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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The Department of Psychology and Counseling at Utah Valley University invites applications for an ongoing lecturer in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC). The lecturer position is a full-time, teaching-focused position with a 5-5 course load within the CACREP-accredited Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, with the possibility of teaching select undergraduate psychology courses as needed. The CMHC program is a 60-credit-hour program that prepares students for licensure as Clinical Mental Health Counselors and is committed to training ethical, competent, and culturally responsive practitioners.
The successful candidate will be able to teach graduate-level courses, including ACA Ethics, Research and Program Evaluation, Practicum, Internship, and other courses as assigned. Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate knowledge of CACREP accreditation standards and a commitment to upholding the program’s accredited status. We seek a candidate with strong knowledge of counseling theories, evidence-based practices, ethical standards, and clinical supervision who is passionate about counselor education and committed to student development.
The successful candidate will demonstrate expertise in pedagogy and instructional practices relevant to counselor education, with a strong ability to deliver instruction across multiple modalities, including face-to-face, hybrid, and online formats. We value educators who employ innovative instructional strategies and experiential learning techniques that enhance student engagement, clinical skill development, and professional identity formation.
We seek individuals who are not only willing to reflect on and refine their teaching practices based on feedback, training, or scholarship but also who actively collaborate and communicate respectfully with colleagues, students, staff, and community site partners. The successful applicant will join a vibrant academic community dedicated to fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment for all students.
Application Materials
Submit (1) a cover letter that outlines how the candidate meets the job requirements, (2) a curriculum vitae, (3) unofficial transcripts, (4) a teaching statement that addresses the candidate’s philosophy and experience with counselor education, and (5) student evaluations of teaching from the three most recent years, as applicable. References will be solicited later in the hiring process.
About UVU
Utah Valley University (UVU) is a bastion of unity, academic excellence, personal and professional development, and community engagement. UVU’s ethos, summarized in the phrase “A Place For You”, attracts individuals who support student success and a hands-on approach to improving the future of higher learning. Dive into the array of career prospects at UVU, where you can contribute to the institution’s enduring legacy.
The UVU Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is a CACREP-accredited 60-credit-hour master’s program housed within the Department of Psychology and Counseling. The program launched in Fall 2021 and is dedicated to training competent, ethical, and culturally responsive counselors. The department also includes a thriving undergraduate psychology program with nearly 2,000 students and 20 full-time faculty. Faculty across the department are collaborative academics who mentor students in their scholarly and professional activities.
UVU is a rapidly growing regional university of more than 40,000 students and is located in Orem, Utah—about 40 miles south of Salt Lake City. UVU is also near Utah’s emerging cluster of tech companies and start-ups, the Silicon Slopes, which include notable companies such as Adobe, Cisco, Facebook, and more. Central Utah boasts fine restaurants and cultural events and access to world-class ski resorts, hiking, fishing, biking, and other outdoor activities. Nearby world-renowned National Parks and recreation areas include Canyonlands, Arches, Zion, Bryce Canyon, the Wasatch Mountain range, the Uinta mountains and wilderness area—all within 1 to 4 hour drives. Grand Canyon National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, Lake Tahoe, San Francisco, Denver, and Las Vegas are all within a day’s drive. Nearby ski resorts include Alta, Brighton, Deer Valley, Park City, Snowbird, Solitude, and Sundance.
UVU Benefits:
- 14.2% Retirement Contribution
- Tuition waivers
- HSA Contribution
- Affordable medical, dental, and vision plans
- Employee Wellness Program
- Employee Assistance Program (Eight free therapy sessions per qualifying event)
Due to laws surrounding wage-based benefits and taxes, employees must perform their UVU work within the boundaries of the state of Utah.
Summary of Responsibilities
- Teaching and grading of coursework, including holding regular office hours and engaging in student mentoring.
- Designing, reviewing, and revising curriculum and courses according to the needs and guidelines of their department, college/school, and the University.
- Further development of pedagogical skills to enhance their course content and materials.
- Attending required meetings and trainings.
Qualifications / Licenses / Certifications
- A master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is required by the start date of the position.
