Clinical Therapist Jobs for OPT Students
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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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Tomorrow Begins Today, part of the Optum family of businesses, is seeking a Part-Time Licensed Clinical Therapist to join our team in Toledo, OH. As a member of the Optum Behavioral Care team, you'll be an integral part of our vision to make healthcare better for everyone.
As a Licensed Clinical Therapist, you will treat a wide variety of mental health conditions that reflect the needs of our diverse patient population. We offer a variety of solutions that meet the unique needs of our workforce and the patients they serve. From clinical operations such as credentialing to business operations such as contracting, we provide organizational support that allows our providers to focus on what matters - providing care.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Screen and assess patients for common mental health and substance abuse disorders
- Provide treatment for mental health conditions using various approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and other evidence-based methods
- Systematically track treatment response and monitor patients for changes in clinical symptoms and treatment side effects or complications
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date electronic medical records and clinical documentation, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements
- Participate in our patient growth strategy by providing a profile for online directories and other marketing efforts
We are committed to your well-being and growth, offering a comprehensive package of perks and benefits with varying eligibility based on role, including:
- Competitive hourly pay & uncapped productivity incentives
- Flexible work models & paid time off when you need it
- Health and well-being benefits like health insurance, 401k matching, and other family support and wellness resources
- Professional development with continuing education (CE) reimbursement and dedicated learning time to advance your career
You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master's degree in psychology, social work, or a related counseling field
- Active, unrestricted clinical license in Ohio: LP, LISW, IMFT or LPCC
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- 2+ years of professional experience post master's degree providing behavioral health services
- Experience providing direct psychotherapy services to individuals and families
- Experience working with computers for professional communication and medical documentation - Excel, Outlook, Athena RMS (or other EHRs)
- Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively with equal effectiveness
Explore opportunities at Optum Behavioral Care. We're revolutionizing behavioral health care delivery for individuals, clinicians and the entire health care system. Together, we are bringing high-end medical service, compassionate care and industry leading solutions to our most vulnerable patient populations. Our holistic approach addresses the physical, mental and social needs of our patients wherever they may be - helping patients access and navigate care anytime and anywhere. We're connecting care to create a seamless health journey for patients across care settings. Join our team, it's your chance to improve the lives of millions while Caring. Connecting. Growing together.
COMPENSATION
- $69,100 - $103,800 annual total cash target pay
Annual total cash compensation for this role assumes full time employment and generally follows the range above, includes earnings from hourly pay (25/hr) and incentive pay and is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets and may increase over time based on productivity and performance in the role. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable. In addition to your pay, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives.
At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone - of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income - deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.
OptumCare is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.
OptumCare is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.
INTRODUCTION
Tomorrow Begins Today, part of the Optum family of businesses, is seeking a Part-Time Licensed Clinical Therapist to join our team in Toledo, OH. As a member of the Optum Behavioral Care team, you'll be an integral part of our vision to make healthcare better for everyone.
As a Licensed Clinical Therapist, you will treat a wide variety of mental health conditions that reflect the needs of our diverse patient population. We offer a variety of solutions that meet the unique needs of our workforce and the patients they serve. From clinical operations such as credentialing to business operations such as contracting, we provide organizational support that allows our providers to focus on what matters - providing care.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Screen and assess patients for common mental health and substance abuse disorders
- Provide treatment for mental health conditions using various approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and other evidence-based methods
- Systematically track treatment response and monitor patients for changes in clinical symptoms and treatment side effects or complications
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date electronic medical records and clinical documentation, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements
- Participate in our patient growth strategy by providing a profile for online directories and other marketing efforts
We are committed to your well-being and growth, offering a comprehensive package of perks and benefits with varying eligibility based on role, including:
- Competitive hourly pay & uncapped productivity incentives
- Flexible work models & paid time off when you need it
- Health and well-being benefits like health insurance, 401k matching, and other family support and wellness resources
- Professional development with continuing education (CE) reimbursement and dedicated learning time to advance your career
You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master's degree in psychology, social work, or a related counseling field
- Active, unrestricted clinical license in Ohio: LP, LISW, IMFT or LPCC
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- 2+ years of professional experience post master's degree providing behavioral health services
- Experience providing direct psychotherapy services to individuals and families
- Experience working with computers for professional communication and medical documentation - Excel, Outlook, Athena RMS (or other EHRs)
- Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively with equal effectiveness
Explore opportunities at Optum Behavioral Care. We're revolutionizing behavioral health care delivery for individuals, clinicians and the entire health care system. Together, we are bringing high-end medical service, compassionate care and industry leading solutions to our most vulnerable patient populations. Our holistic approach addresses the physical, mental and social needs of our patients wherever they may be - helping patients access and navigate care anytime and anywhere. We're connecting care to create a seamless health journey for patients across care settings. Join our team, it's your chance to improve the lives of millions while Caring. Connecting. Growing together.
COMPENSATION
- $69,100 - $103,800 annual total cash target pay
Annual total cash compensation for this role assumes full time employment and generally follows the range above, includes earnings from hourly pay (25/hr) and incentive pay and is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets and may increase over time based on productivity and performance in the role. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable. In addition to your pay, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives.
At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone - of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income - deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.
OptumCare is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.
OptumCare is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.
How to Get Visa 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.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently 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 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.
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