OPT Mental Health Jobs
Mental health jobs on OPT span clinical, research, and community-based roles, from counseling assistants to behavioral health coordinators. Most positions require a degree in psychology, social work, or a related field. STEM OPT extension eligibility depends on your specific major, so confirm your DSO classification before applying.
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- APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED WITHOUT WORK EXPERIENCE OR A RESUME WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. IF ATTACHING A RESUME, RESUME MUST INCLUDE DATES OF EMPLOYMENT FOR EACH JOB (MONTH and YEAR) AND DETAILS OF WORK EXPERIENCE/JOB DUTIES*
Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.
Due to the available budget allocated for this position, the hiring rate will not exceed $31.50 per hour.
Why does the job exist?
This position provides behavioral health education for individuals by providing group and individual education. The position provides a wide range of education including but not limited to substance abuse, relationship difficulties, trauma, mental illness, and crisis intervention. The incumbent will provide Mental Health education for diagnosed mental health disorders; aid individuals/groups by providing best practices and evidence-based interventions; and provide for individuals dealing with addictions, substance dependency, relationship difficulties, and issues associated with mental, emotional, and behavioral health. This position will also make recommendations for program development, consult on case analysis, and discharge plans.
How does it get done?
- Completes advanced psychotherapy analysis and assessments of inmates to be placed in accurate programs for rehabilitation.
- Provides individual and group psychotherapy education for mental health and substance abuse services to the general inmate population.
- Provides counseling, and programming to dual diagnosed inmate population.
- Consults on incident reports, non-compliance reports, and other weekly reports.
- Tracks patient progress and treatment compliance in case management to evaluate success of therapy.
- Maintains and updates case and record files.
- Conducts research into programs that can be utilized in a correctional facility to make recommendations to management on potential opportunities for inmates to succeed.
Who are the customers?
The New Mexico Corrections Department
Ideal Candidate
The New Mexico Corrections Department
Minimum Qualification
Associate's Degree in Human Services or Social Services Counseling and two (2) years of experience in mental health, substance abuse counseling and or behavioral disorder counseling environment. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling four (4) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
Employment Requirements
This position is designated as safety sensitive. Employment is subject to pre-employment and random testing, in accordance with all terms and conditions of federal and state law, rules and regulations in relation to alcohol and/or drug testing. Pre-employment background investigation is required and is conditional pending results. Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in an adult prison environment, which includes daily contact with inmates. Willingness to work in a correctional facility, may be required to work odd hours, overtime, holidays, and weekends.
Supplemental Information
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Agency Contact Information: Liz Tapia, HR at 575-472-1001 or email elizabeth.tapia@cd.nm.gov or Contact Information: Desiree Bradley, HR at 575-472-1001 or email desiree.bradley@cd.nm.gov
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.
Posting Details
- APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED WITHOUT WORK EXPERIENCE OR A RESUME WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. IF ATTACHING A RESUME, RESUME MUST INCLUDE DATES OF EMPLOYMENT FOR EACH JOB (MONTH and YEAR) AND DETAILS OF WORK EXPERIENCE/JOB DUTIES*
Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.
Due to the available budget allocated for this position, the hiring rate will not exceed $31.50 per hour.
Why does the job exist?
This position provides behavioral health education for individuals by providing group and individual education. The position provides a wide range of education including but not limited to substance abuse, relationship difficulties, trauma, mental illness, and crisis intervention. The incumbent will provide Mental Health education for diagnosed mental health disorders; aid individuals/groups by providing best practices and evidence-based interventions; and provide for individuals dealing with addictions, substance dependency, relationship difficulties, and issues associated with mental, emotional, and behavioral health. This position will also make recommendations for program development, consult on case analysis, and discharge plans.
How does it get done?
- Completes advanced psychotherapy analysis and assessments of inmates to be placed in accurate programs for rehabilitation.
- Provides individual and group psychotherapy education for mental health and substance abuse services to the general inmate population.
- Provides counseling, and programming to dual diagnosed inmate population.
- Consults on incident reports, non-compliance reports, and other weekly reports.
- Tracks patient progress and treatment compliance in case management to evaluate success of therapy.
