OPT Addiction Therapist Jobs
Addiction Therapist roles on OPT require active state licensure or supervised hours toward licensure, making your visa timeline a real planning factor. Most employers fall under STEM-ineligible counseling fields, so standard 12-month OPT authorization applies unless your degree qualifies for extension.
Find OPT Addiction Therapist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 25+ Addiction Therapist jobs










See all Addiction Therapist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Addiction Therapist roles.
Get Access To All Jobs
Behavioral Health Addiction Therapist LCSW LMFT LPC PhD PsyD
Summary
The Southeast Permanente Medical Group (TSPMG) is one of Georgia’s largest independent, physician-owned, multi-specialty medical groups. More than 700 physicians and 300 associate practitioners work together in a unique integrated care model to provide high-quality care to Kaiser Permanente members.
Our focus is on long-term health, effective prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease. Care is delivered across 40+ specialties at 26 medical offices featuring state-of-the-art equipment, labs, imaging services, and pharmacies. We also provide surgical services and around-the-clock care at some of the area’s top hospitals.
We invite applications for a licensed Behavioral Health Addiction Therapist to join our busy practice located in metropolitan Atlanta.
About the Area
Atlanta, our home for more than 40 years, is a thriving metropolis that blends Southern charm with modern art, music, and culture—where Southern charm meets big-city energy. From its iconic skyline and rich civil rights history to a buzzing food scene and world-class arts, Atlanta is a city that never stops moving.
Home to Fortune 500 companies, a booming tech and film industry, and a strong academic presence, Atlanta offers exceptional professional opportunities. With a major international airport and a culture that values balance, Atlanta is a smart move for professionals ready to grow and thrive.
What You Can Expect
- Providing assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and care coordination for patients experiencing substance use disorders and co-occurring behavioral health conditions
- Delivers evidence-based therapeutic interventions, supports recovery planning, and coordinates with medical, psychiatric, and community resources to improve patient outcomes
- Promotes engagement in treatment, relapse prevention, and long-term recovery while supporting whole-person care
- Develop, implement, and monitor individualized treatment plans that address substance use disorders, mental health needs, recovery goals, and psychosocial barriers
Minimum Requirements
- Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, LPC and LMFT, PhD or Psy D from an accredited university
- Experience assessing, diagnosing, and treating a broad range of psychiatric conditions
- Minimum three years' experience providing behavioral health or substance use disorder treatment services; experience with assessments, treatment planning, psychotherapy, co-occurring disorders, and documentation
TSPMG Clinicians
- Are committed to providing care of the highest quality
- Practice evidence-based medicine
- Provide excellence in service
- Are honest and ethical and show integrity in their actions
- Demonstrate accountability for their performance
- Dedicated to the success of the team
- Entrusted with maintaining the affordability of care
We Provide You
- Comprehensive electronic health record (Epic) and AI assistance to streamline coordinated care
- Competitive compensation based on skills, qualifications, certifications, training, and market data
- Opportunities for professional development
- Comprehensive benefits including medical and dental insurance, pension plan and 401(k), life insurance, and generous paid time off
- Complete professional liability coverage, including tail coverage, provided at no cost
- Reimbursement for board certification and continuing medical education
- In-house CME opportunities
- Additional benefits supporting work/life balance
Equal Opportunity Employer
TSPMG is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
TSPMG is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all federal, state, and local laws prohibiting discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other protected status. We maintain a drug free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks.
See all OPT Addiction Therapist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Addiction Therapist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Addiction Therapist
Know your licensure status before you apply
Most Addiction Therapist positions require a Licensed Professional Counselor, LCSW, or CADC credential. Verify which license your target state requires and whether your OPT timeline gives you enough supervised hours to reach licensure before authorization expires.
Target employers who already sponsor H-1B visas
Behavioral health hospitals, large nonprofit treatment networks, and federally qualified health centers have established immigration processes. Searching employers with prior H-1B visa sponsorship history signals they understand the process and are more likely to extend sponsorship after OPT.
Clarify your work authorization status upfront
Addiction Therapist hiring often involves credentialing departments that review work authorization documents. Mention your OPT EAD and authorized end date early so HR and clinical credentialing teams can confirm timelines before investing in the hiring process.
Pursue supervised clinical hours aggressively early on
Many states require 2,000 to 4,000 supervised post-graduate hours for full licensure. Starting OPT in a supervised counseling role immediately maximizes your hours accumulation before your authorization window closes or transitions to H-1B sponsorship.
Focus on settings familiar with international clinicians
Community mental health centers, Veterans Affairs facilities, and university counseling centers regularly hire international staff and understand OPT and H-1B requirements. These settings are more likely to have HR infrastructure ready to support your transition to long-term sponsorship.
Align your job search with your degree field
Your OPT must relate directly to your degree program. A counseling or social work degree supports Addiction Therapist roles clearly. If your degree is in psychology or a related field, confirm the role description explicitly matches your field to protect your authorization.
Addiction Therapist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an Addiction Therapist on OPT without a state license?
It depends on the state and the role. Many entry-level or associate-level positions allow you to work under supervision while accumulating hours toward licensure. However, roles requiring a fully independent license, such as Licensed Professional Counselor or LCSW, require you to hold that credential before practicing. Confirm your state's specific requirements before accepting an offer.
Does an Addiction Therapist role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
Most Addiction Therapist positions do not qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension because counseling and social work degree programs are not on the STEM Designated Degree Program list. If your degree is in a STEM-classified field such as applied psychology or behavioral neuroscience, review your degree's CIP code with your DSO to confirm eligibility before assuming an extension is available.
How do I find Addiction Therapist employers who sponsor OPT and H-1B visas?
Migrate Mate is built specifically to surface visa-sponsoring employers for OPT students, so it's the most efficient place to search for Addiction Therapist roles where sponsorship is a realistic option. Larger behavioral health networks, nonprofit treatment centers, and federally funded community health programs have established immigration support and are more likely to sponsor H-1B visas once your OPT period ends.
What happens to my OPT authorization if I switch from one Addiction Therapist role to another?
You can change employers on OPT as long as the new role is directly related to your degree program. Report the employment change to your DSO within 10 days so they can update your SEVIS record. A gap between positions is allowed, but gaps exceeding 90 days in aggregate can put your OPT status at risk, so minimize time between roles.
Will clinical supervision count as authorized OPT employment for an Addiction Therapist?
Yes, supervised clinical positions that directly relate to your degree field count as authorized OPT employment, even if you are not yet independently licensed. The role must be tied to your field of study and you must be actively employed, not simply completing unpaid volunteer hours. Confirm with your DSO that the position description aligns with your degree before starting.