J-1 Visa Mental Health Therapy Jobs
Mental health therapy positions in the United States are available to international professionals through the J-1 visa under the Trainee or Research Scholar program categories, depending on your career stage. Securing sponsorship requires a designated sponsor organization to issue your DS-2019 before you can begin working with a host employer.
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Applicants seeking short-term or part-time work with the University Hawai'i may apply for Casual Hire positions, which include administrative, professional, and technical (APT) or instructional-type positions. Because of the temporary nature of these appointments, Casual Hire employees are not eligible for most benefits as provided to regular BOR and Civil Service employees such as paid leave and holidays. Casual Hire appointments may last for up to 89 days for full-time employees, and up to 1 calendar year for part-time employees.
Pre-Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Title: Casual Hire - Mental Health Intern / Pre-Licensee
Hiring Unit: UHM Athletics
Location: Student-Athlete Services
Date Posted: July 31, 2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Full Time / Part Time: Part Time
Other Conditions: Hours not to exceed 15 hours per week. All positions require successful completion of a background check. Continuous recruitment until programmatic needs are met. For best consideration, review of applications will begin on August 7, 2026.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Pre-licensed mental health professional functioning as therapist / counselor (under supervision), available to all student-athletes at UHM.
- Part of a multi-disciplinary team responsible for maintaining the mental health and wellness of UHM student-athletes.
- Responsible for assisting athletes across all mental health disciplines, including coping with stress, anxiety, and depression, transitioning into and out of collegiate athletics, rehabilitation from injury, and dealing with common mental health conditions.
- Will function as a member of the departmental team. Responsible for triaging referrals and collaborating on cases with other members of the healthcare delivery team.
- Must be able to assist the patient in a sensitive and supportive manner, while acting as an advocate on behalf of the patient.
- Responsible for providing individual counseling and/or psychotherapy services as indicated to student-athletes, under the supervision of licensed mental health practitioners.
- Maintain accurate and current notes as part of patient Mental Health records, for all patients seen.
- Conduct psychosocial assessments and provide psychosocial treatment to a wide variety of individuals, to treat emotional/behavior problems, educational/academic problems, attention problems, organic disorders, eating disorders, social and interpersonal dysfunction, physical/sexual/emotional abuse and neglect, personality dysfunction and drug/alcohol abuse (under supervision).
- Provide proactive education to UHM athletic department personnel and UHM student-athletes regarding relevant mental health topics.
- Maintain collaborative working relationships with administrators and coaches in the department, other college offices, and appropriate relationships with individuals interested in the Athletics Department.
- Promote and maintain an environment where the physical, mental, social and academic well-being of all student-athletes are a priority.
- Responsible for performing the duties of a Campus Security Authority as defined by University policy and federal law with regards to the Clery Act.
- Maintains confidentiality to include but not limited to information, files and records that the incumbent may obtain or possess, in accordance with federal and state laws and University of Hawaii policies.
- Know, recognize, and comply with the laws, policies, rules, and regulations governing the University of Hawaii and its employees, and the rules of the NCAA and affiliated conferences as now constituted or as may be amended in the future.
- Immediately advises the Director of Athletics or designee if you have reasonable cause to believe violations, whether by employees, students, or others have occurred or will occur.
- Other Duties As Assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Credentialed mental health professional – must hold one of the following:
- Masters or Doctorate of Social Work from a graduate school of social work fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
- Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D.) from an American Psychological Association accredited program in clinical psychology, counseling psychology, school psychology, or a combination of these.
- Masters or Doctorate in Mental Health Counseling fields from a fully accredited education institution, including (but not limited to) Masters in Counseling Psychology, Clinical Counseling, and Marriage & Family Therapy.
- Must be a credentialed mental health professional who is a pre-license candidate, and must be supervised by a current, fully licensed UH Athletics mental health professional.
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of professional standards and ethics regarding the delivery of mental health services.
- Understanding of, and compliance with, privacy standards including HIPAA and FERPA.
Desired Qualifications:
- At least one year of experience in the provision of mental health services to athletes at a collegiate, professional, or elite level.
- At least one year of experience with provision of mental health services to students at the college / university level.
- Knowledge and functional understanding of the unique stressors and experiences faced by Division 1 Athletes.
