OPT Counseling Psychologist Jobs
Counseling Psychologist roles on OPT require careful planning: most positions require licensure that takes years to obtain, and your OPT clock starts immediately. STEM OPT extension isn't available for this field, so your 12-month window shapes which clinical settings and supervision pathways are realistic to pursue.
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Get Access To All JobsLocation: Macomb, IL
Category: Faculty Positions
Job Type: FT - Continuous
Posted On: Fri Nov 6 2026
Job Description:
APPOINTMENT: AUGUST 19, 2027
Responsibilities:
The Counselor Education Program invites applications for a 9-month tenure-track assistant professor position, with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The successful candidate will assume a range of responsibilities including: teaching graduate courses in the Counselor Education programs, providing clinical supervision and academic advising; participating in broad-based university, college, and departmental committee work and professional service; and conducting research and scholarly activity. Opportunities to teach a wide array of didactic and clinical courses exist. Summer school opportunities may also be available.
SALARY & RANK:
$66,978 - $75,006 per year. 9-month, full-time, tenure-track appointment.
Western Illinois University employees may be eligible for a variety of State of Illinois benefits. These benefits are administered through the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS). These benefits include: Health Insurance plans, (HMO's, OAP's, QCHP, and CDHP), Dental Insurance, Vision Plan, Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), Supplemental Long-Term Disability (LTD), Flex Spending Accounts (HAS, MCAP, and DCAP), 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plans and 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plans.
Eligible employees are required to participate in the State Universities Retirement System (SURS). SURS is the retirement administrator for employees in public higher education in the State of Illinois.
Other benefits available to eligible employees include: paid time-off, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Waiver programs, and discounts to the local YMCA.
For a full list of benefits as a WIU employee, please visit our Benefits Homepage: https://www.wiu.edu/human_resources/benefits/.
For questions on benefits, or eligibility, contact our benefits team at HR-Benefits@wiu.edu or by calling 309-298-1971.
Job Requirements:
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- An earned doctorate in Counselor Education from a CACREP accredited program by date of appointment.
- An established professional identity as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor Educator through affiliation with relevant counseling associations.
- Evidence of successful teaching and communication skills in Counselor Education.
- Experience providing supervision to counselors-in-training.
- Demonstrated experience and commitment to evidence-based clinical mental health counseling practices.
- Post-master or doctoral degree experience as a professional counselor.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Contribute to the connectivity between faculty, staff, and students in the professional environment.
- Experience with CACREP standards and familiarity with the accreditation process.
- Experience in hybrid and online instruction and development.
- A demonstrated ability to actively collaborate and communicate with colleagues, local stakeholders, and within the profession.
- A demonstrated interest in working with diverse populations and advocacy issues.
- Identified research agenda and interest in working with research teams.
- Licensure or eligibility for licensure as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the State of Illinois. If not currently licensed, describe in detail the steps needed to be completed to obtain licensure, which is required for tenure.
For a degree to be considered, it must be conferred from a regionally accredited degree-granting institution of higher education (or equivalent from an international accrediting body). Unless otherwise stated, the degree must be conferred at the time of appointment.
Additional Information:
THE PROGRAM:
The Counselor Education Program, in the School of Applied Clinical, Educational, and Professional Programs offers a Master of Science in Education in Counseling with two options: Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling located on the WIU-Quad Cities campus. The Program offers a unique blend of courses designed to provide the skills and knowledge necessary to become a competent counseling professional. The counseling programs are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Additionally, the School Counseling option is accredited by the Illinois State Board of Education.
THE UNIVERSITY:
About WIU
Since 1899, Western Illinois University has provided outstanding educational opportunities to individuals in west central Illinois and well beyond our region and state. WIU's traditional residential campus in Macomb, Illinois, is the educational, cultural and athletic center of the region, while the WIU-Quad Cities non-residential branch campus in Moline, Illinois, is the only public university in the immediate Quad Cities region.
WIU-Macomb, IL: Western's traditional, residential main campus offers a comprehensive slate of undergraduate and graduate programs, including a doctorate in education, and post-baccalaureate certificates. A diverse community in west central Illinois, Macomb features a unique blend of agriculture, industry, service, retail, education, and culture. Macomb serves as the county seat, with connections across the state with Amtrak providing twice-daily service from Macomb to Chicago (and point in between). Macomb is located approximately 75 miles from the Quad Cities International Airport (Moline, IL) and 70 miles from the Greater Peoria Regional Airport (Peoria, IL).
WIU-Quad Cities: Located on the banks of the Mississippi River in Moline, Illinois, the WIU-Quad Cities campus is the only public four-year regional university that serves the Quad Cities region. Designed as a metropolitan commuter campus, WIU-Quad Cities offers select undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. Moline is located just 80 miles north of the Macomb campus and is centered within a diverse, bi-state community of 383,000 that offers a broad range of cultural, social, and entertainment amenities and experiences, as well as varied businesses and industries.