- Maintains and updates case and record files.
- Conducts research into programs that can be utilized in a correctional facility to make recommendations to management on potential opportunities for inmates to succeed.
Who are the customers?
The New Mexico Corrections Department
Ideal Candidate
The New Mexico Corrections Department
Minimum Qualification
Associate's Degree in Human Services or Social Services Counseling and two (2) years of experience in mental health, substance abuse counseling and or behavioral disorder counseling environment. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling four (4) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
Employment Requirements
This position is designated as safety sensitive. Employment is subject to pre-employment and random testing, in accordance with all terms and conditions of federal and state law, rules and regulations in relation to alcohol and/or drug testing. Pre-employment background investigation is required and is conditional pending results. Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in an adult prison environment, which includes daily contact with inmates. Willingness to work in a correctional facility, may be required to work odd hours, overtime, holidays, and weekends.
Supplemental Information
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: Liz Tapia, HR at 575-472-1001 or email elizabeth.tapia@cd.nm.gov or Contact Information: Desiree Bradley, HR at 575-472-1001 or email desiree.bradley@cd.nm.gov
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Mental Health
Clarify your OPT end date upfront
Mental health employers often run slow hiring cycles. Know your exact OPT expiration date before applying and communicate your timeline early. Roles that require licensure can take months to finalize, so lead time matters more than in other fields.
Check STEM OPT eligibility by major
Not all mental health degrees qualify for the 24-month STEM extension. Psychology and neuroscience may qualify depending on your CIP code, but social work typically does not. Confirm your eligibility with your DSO before framing it as a selling point.
Target roles that don't require state licensure
Licensed counselor and therapist roles often require state licensure, which takes time and restricts where you can work. Behavioral health technician, research coordinator, and case manager roles carry fewer licensing barriers and are more accessible on OPT status.
Prioritize employers familiar with OPT sponsorship
Large health systems, university counseling centers, and nonprofit behavioral health organizations have HR infrastructure to handle OPT and H-1B visa sponsorship. Smaller private practices often lack this capacity, making them higher-risk placements for international students.
Leverage your practicum or internship experience
Clinical hours from practicum or CPT placements are directly relevant to mental health hiring. Frame supervised experience explicitly in your resume. Employers in this field weight hands-on hours heavily, and your OPT authorization lets you continue building them.
Address H-1B sponsorship timing in your outreach
If your OPT expires before an H-1B petition can be filed, an employer needs to act before April 1 of the relevant fiscal year. Be direct about this timeline when discussing sponsorship so hiring managers understand what commitment they're making.
Mental Health OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a mental health counselor or therapist on OPT?
You can work in mental health on OPT, but clinical titles like licensed counselor or therapist require a state license that most F-1 students haven't yet obtained. Roles like behavioral health technician, mental health case manager, or research coordinator are more accessible on OPT and don't require independent licensure to start.
Do mental health jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree's CIP code. Psychology and neuroscience programs are sometimes classified under STEM-eligible codes, but social work and counseling programs typically are not. Check your official transcript and confirm with your DSO before assuming eligibility. The extension gives you 24 additional months, so verifying early is worth it.
Where can I find mental health employers who sponsor OPT and H-1B?
Migrate Mate is the best place to find mental health jobs where employers are open to OPT and visa sponsorship. Larger health systems, federally qualified health centers, and university-affiliated programs are generally the most sponsorship-friendly. Searching Migrate Mate filters out roles unlikely to support international candidates, saving you time during a tight OPT window.
How does supervised clinical experience during OPT count toward licensure?
Hours worked under supervision during OPT typically count toward your state's licensure requirements, but rules vary by state and license type. Some states require supervisors to hold specific credentials, and the setting matters. Confirm with your state licensing board early so your OPT work directly advances your licensure application rather than requiring a restart.
What happens to my OPT if my mental health job ends before I find a new role?
F-1 OPT allows up to 90 days of unemployment in total. If your mental health position ends, you have time to find a new role, but the clock runs continuously. Report any employment changes to your DSO immediately and keep your SEVP portal updated. Finding a new role quickly is critical to staying in valid OPT status.