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 JobsJoin a team that shares your calling
At MultiCare, you’re more than just a job title — you’re part of a team built on trust that cares for each other, our patients and our communities. Belonging here means living our mission and values every day. If your purpose and passions align with ours, you’ll find a place to grow, do meaningful work and build a career you love in a community that feels like home.
FTE: 1.0
Shift: 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Schedule: Monday - Friday
Position Summary
The Licensed Mental Health Professional is a key role within the behavioral health department of MultiCare, responsible for providing individual, family, and group therapy for patients. Treating a broad array of behavioral health disorders, mental illness and co-occurring illnesses, within this role you will be able to apply evidenced-based and evidence-informed outpatient therapy and clinical service skill sets in your daily work functions.
Responsibilities:
- You will complete psychiatric or psychosocial assessments, including mental status exams
- You will develop with the individual in service, an assessment and comprehensive treatment plan that identifies the unique needs of each individual and may provide individual, couples, family, psychoeducation, and group therapy
- You will provide psychotherapy, supportive therapy, i.e. problem solving, role-playing, modeling and support, social skill development, and assertiveness training to increase patient social and interpersonal activities in community settings
- You will document all encounters inpatient electronic health record according to organization policies and procedures; monitor outcome measurements
- You will collaborate with referral sources and other members of the patient's clinical team
- You will provide ongoing measurement of the individual in service outcomes and evaluation of intervention effectiveness
Requirements
- Master’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or related field
- A Mental Health Professional as defined within HB 1724 one of these higher credentials are held: Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), SW Independent Clinical Lic (LICSW)
Why MultiCare?
Rooted in the local community
Partnering with patients, families and neighbors across the Pacific Northwest for more than 140 years.
Growth and education
Competitive tuition assistance, award-winning residencies, fellowships and career development to invest in you.
Well-being and support
Generous PTO, Code Lavender and Employee Assistance Programs to help you maintain balance and feel cared in your work and life.
Living our values
Respect, integrity, kindness and collaboration guide how we care for patients, communities and each other.
Belonging for all
Resource Groups and outreach programs help ensure every team member feels safe, seen, heard and valued.
Pacific Northwest lifestyle
Work and live where natural beauty, adventure and strong community connections are part of everyday life.
Pay and Benefit Expectations
We provide a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive salary, medical, dental and retirement benefits and paid time off. As required by various pay transparency laws, we share a competitive range of compensation for candidates hired into each position. The pay scale is $39.85 - $57.35 USD. However, pay is influenced by factors specific to applicants, including but not limited to: skill set, level of experience, and certification(s) and/or education. If this position is associated with a union contract, pay will be reflective of the appropriate step on the pay scale to which the applicant’s years of experience align.
Associated benefit information can be viewed here.
Join a team that shares your calling
At MultiCare, you’re more than just a job title — you’re part of a team built on trust that cares for each other, our patients and our communities. Belonging here means living our mission and values every day. If your purpose and passions align with ours, you’ll find a place to grow, do meaningful work and build a career you love in a community that feels like home.
FTE: 1.0
Shift: 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Schedule: Monday - Friday
Position Summary
The Licensed Mental Health Professional is a key role within the behavioral health department of MultiCare, responsible for providing individual, family, and group therapy for patients. Treating a broad array of behavioral health disorders, mental illness and co-occurring illnesses, within this role you will be able to apply evidenced-based and evidence-informed outpatient therapy and clinical service skill sets in your daily work functions.
Responsibilities:
- You will complete psychiatric or psychosocial assessments, including mental status exams
- You will develop with the individual in service, an assessment and comprehensive treatment plan that identifies the unique needs of each individual and may provide individual, couples, family, psychoeducation, and group therapy
- You will provide psychotherapy, supportive therapy, i.e. problem solving, role-playing, modeling and support, social skill development, and assertiveness training to increase patient social and interpersonal activities in community settings
- You will document all encounters inpatient electronic health record according to organization policies and procedures; monitor outcome measurements
- You will collaborate with referral sources and other members of the patient's clinical team
- You will provide ongoing measurement of the individual in service outcomes and evaluation of intervention effectiveness
Requirements
- Master’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or related field
- A Mental Health Professional as defined within HB 1724 one of these higher credentials are held: Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), SW Independent Clinical Lic (LICSW)
Why MultiCare?
Rooted in the local community
Partnering with patients, families and neighbors across the Pacific Northwest for more than 140 years.
Growth and education
Competitive tuition assistance, award-winning residencies, fellowships and career development to invest in you.
Well-being and support
Generous PTO, Code Lavender and Employee Assistance Programs to help you maintain balance and feel cared in your work and life.
Living our values
Respect, integrity, kindness and collaboration guide how we care for patients, communities and each other.
Belonging for all
Resource Groups and outreach programs help ensure every team member feels safe, seen, heard and valued.
Pacific Northwest lifestyle
Work and live where natural beauty, adventure and strong community connections are part of everyday life.
Pay and Benefit Expectations
We provide a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive salary, medical, dental and retirement benefits and paid time off. As required by various pay transparency laws, we share a competitive range of compensation for candidates hired into each position. The pay scale is $39.85 - $57.35 USD. However, pay is influenced by factors specific to applicants, including but not limited to: skill set, level of experience, and certification(s) and/or education. If this position is associated with a union contract, pay will be reflective of the appropriate step on the pay scale to which the applicant’s years of experience align.
Associated benefit information can be viewed here.
See all 6,044+ 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.