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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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Harbor is seeking a Clinical Therapist to join our Toledo team! This position is responsible for assuming accountability for assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of their assigned clients, under the supervision of an independently licensed clinician, in support of enhancing clients’ quality of life.
Position is full-time, 40 hours per week and requires one night per week until close.
REQUIREMENTS
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in counseling, social work, psychology or a related behavioral/mental health field from an accredited college or university.
Experience:
- Possesses clinically sound documentation, treatment and assessment skills.
- Proficiency in computer use, including MS Office 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel), electronic health records, and virtual meeting platforms.
Licensure and Certifications:
- Requires license to practice as a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC [legacy access granted]) in Ohio.
- Current Master’s level Harbor interns with an Ohio Social Worker Trainee (SWT) licensure or Ohio Counselor Trainee (CT) licensure may be considered with approval from their Clinical Supervisor and Clinical Director for the department.
- Must maintain active licensure in good standing.
- CPR/First Aid and NCI/CPI Certifications required within 90 days of employment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Prefer licensure in chemical dependency or proven experience and training in treating substance use disorders in addition to MH licensure.
Responsibilities
Essential Functions and Primary Responsibilities:
-
Maintains clinical responsibility for individual, family and/or group counseling for assigned mental health and/or substance abuse disorder clients including diagnostic and ongoing assessments, treatment planning, and discharge planning.
-
When providing telehealth services to clients in their homes, complies with Harbor’s telehealth policies, procedures, and utilizes Harbor authorized or provided telehealth equipment and software platforms.
-
Completes clinical documentation in the format appropriate and acceptable to Harbor and submits all documentation according to Harbor policy.
-
Meets or exceeds billable direct service expectations established by Harbor.
-
Provides crisis intervention services and is available for consultation.
-
Provides effective and efficient management of caseload including facilitating internal and external referrals where indicated. The number of open inactive cases must not exceed 10% of the total caseload.
-
Participates in individual and group supervision as indicated by supervisor and ensures all documentation requiring co-signature for licensure is provided to supervisor.
-
Timely and accurate completion of Peer/Clinical Records Reviews for other staff and demonstrates satisfactory performance on Peer/Clinical Record Reviews.
-
Participates in agency-wide and departmental clinical research, as needed.
-
Participates in program development as requested and where possible.
-
Keeps current with trends and developments related to essential job competencies and demonstrates continued growth.
-
Must be willing to work flexible hours, including at least one evening per week.
-
Provides timely response to all client and agency communications via email, phone, or other department identified modes of communication (e.g., Teams).
-
Completes all agency assigned trainings in a timely manner.
-
May float to other locations to accommodate client or agency need.
-
Keeps current with trends and developments related to essential job competencies including evidence-based practices for day treatment curricula and other services.
-
Knowledgeable of mental health and substance use disorder symptoms and treatment to assist clients with co-occurring disorders.
-
Understands and maintains professionalism and confidentiality per HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and applicable state and local laws.
-
Participates in meetings, committees, and agency initiatives as appropriate and approved by supervisor.
-
Provides individual and group community psychiatric supportive treatment (CPST) and therapeutic behavioral services (TBS), which could include Day Treatment groups, according to accreditation and certification standards including:
-
Coordination of individualized treatment planning with client, family/supports, and other providers.
-
Identification of strategies or treatment options.
-
Developing and providing solution focused interventions and emotional and behavioral management drawn from evidence-based psychotherapeutic treatments.
-
Restoration of social skills.
-
Restoration of daily functioning.
-
Crisis prevention and amelioration.
-
Collaboration with internal and external providers to assist clients in gaining access to essential community resources and increasing social supports and networks.
General Competencies/Performance Expectations:
- Utilizes information technology systems and software applications effectively and in accordance with organizational standards and security protocols.
- Demonstrates sound judgment by analyzing information thoroughly, reaching timely conclusions, and taking appropriate, decisive action.
- Plans, prioritizes, and organizes work to ensure maximum efficiency, productivity, and quality outcomes.
- Actively seeks and utilizes supervision and feedback appropriately to support professional growth and effective job performance.
- Manages time and utilizes leave in accordance with organizational policies and procedures.
- Performs additional duties and responsibilities as assigned to support departmental and organizational needs.
Working Conditions:
- Office based position. Some services may be provided from the office virtually to clients in their homes.
- Exposure to confidential information.
- Potential exposure to behavioral, crisis, environmental situations.
- This position is union. Union eligibility applies only to full-time or part-time hires; contingent or temporary appointments are not covered by the union, even if the position is otherwise unionized.
About Harbor:
- A leading provider of mental health and substance use treatment for over 100 years
- 350+ clinical staff serve over 24,000 clients across multiple locations and in the community each year
- Services ranging from counseling, pharmacological management, primary care, psychological testing, case management, substance use treatment, residential services, vocational program, and more!
Why Work for Harbor?
It is fast-paced and challenging, but you will have a lot of fun in the process. You will have the opportunity to meet other motivated individuals who are also making a positive impact at our company. Harbor is committed to investing our resources in you! Some benefits of working with Harbor include:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Retirement plan with company match
- Generous paid time off, sick time, and paid holidays
- Tuition and professional license reimbursement programs
- Clinical supervision hours offered
- Ability to make a difference in your community!