Academics
More than 61 undergraduate degree programs, 41 graduate programs, two doctoral programs and 16 post-baccalaureate certificate programs prepare students for a successful career after graduation.
Student Resources
More than 200 student organizations at Western provide social, academic, recreation, athletics, service, academic, and many other opportunities for students to grow and learn, develop leadership skills, and much more.
Numerous concerts, lectures, films, dance performances, cultural events and more are presented and performed each year, along with numerous major theatrical and dance productions and studio shows, and a variety of service-oriented projects and activities.
WIU Intercollegiate Athletics
The University's athletics program, based on the Macomb campus, sponsors 17 NCAA Division I intercollegiate men's and women's varsity sports. All varsity sports compete at the Division I level through The Ohio Valley Conference.
Location: Macomb, IL
Category: Faculty Positions
Job Type: FT - Continuous
Posted On: Fri Nov 6 2026
Job Description:
APPOINTMENT: AUGUST 19, 2027
Responsibilities:
The Counselor Education Program invites applications for a 9-month tenure-track assistant professor position, with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The successful candidate will assume a range of responsibilities including: teaching graduate courses in the Counselor Education programs, providing clinical supervision and academic advising; participating in broad-based university, college, and departmental committee work and professional service; and conducting research and scholarly activity. Opportunities to teach a wide array of didactic and clinical courses exist. Summer school opportunities may also be available.
SALARY & RANK:
$66,978 - $75,006 per year. 9-month, full-time, tenure-track appointment.
Western Illinois University employees may be eligible for a variety of State of Illinois benefits. These benefits are administered through the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS). These benefits include: Health Insurance plans, (HMO's, OAP's, QCHP, and CDHP), Dental Insurance, Vision Plan, Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), Supplemental Long-Term Disability (LTD), Flex Spending Accounts (HAS, MCAP, and DCAP), 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plans and 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plans.
Eligible employees are required to participate in the State Universities Retirement System (SURS). SURS is the retirement administrator for employees in public higher education in the State of Illinois.
Other benefits available to eligible employees include: paid time-off, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Waiver programs, and discounts to the local YMCA.
For a full list of benefits as a WIU employee, please visit our Benefits Homepage: https://www.wiu.edu/human_resources/benefits/.
For questions on benefits, or eligibility, contact our benefits team at HR-Benefits@wiu.edu or by calling 309-298-1971.
Job Requirements:
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- An earned doctorate in Counselor Education from a CACREP accredited program by date of appointment.
- An established professional identity as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor Educator through affiliation with relevant counseling associations.
- Evidence of successful teaching and communication skills in Counselor Education.
- Experience providing supervision to counselors-in-training.
- Demonstrated experience and commitment to evidence-based clinical mental health counseling practices.
- Post-master or doctoral degree experience as a professional counselor.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Contribute to the connectivity between faculty, staff, and students in the professional environment.
- Experience with CACREP standards and familiarity with the accreditation process.
- Experience in hybrid and online instruction and development.
- A demonstrated ability to actively collaborate and communicate with colleagues, local stakeholders, and within the profession.
- A demonstrated interest in working with diverse populations and advocacy issues.
- Identified research agenda and interest in working with research teams.
- Licensure or eligibility for licensure as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the State of Illinois. If not currently licensed, describe in detail the steps needed to be completed to obtain licensure, which is required for tenure.
For a degree to be considered, it must be conferred from a regionally accredited degree-granting institution of higher education (or equivalent from an international accrediting body). Unless otherwise stated, the degree must be conferred at the time of appointment.
Additional Information:
THE PROGRAM:
The Counselor Education Program, in the School of Applied Clinical, Educational, and Professional Programs offers a Master of Science in Education in Counseling with two options: Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling located on the WIU-Quad Cities campus. The Program offers a unique blend of courses designed to provide the skills and knowledge necessary to become a competent counseling professional. The counseling programs are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Additionally, the School Counseling option is accredited by the Illinois State Board of Education.
THE UNIVERSITY:
About WIU
Since 1899, Western Illinois University has provided outstanding educational opportunities to individuals in west central Illinois and well beyond our region and state. WIU's traditional residential campus in Macomb, Illinois, is the educational, cultural and athletic center of the region, while the WIU-Quad Cities non-residential branch campus in Moline, Illinois, is the only public university in the immediate Quad Cities region.
WIU-Macomb, IL: Western's traditional, residential main campus offers a comprehensive slate of undergraduate and graduate programs, including a doctorate in education, and post-baccalaureate certificates. A diverse community in west central Illinois, Macomb features a unique blend of agriculture, industry, service, retail, education, and culture. Macomb serves as the county seat, with connections across the state with Amtrak providing twice-daily service from Macomb to Chicago (and point in between). Macomb is located approximately 75 miles from the Quad Cities International Airport (Moline, IL) and 70 miles from the Greater Peoria Regional Airport (Peoria, IL).
