OPT Mental Health Technician Jobs
Mental Health Technician roles are among the more OPT-accessible positions in healthcare, since many employers hire for direct patient care experience over advanced licensure. STEM OPT extension eligibility depends on your degree field, so confirm whether your program qualifies before applying.
Find OPT Mental Health Technician JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 78+ Mental Health Technician jobs
See all 78+ Mental Health Technician Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Mental Health Technician roles.
Get Access To All JobsYour job is more than a job.
Why a Great Place to Work At LCMC Health we help you to lean into your calling by leaning in with you, ensuring you have the resources to do your job as only you can. And that begins with receiving the support you need to thrive and grow, which looks different for each person. Living out our commitment to inclusion requires providing benefits that are as diverse and unique as our workforce. It’s a responsibility we take seriously. Because we don’t just serve the New Orleans community—we’re at the beating heart of it. Whether by offering community health services or making medical innovations more accessible, LCMC Health is bringing a culture of wellness to the communities that matter to you. When you know you’re making an authentic impact, you give a little extra to every day— as a person, with your team, in your community—and that’s one of the reasons why you’ll be a perfect fit at LCMC Health, where giving a little something extra is at the heart of everything we do.
GENERAL DUTIES
- Observes patient behaviors and activities and provides support or assistance as necessary.
- Attends or assists with therapy sessions for patients.
- Implements individual treatment plans for patients and provides a safe, supportive environment.
- Physically restrains patients showing signs of mental distress and provides necessary care.
- Establishes a therapeutic relationship with assigned patients.
- Takes vital signs, administers medications, weighs patients and collects routine specimens under the direction of the RN.
- Attends and participates in in-service education and staff meetings and keeps qualifications up to date.
- Reports critical cases to RN or Physician and seeks guidance in case of any confusion in work assignment.
EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS
3 years of experience in a Psych unit or clinical/hospital setting preferred.
EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS
- Required: Bachelor's Degree in a Mental Health related field
- Preferred: Bachelor's Degree in Psychology
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
- Certification Name: BLS
- Required
- Issuer:
- Licensure Speciality:
-
Entity:
-
Certification Name: CPI
- Required
- Issuer:
- Licensure Speciality:
- Entity:
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
To be added by LCMC.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
Does this position formally supervise employees? No.
FUNCTIONAL DEMANDS
Medium: Medium physical requirements- Medium Work - Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Sitting - Frequent (36-66% of day)
- Standing - Frequent (36-66% of day)
- Walking - Frequent (36-66% of day)
- Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Frequent (36-66% of day)
- Lifting Floor to waist level: 0-10lbs - Frequent (36-66% of day)
- Lifting Floor to waist level: 10-20lbs - Frequent (36-66% of day)
- Lifting Floor to waist level: 20-50lbs - Frequent (36-66% of day)
- Lifting Floor to waist level: 50-100lbs - Frequent (36-66% of day)
- Lifting Floor to waist level: 100+lbs - Frequent (36-66% of day)
- Lifting Waist level and above: 0-10lbs - Frequent (36-66% of day)
- Lifting Waist level and above: 10-20lbs - Frequent (36-66% of day)
- Lifting Waist level and above: 20-50lbs - Frequent (36-66% of day)
- Lifting Waist level and above: 50-100lbs - Frequent (36-66% of day)
- Lifting Waist level and above: 100+lbs - Frequent (36-66% of day)
- Carrying objects - Frequent (36-66% of day)
- Push/pull - Frequent (36-66% of day)
- Twisting - Frequent (36-66% of day)
- Bending - Frequent (36-66% of day)
- Reaching forward - Frequent (36-66% of day)
- Reaching overhead - Frequent (36-66% of day)
- Squat/kneel/crawl - Frequent (36-66% of day)
- Wrist position deviation - Frequent (36-66% of day)
- Pinching/fine motor activities - Frequent (36-66% of day)
- Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Occasional (0-35% of day)
- Taste or smell - Frequent (36-66% of day)
- Talk or hear - Frequent (36-66% of day)
SENSORY REQUIREMENTS
- Near Vision - Accurate 20/40
- Far Vision - Accurate 20/40
- Color Discrimination - Yes
- Depth Perception - Accurate
- Hearing - Accurate
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE RISK POTENTIAL
- Bloodborne pathogens - Not Anticipated
- Chemical - Not Anticipated
- Airborne communicable diseases - Not Anticipated
- Extreme temperatures - Not Anticipated
- Radiation - Not Anticipated
- Uneven surfaces or elevations - Not Anticipated
- Extreme noise levels - Not Anticipated
- Dust/particular matter - Not Anticipated
- Other (List) - Not Anticipated
POPULATION SERVED
- Neonate/Infant up to 1 year: No
- Youth (1yr to 15 yrs): Yes
- Adult (16 and up): Yes
WORK SHIFT:
Variable Hours (United States of America) LCMC Health is a community.