Education
Required* Bachelors or better
Licenses & Certifications
Required CPI/NCI
CPR/First Aid
LSW
LPC
Preferred Counselor Trainee
Social Worker Trainee
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
INTRODUCTION
Harbor is seeking a Clinical Therapist to join our Toledo team! This position is responsible for assuming accountability for assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of their assigned clients, under the supervision of an independently licensed clinician, in support of enhancing clients’ quality of life.
Position is full-time, 40 hours per week and requires one night per week until close.
REQUIREMENTS
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in counseling, social work, psychology or a related behavioral/mental health field from an accredited college or university.
Experience:
- Possesses clinically sound documentation, treatment and assessment skills.
- Proficiency in computer use, including MS Office 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel), electronic health records, and virtual meeting platforms.
Licensure and Certifications:
- Requires license to practice as a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC [legacy access granted]) in Ohio.
- Current Master’s level Harbor interns with an Ohio Social Worker Trainee (SWT) licensure or Ohio Counselor Trainee (CT) licensure may be considered with approval from their Clinical Supervisor and Clinical Director for the department.
- Must maintain active licensure in good standing.
- CPR/First Aid and NCI/CPI Certifications required within 90 days of employment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Prefer licensure in chemical dependency or proven experience and training in treating substance use disorders in addition to MH licensure.
Responsibilities
Essential Functions and Primary Responsibilities:
-
Maintains clinical responsibility for individual, family and/or group counseling for assigned mental health and/or substance abuse disorder clients including diagnostic and ongoing assessments, treatment planning, and discharge planning.
-
When providing telehealth services to clients in their homes, complies with Harbor’s telehealth policies, procedures, and utilizes Harbor authorized or provided telehealth equipment and software platforms.
-
Completes clinical documentation in the format appropriate and acceptable to Harbor and submits all documentation according to Harbor policy.
-
Meets or exceeds billable direct service expectations established by Harbor.
-
Provides crisis intervention services and is available for consultation.
-
Provides effective and efficient management of caseload including facilitating internal and external referrals where indicated. The number of open inactive cases must not exceed 10% of the total caseload.
-
Participates in individual and group supervision as indicated by supervisor and ensures all documentation requiring co-signature for licensure is provided to supervisor.
-
Timely and accurate completion of Peer/Clinical Records Reviews for other staff and demonstrates satisfactory performance on Peer/Clinical Record Reviews.
-
Participates in agency-wide and departmental clinical research, as needed.
-
Participates in program development as requested and where possible.
-
Keeps current with trends and developments related to essential job competencies and demonstrates continued growth.
-
Must be willing to work flexible hours, including at least one evening per week.
-
Provides timely response to all client and agency communications via email, phone, or other department identified modes of communication (e.g., Teams).
-
Completes all agency assigned trainings in a timely manner.
-
May float to other locations to accommodate client or agency need.
-
Keeps current with trends and developments related to essential job competencies including evidence-based practices for day treatment curricula and other services.
-
Knowledgeable of mental health and substance use disorder symptoms and treatment to assist clients with co-occurring disorders.
-
Understands and maintains professionalism and confidentiality per HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and applicable state and local laws.
-
Participates in meetings, committees, and agency initiatives as appropriate and approved by supervisor.
-
Provides individual and group community psychiatric supportive treatment (CPST) and therapeutic behavioral services (TBS), which could include Day Treatment groups, according to accreditation and certification standards including:
-
Coordination of individualized treatment planning with client, family/supports, and other providers.
-
Identification of strategies or treatment options.
-
Developing and providing solution focused interventions and emotional and behavioral management drawn from evidence-based psychotherapeutic treatments.
-
Restoration of social skills.
-
Restoration of daily functioning.
-
Crisis prevention and amelioration.
-
Collaboration with internal and external providers to assist clients in gaining access to essential community resources and increasing social supports and networks.
General Competencies/Performance Expectations:
- Utilizes information technology systems and software applications effectively and in accordance with organizational standards and security protocols.
- Demonstrates sound judgment by analyzing information thoroughly, reaching timely conclusions, and taking appropriate, decisive action.
- Plans, prioritizes, and organizes work to ensure maximum efficiency, productivity, and quality outcomes.
- Actively seeks and utilizes supervision and feedback appropriately to support professional growth and effective job performance.
- Manages time and utilizes leave in accordance with organizational policies and procedures.
- Performs additional duties and responsibilities as assigned to support departmental and organizational needs.
Working Conditions:
- Office based position. Some services may be provided from the office virtually to clients in their homes.
- Exposure to confidential information.
- Potential exposure to behavioral, crisis, environmental situations.
- This position is union. Union eligibility applies only to full-time or part-time hires; contingent or temporary appointments are not covered by the union, even if the position is otherwise unionized.
About Harbor:
- A leading provider of mental health and substance use treatment for over 100 years
- 350+ clinical staff serve over 24,000 clients across multiple locations and in the community each year
- Services ranging from counseling, pharmacological management, primary care, psychological testing, case management, substance use treatment, residential services, vocational program, and more!
Why Work for Harbor?
It is fast-paced and challenging, but you will have a lot of fun in the process. You will have the opportunity to meet other motivated individuals who are also making a positive impact at our company. Harbor is committed to investing our resources in you! Some benefits of working with Harbor include:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Retirement plan with company match
- Generous paid time off, sick time, and paid holidays
- Tuition and professional license reimbursement programs
- Clinical supervision hours offered
- Ability to make a difference in your community!
Education
Required* Bachelors or better
Licenses & Certifications
Required CPI/NCI
CPR/First Aid
LSW
LPC
Preferred Counselor Trainee
Social Worker Trainee
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
See all 6,357+ 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.