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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Get Access To All JobsJob Family Group:
Staff
Department/Office:
Associate Director Counseling Services
Time Type:
Full time
Compensation:
$52,839.34-$66,049.17Please note, starting salaries are based on factors including internal equity, relevant experience, and education.
Exemption Status:
Exempt
Job Description:
Provides counseling, consultation, educational outreach and urgent-response services to Trinity University students in support of the mission of Counseling Services and the division of Student Affairs. Primary responsible for in-person provision of direct services to students. 10-month on-campus assignment (start of August – end of May) with salary and full benefits paid across 12 months.
Inspire Whole-Person Well-Being on a Leading Liberal-Arts Campus
Trinity University Counseling Services is seeking a compassionate, skilled, and collaborative Clinical Mental Health Counselor to join our team. We are looking for a clinician who is deeply committed to supporting college students through developmental, emotional, and psychological challenges, and who thrives in a dynamic, student-centered environment.
The ideal candidate is both clinically strong and relationally grounded—someone who can connect with a diverse student population, navigate complex situations with sound judgment, and contribute to a team that values collaboration, integrity, and care. This individual will be energized by working in a university setting and motivated to support students not only in moments of crisis, but also in their overall growth, resilience, and success.
What You’ll Do
As a Clinical Mental Health Counselor, you will provide direct clinical services to Trinity University students, to include but not limited to individual counseling, group therapy, consultation, and crisis support, while contributing to a broader, integrated system of care across campus. You will conduct clinical assessments, screen for psychological disorders, and make referrals for specialized or psychiatric care when appropriate. In addition, you will maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation, participate in regular supervision and clinical team meetings, and offer consultation to faculty, staff, parents, and campus partners regarding student wellbeing and mental health concerns. You will also participate in an after-hours on-call rotation, responding to urgent mental health needs in collaboration with Residential Life and University Police, and develop and deliver outreach programming and training to student groups and campus partners, including student leaders.
What You’ll Bring
Education:
- Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Counseling Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Social Work (MSW), Marriage and Family Therapy, or a closely related mental health field from an accredited institution
Licensure/Certification:
- A current, active, and unrestricted license as a mental health professional in Texas (e.g., LP, LPC, LCSW, LMFT), or the ability to obtain licensure in the state of Texas within the required timeframe.
Experience:
- Minimum of at least one year of experience providing individual counseling.
- Experience working with diverse populations, including racial/ethnic minority students, LGBTQIA+ students, and neurodivergent individuals.
Skills:
- Strong clinical assessment, conceptualization, and intervention skills
- Ability to build rapport and maintain effective therapeutic relationships
- Cultural humility and commitment to providing affirming, inclusive care
- Effective communication skills, including public speaking and written communication
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple responsibilities
- Ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and campus partners
- Sound judgment and ability to respond effectively in urgent or crisis situations.
Why Trinity University
At Trinity University, we believe student wellbeing is foundational to academic success and personal growth. As part of the Integrated Counseling, Health and Wellness team, Counseling Services plays a central role in supporting the whole student - emotionally, physically, and socially.
As a clinician at Trinity, you will have the opportunity to experience:
- Work with a highly engaged and academically motivated student population.
- Be part of a supportive, collegial team that values collaboration and professional growth.
- Academic-Year Schedule, Year-Round Pay: Enjoy summers with reduced on-site duties while receiving twelve equal paychecks.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Health, retirement, tuition remission, and professional-development support.
Mission-Driven Community:
Join a student-centered campus that values holistic wellness, diversity, and lifelong learning.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
- The role requires mobility across campus, adherence to universal precautions, and the ability to lift or carry up to 10 lbs.
- Occasional evening or weekend activities may be necessary.
Ready to Apply?
Submit your résumé/CV, cover letter, and copies of current licenses/certifications through Trinity University’s employment portal.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Bring your clinical expertise, commitment to student mental health, and desire for a balanced professional schedule—help us keep Trinity thriving, one patient at a time.