Our people make health happen. While our NOLA roots run deep, our branches are the vessels that carry our mission of bringing the best possible care to every person and parish in Louisiana and beyond and put a little more heart and soul into healthcare along the way. Celebrating authenticity, originality, equity, inclusion and a little “come on in” attitude is the foundation of LCMC Health’s culture of everyday extraordinary.
Children’s Hospital, at the heart of LCMC Health’s incredible community of care, has been the go-to hospital for expert children’s health, wellness, and one-of-a-kind care in Louisiana and the Gulf Coast. Learn more about Children’s Hospital’s 40+ specialties and our national ranking by U.S. News & World Report as a Best Children's Hospital.
Your extras
- Deliver healthcare with heart.
- Give people a reason to smile.
- Put a little love in your work.
- Be honest and real, but with compassion.
- Bring some lagniappe into everything you do.
- Forget one-size-fits-all, think one-of-a-kind care.
- See opportunities, not problems – it’s all about perspective.
- Cheerlead ideas, differences, and each other.
- Love what makes you, you - because we do.
You are welcome here.
LCMC Health is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
The above job summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. LCMC Health reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs as necessary.
Simple things make the difference.
-
To get started, take your time to fully and accurately complete the application for employment. Incomplete applications get bogged down and are often eliminated due to missing information.
-
To ensure quality care and service, we may use information on your application to verify your previous employment and background.
-
To keep our career applications up-to-date, applications are inactive after 6 months and, therefore, require a new application for employment to be completed.
-
To expedite the hiring process, proof of citizenship or immigration status will be required to verify your lawful right to work in the United States.
Your job is more than a job.
Why a Great Place to Work At LCMC Health we help you to lean into your calling by leaning in with you, ensuring you have the resources to do your job as only you can. And that begins with receiving the support you need to thrive and grow, which looks different for each person. Living out our commitment to inclusion requires providing benefits that are as diverse and unique as our workforce. It’s a responsibility we take seriously. Because we don’t just serve the New Orleans community—we’re at the beating heart of it. Whether by offering community health services or making medical innovations more accessible, LCMC Health is bringing a culture of wellness to the communities that matter to you. When you know you’re making an authentic impact, you give a little extra to every day— as a person, with your team, in your community—and that’s one of the reasons why you’ll be a perfect fit at LCMC Health, where giving a little something extra is at the heart of everything we do.
GENERAL DUTIES
- Observes patient behaviors and activities and provides support or assistance as necessary.
- Attends or assists with therapy sessions for patients.
- Implements individual treatment plans for patients and provides a safe, supportive environment.
- Physically restrains patients showing signs of mental distress and provides necessary care.
- Establishes a therapeutic relationship with assigned patients.
- Takes vital signs, administers medications, weighs patients and collects routine specimens under the direction of the RN.
- Attends and participates in in-service education and staff meetings and keeps qualifications up to date.
- Reports critical cases to RN or Physician and seeks guidance in case of any confusion in work assignment.
EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS
3 years of experience in a Psych unit or clinical/hospital setting preferred.
EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS
- Required: Bachelor's Degree in a Mental Health related field
- Preferred: Bachelor's Degree in Psychology
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
- Certification Name: BLS
- Required
- Issuer:
- Licensure Speciality:
-
Entity:
-
Certification Name: CPI
- Required
- Issuer:
- Licensure Speciality:
- Entity:
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
To be added by LCMC.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
Does this position formally supervise employees? No.
FUNCTIONAL DEMANDS
Medium: Medium physical requirements- Medium Work - Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Sitting - Frequent (36-66% of day)
- Standing - Frequent (36-66% of day)
- Walking - Frequent (36-66% of day)
- Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Frequent (36-66% of day)
- Lifting Floor to waist level: 0-10lbs - Frequent (36-66% of day)
- Lifting Floor to waist level: 10-20lbs - Frequent (36-66% of day)
- Lifting Floor to waist level: 20-50lbs - Frequent (36-66% of day)
- Lifting Floor to waist level: 50-100lbs - Frequent (36-66% of day)
- Lifting Floor to waist level: 100+lbs - Frequent (36-66% of day)
- Lifting Waist level and above: 0-10lbs - Frequent (36-66% of day)
- Lifting Waist level and above: 10-20lbs - Frequent (36-66% of day)
- Lifting Waist level and above: 20-50lbs - Frequent (36-66% of day)
- Lifting Waist level and above: 50-100lbs - Frequent (36-66% of day)
- Lifting Waist level and above: 100+lbs - Frequent (36-66% of day)
- Carrying objects - Frequent (36-66% of day)
- Push/pull - Frequent (36-66% of day)
- Twisting - Frequent (36-66% of day)
- Bending - Frequent (36-66% of day)
- Reaching forward - Frequent (36-66% of day)
- Reaching overhead - Frequent (36-66% of day)
- Squat/kneel/crawl - Frequent (36-66% of day)
- Wrist position deviation - Frequent (36-66% of day)
- Pinching/fine motor activities - Frequent (36-66% of day)
- Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Occasional (0-35% of day)
- Taste or smell - Frequent (36-66% of day)
- Talk or hear - Frequent (36-66% of day)
SENSORY REQUIREMENTS
- Near Vision - Accurate 20/40
- Far Vision - Accurate 20/40
- Color Discrimination - Yes
- Depth Perception - Accurate
- Hearing - Accurate
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE RISK POTENTIAL
- Bloodborne pathogens - Not Anticipated
- Chemical - Not Anticipated
- Airborne communicable diseases - Not Anticipated
- Extreme temperatures - Not Anticipated
- Radiation - Not Anticipated
- Uneven surfaces or elevations - Not Anticipated
- Extreme noise levels - Not Anticipated
- Dust/particular matter - Not Anticipated
- Other (List) - Not Anticipated
POPULATION SERVED
- Neonate/Infant up to 1 year: No
- Youth (1yr to 15 yrs): Yes
- Adult (16 and up): Yes
WORK SHIFT:
Variable Hours (United States of America) LCMC Health is a community.
Our people make health happen. While our NOLA roots run deep, our branches are the vessels that carry our mission of bringing the best possible care to every person and parish in Louisiana and beyond and put a little more heart and soul into healthcare along the way. Celebrating authenticity, originality, equity, inclusion and a little “come on in” attitude is the foundation of LCMC Health’s culture of everyday extraordinary.
Children’s Hospital, at the heart of LCMC Health’s incredible community of care, has been the go-to hospital for expert children’s health, wellness, and one-of-a-kind care in Louisiana and the Gulf Coast. Learn more about Children’s Hospital’s 40+ specialties and our national ranking by U.S. News & World Report as a Best Children's Hospital.
Your extras
- Deliver healthcare with heart.
- Give people a reason to smile.
- Put a little love in your work.
- Be honest and real, but with compassion.
- Bring some lagniappe into everything you do.
- Forget one-size-fits-all, think one-of-a-kind care.
- See opportunities, not problems – it’s all about perspective.
