OPT Mental Health Counselor Jobs
Mental Health Counselor roles on OPT require careful attention to licensure timelines. Most states require supervised hours and a licensed supervisor before you can practice independently, and that supervision period aligns well with your OPT window. STEM OPT extension is not available for this field, so planning your H-1B visa or other visa transition early matters.
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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 385+ OPT Mental Health Counselor Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Mental Health Counselor Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Mental Health Counselor
Target employers with established supervision structures
Community mental health centers, hospital systems, and large behavioral health networks already have licensed supervisors on staff. These settings are built to onboard pre-licensed counselors, which makes them far more likely to support your OPT work authorization and future sponsorship needs.
Understand your state's licensure requirements before accepting a role
Each state sets its own supervised hours requirement for licensure, ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 hours. Knowing the requirement in your target state helps you assess whether your OPT window is long enough to complete the hours and qualify for licensure.
Frame your multilingual skills as a clinical asset
Employers in underserved communities actively recruit counselors who speak languages other than English. Fluency in Spanish, Mandarin, Hindi, or other languages can differentiate your application and expand the pool of employers willing to invest in sponsorship for your position.
Research nonprofit and federally qualified health center employers
Federally Qualified Health Centers and nonprofit behavioral health organizations often have greater motivation to retain long-term staff, including sponsoring work visas. Their missions depend on consistent, culturally competent care, making them more open to supporting international counselors through the sponsorship process.
Be direct about your OPT status and timeline in early conversations
Bringing up your authorization timeline in the first or second interview signals professionalism, not risk. Employers who would hesitate are better identified early, and those who ask follow-up questions are often genuinely open to learning what sponsorship involves for this role.
Connect your graduate training specialty to employer caseload needs
Employers with specific caseloads, such as trauma, substance use, or adolescent mental health, prioritize candidates trained in those areas. Matching your clinical specialty to the employer's population strengthens your candidacy and makes you harder to replace, which directly supports the sponsorship conversation.
Mental Health Counselor OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Mental Health Counselor on OPT without a full license?
Yes, most states allow pre-licensed counselors to practice under supervision while accruing hours toward full licensure. Your OPT employment authorization covers this supervised role as long as the work is directly related to your degree field. Confirm your state's supervision requirements with your employer before your start date.
Is Mental Health Counselor eligible for STEM OPT extension?
No. Mental Health Counselor roles fall under clinical and social science fields, which are not on the STEM Designated Degree Program List. Your initial OPT period is 12 months. If your employer cannot file an H-1B visa petition before OPT expires, you will need to explore other visa categories or return to school.
Which visa categories are most realistic for Mental Health Counselors after OPT?
The H-1B is the most common path, though the annual lottery makes timing uncertain. Some counselors qualify for the O-1A if they have research publications, awards, or other evidence of distinction. Counselors working for nonprofits or government agencies may also access cap-exempt H-1B filings, which bypass the lottery entirely.
How do I find Mental Health Counselor employers who sponsor OPT and visas?
Migrate Mate is the most direct way to find Mental Health Counselor roles posted by employers open to OPT and visa sponsorship. Filtering by sponsorship willingness saves time compared to applying broadly and discovering the limitation late in the process. Hospital networks, community health centers, and behavioral health groups are consistently the most sponsorship-friendly employers in this field.
Does my supervised clinical hours requirement affect my OPT status?
No, supervision is a state licensure requirement, not an immigration one. Working under a licensed supervisor does not change your OPT authorization or limit your employment rights. The key is that your role must be in a field directly related to your degree. Document your supervision hours carefully since you will need them for your licensure application regardless of visa status.