WIU-Quad Cities: Located on the banks of the Mississippi River in Moline, Illinois, the WIU-Quad Cities campus is the only public four-year regional university that serves the Quad Cities region. Designed as a metropolitan commuter campus, WIU-Quad Cities offers select undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. Moline is located just 80 miles north of the Macomb campus and is centered within a diverse, bi-state community of 383,000 that offers a broad range of cultural, social, and entertainment amenities and experiences, as well as varied businesses and industries.
Academics
More than 61 undergraduate degree programs, 41 graduate programs, two doctoral programs and 16 post-baccalaureate certificate programs prepare students for a successful career after graduation.
Student Resources
More than 200 student organizations at Western provide social, academic, recreation, athletics, service, academic, and many other opportunities for students to grow and learn, develop leadership skills, and much more.
Numerous concerts, lectures, films, dance performances, cultural events and more are presented and performed each year, along with numerous major theatrical and dance productions and studio shows, and a variety of service-oriented projects and activities.
WIU Intercollegiate Athletics
The University's athletics program, based on the Macomb campus, sponsors 17 NCAA Division I intercollegiate men's and women's varsity sports. All varsity sports compete at the Division I level through The Ohio Valley Conference.
See all OPT Counseling Psychologist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Counseling Psychologist
Understand licensure requirements before applying
Most Counseling Psychologist positions require state licensure, which typically takes 1 to 2 years of supervised postdoctoral hours. Map your OPT timeline against each state's licensing requirements before targeting specific employers or clinical settings.
Target university counseling centers first
University counseling centers are among the most OPT-friendly employers for psychology graduates. They're familiar with international student work authorization, often have HR infrastructure for sponsorship, and frequently hire doctoral-level trainees transitioning from internship placements.
Clarify your degree level with employers upfront
Counseling Psychologist roles almost universally require a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.). Confirm your degree type matches the job's requirement before applying. Mismatched qualifications are among the most common reasons OPT candidates lose time in hiring processes.
Ask specifically about H-1B sponsorship during screening
Don't wait until an offer to raise sponsorship. Ask during the first HR call whether the employer has sponsored H-1B visas for psychology roles before. Employers with no sponsorship history are unlikely to start the process for a single hire.
Use your APA internship network strategically
Your APA-accredited internship site is your strongest professional network. Supervisors and training directors there often have direct hiring authority or referral connections at other institutions. Leverage those relationships before your OPT window closes.
Document your supervised hours precisely from day one
Postdoctoral supervision hours must be verified for licensure and often for employer records. Start tracking hours in a detailed log from your first OPT day. Gaps or imprecise records can delay licensure applications and complicate visa sponsorship timelines.
Counseling Psychologist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Counseling Psychologist on OPT without a license?
It depends on the role and state. Many employers hire postdoctoral psychology fellows or unlicensed psychologists under supervision, which can qualify as authorized OPT employment in your field of study. However, positions titled 'Licensed Psychologist' or 'Staff Psychologist' requiring independent practice typically require state licensure you may not yet hold. Review each job description's licensure requirement carefully before applying.
Does a Counseling Psychology degree qualify for STEM OPT extension?
No. Counseling Psychology programs are classified under CIP code 42.2803, which is not on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. That means your OPT authorization is limited to 12 months. Planning your licensure pathway and employer sponsorship timeline within that window is essential, since there's no extension available to fall back on.
Which employers are most likely to sponsor H-1B visas for Counseling Psychologists?
Large health systems, university counseling centers, VA medical centers, and federally qualified health centers have the strongest track records of H-1B sponsorship for doctoral-level psychologists. These organizations have established HR and legal infrastructure for immigration filings. Smaller private practices rarely sponsor. You can browse Counseling Psychologist roles at OPT-friendly employers directly on Migrate Mate.
How does postdoctoral supervision work for OPT students in psychology?
Postdoctoral supervision is a required licensure step across all states, typically involving 1 to 2 years of supervised practice under a licensed psychologist. On OPT, this supervised role counts as authorized employment as long as it's in your field of study and you're compensated. The key risk is timing: if your OPT expires before you complete supervision hours, you'll need H-1B sponsorship to continue.
What should I look for in a Counseling Psychologist job posting as an OPT student?
Look for three things: whether the role requires current state licensure or accepts postdoctoral candidates, whether the employer mentions visa sponsorship availability, and whether the position is full-time (part-time OPT employment must still relate to your field). Postdoctoral fellowship and psychology resident postings are often the most accessible entry points for OPT students who haven't yet obtained licensure.