- Candidates who hold a degree from a CACREP-accredited program are strongly preferred.
- Candidates must be eligible for or hold licensure as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC) or equivalent in the state of Utah.
- Due to laws surrounding wage-based benefits and taxes, employees must perform their UVU work within the boundaries of the state of Utah.
Preferred Qualifications
- A doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) in Counselor Education and Supervision (CES) or a closely related field.
- Clinical experience in mental health settings, experience with clinical supervision of counselors-in-training, and familiarity with CACREP accreditation processes and standards are highly desirable.
- Lecturer has a history of demonstrating respect for students and colleagues both inside and outside the classroom.
Licenses or Certifications
A license as a CMHC in Utah or a license-eligible.
Documents Needed to Apply
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Teaching Philosophy
- Unofficial Transcripts
- SRI/Student Rating of Instruction
Knowledge / Skills / Abilities
Knowledge
- Knowledge of subject matter and course content in clinical mental health counseling at the discretion of the department.
- Knowledge and skill in current instructional theories, strategies, techniques and content.
- Knowledge of CACREP accreditation processes and clinical practice.
- Knowledge of the principles and methodology of in-person, hybrid, and distance education models.
Skills
- Skills in teaching as demonstrated through effective instructional strategies and techniques.
- Skills in maintaining a positive and engaging learning environment for students.
- Effective oral and written communication skills.
- Excellent community relations skills.
- Excellent clinical supervision skills.
- Skilled in time management and organization.
Abilities
- The ongoing lecturer position is a full-time, teaching-focused position with a 5-5 course load within the CACREP-accredited Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, with the possibility of teaching select undergraduate psychology courses as needed.
- Lecturer will be able to teach graduate-level courses including ACA Ethics, Research and Program Evaluation, Practicum, Internship, and other courses as assigned.
- Lecturer should demonstrate knowledge of CACREP accreditation standards and a commitment to upholding the program’s accredited status.
EEO Statement:
UVU employment decisions are made on the basis of an applicant’s qualifications and ability to perform the job without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and over), disability, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, or pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or other bases protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Position Announcement
The Department of Psychology and Counseling at Utah Valley University invites applications for an ongoing lecturer in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC). The lecturer position is a full-time, teaching-focused position with a 5-5 course load within the CACREP-accredited Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, with the possibility of teaching select undergraduate psychology courses as needed. The CMHC program is a 60-credit-hour program that prepares students for licensure as Clinical Mental Health Counselors and is committed to training ethical, competent, and culturally responsive practitioners.
The successful candidate will be able to teach graduate-level courses, including ACA Ethics, Research and Program Evaluation, Practicum, Internship, and other courses as assigned. Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate knowledge of CACREP accreditation standards and a commitment to upholding the program’s accredited status. We seek a candidate with strong knowledge of counseling theories, evidence-based practices, ethical standards, and clinical supervision who is passionate about counselor education and committed to student development.
The successful candidate will demonstrate expertise in pedagogy and instructional practices relevant to counselor education, with a strong ability to deliver instruction across multiple modalities, including face-to-face, hybrid, and online formats. We value educators who employ innovative instructional strategies and experiential learning techniques that enhance student engagement, clinical skill development, and professional identity formation.
We seek individuals who are not only willing to reflect on and refine their teaching practices based on feedback, training, or scholarship but also who actively collaborate and communicate respectfully with colleagues, students, staff, and community site partners. The successful applicant will join a vibrant academic community dedicated to fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment for all students.
Application Materials
Submit (1) a cover letter that outlines how the candidate meets the job requirements, (2) a curriculum vitae, (3) unofficial transcripts, (4) a teaching statement that addresses the candidate’s philosophy and experience with counselor education, and (5) student evaluations of teaching from the three most recent years, as applicable. References will be solicited later in the hiring process.
About UVU
Utah Valley University (UVU) is a bastion of unity, academic excellence, personal and professional development, and community engagement. UVU’s ethos, summarized in the phrase “A Place For You”, attracts individuals who support student success and a hands-on approach to improving the future of higher learning. Dive into the array of career prospects at UVU, where you can contribute to the institution’s enduring legacy.
