OPT Mental Health Therapy Jobs
Mental health therapy roles qualify for F-1 OPT when your degree is in counseling, psychology, social work, or a closely related field. Most positions require state licensure or supervised hours toward it, which counts as authorized OPT employment. STEM OPT extension is not available for this field.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Exciting Career for Occupational Therapists and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants in a new state of the art facility.
Come meet a tenured, compassionate, and close-knit team who provide exceptional patient care, and a caring work environment. Our occupational team supports each other, offers a flexible work environment, and creates an environment where patients of all ages and levels of care are met with a cohesive, interdisciplinary approach to care.
We evaluate and treat a variety of pediatric patients with diagnoses ranging from autism spectrum disorders, mood disorders, anxiety, depression and more. Interventions are provided via our cutting-edge sensory equipment and focused primarily on sensory processing, emotional regulation and executive functioning skills.
As a member of our team, you will play an integral role in collaborating with other professionals to help our pediatric patients reach their goals and develop new skills. Come join us and make a positive difference in the life of a child!
Our facility offers state-of-the-art equipment, a challenging work environment and a unified care team who respects the input of their colleagues with each individual diagnosis and therapeutic regimen. In addition, Acadia Hospital has a robust benefits package and competitive pay, while offering a flexible work schedule and stable work life, including PRN, part-time, and full-time work opportunities.
Our team understands the special attention it takes to provide care to pediatrics and young adults with emotional/behavioral issues. We celebrate “wins” daily and embrace the heartfelt dedication of helping a young patient develop their coping skillsets, regulate their emotions, and provide the tools and care needed for a more stable and supportive home environment.
SALARY RANGE:
- OT - $27.00 - $45.55
- OTA - $20.00 - $34.22
EXEMPT: No
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
-
Occupational Therapist (Only): Performs and documents an initial assessment, evaluating data to identify deficits and determine necessary therapy interventions while identifying goals and anticipated progress.
-
Occupational Therapists and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants:
- Plans, prepares or carries out individually designed interventions to maintain, improve or restore functional capacity with emotional regulation, sensory processing and executive functioning skills.
- Evaluates effects of treatment at various stages and adapts to achieve maximum benefit.
- Performs complete, accurate and timely documentation including billing within the electronic medical record.
- Maintains and exhibits a current knowledge of profession and participates in continuing education.
- Maintains a safe environment complying with Northern Light Health policies and procedures; reports and directly addresses environmental hazards and violations of patient safety policy and/or protocol when involved or observed.
- Attends appropriate team meetings and communicates/collaborates with other team members, individuals, family members or caregivers.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Credentials: Occupational Therapist/Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Education: Bachelor's Degree/associate's degree
- Valid Maine OTR/COTA License
- BLS
- MOAB Training (Provided through Acadia)
COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS
- Behaves with Integrity and Builds Trust: Acts consistently in line with the core values, commitments and rules of conduct. Leads by example and tells the truth. Does what they say they will, when and how they say they will, or communicates an alternate plan.
- Cultivates Respect: Treats others fairly, embraces and values differences, and contributes to a culture of belonging, empowerment, and cooperation.
- Fosters Accountability: Creates and participates in a work environment where people hold themselves and others accountable for processes, results and behaviors. Takes appropriate ownership not only of successes but also mistakes and works to correct them in a timely manner. Demonstrates understanding that we all work as a team and the quality and timeliness of work impacts everyone involved.
- Practices Compassion: Exhibits genuine care for people and is available and ready to help; displays a deep awareness of and strong willingness to relieve the suffering of others.
Northern Light Acadia Hospital is a regional psychiatric hospital in Bangor, Maine, providing acute mental health care and telehealth psychiatry across the state. As the behavioral health member of Northern Light Health, Acadia Hospital offers specialized care through programs like Behavioral Home Health, integrated behavioral health in primary care settings, and a geriatric Mood and Memory clinic that participates in clinical trials for new Alzheimer’s treatments. Northern Light Acadia Healthcare, a subsidiary of the hospital, delivers outpatient services including substance use disorder treatment and case management. Through these programs, we serve patients from every part of Maine.
