Psychotherapist Jobs for OPT Students
Psychotherapist jobs on OPT require employers willing to sponsor your work authorization after OPT ends, typically through an H-1B visa. Most roles require a master's degree or higher in counseling, social work, or a related field, and state licensure adds another layer of planning for international students.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Sun River Health provides the highest quality of comprehensive primary, preventative and behavioral health services to all who see it, regardless of insurance status and ability to pay, especially for the underserved and vulnerable. Sun River Health is a Federally Qualified, Non-Profit Health Center serving communities in Suffolk, Rockland, Orange, Dutchess, Ulster, Sullivan, Columbia and Westchester County. Sun River Health is currently seeking a part-time Psychotherapist (LMSW, LMHC or LCSW) to join our Bay Street location.
SUMMARY
Accomplished Psychotherapists (LCSW, LMSW, LMHC) evaluate and treat a diverse caseload spanning all DSM diagnoses at busy outpatient clinic. A strong commitment to community behavioral health and prior outpatient experience required.
Job Type: Part-Time
Pay Range: $39.37 - $50.25 per hour based on licensure and experience
- LMHC: $39.37 - $41.85
- LMSW: $40.10 - $42.25
- LCSW: $47.79 - $50.25
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A PSYCHOTHERAPIST (LMSW, LMHC OR LCSW)
- Provide culturally sensitive direct, clinical services, which may include but are not limited to: assessment and treatment planning, individual, family and group psychotherapy, crisis counseling, and community consultation and education
- Document client progress to maintain a permanent record of client activity according to established methods and procedure
- Meet monthly target. Contingent on how many hours clinician works for the week
- Progress notes due within 72 hours of services; preferably within the same day of service
- Identify case management needs of clients and coordinate with other agency staff and community agencies to have these needs met
- Perform crisis intervention as necessary
- Coordinate treatment with other community agencies and services
- Participate in program development and in training programs
- Follow the established clinic policies & procedures
- Maintain appropriate professional standards
REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum Education Requirement: Master’s Degree (MSW or MHC)
- Minimum Licensure: New York State Licensure (LCSW, LMSW, or LMHC)
- Minimum Work-Related Experience: 2 years
- Preferred Skills: Bilingual in Spanish
ABOUT SUN RIVER HEALTH
Sun River Health has a rich history of providing quality, affordable health care to communities in need. Founded in the early 1970s by four African American women in Peekskill, New York, the organization was established to address the lack of accessible health services in their community. With the help of a small federal grant, the first Sun River Health site opened its doors in 1975. Over the years, Sun River Health has grown into a comprehensive Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) system with over 45 locations, serving more than 250,000 patients across the Hudson Valley, New York City and Long Island. Our exceptional primary care practitioners, specialists and support staff are dedicated to delivering high-quality care to all individuals, regardless of their ability to pay. In December 2018, Sun River Health expanded its reach by merging with Brightpoint Health, an FQHC network offering integrated medical, behavioral and social support services in New York City. This merger allowed us to enhance our services and continue our mission under the unified name of Sun River Health.
OUR CULTURE
At Sun River Health, we believe in fostering a culture of wellness, inclusivity and recognition. Our Workforce Wellness Program promotes staff wellness through ongoing challenges and activities, encouraging participation and rewarding engagement. We celebrate our staff's dedication and person-centered spirit through the Planetree Recognition Awards, which honor innovation, leadership and community spirit. We are committed to creating a supportive and collaborative work environment where all team members can thrive. Our values of respect, integrity and excellence guide our interactions with patients and colleagues alike, ensuring that everyone receives the care and support they deserve.
WHY JOIN SUN RIVER HEALTH?
- Mission-Driven Work: Be part of a proud network of care that offers high-quality health and social support services to communities in need.
- Professional Growth: We provide opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
- Supportive Environment: Our culture promotes wellness, inclusivity, and recognition, ensuring a supportive and collaborative work environment.
- Community Impact: Make a difference in the lives of individuals and families by providing quality, affordable health care.
Join us at Sun River Health and be part of an award-winning network of care that has been serving our communities since 1975. We are always looking for skilled and dedicated professionals to join our team and help us continue our mission of providing quality health care to all.
INTRODUCTION
Sun River Health provides the highest quality of comprehensive primary, preventative and behavioral health services to all who see it, regardless of insurance status and ability to pay, especially for the underserved and vulnerable. Sun River Health is a Federally Qualified, Non-Profit Health Center serving communities in Suffolk, Rockland, Orange, Dutchess, Ulster, Sullivan, Columbia and Westchester County. Sun River Health is currently seeking a part-time Psychotherapist (LMSW, LMHC or LCSW) to join our Bay Street location.
SUMMARY
Accomplished Psychotherapists (LCSW, LMSW, LMHC) evaluate and treat a diverse caseload spanning all DSM diagnoses at busy outpatient clinic. A strong commitment to community behavioral health and prior outpatient experience required.