Job Family Group:
Staff
Department/Office:
Associate Director Counseling Services
Time Type:
Full time
Compensation:
$52,839.34-$66,049.17Please note, starting salaries are based on factors including internal equity, relevant experience, and education.
Exemption Status:
Exempt
Job Description:
Provides counseling, consultation, educational outreach and urgent-response services to Trinity University students in support of the mission of Counseling Services and the division of Student Affairs. Primary responsible for in-person provision of direct services to students. 10-month on-campus assignment (start of August – end of May) with salary and full benefits paid across 12 months.
Inspire Whole-Person Well-Being on a Leading Liberal-Arts Campus
Trinity University Counseling Services is seeking a compassionate, skilled, and collaborative Clinical Mental Health Counselor to join our team. We are looking for a clinician who is deeply committed to supporting college students through developmental, emotional, and psychological challenges, and who thrives in a dynamic, student-centered environment.
The ideal candidate is both clinically strong and relationally grounded—someone who can connect with a diverse student population, navigate complex situations with sound judgment, and contribute to a team that values collaboration, integrity, and care. This individual will be energized by working in a university setting and motivated to support students not only in moments of crisis, but also in their overall growth, resilience, and success.
What You’ll Do
As a Clinical Mental Health Counselor, you will provide direct clinical services to Trinity University students, to include but not limited to individual counseling, group therapy, consultation, and crisis support, while contributing to a broader, integrated system of care across campus. You will conduct clinical assessments, screen for psychological disorders, and make referrals for specialized or psychiatric care when appropriate. In addition, you will maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation, participate in regular supervision and clinical team meetings, and offer consultation to faculty, staff, parents, and campus partners regarding student wellbeing and mental health concerns. You will also participate in an after-hours on-call rotation, responding to urgent mental health needs in collaboration with Residential Life and University Police, and develop and deliver outreach programming and training to student groups and campus partners, including student leaders.
What You’ll Bring
Education:
- Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Counseling Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Social Work (MSW), Marriage and Family Therapy, or a closely related mental health field from an accredited institution
Licensure/Certification:
- A current, active, and unrestricted license as a mental health professional in Texas (e.g., LP, LPC, LCSW, LMFT), or the ability to obtain licensure in the state of Texas within the required timeframe.
Experience:
- Minimum of at least one year of experience providing individual counseling.
- Experience working with diverse populations, including racial/ethnic minority students, LGBTQIA+ students, and neurodivergent individuals.
Skills:
- Strong clinical assessment, conceptualization, and intervention skills
- Ability to build rapport and maintain effective therapeutic relationships
- Cultural humility and commitment to providing affirming, inclusive care
- Effective communication skills, including public speaking and written communication
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple responsibilities
- Ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and campus partners
- Sound judgment and ability to respond effectively in urgent or crisis situations.
Why Trinity University
At Trinity University, we believe student wellbeing is foundational to academic success and personal growth. As part of the Integrated Counseling, Health and Wellness team, Counseling Services plays a central role in supporting the whole student - emotionally, physically, and socially.
As a clinician at Trinity, you will have the opportunity to experience:
- Work with a highly engaged and academically motivated student population.
- Be part of a supportive, collegial team that values collaboration and professional growth.
- Academic-Year Schedule, Year-Round Pay: Enjoy summers with reduced on-site duties while receiving twelve equal paychecks.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Health, retirement, tuition remission, and professional-development support.
Mission-Driven Community:
Join a student-centered campus that values holistic wellness, diversity, and lifelong learning.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
- The role requires mobility across campus, adherence to universal precautions, and the ability to lift or carry up to 10 lbs.
- Occasional evening or weekend activities may be necessary.
Ready to Apply?
Submit your résumé/CV, cover letter, and copies of current licenses/certifications through Trinity University’s employment portal.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Bring your clinical expertise, commitment to student mental health, and desire for a balanced professional schedule—help us keep Trinity thriving, one patient at a time.
See all 5,766+ OPT Mental Health Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Mental Health Jobs.
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.