We are a member of Northern Light Health, an integrated statewide health delivery system that is raising the bar with no-nonsense solutions that are leading the way to a healthier future for our state. Northern Light Health offers a broad range of services, including nine hospitals, primary care and specialty physician practices, long-term care, home health and hospice agencies, and emergency ground and air transport.
Bangor, Maine is a vibrant small city with easy access to Maine’s spectacular coast, mountains, and lakes. Schools rank among New England’s best with the flagship campus of the University of Maine located in the neighboring town of Orono. Bangor serves as the regional hub for medicine, the arts, and commerce. Bangor International Airport offers direct and one-stop service to most major destinations.
QUESTIONS? CONTACT TALENT ACQUISITION:
phone: 207-973-7100
email: talentacquisition@northernlight.org
INTRODUCTION
Exciting Career for Occupational Therapists and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants in a new state of the art facility.
Come meet a tenured, compassionate, and close-knit team who provide exceptional patient care, and a caring work environment. Our occupational team supports each other, offers a flexible work environment, and creates an environment where patients of all ages and levels of care are met with a cohesive, interdisciplinary approach to care.
We evaluate and treat a variety of pediatric patients with diagnoses ranging from autism spectrum disorders, mood disorders, anxiety, depression and more. Interventions are provided via our cutting-edge sensory equipment and focused primarily on sensory processing, emotional regulation and executive functioning skills.
As a member of our team, you will play an integral role in collaborating with other professionals to help our pediatric patients reach their goals and develop new skills. Come join us and make a positive difference in the life of a child!
Our facility offers state-of-the-art equipment, a challenging work environment and a unified care team who respects the input of their colleagues with each individual diagnosis and therapeutic regimen. In addition, Acadia Hospital has a robust benefits package and competitive pay, while offering a flexible work schedule and stable work life, including PRN, part-time, and full-time work opportunities.
Our team understands the special attention it takes to provide care to pediatrics and young adults with emotional/behavioral issues. We celebrate “wins” daily and embrace the heartfelt dedication of helping a young patient develop their coping skillsets, regulate their emotions, and provide the tools and care needed for a more stable and supportive home environment.
SALARY RANGE:
- OT - $27.00 - $45.55
- OTA - $20.00 - $34.22
EXEMPT: No
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
-
Occupational Therapist (Only): Performs and documents an initial assessment, evaluating data to identify deficits and determine necessary therapy interventions while identifying goals and anticipated progress.
-
Occupational Therapists and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants:
- Plans, prepares or carries out individually designed interventions to maintain, improve or restore functional capacity with emotional regulation, sensory processing and executive functioning skills.
- Evaluates effects of treatment at various stages and adapts to achieve maximum benefit.
- Performs complete, accurate and timely documentation including billing within the electronic medical record.
- Maintains and exhibits a current knowledge of profession and participates in continuing education.
- Maintains a safe environment complying with Northern Light Health policies and procedures; reports and directly addresses environmental hazards and violations of patient safety policy and/or protocol when involved or observed.
- Attends appropriate team meetings and communicates/collaborates with other team members, individuals, family members or caregivers.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Credentials: Occupational Therapist/Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Education: Bachelor's Degree/associate's degree
- Valid Maine OTR/COTA License
- BLS
- MOAB Training (Provided through Acadia)
COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS
- Behaves with Integrity and Builds Trust: Acts consistently in line with the core values, commitments and rules of conduct. Leads by example and tells the truth. Does what they say they will, when and how they say they will, or communicates an alternate plan.
- Cultivates Respect: Treats others fairly, embraces and values differences, and contributes to a culture of belonging, empowerment, and cooperation.
- Fosters Accountability: Creates and participates in a work environment where people hold themselves and others accountable for processes, results and behaviors. Takes appropriate ownership not only of successes but also mistakes and works to correct them in a timely manner. Demonstrates understanding that we all work as a team and the quality and timeliness of work impacts everyone involved.
- Practices Compassion: Exhibits genuine care for people and is available and ready to help; displays a deep awareness of and strong willingness to relieve the suffering of others.
Northern Light Acadia Hospital is a regional psychiatric hospital in Bangor, Maine, providing acute mental health care and telehealth psychiatry across the state. As the behavioral health member of Northern Light Health, Acadia Hospital offers specialized care through programs like Behavioral Home Health, integrated behavioral health in primary care settings, and a geriatric Mood and Memory clinic that participates in clinical trials for new Alzheimer’s treatments. Northern Light Acadia Healthcare, a subsidiary of the hospital, delivers outpatient services including substance use disorder treatment and case management. Through these programs, we serve patients from every part of Maine.
