OPT Mental Health Counseling Jobs
Mental health counseling roles on OPT require careful attention to licensure timelines, since most states require supervised hours before full licensure and those hours can count during your OPT period. STEM OPT extension is not available for this field, so your 12-month window matters from day one.
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Get Access To All JobsFull-time Faculty Positions
Full-time faculty positions will be posted on a per-opening basis. Postings are organized by college/school and department. Applicants will be evaluated at the college/school level for the position which they are submitting an application. Unless noted by a close date, positions will remain open until they are filled. Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.
Part-time Faculty Positions
DePaul University invites expressions of interest for a pool of qualified Part Time Faculty to teach courses in a variety of disciplines across all 10 colleges and schools. Individuals may enter expressions of interest by submitting their credentials to any posting for which they are qualified to teach. Postings are organized by college/school and department. Screening of individuals in the pool is ongoing, depending on curricular need and funding. Individuals will be contacted by the department if they reach the finalist stage for teaching a particular course or set of courses. The pool will remain in place until the closing date specified in the posting details; those interested in remaining in the pool beyond that time must resubmit. All individuals in the pool will be notified by email when the posting is closed.
Below you will find the details for the posting including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening or submitting your interest in teaching.
Posting Details
Job ID: 187180
Rank: Instructor/Professional Lecturer
College/School: Chicago, IL - College of Education
Position Description:
The Counseling Program at DePaul University seeks to fill one ten-month, full-time, non-tenure track faculty position in Counseling Education to teach introductory and advanced master’s-level courses in areas such counseling core, clinical mental health, and/or school counseling (six courses over the academic year). Depending upon the academic quarter, this faculty member might teach online asynchronously/synchronously as well as in person on our Lincoln Park (Chicago) campus.
In addition, this non-tenure track faculty position will have three course reallocations (one-per-quarter) to coordinate and supervise counseling interns in our Education and Counseling Center (ECC) in the College of Education. Responsibilities may include the following:
- Recruit, interview, onboard, and complete deprovisioning process for student counselors.
- Track and assign new clients to student counselors.
- Manage the Titanium web-processing and record management system; review, approve, and audit student counselor notes providing feedback.
- Provide orientation and training to new student counselors.
- Establish and maintain partnerships with internal and external collaborators to ensure consistent referral stream; collaborate with FCS director to facilitate space sharing.
- Provide weekly supervision for student counselors.
- Establish initiatives for expanding ECC scope to provide services to external community members.
Finally, this non-tenure track position provides support for departmental and programmatic initiatives that seek to create a culture of student engagement, critical inquiry, and the development of counselors as practitioners, scholars, and leaders. Availability for on-campus meetings is expected.
Qualifications:
Minimum qualifications include an earned doctorate in Counseling or Counselor Education, preferably from a CACREP-accredited program.
Active participation in counseling education professional associations is preferred.
Application Instructions:
Applications must be submitted by no later than the deadline, however, confidential letters of recommendation can still be uploaded by the recommender after the deadline. Keep in mind though that an interview cannot be conducted until all letters have been received and reviewed by the search committee. Confidential letters must be uploaded through the system by the recommender, please do not email letters of recommendation to the college. Feel free reach out to Erin James at ejames17@depaul.edu if you have any additional questions.
General Compensation/Benefits Statement
DePaul University has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the qualifications, education, experience, and training of the selected candidate, the scope and responsibilities of the position, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information.
DePaul University offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, and tuition benefit. Further information regarding benefits can be found here: https://offices.depaul.edu/human-resources/benefits/Pages/default.aspx.
About DePaul University's Academic Calendar
Except for the College of Law, DePaul University operates on a quarter system. Classes in Autumn, Winter, and Spring quarters are 11 weeks in length (including finals week) and Summer courses, in two sessions, are typically 5 weeks in length. The College of Law operates on the semester system. Classes in the Fall and Spring semesters are 16 weeks in length (including finals week) and it offers a Summer Session of 7 weeks (including final exams).
Salary Information: The salary range for this 10-month position is $62,700 - $65,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Applicant Documents
Cover Letter(1)
C.V.(1)
Full-time Faculty Positions
Full-time faculty positions will be posted on a per-opening basis. Postings are organized by college/school and department. Applicants will be evaluated at the college/school level for the position which they are submitting an application. Unless noted by a close date, positions will remain open until they are filled. Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.
Part-time Faculty Positions
DePaul University invites expressions of interest for a pool of qualified Part Time Faculty to teach courses in a variety of disciplines across all 10 colleges and schools. Individuals may enter expressions of interest by submitting their credentials to any posting for which they are qualified to teach. Postings are organized by college/school and department. Screening of individuals in the pool is ongoing, depending on curricular need and funding. Individuals will be contacted by the department if they reach the finalist stage for teaching a particular course or set of courses. The pool will remain in place until the closing date specified in the posting details; those interested in remaining in the pool beyond that time must resubmit. All individuals in the pool will be notified by email when the posting is closed.
Below you will find the details for the posting including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening or submitting your interest in teaching.
Posting Details
Job ID: 187180
Rank: Instructor/Professional Lecturer
College/School: Chicago, IL - College of Education
Position Description:
The Counseling Program at DePaul University seeks to fill one ten-month, full-time, non-tenure track faculty position in Counseling Education to teach introductory and advanced master’s-level courses in areas such counseling core, clinical mental health, and/or school counseling (six courses over the academic year). Depending upon the academic quarter, this faculty member might teach online asynchronously/synchronously as well as in person on our Lincoln Park (Chicago) campus.
In addition, this non-tenure track faculty position will have three course reallocations (one-per-quarter) to coordinate and supervise counseling interns in our Education and Counseling Center (ECC) in the College of Education. Responsibilities may include the following:
- Recruit, interview, onboard, and complete deprovisioning process for student counselors.
