Mental Health Counseling Jobs for OPT Students
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 JobsHourly Pay Range:
$42.54 - $65.94 - The hourly pay rate offered is determined by a candidate's expertise and years of experience, among other factors.
Position Highlights:
Sign on bonus: N/A
Position: Manager ; Mental Health Counseling MG
Location: Deerfield, IL
Full Time/Part Time: Full Time
Hours: Full Time
Required Travel: Travel possible to other Endeavor Site Locations (Skokie/Gurnee)
General Summary:
Responsible for the general oversight and growth of Linden Oaks Medical Group counseling services. Provides strategic direction of counseling services as related to individual counseling sessions, group therapy, psych testing, and future initiatives. Recruits talent to develop and grow the counseling services. Responsible for the daily supervision of direct reports and the services provided to assigned clinical area. Serves as a role model and clinical expert within LOMG. Speaks on behalf of LOMG in the community for presentations. Ensures quality of care is provided. Ensures quality standards are met and excellent customer service is provided in a safe environment. Provides assistance to staff in resolving issues with procedures, care coordination, employees, physicians and/or patients and families.
What you will do:
Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. This includes knowledge of the physical and psychological needs of the patients served and the ability to respond appropriately to those needs.
Collaborates with the Director, Practice Operations LOMG and supervisors to manage the schedules for the outpatient clinical therapists and the day-to-day assignments. Utilizes knowledge and skills to assist staff in resolving complex patient care problems.
Gathers data, interprets trends and develops action plans as necessary.
Partners with LOMG supervisors and practice manager to identify required competencies for clinical staff and may participate in evaluation of staff competency upon hire and during the performance management process.
Interviews, hires, orients, trains, develops and evaluates the performances of and, when necessary, disciplines and/or discharges department personnel. Provides direction, as necessary, to staff regarding sensitive and/or complex work, related problems, resolves complaints and responds to inquiries regarding department operations.
Assures fiscal responsibility and accountability for the department, requests for in-services and other related expenses.
Provides supervision to clinical staff/case consultation groups as designated and meets regularly with the staff to share productivity results.
Collaborates in the development of annual department goals and objectives and directs department resources toward the accomplishment of goals and objectives.
Ensures policies and procedures are followed by staff and evaluates for effectiveness in supporting all department activities. Ensures assigned personnel adhere to all hospital policies and procedures.
Protects the confidentiality and privacy of all patients.
May represent LOMG as spokesperson before professional or community groups upon request. Develops professional relationships and communication systems with referral sources.
Ensures documentation of direct reports captures patient acuity and supports the level of care being provided.
Resolves complaints from patients, physicians, clinical and non-clinical staff in a timely manner regarding services provided. Ensures subordinates are held accountable for customer service standards and guidelines.
Compiles departmental data that includes operating, personnel, supply and equipment expenses and projections to assist Director in preparing and monitoring department operating budget. Implements approved budget to ensure the department operates within allocated funds.
Participates in performance improvement activities and utilizes the safety event reporting system.
Evaluates and interprets patient, employee, and physician satisfaction survey data. Develops and implements customer service programs within the department.
Maintains a high level of knowledge in current trends and developments in the field of behavioral health by reading appropriate books, journals, and other literature, and attending continuing education and related seminars and conferences. Maintains current knowledge of the Illinois Mental Health Code and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) standards related to patient rights.
What you will need:
Education, Skills and/or Experience Required:
* Masters Degree Required.
Education, Skills and/or Experience Preferred:
PsyD or PHD Preferred
A high level of communication skills
Knowledge of DSM5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) diagnostic criteria, ICD10 and interqual standards
Familiarity with continuum of care and assessment and intervention skills
* Knowledge of substance abuse counseling or CADC
License/Certification Required:
Current LCSW or LCPC
Current CPR Certification issued by either American Heart Association
CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) certification within 90 days of hire
Current state of Illinois Driver’s License
Benefits:
Premium pay for eligible employees
Career Pathways to Promote Professional Growth and Development
Various Medical, Dental, Pet and Vision options
Tuition Reimbursement
Discounted parking at designated locations
Wellness Program Savings Plan
Health Savings Account Options
Retirement Options with Company Match
Paid Time Off
Community Involvement Opportunities
Endeavor Health is a fully integrated healthcare delivery system committed to providing access to quality, vibrant, community-connected care, serving an area of more than 4.2 million residents across six northeast Illinois counties. Our more than 25,000 team members and more than 6,000 physicians aim to deliver transformative patient experiences and expert care close to home across more than 300 ambulatory locations and eight acute care hospitals – Edward (Naperville), Elmhurst, Evanston, Glenbrook (Glenview), Highland Park, Northwest Community (Arlington Heights) Skokie and Swedish (Chicago) – all recognized as Magnet hospitals for nursing excellence.
When you work for Endeavor Health, you will be part of an organization that encourages its employees to achieve career goals and maximize their professional potential.
Endeavor Health is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Please refer to the main career page for more information.
At Endeavor Health, we are united by a shared commitment to working together to create a culture of connection and belonging—each of us bringing different skills and experiences as we deliver safe, seamless, and personal care. Every person, every time. We are committed to fostering an environment where all team members can be their best, learn, and pursue excellence together.
EOE: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets, VEVRRA Federal Contractor.
