OPT Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Jobs
Mental Health Nurse Practitioner jobs on OPT require active APRN licensure, which varies by state and can take weeks to obtain after graduation. Most positions fall under STEM OPT if your nursing program qualifies. Employers typically sponsor H-1B visa after OPT, given the persistent shortage of psychiatric NPs nationwide.
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TOWN AND COUNTRY, MO 63131
Scheduled Hours
40
Position Summary
Washington University in St. Louis is seeking an Outpatient Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) or Physician Assistant with at least one year of post-graduate outpatient experience in psychiatric evaluation and medication management.
In this role, the APP delivers diagnostic evaluations and ongoing medication management within a collegial, team-based environment. The position offers a flexible hybrid schedule of telemedicine and in-person care in modern facilities, backed by full administrative support and structured for approximately 36 direct patient care hours per 40-hour workweek.
- Practice: Outpatient practice at one of our St. Louis Mental Health and Wellness Center Clinics. Monday - Friday clinic hours (No Nights, weekends, or holidays).
- Collaborative Environment: Offers a highly supportive, collegial atmosphere alongside leading psychiatric faculty and clinicians.
- Comprehensive Support: Full administrative backing designed to streamline workflows and maximize patient facing time.
Placement across the greater St. Louis area will be determined during the interview process based on candidate fit and availability.
This job offers a generous base salary plus uncapped additional productivity-driven bonuses, exceptional employee benefits including 20 vacation days & 10 paid holidays a year, a 7-10% matching 403(b), dependent tuition and so much more!
Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
- Provide direct outpatient psychiatric care to patients for a minimum of 36 hours per 40 hour work week.
- Focus on clinical care of patients with a wide range of psychiatric diagnoses.
- Evaluate, diagnose, and develop treatment plans for assigned patients.
- Prescribe and monitor medication.
- Provide referrals for additional treatment needs.
- Provide psychotherapy as needed.
- Document, monitor, and ensure accuracy and timeliness of patient medical records. Maintain all required reports, record, statistics, etc.
- Maintain a safe, comfortable and therapeutic environment for patients/families in accordance with established clinic/hospital standards.
- Maintain established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance program, safety, environmental and infection control standards.
- Enhance professional growth and development through educational programs, current literature, in-service meetings and workshops. Will function and be supervised under a Collaborative Practice Agreement with a Physician.
Working Conditions:
- Ability to travel to other locations.
- Normal office environment.
- Exposure to blood-borne pathogens.
- Exposure to chemicals.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.
Required Qualifications
Education:
Master's degree
Certifications /Professional Licenses:
The list below may include all acceptable certifications, professional licenses and issuers. More than one credential, certification or professional license may be required depending on the role.
- Basic Life Support - American Heart Association
- Basic Life Support - American Red Cross
Work Experience:
No specific work experience is required for this position.
Skills:
Not Applicable
Driver's License:
A driver's license is not required for this position.
More About This Job
We are seeking a dedicated NP or PA to join our team. Below are additional requirements and information based on each role.
Required Qualifications:
- Psychiatric - Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification, Board Certified or other APP certifications with the mental health experience we seek.
- Must have Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration and number, and Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (BNDD) registration and number.
- APN licensure or ability to successfully obtain licensure within three months of date of hire.
- Certain/additional certifications may be necessary based on area of specialty.
- Basic Life Support certification (Online Basic Life Support certifications, those without a skills assessment component, are not sufficient to meet the Basic Life Support requirement).
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experienced in both medication management as well as psychotherapy.
- Experience in working with children, adolescents, and adult outpatient mental health.
- 2 or more years of outpatient mental health experience is a plus.
- Illinois APN licensure is a plus.
- Missouri and Illinois Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration and number, Missouri Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (BNDD) registration and Illinois Controlled Substance Registration (CSR) registration is a plus.
- Experience with Epic Electronic Medical Records system is a plus.
- Empathy, communication, active listening, problem solving, ethical, and the ability to work with diverse populations and insurers.
