two-year home residency requirement applies when a J-1 program is funded by a U.S. or foreign government or when the participant's home country designates the occupation as a skills-shortage field. Mental health counseling placements under certain government-affiliated programs may trigger it. If it applies, you must return home for two years before changing to H-1B or applying for most immigrant visas, unless you obtain a waiver.
Can a J-1 mental health counselor provide direct client services or only observe?
J-1 Trainee and Specialist participants can provide direct client services when the host employer holds the appropriate state licenses and the training plan explicitly includes supervised clinical work. However, the J-1 is not a work authorization pathway for independent practice. All services must fall within the scope of the approved training plan, and the host employer's licensed supervisor must oversee each participant's clinical activities throughout the placement.