OPT Clinical Therapist Jobs
Clinical Therapist roles on OPT require a master's or doctoral degree in counseling, social work, or psychology, plus state licensure that varies by location. Most positions offer STEM OPT extension eligibility when employed through qualifying healthcare organizations, giving you up to three years of work authorization.
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Outpatient Therapist / Behavioral Health Licensed Clinical Professional
Type:
Regular
If you are a positive and personable individual looking for a satisfying and fun opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of people with intellectual, developmental disabilities, and people facing mental health, and substance use challenges, join our team at RHA Health Services!
The position of Licensed Clinical Professional calls for a licensed professional clinician with direct experience and skill in treating a range of behavioral health issues. The position requires an individual who is able to treat and be successfully at assessing and treating co-occurring disorders including mental illness, personality disorders, and challenges in primary or secondary support systems. The position of Clinical Professional includes active engagement and coordination of care with internal resources including psychiatry and community support as well as external bodies including the legal system, families, and social support agencies. The position may call for back-up to the program director and or other therapists as needed. The position requires the individual to be an active and positive member of the clinical team. Based on setting, special skills and/or work with specific populations will be required. Relies on knowledge, experience, and judgment to provide quality services with very little supervision and direction. Must be an individual that holds a license issued by the governing board regulating a human service profession. Some services may require additional experience, licensure, or education.
We are looking for LCSWA, and LCSW, LCMHC, and LMFT!
Behavioral Health Licensed Clinical Professionals Serve as a team member supporting individuals with Mental Health or Substance Abuse Issues in residential, school, workplace and community settings. Coordinates and monitors the array of services and supports identified in each person’s Person Centered Plan.
Pay range: $48,000-$60,000
Pay based off education and experience
Requirements
- Graduate degree in Counseling or a related field
- Valid licensure to provide mental/behavioral healthcare in the state of North Carolina
- Licenses include LCSWA, and LCSW, LCMHC, and LMFT
- Minimum 2 years experience working with individuals with mental and/or behavioral health issues that includes writing person-centered plans, conducting effective group therapy and providing mental health diagnoses
- General working knowledge of the human services delivery system in North Carolina
- Valid driver’s license, auto insurance and reliable transportation
- Ability to pass a drug screen and background check
- Ability to lift between 20 and 50 pounds and meet the physical requirements of performing CPR and therapeutic holds
- Employee supervisory experience preferred
- Experience with Electronic Medical Records (EMR) preferred
Responsibilities:
- Facilitating relationships and serving as a link between the company, parents, guardians, local agencies and the community
- Minimizing the negative effects of psychiatric symptoms or substance dependence that interfere with the recipient’s daily living and personal development, providing supportive counseling
- Supporting the client in the development of various skill building activities, including: daily and community living skills, socialization skills, adaptation skills, and behavior and anger management
- Participating in a first responder on-call system available to consumers and/or his/her natural support network on a 24/7/365 basis; coordinates “first response" resources according to consumer need and the PCP
- Performing Case Management functions of linking and arranging for services and referrals
- Working closely with other clinical/professional staff to maintain communication and providing feedback, standardizing procedures and expediting PCP implementation
- Ensuring that all initial and reauthorizations for services occur in a timely fashion
- Monitoring utilization of service to ensure that it is effective, appropriate, and within the limits set forth in both rule, PCP, and the service authorization
- Coordinating transition to another level/type of care for the client
Our ideal Team Leader is a licensed professional who is an excellent communicator and listener with strong therapeutic skills who works well as part of an interdisciplinary team and runs open and productive therapy sessions. You must also excel at behavioral interviewing techniques to uncover service user needs and be able to anticipate these needs.
INDBH
Pre-employment screening:
- Complete criminal background
- Name checked in the registries. (OIG exclusions database, Child Abuse Registry, and Offenders Against Individuals with Developmental Disabilities)
- Drug testing
- Education verification and other credentialing based on position requirements.
- Proof of employment history or references (if required)
- Positions that require driving Proof of driver's license, driver's insurance, and vehicle, IF required for providing transportation for individuals.
We offer the following benefits to employees:
- Payactiv: early access to the money you’ve earned from hours you’ve already worked, before payday!
- Employee perks and discount program: to help you save money!
