Mental Health Counseling Visa Sponsorship Jobs in North Carolina
North Carolina's mental health counseling job market draws international candidates to major health systems like Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, UNC Health, and Duke Health, with strong hiring across Charlotte, Raleigh, and Durham. Employers in these cities regularly sponsor work visas for licensed counselors, particularly in community mental health centers and integrated care settings.
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Overview:
NaphCare is seeking to hire an experienced Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LCSW, LCMHC, etc.) to join our team of medical professionals in the Forsyth County Jail in Winston-Salem, NC.
As a Correctional Licensed Mental Health Counselor, you will work alongside correctional officers and other medical professionals to provide counseling and mental health care to the individuals in residence. Working within a controlled environment, where security is top priority and the days are never dull, you will have various duties to keep you engaged. This is a unique position where you can make a difference to this diverse population of patients with complex mental health and medical needs.
Responsibilities:
The Licensed Mental Health Counselor is responsible for assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients in residence with mental illnesses, substance use disorders, and behavioral issues ensuring they receive quality care that protects their rights, dignity and health. Duties and responsibilities may include and are not limited to:
- Collaborating with medical, mental health and correctional staff to enhance quality patient care while maintaining a safe and secure work environment
- Performing and documenting mental health evaluations, progress notes, individual and group counseling notes, individual treatment plans, addressing criminogenic needs and promoting positive behavioral change to prepare residents for release
- Participating in educational and training activities related to mental health care for patients, security personnel, and healthcare staff
- Demonstrate knowledge of DSM-V / DSM-V-TR criteria
- Documenting and managing case files, patient progress, preparing reports, and participating in hearings
- Initiating and/or participating in patient education and treatment programs, such as developing educational materials and providing group therapy
- Monitoring compliance with site-specific and company policies and procedures, taking appropriate corrective action, and ensuring compliance with ACA, NCCHC standards
QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's prepared Mental Health Professional with active, unrestricted licensure as a (LCSW, LCMHC, LMFT, LMHP, LISW, etc.) in NC
- Must possess an active BLS CPR Certification (American Heart Association preferred)
- Must pass the facility’s criminal background check and drug screening
- A minimum of 3 years’ clinical experience in a mental health care or acute care setting, with correctional healthcare experience preferred
- Must have knowledge and experience in the identification and treatment of mental health and co-occurring substance abuse disorders, discharge planning, principles of social work, basic principles of individual and group behavior, and a working knowledge of psychotropic medications
- Correctional counselors must be able to remain calm under pressure while assessing patients’ situations, underlying causes of their behavior and be able to develop interventions and treatment plans
- Effective communication skills are required for building patient rapport and relaying information and treatment plans with other medical and mental health care professionals
- Strong organizational skills are needed to keep track of patient treatment plans and progress notes
- Must have the ability to maintain confidentiality of all proprietary and/or confidential information and integrity, professionalism and ability to adhere to a Code of Conduct and comply with all facility(s) correctional healthcare policies, procedures, and legal requirements
- Must pass the facility’s criminal background check and drug screening
PHYSICAL CAPABILITIES:
Must have the ability to stand for long periods, lift and move patients (up to 50 pounds), bend, squat, reach, push, pull, walk significant distances, and perform physically demanding tasks like CPR, all while maintaining good balance and endurance throughout a shift.
WHY JOIN NAPCARE?
NaphCare is one of the largest providers of healthcare services to correctional facilities throughout the US, and we are growing. If you have never considered a career in correctional healthcare, now may be the time. In addition to competitive salaries and generous employee benefits, we strongly support career advancement within the company.
NAPCARE BENEFITS FOR FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES INCLUDE:
- Health, dental & vision insurance that starts day one!
- Prescriptions free of charge through our health plan, beginning day one
- Lowest Cost Benefits!
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services
- 401K and Roth with company contribution that starts day one!
- Tuition Assistance
- Referral bonuses
- Term life insurance at no cost to the employee
- Generous paid time off & paid holidays
- Free continuing education and CMEs
WANT A BETTER IDEA OF WHAT IT’S LIKE TO WORK IN A JAIL?
See what our MHPs do: NaphCare - Life as a Mental Health Professional - YouTube
If you would like to speak with me to learn more about this position and NaphCare, apply directly to the position to initiate the application process, and I’ll be in touch.
Equal Opportunity Employer: disability/veteran

Overview:
NaphCare is seeking to hire an experienced Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LCSW, LCMHC, etc.) to join our team of medical professionals in the Forsyth County Jail in Winston-Salem, NC.
As a Correctional Licensed Mental Health Counselor, you will work alongside correctional officers and other medical professionals to provide counseling and mental health care to the individuals in residence. Working within a controlled environment, where security is top priority and the days are never dull, you will have various duties to keep you engaged. This is a unique position where you can make a difference to this diverse population of patients with complex mental health and medical needs.