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
Master's degree - Nurse Practitioner, Master's degree - Physician Assistant Studies
Certifications /Professional Licenses:
- Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) - Missouri Division of Professional Registration
- Certified Nurse Practitioner - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- Certified Nurse Practitioner - Missouri Division of Professional Registration
- Physician Assistant - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- Physician Assistant - Missouri Division of Professional Registration
Work Experience:
No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Skills:
Adaptability, Clinical Decision Making, Clinical Diagnostics, Communication, Customer Empathy, Detail-Oriented, Disease Management, Epic EHR, Family Support, HIPAA Compliance, Interpersonal Communication, Interpersonal Relationships, Multitasking, Organizing, Patient Care, Patient Education, Patient Evaluations, Patient Management, Pharmacology, Preventive Care, Psychiatric Care, Teamwork, Time Management
Grade
S31
Salary Range
$97,000.00 - $174,600.00 / Annually
The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.
Questions
For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.
Accommodation
If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.
All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.
Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.
Benefits Statement
Personal
- Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
- Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
- Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
- WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.
Wellness
- Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!
Family
- We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.
- WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.
For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/
EEO Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.
Location
TOWN AND COUNTRY, MO 63131
Scheduled Hours
40
Position Summary
Washington University in St. Louis is seeking an Outpatient Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) or Physician Assistant with at least one year of post-graduate outpatient experience in psychiatric evaluation and medication management.
In this role, the APP delivers diagnostic evaluations and ongoing medication management within a collegial, team-based environment. The position offers a flexible hybrid schedule of telemedicine and in-person care in modern facilities, backed by full administrative support and structured for approximately 36 direct patient care hours per 40-hour workweek.
- Practice: Outpatient practice at one of our St. Louis Mental Health and Wellness Center Clinics. Monday - Friday clinic hours (No Nights, weekends, or holidays).
- Collaborative Environment: Offers a highly supportive, collegial atmosphere alongside leading psychiatric faculty and clinicians.
- Comprehensive Support: Full administrative backing designed to streamline workflows and maximize patient facing time.
Placement across the greater St. Louis area will be determined during the interview process based on candidate fit and availability.
This job offers a generous base salary plus uncapped additional productivity-driven bonuses, exceptional employee benefits including 20 vacation days & 10 paid holidays a year, a 7-10% matching 403(b), dependent tuition and so much more!
Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
- Provide direct outpatient psychiatric care to patients for a minimum of 36 hours per 40 hour work week.
- Focus on clinical care of patients with a wide range of psychiatric diagnoses.
- Evaluate, diagnose, and develop treatment plans for assigned patients.
- Prescribe and monitor medication.
- Provide referrals for additional treatment needs.
- Provide psychotherapy as needed.
- Document, monitor, and ensure accuracy and timeliness of patient medical records. Maintain all required reports, record, statistics, etc.
- Maintain a safe, comfortable and therapeutic environment for patients/families in accordance with established clinic/hospital standards.
- Maintain established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance program, safety, environmental and infection control standards.
- Enhance professional growth and development through educational programs, current literature, in-service meetings and workshops. Will function and be supervised under a Collaborative Practice Agreement with a Physician.
Working Conditions:
- Ability to travel to other locations.
- Normal office environment.
- Exposure to blood-borne pathogens.
- Exposure to chemicals.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.
Required Qualifications
Education:
Master's degree
Certifications /Professional Licenses:
The list below may include all acceptable certifications, professional licenses and issuers. More than one credential, certification or professional license may be required depending on the role.
- Basic Life Support - American Heart Association
- Basic Life Support - American Red Cross
Work Experience:
No specific work experience is required for this position.
Skills:
Not Applicable
Driver's License:
A driver's license is not required for this position.
More About This Job
We are seeking a dedicated NP or PA to join our team. Below are additional requirements and information based on each role.
Required Qualifications:
- Psychiatric - Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification, Board Certified or other APP certifications with the mental health experience we seek.
- Must have Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration and number, and Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (BNDD) registration and number.
- APN licensure or ability to successfully obtain licensure within three months of date of hire.
- Certain/additional certifications may be necessary based on area of specialty.
- Basic Life Support certification (Online Basic Life Support certifications, those without a skills assessment component, are not sufficient to meet the Basic Life Support requirement).
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experienced in both medication management as well as psychotherapy.
- Experience in working with children, adolescents, and adult outpatient mental health.
- 2 or more years of outpatient mental health experience is a plus.
- Illinois APN licensure is a plus.
- Missouri and Illinois Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration and number, Missouri Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (BNDD) registration and Illinois Controlled Substance Registration (CSR) registration is a plus.