We are a member of Northern Light Health, an integrated statewide health delivery system that is raising the bar with no-nonsense solutions that are leading the way to a healthier future for our state. Northern Light Health offers a broad range of services, including nine hospitals, primary care and specialty physician practices, long-term care, home health and hospice agencies, and emergency ground and air transport.
Bangor, Maine is a vibrant small city with easy access to Maine’s spectacular coast, mountains, and lakes. Schools rank among New England’s best with the flagship campus of the University of Maine located in the neighboring town of Orono. Bangor serves as the regional hub for medicine, the arts, and commerce. Bangor International Airport offers direct and one-stop service to most major destinations.
QUESTIONS? CONTACT TALENT ACQUISITION:
phone: 207-973-7100
email: talentacquisition@northernlight.org
See all 31+ OPT Mental Health Therapy Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Mental Health Therapy Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Mental Health Therapy
Target employers with existing supervision infrastructure
Community mental health centers, hospital systems, and university counseling centers regularly hire OPT students because they already have licensed supervisors on staff. These settings are built for supervised practice, which aligns naturally with your OPT authorization period.
Clarify your licensure status upfront
Most therapy roles require licensure or active progress toward it. Before applying, confirm whether you hold an associate license, are accruing supervised hours, or need employer-sponsored supervision. Employers want to know your licensure timeline, not just your work authorization status.
Frame your OPT timeline around supervision hours
Many states require 2,000 to 4,000 supervised hours for full licensure. If your OPT period covers part of that requirement, show employers how your authorization window maps to their supervision commitment and caseload onboarding.
Research state licensure requirements before relocating
Licensure rules vary significantly by state. Some states have reciprocity agreements; others require separate applications. Accepting a role in a new state without confirming licensure eligibility can delay your ability to practice and complicate your OPT employment authorization.
Highlight telehealth experience when relevant
Telehealth roles have expanded access for therapists across state lines, but licensing restrictions still apply. If you have telehealth training or practicum experience, include it. Many OPT-sponsoring employers in behavioral health are actively scaling remote therapy capacity.
Start the H-1B conversation before your OPT expires
Mental health therapy qualifies as a specialty occupation for H-1B visa purposes when the role requires a specific graduate degree. Raise the H-1B question with employers at the offer stage, not six months into the job, so they have time to prepare the petition.
Mental Health Therapy OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does mental health therapy qualify for F-1 OPT work authorization?
Yes, mental health therapy qualifies for OPT when your degree is directly related to the role. A master's in counseling, clinical social work, marriage and family therapy, or psychology supports OPT authorization for licensed or pre-licensed therapy positions. Your work must fall within the scope of your field of study as defined on your OPT authorization.
Can I work as a therapist on OPT if I'm not yet fully licensed?
Yes, pre-licensed positions count as valid OPT employment as long as the role is within your field of study. Associate therapist, licensed professional counselor associate, and supervised clinician roles all qualify. You'll need a licensed supervisor, but the supervised hours you accumulate during OPT count toward your full licensure requirements in most states.
Is a STEM OPT extension available for mental health therapy roles?
No. Mental health therapy, counseling, and social work degrees are not on the STEM Designated Degree Program list, so the 24-month STEM extension is not available. You'll have 12 months of OPT to work with. Planning for H-1B sponsorship before your OPT expires is the most common next step for therapists who want to stay in the U.S.
Where can I find mental health therapy jobs that sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and visa-sponsored jobs, including mental health therapy roles. Employers listed there have indicated openness to sponsoring international candidates, which saves you from applying to positions that will reject you at the work authorization question. Filtering by field and authorization type helps you focus on realistic opportunities.
Does mental health therapy qualify for H-1B sponsorship after OPT ends?
Mental health therapy can qualify for H-1B sponsorship when the position requires a specific graduate-level degree in a related field, meeting the specialty occupation standard. Clinical therapist and licensed counselor roles at hospitals, behavioral health companies, and university counseling centers have successfully secured H-1B approval. The specific job duties and degree requirement matter more than the job title alone.