- At least one year of experience practicing individual and/or group psychotherapy.
- Experience in working with and diagnosing common mental health disorders (depression, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder).
- Experience in working with and treating eating disorders.
- CMPC (Certified Mental Performance Consultant) Certification.
TO APPLY:
INQUIRIES: Kelly Hee, Director of Mental Health Care Services/Counseling, kmsoler@hawaii.edu
EEO, Clery Act, ADA
The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status. For more information, visit: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/policies/
Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks.
In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/, or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.
Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/
Description
Applicants seeking short-term or part-time work with the University Hawai'i may apply for Casual Hire positions, which include administrative, professional, and technical (APT) or instructional-type positions. Because of the temporary nature of these appointments, Casual Hire employees are not eligible for most benefits as provided to regular BOR and Civil Service employees such as paid leave and holidays. Casual Hire appointments may last for up to 89 days for full-time employees, and up to 1 calendar year for part-time employees.
Pre-Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Title: Casual Hire - Mental Health Intern / Pre-Licensee
Hiring Unit: UHM Athletics
Location: Student-Athlete Services
Date Posted: July 31, 2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Full Time / Part Time: Part Time
Other Conditions: Hours not to exceed 15 hours per week. All positions require successful completion of a background check. Continuous recruitment until programmatic needs are met. For best consideration, review of applications will begin on August 7, 2026.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Pre-licensed mental health professional functioning as therapist / counselor (under supervision), available to all student-athletes at UHM.
- Part of a multi-disciplinary team responsible for maintaining the mental health and wellness of UHM student-athletes.
- Responsible for assisting athletes across all mental health disciplines, including coping with stress, anxiety, and depression, transitioning into and out of collegiate athletics, rehabilitation from injury, and dealing with common mental health conditions.
- Will function as a member of the departmental team. Responsible for triaging referrals and collaborating on cases with other members of the healthcare delivery team.
- Must be able to assist the patient in a sensitive and supportive manner, while acting as an advocate on behalf of the patient.
- Responsible for providing individual counseling and/or psychotherapy services as indicated to student-athletes, under the supervision of licensed mental health practitioners.
- Maintain accurate and current notes as part of patient Mental Health records, for all patients seen.
- Conduct psychosocial assessments and provide psychosocial treatment to a wide variety of individuals, to treat emotional/behavior problems, educational/academic problems, attention problems, organic disorders, eating disorders, social and interpersonal dysfunction, physical/sexual/emotional abuse and neglect, personality dysfunction and drug/alcohol abuse (under supervision).
- Provide proactive education to UHM athletic department personnel and UHM student-athletes regarding relevant mental health topics.
- Maintain collaborative working relationships with administrators and coaches in the department, other college offices, and appropriate relationships with individuals interested in the Athletics Department.
- Promote and maintain an environment where the physical, mental, social and academic well-being of all student-athletes are a priority.
- Responsible for performing the duties of a Campus Security Authority as defined by University policy and federal law with regards to the Clery Act.
- Maintains confidentiality to include but not limited to information, files and records that the incumbent may obtain or possess, in accordance with federal and state laws and University of Hawaii policies.
- Know, recognize, and comply with the laws, policies, rules, and regulations governing the University of Hawaii and its employees, and the rules of the NCAA and affiliated conferences as now constituted or as may be amended in the future.
- Immediately advises the Director of Athletics or designee if you have reasonable cause to believe violations, whether by employees, students, or others have occurred or will occur.
- Other Duties As Assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Credentialed mental health professional – must hold one of the following:
- Masters or Doctorate of Social Work from a graduate school of social work fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
- Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D.) from an American Psychological Association accredited program in clinical psychology, counseling psychology, school psychology, or a combination of these.
- Masters or Doctorate in Mental Health Counseling fields from a fully accredited education institution, including (but not limited to) Masters in Counseling Psychology, Clinical Counseling, and Marriage & Family Therapy.
- Must be a credentialed mental health professional who is a pre-license candidate, and must be supervised by a current, fully licensed UH Athletics mental health professional.
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of professional standards and ethics regarding the delivery of mental health services.
- Understanding of, and compliance with, privacy standards including HIPAA and FERPA.