- Paid Time Off (full-time employees only)
- Health/Insurance (full-time employees only)
- 401(k) retirement savings program
- Wellbeing Programs: Physical, Emotional and Financial
- Chronic Disease management programs for hypertension and diabetes (for qualifying employees)
- Training: Free CPR, first aid, and job-specific training opportunities
- contract/contingent workers and interns do not qualify for any of the above benefits
EEO Statement RHA is an equal opportunity employer. In addition, we provide reasonable accommodation to qualified employees who have protected disabilities to the extent required by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process, please contact our solutions center.
About RHA:
At RHA Health Services, we help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health and/or substance use needs live their best lives. Our mission is to provide a safe and healthy environment while creating opportunities for personal outcomes.
For over 30 years, the people we serve and support have remained at the very center of everything we do. RHA currently provides services in North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and New Jersey.
If you are ready to make a difference in the lives of people we serve and support apply to join the team today.
We are hiring for:
Outpatient Therapist / Behavioral Health Licensed Clinical Professional
Type:
Regular
If you are a positive and personable individual looking for a satisfying and fun opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of people with intellectual, developmental disabilities, and people facing mental health, and substance use challenges, join our team at RHA Health Services!
The position of Licensed Clinical Professional calls for a licensed professional clinician with direct experience and skill in treating a range of behavioral health issues. The position requires an individual who is able to treat and be successfully at assessing and treating co-occurring disorders including mental illness, personality disorders, and challenges in primary or secondary support systems. The position of Clinical Professional includes active engagement and coordination of care with internal resources including psychiatry and community support as well as external bodies including the legal system, families, and social support agencies. The position may call for back-up to the program director and or other therapists as needed. The position requires the individual to be an active and positive member of the clinical team. Based on setting, special skills and/or work with specific populations will be required. Relies on knowledge, experience, and judgment to provide quality services with very little supervision and direction. Must be an individual that holds a license issued by the governing board regulating a human service profession. Some services may require additional experience, licensure, or education.
We are looking for LCSWA, and LCSW, LCMHC, and LMFT!
Behavioral Health Licensed Clinical Professionals Serve as a team member supporting individuals with Mental Health or Substance Abuse Issues in residential, school, workplace and community settings. Coordinates and monitors the array of services and supports identified in each person’s Person Centered Plan.
Pay range: $48,000-$60,000
Pay based off education and experience
Requirements
- Graduate degree in Counseling or a related field
- Valid licensure to provide mental/behavioral healthcare in the state of North Carolina
- Licenses include LCSWA, and LCSW, LCMHC, and LMFT
- Minimum 2 years experience working with individuals with mental and/or behavioral health issues that includes writing person-centered plans, conducting effective group therapy and providing mental health diagnoses
- General working knowledge of the human services delivery system in North Carolina
- Valid driver’s license, auto insurance and reliable transportation
- Ability to pass a drug screen and background check
- Ability to lift between 20 and 50 pounds and meet the physical requirements of performing CPR and therapeutic holds
- Employee supervisory experience preferred
- Experience with Electronic Medical Records (EMR) preferred
Responsibilities:
- Facilitating relationships and serving as a link between the company, parents, guardians, local agencies and the community
- Minimizing the negative effects of psychiatric symptoms or substance dependence that interfere with the recipient’s daily living and personal development, providing supportive counseling
- Supporting the client in the development of various skill building activities, including: daily and community living skills, socialization skills, adaptation skills, and behavior and anger management
- Participating in a first responder on-call system available to consumers and/or his/her natural support network on a 24/7/365 basis; coordinates “first response" resources according to consumer need and the PCP
- Performing Case Management functions of linking and arranging for services and referrals
- Working closely with other clinical/professional staff to maintain communication and providing feedback, standardizing procedures and expediting PCP implementation
- Ensuring that all initial and reauthorizations for services occur in a timely fashion
- Monitoring utilization of service to ensure that it is effective, appropriate, and within the limits set forth in both rule, PCP, and the service authorization
- Coordinating transition to another level/type of care for the client
Our ideal Team Leader is a licensed professional who is an excellent communicator and listener with strong therapeutic skills who works well as part of an interdisciplinary team and runs open and productive therapy sessions. You must also excel at behavioral interviewing techniques to uncover service user needs and be able to anticipate these needs.
INDBH
Pre-employment screening:
- Complete criminal background
- Name checked in the registries. (OIG exclusions database, Child Abuse Registry, and Offenders Against Individuals with Developmental Disabilities)
- Drug testing
- Education verification and other credentialing based on position requirements.
- Proof of employment history or references (if required)
- Positions that require driving Proof of driver's license, driver's insurance, and vehicle, IF required for providing transportation for individuals.