Job Type: Part-Time
Pay Range: $39.37 - $50.25 per hour based on licensure and experience
- LMHC: $39.37 - $41.85
- LMSW: $40.10 - $42.25
- LCSW: $47.79 - $50.25
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A PSYCHOTHERAPIST (LMSW, LMHC OR LCSW)
- Provide culturally sensitive direct, clinical services, which may include but are not limited to: assessment and treatment planning, individual, family and group psychotherapy, crisis counseling, and community consultation and education
- Document client progress to maintain a permanent record of client activity according to established methods and procedure
- Meet monthly target. Contingent on how many hours clinician works for the week
- Progress notes due within 72 hours of services; preferably within the same day of service
- Identify case management needs of clients and coordinate with other agency staff and community agencies to have these needs met
- Perform crisis intervention as necessary
- Coordinate treatment with other community agencies and services
- Participate in program development and in training programs
- Follow the established clinic policies & procedures
- Maintain appropriate professional standards
REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum Education Requirement: Master’s Degree (MSW or MHC)
- Minimum Licensure: New York State Licensure (LCSW, LMSW, or LMHC)
- Minimum Work-Related Experience: 2 years
- Preferred Skills: Bilingual in Spanish
ABOUT SUN RIVER HEALTH
Sun River Health has a rich history of providing quality, affordable health care to communities in need. Founded in the early 1970s by four African American women in Peekskill, New York, the organization was established to address the lack of accessible health services in their community. With the help of a small federal grant, the first Sun River Health site opened its doors in 1975. Over the years, Sun River Health has grown into a comprehensive Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) system with over 45 locations, serving more than 250,000 patients across the Hudson Valley, New York City and Long Island. Our exceptional primary care practitioners, specialists and support staff are dedicated to delivering high-quality care to all individuals, regardless of their ability to pay. In December 2018, Sun River Health expanded its reach by merging with Brightpoint Health, an FQHC network offering integrated medical, behavioral and social support services in New York City. This merger allowed us to enhance our services and continue our mission under the unified name of Sun River Health.
OUR CULTURE
At Sun River Health, we believe in fostering a culture of wellness, inclusivity and recognition. Our Workforce Wellness Program promotes staff wellness through ongoing challenges and activities, encouraging participation and rewarding engagement. We celebrate our staff's dedication and person-centered spirit through the Planetree Recognition Awards, which honor innovation, leadership and community spirit. We are committed to creating a supportive and collaborative work environment where all team members can thrive. Our values of respect, integrity and excellence guide our interactions with patients and colleagues alike, ensuring that everyone receives the care and support they deserve.
WHY JOIN SUN RIVER HEALTH?
- Mission-Driven Work: Be part of a proud network of care that offers high-quality health and social support services to communities in need.
- Professional Growth: We provide opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
- Supportive Environment: Our culture promotes wellness, inclusivity, and recognition, ensuring a supportive and collaborative work environment.
- Community Impact: Make a difference in the lives of individuals and families by providing quality, affordable health care.
Join us at Sun River Health and be part of an award-winning network of care that has been serving our communities since 1975. We are always looking for skilled and dedicated professionals to join our team and help us continue our mission of providing quality health care to all.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Psychotherapist
Target licensure-track employers early
Many states require supervised clinical hours before full licensure. Seek employers who explicitly support associate licensure for OPT holders, since unlicensed practice may restrict your billable scope and limit which positions you can legally accept during your OPT period.
Prioritize community mental health centers
Community mental health organizations, federally qualified health centers, and nonprofit behavioral health agencies are more accustomed to sponsoring international clinicians. They often have established HR processes for work authorization support and are more open to H-1B petitions.
Align your degree to the specialty occupation standard
Psychotherapist roles must qualify as specialty occupations for H-1B sponsorship. Ensure your offer letter specifies that a master's or doctoral degree in a defined clinical field is required, not merely preferred, which strengthens the specialty occupation argument significantly.
Research state-by-state licensure portability
Licensure requirements differ significantly across states. Before accepting a position, verify whether your degree and supervised hours meet that state's requirements, since transferring your license later can delay employment authorization and complicate any future visa sponsorship paperwork.
Ask directly about H-1B sponsorship history
During interviews, ask whether the organization has previously sponsored H-1B or other work visas for clinical staff. Employers with prior sponsorship experience move faster and make fewer errors, which materially reduces your risk of filing delays.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Psychotherapist on OPT without a full state license?
Yes, in most states you can work under an associate or provisional license title while accruing supervised hours toward full licensure. Your OPT authorization covers the position, not the license level, so you can legally work as a supervised clinician. Confirm with your specific state's licensing board, since a few states prohibit unlicensed practice entirely even under supervision.
Does STEM OPT extension apply to Psychotherapist roles?
No. Psychotherapy, counseling, and clinical social work programs are not classified under STEM-designated CIP codes, so you are not eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Your standard OPT is 12 months. This makes H-1B sponsorship planning especially time-sensitive, and you should begin conversations with prospective employers well before your OPT authorization expires.
How do I find Psychotherapist employers who sponsor OPT and H-1B visas?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically by visa sponsorship willingness, making it the most direct way to find Psychotherapist employers open to OPT and H-1B support. Community mental health centers, hospital-based behavioral health departments, and large nonprofit health systems are the most common sponsors in this field. Avoid smaller private practices, which rarely have the infrastructure to support visa sponsorship.
Does my psychotherapy job need to qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B?
Yes. For an employer to sponsor your H-1B after OPT, the Psychotherapist role must meet USCIS's specialty occupation standard, meaning it normally requires at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field. Master's-level clinical roles generally meet this standard comfortably. The offer letter should specify the degree requirement as mandatory, not preferred, to avoid complications during USCIS review.
Can I switch employers while on OPT if my first employer won't sponsor my H-1B?
Yes, you can change employers during OPT as long as your new position is related to your degree field and you update your SEVIS record through your DSO within ten days. If your initial employer declines to sponsor an H-1B, finding a new sponsoring employer before your OPT expires is critical. Starting that search early gives you the best chance of securing sponsorship before the April H-1B filing window.
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