Desired Qualifications:
- At least one year of experience in the provision of mental health services to athletes at a collegiate, professional, or elite level.
- At least one year of experience with provision of mental health services to students at the college / university level.
- Knowledge and functional understanding of the unique stressors and experiences faced by Division 1 Athletes.
- At least one year of experience practicing individual and/or group psychotherapy.
- Experience in working with and diagnosing common mental health disorders (depression, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder).
- Experience in working with and treating eating disorders.
- CMPC (Certified Mental Performance Consultant) Certification.
TO APPLY:
INQUIRIES: Kelly Hee, Director of Mental Health Care Services/Counseling, kmsoler@hawaii.edu
EEO, Clery Act, ADA
The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status. For more information, visit: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/policies/
Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks.
In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/, or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.
Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/
See all J-1 Visa Mental Health Therapy Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new J-1 Visa Mental Health Therapy Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship in Mental Health Therapy
Align your credentials with U.S. licensure requirements
State licensure boards vary widely on accepting foreign mental health degrees. Research the specific requirements in your target state before applying, since gaps in supervised clinical hours or credential recognition can delay your DS-2019 issuance significantly.
Target host employers with existing sponsor relationships
Community mental health centers, university counseling services, and VA-affiliated clinics regularly host J-1 visa Trainees and have existing agreements with designated sponsors. Prioritize these settings over private practices, which rarely navigate the DS-2019 process independently.
Build your training plan before contacting employers
Trainee category applications require a detailed training plan outlining specific skills you'll develop. Draft this document before reaching out to potential host employers so you can demonstrate program readiness and reduce back-and-forth during the offer stage.
Search Migrate Mate to identify J-1-aligned therapy roles
Filtering by visa type narrows your search to employers already familiar with hosting international mental health professionals. Use Migrate Mate to surface roles at organizations that have worked with J-1 exchange visitors in clinical or counseling settings.
Confirm the two-year home residency rule applies to you
Mental health therapy roles funded by government grants or tied to a home country's need often trigger the two-year home residency requirement. Check your DS-2019 and J-1 visa stamp for the 212(e) notation before accepting any offer, since it affects your future U.S. visa options.
Verify your host employer's supervision capacity at offer stage
Designated sponsors require documented proof that a licensed clinical supervisor will oversee your work throughout the exchange program. Confirm this before accepting an offer, since hosts who lack a credentialed supervisor on staff can disqualify your application mid-process.
Mental Health Therapy J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category applies to mental health therapy professionals?
The Trainee category fits early-career mental health professionals who have completed their degree within the past year or have relevant work experience but want structured U.S. clinical training. The Research Scholar category applies if your role involves academic or applied research in mental health. Current students on a practicum or internship may use the Intern category instead.
Who actually sponsors my J-1 visa for a mental health therapy role?
The visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, such as CIEE, Cultural Vistas, or IIE, not your host employer. The designated sponsor issues your DS-2019, monitors compliance, and serves as your primary point of contact with the State Department. Your host employer, such as a clinic or counseling center, provides the placement and supervision but does not hold sponsoring authority.
Can I use Migrate Mate to find mental health therapy roles that support J-1 placement?
Yes. Migrate Mate lets you filter for employers who have experience hosting international professionals, which is particularly useful in mental health therapy where host familiarity with the DS-2019 process and supervision requirements matters. Searching by role type and visa category surfaces clinical settings that are already equipped to work with designated sponsors.
Does the two-year home residency requirement apply to mental health therapists on J-1 visas?
It often does. The 212(e) requirement applies when your exchange program is funded by a U.S. government agency or your home country's government, or when your home country lists your occupation as one in short supply. Many mental health professionals from countries with documented therapist shortages are subject to this requirement, which must be satisfied or waived before you can change to most other U.S. visa categories.
What documentation does a host employer need to support my J-1 Trainee application in mental health therapy?
Your host employer must provide a completed training plan that specifies the clinical skills you will develop, a designated licensed supervisor, and a letter confirming the placement terms. The designated sponsor reviews and approves this documentation before issuing the DS-2019. Without a credentialed supervisor on staff and a detailed skills-based training outline, most sponsors will not approve the application.