OPT Mental Health Professional Jobs
Mental Health Professional jobs on OPT cover roles like licensed counselor, clinical social worker, and behavioral health specialist. Most positions require a master's degree and state licensure, which can take time to obtain after graduation. STEM OPT extension is not available for most mental health programs, so your 12-month window matters.
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Get Access To All JobsPay Rate: $ 100,000 annual salary
Schedule: Full-time, Monday - Friday, Days
Benefits Include:
- Health, dental, vision, prescription drug and life insurance
- 401(k) retirement account
- Long and short-term disability
- PTO and 11 paid holidays
- Employee assistance program
Lead with Compassion in a Unique Setting - Take on a rewarding role at the Otero County Processing Center in Chaparral, New Mexico. We are seeking healthcare professionals who thrive in diverse environments and are committed to delivering high-quality care to underserved populations. If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact in correctional healthcare, we want you on our team!
What you'll do: You'll report administratively to the health services administrator and clinically to the psychologist. Responsible for planning and implementing mental health service programs of a non-medical nature in the facility. Provides mental health services to detainees in compliance with MTC Medical and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) directives.
Essential Functions:
- Develop and implement treatment and therapeutic programs for assigned detainees.
- Assume independent clinical responsibility for all detainees including the application of crisis intervention techniques to include suicide prevention, recognizing abnormal behavior, and taking appropriate action to prevent or diffuse potentially disruptive situations.
- Conduct diagnosis and evaluation tests for detainees to determine needs, establish goals and develop plans; make referrals to contract professionals for assessment and treatment of detainees.
- Provide direct casework services and individual and group counseling to detainees.
- Prepare progress reports; provide recommendations regarding discharge plans; make case presentations; and assist administrative and medical staff in development of statistical reports on assigned detainees.
- Maintain and monitor confidentiality of detainees and their files; audit files to determine that all services provided are documented; review status of detainees to determine that all treatment and therapeutic programs are completed.
- Screen requests for non-medical records and appropriately approve or disapprove responses following policy and procedures.
- Attend scheduled staff meetings; promote communication and the proper flow of relevant information between administration, staff and detainees.
- Attend seminars, workshops, conferences, and so forth, as required.
- Maintain current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification; perform CPR in emergencies.
- Regular and reliable attendance is required.
- Must be available for crisis on-call duties as needed.
Education and Experience Requirements:
A master’s degree in counseling or related field and Current Unrestricted license in the state of New Mexico (LPCC, LCSW, LMFT) required. Two (2) years previous work experience preferred but not required. Valid driver’s license in the state of New Mexico or Texas with an acceptable driving record required, unless waived by management.
Post Hire Requirements:
Must successfully complete annual in-service training requirements and maintain appropriate facility clearance.
Management & Training Corporation (MTC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, disabled status, veteran status, genetic information, national origin, or any other category protected by federal law. MTC participates in E-Verify. We strive to provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities, including disabled veterans, in our job application and hiring process. If you are interested in employment opportunities with Management & Training Corporation and need assistance, please contact our staffing department through customersupport@mtctrains.com or 801-693-2888.
Pay Rate: $ 100,000 annual salary
Schedule: Full-time, Monday - Friday, Days
Benefits Include:
- Health, dental, vision, prescription drug and life insurance
- 401(k) retirement account
- Long and short-term disability
- PTO and 11 paid holidays
- Employee assistance program
Lead with Compassion in a Unique Setting - Take on a rewarding role at the Otero County Processing Center in Chaparral, New Mexico. We are seeking healthcare professionals who thrive in diverse environments and are committed to delivering high-quality care to underserved populations. If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact in correctional healthcare, we want you on our team!
What you'll do: You'll report administratively to the health services administrator and clinically to the psychologist. Responsible for planning and implementing mental health service programs of a non-medical nature in the facility. Provides mental health services to detainees in compliance with MTC Medical and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) directives.
Essential Functions:
- Develop and implement treatment and therapeutic programs for assigned detainees.
- Assume independent clinical responsibility for all detainees including the application of crisis intervention techniques to include suicide prevention, recognizing abnormal behavior, and taking appropriate action to prevent or diffuse potentially disruptive situations.
- Conduct diagnosis and evaluation tests for detainees to determine needs, establish goals and develop plans; make referrals to contract professionals for assessment and treatment of detainees.
- Provide direct casework services and individual and group counseling to detainees.
- Prepare progress reports; provide recommendations regarding discharge plans; make case presentations; and assist administrative and medical staff in development of statistical reports on assigned detainees.