Responsibilities:
The Licensed Mental Health Counselor is responsible for assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients in residence with mental illnesses, substance use disorders, and behavioral issues ensuring they receive quality care that protects their rights, dignity and health. Duties and responsibilities may include and are not limited to:
- Collaborating with medical, mental health and correctional staff to enhance quality patient care while maintaining a safe and secure work environment
- Performing and documenting mental health evaluations, progress notes, individual and group counseling notes, individual treatment plans, addressing criminogenic needs and promoting positive behavioral change to prepare residents for release
- Participating in educational and training activities related to mental health care for patients, security personnel, and healthcare staff
- Demonstrate knowledge of DSM-V / DSM-V-TR criteria
- Documenting and managing case files, patient progress, preparing reports, and participating in hearings
- Initiating and/or participating in patient education and treatment programs, such as developing educational materials and providing group therapy
- Monitoring compliance with site-specific and company policies and procedures, taking appropriate corrective action, and ensuring compliance with ACA, NCCHC standards
QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's prepared Mental Health Professional with active, unrestricted licensure as a (LCSW, LCMHC, LMFT, LMHP, LISW, etc.) in NC
- Must possess an active BLS CPR Certification (American Heart Association preferred)
- Must pass the facility’s criminal background check and drug screening
- A minimum of 3 years’ clinical experience in a mental health care or acute care setting, with correctional healthcare experience preferred
- Must have knowledge and experience in the identification and treatment of mental health and co-occurring substance abuse disorders, discharge planning, principles of social work, basic principles of individual and group behavior, and a working knowledge of psychotropic medications
- Correctional counselors must be able to remain calm under pressure while assessing patients’ situations, underlying causes of their behavior and be able to develop interventions and treatment plans
- Effective communication skills are required for building patient rapport and relaying information and treatment plans with other medical and mental health care professionals
- Strong organizational skills are needed to keep track of patient treatment plans and progress notes
- Must have the ability to maintain confidentiality of all proprietary and/or confidential information and integrity, professionalism and ability to adhere to a Code of Conduct and comply with all facility(s) correctional healthcare policies, procedures, and legal requirements
- Must pass the facility’s criminal background check and drug screening
PHYSICAL CAPABILITIES:
Must have the ability to stand for long periods, lift and move patients (up to 50 pounds), bend, squat, reach, push, pull, walk significant distances, and perform physically demanding tasks like CPR, all while maintaining good balance and endurance throughout a shift.
WHY JOIN NAPCARE?
NaphCare is one of the largest providers of healthcare services to correctional facilities throughout the US, and we are growing. If you have never considered a career in correctional healthcare, now may be the time. In addition to competitive salaries and generous employee benefits, we strongly support career advancement within the company.
NAPCARE BENEFITS FOR FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES INCLUDE:
- Health, dental & vision insurance that starts day one!
- Prescriptions free of charge through our health plan, beginning day one
- Lowest Cost Benefits!
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services
- 401K and Roth with company contribution that starts day one!
- Tuition Assistance
- Referral bonuses
- Term life insurance at no cost to the employee
- Generous paid time off & paid holidays
- Free continuing education and CMEs
WANT A BETTER IDEA OF WHAT IT’S LIKE TO WORK IN A JAIL?
See what our MHPs do: NaphCare - Life as a Mental Health Professional - YouTube
If you would like to speak with me to learn more about this position and NaphCare, apply directly to the position to initiate the application process, and I’ll be in touch.
Equal Opportunity Employer: disability/veteran
Mental Health Counseling Job Roles in North Carolina
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Search Mental Health Counseling Jobs in North CarolinaMental Health Counseling Jobs in North Carolina: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for mental health counselors in North Carolina?
The most active sponsors for mental health counseling roles in North Carolina include large health systems such as UNC Health, Duke Health, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, and Novant Health. Community mental health organizations and federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) also have a track record of sponsoring international counselors, particularly in underserved areas where staffing needs are persistent.
Which visa types are most common for mental health counseling roles in North Carolina?
The H-1B is the most frequently used visa for mental health counselors in North Carolina, as licensed counseling roles typically qualify as specialty occupations requiring a relevant master's degree. The J-1 visa is also used, particularly for clinical training programs affiliated with institutions like UNC Chapel Hill or Duke. Some roles in shortage areas may qualify under the Conrad 30 waiver program for J-1 physicians, though this is distinct from counseling licensure pathways.
How to find mental health counseling visa sponsorship jobs in North Carolina?
Migrate Mate is the most direct way to find mental health counseling visa sponsorship jobs in North Carolina, with listings filtered specifically for international candidates. You can search by state and role to surface employers in Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, and smaller markets like Asheville or Greensboro who have actively sponsored work visas for counseling positions. Filtering by sponsorship type helps narrow to H-1B or J-1 opportunities.
Which cities in North Carolina have the most mental health counseling sponsorship jobs?
Charlotte, Raleigh, and Durham account for the largest share of mental health counseling sponsorship opportunities in North Carolina, driven by their major hospital systems and growing population. Chapel Hill sees demand tied to UNC Health's clinical network. Greensboro and Winston-Salem also have active hiring through Cone Health and Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist respectively, often with openings in community mental health settings.
Are there state-specific licensing requirements that affect visa sponsorship for mental health counselors in North Carolina?
Yes. North Carolina requires Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) licensure through the NC Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors for independent practice. International candidates must meet the same education and supervised hours requirements as domestic applicants. Employers sponsoring H-1B visas will typically require either current LCMHC licensure or documented eligibility, and the credentialing timeline should be factored into your job search and visa planning.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored mental health counseling jobs in North Carolina?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.
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