- Cheerlead ideas, differences, and each other.
- Love what makes you, you - because we do.
You are welcome here.
LCMC Health is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
The above job summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. LCMC Health reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs as necessary.
Simple things make the difference.
-
To get started, take your time to fully and accurately complete the application for employment. Incomplete applications get bogged down and are often eliminated due to missing information.
-
To ensure quality care and service, we may use information on your application to verify your previous employment and background.
-
To keep our career applications up-to-date, applications are inactive after 6 months and, therefore, require a new application for employment to be completed.
-
To expedite the hiring process, proof of citizenship or immigration status will be required to verify your lawful right to work in the United States.
See all 78+ OPT Mental Health Technician Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Mental Health Technician Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Mental Health Technician
Target employers already familiar with OPT
Large hospital systems, behavioral health networks, and residential treatment facilities hire internationally trained candidates more regularly than smaller private practices. Their HR teams understand work authorization timelines and are less likely to withdraw offers over OPT paperwork.
Apply before your OPT start date
Many healthcare employers need time to complete background checks and credentialing before your first shift. Start applying two to three months before your OPT start date so onboarding doesn't collide with your authorization window unexpectedly.
Know your STEM OPT eligibility upfront
If your degree is in psychology, neuroscience, or a qualifying STEM field, you may be eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirming this early lets you communicate a longer work authorization window to employers, which reduces their concern about short timelines.
Clarify your clinical scope of practice
Mental Health Technician roles vary significantly by state in terms of what tasks you can perform without additional licensure. Knowing your scope before interviews lets you answer employer questions confidently and avoids delays caused by credentialing issues post-hire.
Highlight behavioral health training and certifications
Certifications like CPR, crisis intervention, or de-escalation training signal job-readiness to employers reviewing OPT candidates. These credentials reduce perceived hiring risk and help your application compete against candidates with longer-term work authorization.
Be transparent about your OPT end date
Bring up your OPT timeline proactively rather than waiting for employers to ask. Framing it as a known factor you have planned for, including H-1B visa sponsorship possibilities, builds trust and prevents misunderstandings late in the hiring process.
Mental Health Technician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Mental Health Technician on OPT?
Yes. Mental Health Technician roles qualify as valid OPT employment as long as the work is directly related to your degree field. If your degree is in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related discipline, working as a Mental Health Technician satisfies the USCIS requirement that OPT employment be related to your field of study.
Do Mental Health Technician employers typically sponsor H-1B visas?
It depends on the employer. Large hospital systems and behavioral health organizations with established HR departments are more likely to sponsor H-1B visas than small outpatient clinics or private practices. During your OPT period, it's worth identifying employers with a history of sponsoring international staff early, since H-1B petitions must be filed months before your OPT expires. Migrate Mate can help you filter for roles at sponsorship-friendly employers.
Does a Mental Health Technician role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Only if your underlying degree is classified as a STEM field by DHS. Psychology and neuroscience degrees sometimes qualify depending on the CIP code your university assigned. Social work and counseling degrees typically do not qualify. Check with your DSO to confirm whether your specific program is on the STEM designated degree list before factoring an extension into your job search timeline.
What happens if my OPT expires before my employer files for H-1B sponsorship?
If your OPT expires before H-1B sponsorship is secured, you lose authorization to work and must stop working immediately. The H-1B lottery opens once per year in March, with an October 1 start date. If you're hired late in your OPT window, cap-gap protection may apply if you have an approved H-1B petition and your F-1 status remains valid. Talk to your DSO about your specific timeline as soon as possible.
Are Mental Health Technician jobs part-time or full-time, and does that affect my OPT?
Both arrangements exist, but part-time work carries risk during OPT. USCIS requires that OPT employment be at least 20 hours per week to count as valid OPT employment. Working fewer than 20 hours or having gaps longer than 90 days in your employment can jeopardize your OPT status. Full-time positions at inpatient facilities, residential programs, or hospital units are typically safer for maintaining compliant OPT employment.