- Maintain and monitor confidentiality of detainees and their files; audit files to determine that all services provided are documented; review status of detainees to determine that all treatment and therapeutic programs are completed.
- Screen requests for non-medical records and appropriately approve or disapprove responses following policy and procedures.
- Attend scheduled staff meetings; promote communication and the proper flow of relevant information between administration, staff and detainees.
- Attend seminars, workshops, conferences, and so forth, as required.
- Maintain current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification; perform CPR in emergencies.
- Regular and reliable attendance is required.
- Must be available for crisis on-call duties as needed.
Education and Experience Requirements:
A master’s degree in counseling or related field and Current Unrestricted license in the state of New Mexico (LPCC, LCSW, LMFT) required. Two (2) years previous work experience preferred but not required. Valid driver’s license in the state of New Mexico or Texas with an acceptable driving record required, unless waived by management.
Post Hire Requirements:
Must successfully complete annual in-service training requirements and maintain appropriate facility clearance.
Management & Training Corporation (MTC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, disabled status, veteran status, genetic information, national origin, or any other category protected by federal law. MTC participates in E-Verify. We strive to provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities, including disabled veterans, in our job application and hiring process. If you are interested in employment opportunities with Management & Training Corporation and need assistance, please contact our staffing department through customersupport@mtctrains.com or 801-693-2888.
See all 7,323+ OPT Mental Health Professional Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Mental Health Professional
Start your state licensure process immediately
Most mental health roles require state licensure, and the application process can take 3 to 6 months. Begin your licensure paperwork before OPT starts so your credentials are ready when employers evaluate your eligibility to practice independently.
Target employers who hire associate-level clinicians
Community mental health centers, federally qualified health centers, and hospital systems regularly hire associate-level clinicians under supervision. These employers are more accustomed to sponsoring new graduates who need supervised hours toward full licensure, making them more OPT-friendly.
Clarify supervision requirements upfront
Many states require post-degree supervised hours before full licensure. Confirm with prospective employers that they offer a formal supervision structure. Employers who already have licensed supervisors on staff are better positioned to support you during the OPT period.
Highlight practicum and internship hours on your resume
Employers want proof you can deliver clinical services from day one. List your supervised practicum hours, client population experience, and any evidence-based modalities you were trained in. Concrete clinical hours reduce perceived risk for employers considering OPT candidates.
Understand your degree's OPT timeline before applying
Mental health master's programs generally do not qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you 12 months of authorized work. Factor this into your job search timeline and be transparent with employers so they can plan H-1B visa sponsorship before your OPT expires.
Research nonprofit and government employers for stronger sponsorship odds
Nonprofit behavioral health organizations and government-funded mental health agencies often have established H-1B sponsorship processes and are familiar with hiring international clinicians. These employers tend to invest in staff long-term, improving your chances of visa sponsorship after OPT.
Mental Health Professional OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Mental Health Professional on OPT without a state license?
It depends on the role and state. Many positions allow you to work under supervision as an associate counselor or clinical intern while you complete licensure requirements. However, practicing independently without the required state license is not permitted. Review your state's specific requirements and confirm that your employer offers a qualifying supervision arrangement before accepting a position.
Does a mental health master's degree qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most mental health master's programs, including programs in counseling, social work, and marriage and family therapy, are not classified under STEM-designated CIP codes and therefore do not qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. You'll have 12 months of standard post-completion OPT. If H-1B sponsorship is a goal, discuss the timeline with your employer early so they can file before your authorization expires.
Which types of employers are most likely to sponsor mental health professionals for H-1B visas?
Hospital systems, federally qualified health centers, large nonprofit behavioral health agencies, and university counseling centers are among the more common sponsors for mental health professionals. These organizations typically have HR infrastructure and legal support for immigration filings. Searching Migrate Mate for mental health roles lets you filter for employers who have sponsored international workers previously, saving significant time in your job search.
Can I do telehealth work on OPT as a mental health professional?
Yes, telehealth roles can qualify as valid OPT employment as long as the position is directly related to your degree field. However, telehealth practice is governed by state licensure laws, and you must be licensed in the state where your client is located. Confirm with your employer and DSO that your remote arrangement meets both OPT employment requirements and applicable state licensing rules.
What should I look for in a job posting to assess whether it's OPT-compatible?
Look for postings that list associate licensure levels as acceptable, mention supervision structures or clinical training programs, and don't require immediate independent licensure. Avoid roles that list full independent licensure as a hard requirement if you haven't yet obtained it. Postings from established behavioral health organizations with formal onboarding programs are generally more structured for new graduates and more familiar with OPT work authorization.