Hourly Pay Range:
$42.54 - $65.94 - The hourly pay rate offered is determined by a candidate's expertise and years of experience, among other factors.
Position Highlights:
Sign on bonus: N/A
Position: Manager ; Mental Health Counseling MG
Location: Deerfield, IL
Full Time/Part Time: Full Time
Hours: Full Time
Required Travel: Travel possible to other Endeavor Site Locations (Skokie/Gurnee)
General Summary:
Responsible for the general oversight and growth of Linden Oaks Medical Group counseling services. Provides strategic direction of counseling services as related to individual counseling sessions, group therapy, psych testing, and future initiatives. Recruits talent to develop and grow the counseling services. Responsible for the daily supervision of direct reports and the services provided to assigned clinical area. Serves as a role model and clinical expert within LOMG. Speaks on behalf of LOMG in the community for presentations. Ensures quality of care is provided. Ensures quality standards are met and excellent customer service is provided in a safe environment. Provides assistance to staff in resolving issues with procedures, care coordination, employees, physicians and/or patients and families.
What you will do:
Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. This includes knowledge of the physical and psychological needs of the patients served and the ability to respond appropriately to those needs.
Collaborates with the Director, Practice Operations LOMG and supervisors to manage the schedules for the outpatient clinical therapists and the day-to-day assignments. Utilizes knowledge and skills to assist staff in resolving complex patient care problems.
Gathers data, interprets trends and develops action plans as necessary.
Partners with LOMG supervisors and practice manager to identify required competencies for clinical staff and may participate in evaluation of staff competency upon hire and during the performance management process.
Interviews, hires, orients, trains, develops and evaluates the performances of and, when necessary, disciplines and/or discharges department personnel. Provides direction, as necessary, to staff regarding sensitive and/or complex work, related problems, resolves complaints and responds to inquiries regarding department operations.
Assures fiscal responsibility and accountability for the department, requests for in-services and other related expenses.
Provides supervision to clinical staff/case consultation groups as designated and meets regularly with the staff to share productivity results.
Collaborates in the development of annual department goals and objectives and directs department resources toward the accomplishment of goals and objectives.
Ensures policies and procedures are followed by staff and evaluates for effectiveness in supporting all department activities. Ensures assigned personnel adhere to all hospital policies and procedures.
Protects the confidentiality and privacy of all patients.
May represent LOMG as spokesperson before professional or community groups upon request. Develops professional relationships and communication systems with referral sources.
Ensures documentation of direct reports captures patient acuity and supports the level of care being provided.
Resolves complaints from patients, physicians, clinical and non-clinical staff in a timely manner regarding services provided. Ensures subordinates are held accountable for customer service standards and guidelines.
Compiles departmental data that includes operating, personnel, supply and equipment expenses and projections to assist Director in preparing and monitoring department operating budget. Implements approved budget to ensure the department operates within allocated funds.
Participates in performance improvement activities and utilizes the safety event reporting system.
Evaluates and interprets patient, employee, and physician satisfaction survey data. Develops and implements customer service programs within the department.
Maintains a high level of knowledge in current trends and developments in the field of behavioral health by reading appropriate books, journals, and other literature, and attending continuing education and related seminars and conferences. Maintains current knowledge of the Illinois Mental Health Code and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) standards related to patient rights.
What you will need:
Education, Skills and/or Experience Required:
* Masters Degree Required.
Education, Skills and/or Experience Preferred:
PsyD or PHD Preferred
A high level of communication skills
Knowledge of DSM5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) diagnostic criteria, ICD10 and interqual standards
Familiarity with continuum of care and assessment and intervention skills
* Knowledge of substance abuse counseling or CADC
License/Certification Required:
Current LCSW or LCPC
Current CPR Certification issued by either American Heart Association
CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) certification within 90 days of hire
Current state of Illinois Driver’s License
Benefits:
Premium pay for eligible employees
Career Pathways to Promote Professional Growth and Development
Various Medical, Dental, Pet and Vision options
Tuition Reimbursement
Discounted parking at designated locations
Wellness Program Savings Plan
Health Savings Account Options
Retirement Options with Company Match
Paid Time Off
Community Involvement Opportunities
Endeavor Health is a fully integrated healthcare delivery system committed to providing access to quality, vibrant, community-connected care, serving an area of more than 4.2 million residents across six northeast Illinois counties. Our more than 25,000 team members and more than 6,000 physicians aim to deliver transformative patient experiences and expert care close to home across more than 300 ambulatory locations and eight acute care hospitals – Edward (Naperville), Elmhurst, Evanston, Glenbrook (Glenview), Highland Park, Northwest Community (Arlington Heights) Skokie and Swedish (Chicago) – all recognized as Magnet hospitals for nursing excellence.
When you work for Endeavor Health, you will be part of an organization that encourages its employees to achieve career goals and maximize their professional potential.
Endeavor Health is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Please refer to the main career page for more information.
At Endeavor Health, we are united by a shared commitment to working together to create a culture of connection and belonging—each of us bringing different skills and experiences as we deliver safe, seamless, and personal care. Every person, every time. We are committed to fostering an environment where all team members can be their best, learn, and pursue excellence together.
EOE: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets, VEVRRA Federal Contractor.
How to Get Visa 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 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 jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently 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.
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