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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INTRODUCTION
Are you in search of a new opportunity that makes a meaningful impact? If so, now is the time to find your calling at St. Mary's Regional Medical Center.
We are seeking a highly skilled Licensed Mental Health Professional to join our team at St. Mary's Regional Medical Center! This role offers the opportunity to work with diverse patient populations, providing exceptional care. Perfect for a Therapist looking to make a meaningful impact in Oklahoma!
St. Mary’s is a 229-bed, acute care hospital located in Enid, OK. St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center has served the healthcare needs of northwest Oklahoma for more than 100 years. We host more than 125 highly skilled physicians offering specialties in Cardiology, Neurology, Orthopedics, Emergency Medicine, Rehabilitation, Laboratory, Women’s Imaging, Wound Care, and more.
Position Summary
The Licensed Mental Health Professional possesses a strong background in providing therapeutic services to individuals, couples, families, or groups, and is licensed in their respective discipline. This position requires a compassionate and client-centered approach to support the mental health and well-being of our patients.
JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Conduct comprehensive assessments of clients’ mental health, emotional well-being, and psychosocial needs.
- Collaborate with clients to develop individualized treatment plans.
- Provide evidence-based therapeutic interventions and counseling to clients using various modalities.
- Offer crisis intervention and support to clients in acute distress.
- Maintain accurate and confidential client records, including progress notes, treatment plans, and assessments.
BENEFITS:
- Tuition Assistance
- Challenging and rewarding work environment
- Competitive Compensation & Generous Paid Time Off
- Excellent Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Plans & 401k with company match
- Discounts with local St. Mary’s providers
- Career development opportunities within UHS and its 300+ Subsidiaries!
For more benefit information UHS Benefits Service Center
QUALIFICATIONS
REQUIREMENTS
- Current and valid Oklahoma state licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or equivalent.
- Master’s degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or related field.
- Clinical experience in mental health counseling or therapy.
- Strong assessment, diagnostic, and treatment planning skills.
- Excellent communication and active listening skills.
- Cultural competence and sensitivity to diverse populations.
- Commitment to ongoing professional development and continuing education.
- BLS required within 6 months of hire.
- SECURE training required within 60 days of hiring, renew annually thereafter.
EEO STATEMENT
It is the policy of the Facility to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants for employment. No person will be discriminated against in employment on the basis any legally protected characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 and over or as otherwise defined by applicable law), disability or genetic information (including family medical history) or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable Federal, State, or local law. For purposes of this policy, race includes traits historically associated with race, including but not limited to, hair type, texture, length and protective hairstyles (including but not limited to, braids, locks, twists, Bantu knots, hair coverings, etc.). If certain workspaces require such restrictions for health and safety reasons, non-discriminatory accommodations should be considered and implemented if feasible.
NOTICE
At UHS and all subsidiaries, our Human Resources departments and recruiters are here to help prospective candidates with matching skillset and experience with the best possible career at UHS and our subsidiaries. We take pride in creating a highly efficient and best in class candidate experience. During the recruitment process, no recruiter or employee will request financial or personal information (Social Security Number, credit card or bank information, etc.) from you via email. The recruiters will not email you from a public webmail client like Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo Mail etc. If you feel suspicious of a job posting or job-related email, let us know by contacting us at: https://uhs.alertline.com or 1-800-852-3449.
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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.