- Track and assign new clients to student counselors.
- Manage the Titanium web-processing and record management system; review, approve, and audit student counselor notes providing feedback.
- Provide orientation and training to new student counselors.
- Establish and maintain partnerships with internal and external collaborators to ensure consistent referral stream; collaborate with FCS director to facilitate space sharing.
- Provide weekly supervision for student counselors.
- Establish initiatives for expanding ECC scope to provide services to external community members.
Finally, this non-tenure track position provides support for departmental and programmatic initiatives that seek to create a culture of student engagement, critical inquiry, and the development of counselors as practitioners, scholars, and leaders. Availability for on-campus meetings is expected.
Qualifications:
Minimum qualifications include an earned doctorate in Counseling or Counselor Education, preferably from a CACREP-accredited program.
Active participation in counseling education professional associations is preferred.
Application Instructions:
Applications must be submitted by no later than the deadline, however, confidential letters of recommendation can still be uploaded by the recommender after the deadline. Keep in mind though that an interview cannot be conducted until all letters have been received and reviewed by the search committee. Confidential letters must be uploaded through the system by the recommender, please do not email letters of recommendation to the college. Feel free reach out to Erin James at ejames17@depaul.edu if you have any additional questions.
General Compensation/Benefits Statement
DePaul University has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the qualifications, education, experience, and training of the selected candidate, the scope and responsibilities of the position, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information.
DePaul University offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, and tuition benefit. Further information regarding benefits can be found here: https://offices.depaul.edu/human-resources/benefits/Pages/default.aspx.
About DePaul University's Academic Calendar
Except for the College of Law, DePaul University operates on a quarter system. Classes in Autumn, Winter, and Spring quarters are 11 weeks in length (including finals week) and Summer courses, in two sessions, are typically 5 weeks in length. The College of Law operates on the semester system. Classes in the Fall and Spring semesters are 16 weeks in length (including finals week) and it offers a Summer Session of 7 weeks (including final exams).
Salary Information: The salary range for this 10-month position is $62,700 - $65,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Applicant Documents
Cover Letter(1)
C.V.(1)
See all 58+ OPT Mental Health Counseling Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Mental Health Counseling
Target employers who already supervise pre-licensed counselors
Community mental health centers, hospital systems, and university counseling centers regularly hire pre-licensed counselors and provide required supervision hours. These employers understand licensure timelines and are more likely to be familiar with OPT work authorization.
Clarify your licensure status upfront
Be transparent about where you are in the licensure process. Employers hiring for clinical roles need to know whether you hold a provisional license, are working toward one, or require supervision. Ambiguity about licensure status raises more concerns than OPT status itself.
Emphasize your supervised hours as a hiring asset
If you've already completed a portion of your supervised clinical hours during your practicum or internship, quantify them on your resume. Employers value candidates who are closer to independent licensure, since it reduces their onboarding investment and supervision obligations.
Research state-specific licensure requirements before applying
Licensure requirements vary significantly by state. Some states allow pre-licensed counselors to practice under supervision with minimal restrictions, while others impose stricter conditions. Knowing the rules in your target state helps you apply to roles you're actually eligible for.
Frame your multicultural background as a clinical strength
Many employers, especially those serving diverse communities, actively seek counselors with cross-cultural competency. Your international background, bilingual skills, or experience working across cultures can differentiate you from other candidates and directly address patient population needs.
Start the H-1B conversation early with prospective employers
Mental health counseling qualifies as a specialty occupation for H-1B visa purposes, given the master's-level degree requirement. Raising the H-1B topic during late-stage interviews, rather than waiting until your OPT nears expiration, gives employers time to plan and budget for sponsorship.
Mental Health Counseling OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do mental health counseling jobs qualify for OPT work authorization?
Yes. Mental health counseling roles qualify for OPT as long as the work is directly related to your degree program, typically a master's in counseling, clinical mental health counseling, or a closely related field. You'll need to ensure your employer and role align with your declared major on your I-20. Note that mental health counseling is not a STEM-designated field, so only the standard 12-month OPT period applies.
Can I work as a mental health counselor on OPT without a full license?
In most states, yes. Pre-licensed counselors working under supervision toward credentials like the LPC, LMHC, or LCPC can work during OPT, provided the employer provides the required supervision. Your employment authorization comes from your OPT status, not your licensure status. That said, some states restrict the settings where pre-licensed counselors can practice, so confirming state-specific rules before accepting a role is important.
Which types of employers are most likely to support OPT for mental health counseling roles?
Community mental health centers, federally qualified health centers, hospital behavioral health departments, and university counseling centers tend to be the most familiar with hiring pre-licensed counselors and, by extension, are more open to OPT candidates. Smaller private practices may be less familiar with work authorization requirements. Migrate Mate is a good starting point for finding counseling employers actively open to OPT students.
Does mental health counseling qualify for H-1B sponsorship after OPT?
Mental health counseling generally qualifies as a specialty occupation because the role typically requires at least a master's degree in counseling or a related clinical field. Employers can sponsor H-1B petitions, and the April lottery deadline means planning needs to start well before your OPT expires. If your OPT ends in the fall or winter, you and your employer should begin the conversation no later than January of that same year.
How do I explain OPT to a mental health employer who has never hired an international candidate?
Keep it simple and practical. OPT is a federal work authorization issued by USCIS that allows you to work in your field of study for up to 12 months after graduation. You have an Employment Authorization Document, and your employer does not need to file anything with USCIS to hire you during OPT. Framing it as straightforward federal authorization, rather than a visa sponsorship request, removes most of the hesitation employers have.