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 JobsINTRODUCTION
The Licensed Mental Health Professional provides therapy for individuals experiencing mental health disorders consistent with diagnoses listed in the most current DSM. Services may be provided in the main clinic and the school branch office in context of individual, couples, group or family interactions based on the assessment of patient needs. Generally services are by appointment but emergency triaging and disposition is provided as necessary. The therapist adheres to the highest standard of ethical behavior and patient confidentiality. During the course of treatment planning and coordination, the therapist may interact with one or more community agencies, law enforcement organization, and other health care professionals. Maintenance of patient records including timely and accurate documentation of all services rendered is required. Participation in clinical collaboration is mandated by state administrative rule.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide therapy for individuals experiencing mental health disorders.
- Deliver services in individual, couples, group, or family contexts.
- Conduct emergency triaging and disposition as necessary.
- Maintain patient records with timely and accurate documentation.
- Interact with community agencies, law enforcement, and other health care professionals as needed.
- Participate in clinical collaboration as mandated by state rules.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Education Required:
Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, or Marriage and Family Therapy is required. Licensure as a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Professional Counselor (LPC) or Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of Wisconsin is required. Additional certification or training in substance use disorder treatment is preferred.
Related Years of Experience Required:
Completion of 3,000 hours post graduate degree in supervised clinical services and certified/licensed in the state of Wisconsin required.
- Completion of 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience in direct psychotherapeutic services to individuals, families, couples, and groups.
- Training and experience in substance use disorder treatment is preferred.
- Capable of working 8 plus consecutive hours, demonstrate ability to function under stress and rapidly changing conditions.
- Demonstrates the ability to perform triaging and crisis intervention.
Credential/Licensure Required:
LCSW, LPC or LMFT required, Driver's license, BLS.
Shift:
Working 20 hours a week, Monday - Friday.
Education
Required
- High School or better
- Masters or better in Social Work
Preferred
- General Education Diploma or better
LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS
Required
- LIC CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKR
Preferred
- CERT BASIC LIFE SUPPORT
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
INTRODUCTION
The Licensed Mental Health Professional provides therapy for individuals experiencing mental health disorders consistent with diagnoses listed in the most current DSM. Services may be provided in the main clinic and the school branch office in context of individual, couples, group or family interactions based on the assessment of patient needs. Generally services are by appointment but emergency triaging and disposition is provided as necessary. The therapist adheres to the highest standard of ethical behavior and patient confidentiality. During the course of treatment planning and coordination, the therapist may interact with one or more community agencies, law enforcement organization, and other health care professionals. Maintenance of patient records including timely and accurate documentation of all services rendered is required. Participation in clinical collaboration is mandated by state administrative rule.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide therapy for individuals experiencing mental health disorders.
- Deliver services in individual, couples, group, or family contexts.
- Conduct emergency triaging and disposition as necessary.
- Maintain patient records with timely and accurate documentation.
- Interact with community agencies, law enforcement, and other health care professionals as needed.
- Participate in clinical collaboration as mandated by state rules.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Education Required:
Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, or Marriage and Family Therapy is required. Licensure as a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Professional Counselor (LPC) or Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of Wisconsin is required. Additional certification or training in substance use disorder treatment is preferred.
Related Years of Experience Required:
Completion of 3,000 hours post graduate degree in supervised clinical services and certified/licensed in the state of Wisconsin required.
- Completion of 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience in direct psychotherapeutic services to individuals, families, couples, and groups.
- Training and experience in substance use disorder treatment is preferred.
- Capable of working 8 plus consecutive hours, demonstrate ability to function under stress and rapidly changing conditions.
- Demonstrates the ability to perform triaging and crisis intervention.
Credential/Licensure Required:
LCSW, LPC or LMFT required, Driver's license, BLS.
Shift:
Working 20 hours a week, Monday - Friday.
Education
Required
- High School or better
- Masters or better in Social Work
Preferred
- General Education Diploma or better
LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS
Required
- LIC CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKR
Preferred
- CERT BASIC LIFE SUPPORT
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
See all 6,778+ 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.