The UVU Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is a CACREP-accredited 60-credit-hour master’s program housed within the Department of Psychology and Counseling. The program launched in Fall 2021 and is dedicated to training competent, ethical, and culturally responsive counselors. The department also includes a thriving undergraduate psychology program with nearly 2,000 students and 20 full-time faculty. Faculty across the department are collaborative academics who mentor students in their scholarly and professional activities.
UVU is a rapidly growing regional university of more than 40,000 students and is located in Orem, Utah—about 40 miles south of Salt Lake City. UVU is also near Utah’s emerging cluster of tech companies and start-ups, the Silicon Slopes, which include notable companies such as Adobe, Cisco, Facebook, and more. Central Utah boasts fine restaurants and cultural events and access to world-class ski resorts, hiking, fishing, biking, and other outdoor activities. Nearby world-renowned National Parks and recreation areas include Canyonlands, Arches, Zion, Bryce Canyon, the Wasatch Mountain range, the Uinta mountains and wilderness area—all within 1 to 4 hour drives. Grand Canyon National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, Lake Tahoe, San Francisco, Denver, and Las Vegas are all within a day’s drive. Nearby ski resorts include Alta, Brighton, Deer Valley, Park City, Snowbird, Solitude, and Sundance.
UVU Benefits:
- 14.2% Retirement Contribution
- Tuition waivers
- HSA Contribution
- Affordable medical, dental, and vision plans
- Employee Wellness Program
- Employee Assistance Program (Eight free therapy sessions per qualifying event)
Due to laws surrounding wage-based benefits and taxes, employees must perform their UVU work within the boundaries of the state of Utah.
Summary of Responsibilities
- Teaching and grading of coursework, including holding regular office hours and engaging in student mentoring.
- Designing, reviewing, and revising curriculum and courses according to the needs and guidelines of their department, college/school, and the University.
- Further development of pedagogical skills to enhance their course content and materials.
- Attending required meetings and trainings.
Qualifications / Licenses / Certifications
- A master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is required by the start date of the position.
- Candidates who hold a degree from a CACREP-accredited program are strongly preferred.
- Candidates must be eligible for or hold licensure as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC) or equivalent in the state of Utah.
- Due to laws surrounding wage-based benefits and taxes, employees must perform their UVU work within the boundaries of the state of Utah.
Preferred Qualifications
- A doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) in Counselor Education and Supervision (CES) or a closely related field.
- Clinical experience in mental health settings, experience with clinical supervision of counselors-in-training, and familiarity with CACREP accreditation processes and standards are highly desirable.
- Lecturer has a history of demonstrating respect for students and colleagues both inside and outside the classroom.
Licenses or Certifications
A license as a CMHC in Utah or a license-eligible.
Documents Needed to Apply
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Teaching Philosophy
- Unofficial Transcripts
- SRI/Student Rating of Instruction
Knowledge / Skills / Abilities
Knowledge
- Knowledge of subject matter and course content in clinical mental health counseling at the discretion of the department.
- Knowledge and skill in current instructional theories, strategies, techniques and content.
- Knowledge of CACREP accreditation processes and clinical practice.
- Knowledge of the principles and methodology of in-person, hybrid, and distance education models.
Skills
- Skills in teaching as demonstrated through effective instructional strategies and techniques.
- Skills in maintaining a positive and engaging learning environment for students.
- Effective oral and written communication skills.
- Excellent community relations skills.
- Excellent clinical supervision skills.
- Skilled in time management and organization.
Abilities
- The ongoing lecturer position is a full-time, teaching-focused position with a 5-5 course load within the CACREP-accredited Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, with the possibility of teaching select undergraduate psychology courses as needed.
- Lecturer will be able to teach graduate-level courses including ACA Ethics, Research and Program Evaluation, Practicum, Internship, and other courses as assigned.
- Lecturer should demonstrate knowledge of CACREP accreditation standards and a commitment to upholding the program’s accredited status.
EEO Statement:
UVU employment decisions are made on the basis of an applicant’s qualifications and ability to perform the job without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and over), disability, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, or pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or other bases protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
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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.