- Experience with Epic Electronic Medical Records system is a plus.
- Empathy, communication, active listening, problem solving, ethical, and the ability to work with diverse populations and insurers.
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
Master's degree - Nurse Practitioner, Master's degree - Physician Assistant Studies
Certifications /Professional Licenses:
- Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) - Missouri Division of Professional Registration
- Certified Nurse Practitioner - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- Certified Nurse Practitioner - Missouri Division of Professional Registration
- Physician Assistant - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- Physician Assistant - Missouri Division of Professional Registration
Work Experience:
No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Skills:
Adaptability, Clinical Decision Making, Clinical Diagnostics, Communication, Customer Empathy, Detail-Oriented, Disease Management, Epic EHR, Family Support, HIPAA Compliance, Interpersonal Communication, Interpersonal Relationships, Multitasking, Organizing, Patient Care, Patient Education, Patient Evaluations, Patient Management, Pharmacology, Preventive Care, Psychiatric Care, Teamwork, Time Management
Grade
S31
Salary Range
$97,000.00 - $174,600.00 / Annually
The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.
Questions
For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.
Accommodation
If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.
All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.
Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.
Benefits Statement
Personal
- Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
- Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
- Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
- WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.
Wellness
- Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!
Family
- We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.
- WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.
For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/
EEO Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.
See all 31+ OPT Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Verify your STEM OPT eligibility early
Psychiatric nursing programs with a STEM-designated CIP code qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your program's classification with your DSO before graduation so you can plan your job search around a full three-year OPT window.
Obtain your APRN license before your start date
State licensing boards require a separate application after passing the PMHNP-BC or ANCC exam. Some states take six to ten weeks to process. Start the application immediately after passing your boards to avoid gaps in your OPT employment authorization.
Target health systems with H-1B sponsorship history
Large hospital networks and federally qualified health centers regularly sponsor psychiatric NPs on H-1B visas. Focus your applications on employers with established immigration support teams, as they are more likely to navigate the sponsorship process efficiently on your behalf.
Understand the specialty occupation standard for NPs
Mental Health NP roles qualify as specialty occupations under H-1B rules because they require a graduate nursing degree and APRN licensure. Framing your role's clinical and diagnostic responsibilities clearly in your resume strengthens the employer's petition case.
Document your clinical hours and supervisory relationships
Some employers require supervised practice periods for new APRNs, which still counts as valid OPT employment. Keep written records of your supervising physician or collaborating provider arrangement, as USCIS may request this documentation during OPT or H-1B adjudication.
Negotiate a sponsorship commitment before accepting an offer
Ask employers directly about their H-1B sponsorship policy during the offer stage, not after you start. Behavioral health settings with ongoing shortages are often willing to commit in writing, giving you security before your OPT authorization period expires.
Mental Health Nurse Practitioner OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner on OPT without a Social Security Number?
You can begin the job search and sign an offer letter without an SSN, but you cannot start working until you have one. Apply for your SSN as soon as you have a confirmed employment start date and a job offer letter. Processing takes one to two weeks at most Social Security Administration offices.
Does a Mental Health NP role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your specific degree program's CIP code. Some psychiatric and advanced practice nursing programs carry STEM-designated classifications, which qualify you for the 24-month extension on top of your initial 12 months. Check with your DSO and confirm the CIP code for your degree before assuming eligibility.
How do I find Mental Health Nurse Practitioner employers who sponsor OPT and H-1B?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters jobs by visa sponsorship willingness. Searching on Migrate Mate lets you focus on Mental Health NP roles at employers who have sponsored international workers before, saving significant time compared to applying broadly and asking about sponsorship after the fact.
Can I work as a Mental Health NP in multiple states on a single OPT authorization?
Yes. Your OPT work authorization is federal and not tied to a specific state. However, APRN licensure is state-specific, so you need a valid license in every state where you practice clinically. If you move or take a telehealth role covering multiple states, verify licensure requirements for each jurisdiction before starting work there.
What happens to my OPT if my employer's H-1B petition is denied?
If your H-1B petition is denied and your OPT is still valid, you can continue working for that employer or seek a new position. If your OPT has already expired, you enter unlawful status unless you have another valid authorization. File H-1B petitions as early as your OPT timeline allows to maximize overlap and reduce risk.