We offer the following benefits to employees:
- Payactiv: early access to the money you’ve earned from hours you’ve already worked, before payday!
- Employee perks and discount program: to help you save money!
- Paid Time Off (full-time employees only)
- Health/Insurance (full-time employees only)
- 401(k) retirement savings program
- Wellbeing Programs: Physical, Emotional and Financial
- Chronic Disease management programs for hypertension and diabetes (for qualifying employees)
- Training: Free CPR, first aid, and job-specific training opportunities
- contract/contingent workers and interns do not qualify for any of the above benefits
EEO Statement RHA is an equal opportunity employer. In addition, we provide reasonable accommodation to qualified employees who have protected disabilities to the extent required by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process, please contact our solutions center.
About RHA:
At RHA Health Services, we help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health and/or substance use needs live their best lives. Our mission is to provide a safe and healthy environment while creating opportunities for personal outcomes.
For over 30 years, the people we serve and support have remained at the very center of everything we do. RHA currently provides services in North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and New Jersey.
If you are ready to make a difference in the lives of people we serve and support apply to join the team today.
See all 6,893+ OPT Clinical Therapist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Clinical Therapist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Clinical Therapist
Prioritize employers with existing OPT sponsorship history
Large hospital systems, community mental health centers, and university counseling services regularly hire international graduates. These organizations already have HR processes for OPT and understand the documentation requirements, making the onboarding process significantly smoother for F-1 students.
Clarify your licensure status upfront
Most clinical therapist roles require state licensure or eligibility for supervised licensure hours. Address your current licensure status and timeline in your cover letter so employers understand where you stand and can confirm the role qualifies under your OPT authorization.
Target roles that qualify for STEM OPT extension
Clinical therapist positions at research hospitals, behavioral health technology companies, or university-affiliated clinics may qualify for STEM OPT if your degree is in a STEM-designated field. Confirming this early gives you up to 24 additional months of work authorization.
Account for OPT start date and clinical hours requirements
Many licensure tracks require post-degree supervised hours that must begin within a specific window. Align your OPT start date with your supervised practice requirements so your clinical hours count toward licensure while you remain in valid work authorization status.
Frame your international background as a clinical asset
Fluency in languages beyond English and cross-cultural competency are genuinely valued in clinical settings serving diverse patient populations. Highlighting these skills in your application positions you as a stronger candidate, not a more complicated hire.
Understand the difference between authorization and sponsorship
OPT authorization comes from your school, not your employer. What employers do is confirm the role is full-time and related to your degree. Explaining this distinction clearly in interviews reduces friction and shows you understand how your work authorization actually functions.
Clinical Therapist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Clinical Therapist on OPT without a state license?
Yes, but with restrictions. Many employers will hire pre-licensed therapists on OPT under a licensed supervisor, which also satisfies post-degree supervised hours required for licensure. The role must be full-time and directly related to your degree field. Confirm with your DSO that the position description aligns with your authorized field of study before accepting an offer.
Does a Clinical Therapist role qualify for a STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree's CIP code. If your program, such as clinical mental health counseling or behavioral neuroscience, carries a STEM designation, and your employer is an E-Verify participant, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Clinical psychology and some counseling degrees have received STEM designation at certain institutions, so verify your specific program's CIP code with your DSO.
How do I find Clinical Therapist employers who are open to hiring OPT students?
Migrate Mate is the recommended place to search, as the platform filters jobs by visa sponsorship and OPT eligibility so you're not wasting time on roles that won't work for your status. Community mental health centers, federally qualified health centers, and large healthcare systems tend to be the most receptive to international graduates compared to small private practices.
What happens to my OPT status if my clinical supervisor leaves or the practice closes?
If your employment ends, your OPT remains valid but you're subject to the 90-day unemployment limit. You must report any change in employer to your DSO within 10 days. For clinical therapist roles, losing a supervising employer can also affect your licensure hours, so finding a replacement position quickly matters for both your immigration status and your professional credentials.
Can a Clinical Therapist role lead to H-1B visa sponsorship?
Clinical therapist positions generally qualify as specialty occupations under the H-1B visa because they require at minimum a master's degree in a specific clinical field. Employers in hospital systems, behavioral health networks, and government-funded mental health programs have a stronger track record of sponsoring H-1B petitions than private practices. If long-term sponsorship is your goal, prioritize larger organizations during your OPT job search.