Mental Health Counseling Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Ohio
Ohio's mental health counseling sector spans major health systems like OhioHealth, Cleveland Clinic, and University Hospitals, alongside community behavioral health agencies and federally qualified health centers. Cities including Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati concentrate the most hiring activity. International counselors pursuing visa sponsorship will find the strongest opportunities with larger hospital networks and nonprofit providers across the state.
See All Mental Health Counseling JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 104+ Mental Health Counseling Jobs in Ohio with Visa Sponsorship jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 104+ Mental Health Counseling Jobs in Ohio with Visa Sponsorship
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Mental Health Counseling Jobs in Ohio with Visa Sponsorship.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) is proud to be an Ohio Recovery Friendly Workplace, committed to supporting the health and well-being of all employees, including those in recovery. We foster an inclusive, stigma-free environment where individuals impacted by mental health and substance use challenges are valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Our workplace culture promotes wellness, second-chance hiring, and recovery-informed policies that reflect our mission to serve Ohioans with compassion and respect, both in the community and within our own team.
Please note: Effective October 1, 2025, the Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services has transitioned to its new name—the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health. This change reflects our continued commitment to providing comprehensive, person-centered care that addresses the full range of behavioral health needs for Ohioans. All positions and services now fall under the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health as we move forward in serving individuals, families, and communities across the state.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
What you’ll do at DBH:
- Plan, organize, and facilitate a comprehensive
- Provide services on/off the unit for civil/forensic patients
- Co-facilitate services with unit or other staff members and direct patient participation
- Maintain schedule of patient services
- Evaluate patient progress toward treatment objectives
This is an hourly position covered by the OCSEA/AFSCME bargaining unit (union), with a pay range of #30 on the OCSEA Pay Range Schedule. Normal working hours will be 8:00 am - 4:30 pm. This position is located at Northcoast Behavioral Healthcare, 1756 Sagamore Road, Northfield, Ohio.
Unless required by any applicable union contract and/or requirements of the Ohio Revised Code, the selected candidate will begin at Step 1 of the pay range schedule listed above, with an opportunity for pay increase after six months of satisfactory performance and then a yearly raise thereafter.
ADDITIONAL SALARY / APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
- 3% increase July 1, 2026.
- Longevity supplement after 5 years of service.
WHY WORK FOR THE STATE OF OHIO
At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:
- Medical Coverage
- Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
- Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
- Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
- Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
- Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)
Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.
QUALIFICATIONS
24 mos. exp. in development & implementation of treatment/habilitation plans for individuals who are mentally ill or developmentally disabled & working as part of inter-disciplinary team to assess individual’s needs & abilities; 12 mos. exp. as lead worker providing work direction & training for other employees; 12 mos. trg. or 12 mos. exp. in state &/or federal regulations & standards governing care, custody & programming of consumers/residents in mental health or developmental centers.
Or completion of undergraduate core program in mental health & developmental disabilities technology, social work or comparable field (e.g., child & family community services), special education, psychology or rehabilitation; 12 mos. exp. as lead worker providing work direction & training for other employees; 12 mos. trg. or 12 mos. exp. in state &/or federal regulations & standards governing care, custody & programming of consumers/residents in mental health or developmental centers.
Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment noted above.
JOB SKILLS: Mental Health
Required Educational Transcripts
Official transcripts are required for all post-secondary education, coursework, or degrees listed on the application. Applicants must submit an official transcript before receiving a formal employment offer. Failure to provide transcripts within five (5) business days of the request will result in disqualification from further consideration. Transcripts printed from the institution’s website will not be accepted. The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health reserves the right to evaluate the academic validity of the degree-granting institution.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Application Procedures
To be considered for this position, you must apply online through this posting website (careers.ohio.gov). We no longer accept paper applications. When completing your online Ohio Civil Service Application, be sure to clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications outlined on this job posting. We will not give credit for your qualifications, experience, education, and training in the job selection process if there is no evidence provided on your application. In addition, “see resume” is not a substitution for completing supplemental questions. Answers to the supplemental questions must be fully supported by the work experience/education sections of your application. You may check the status of your application by signing into your profile on this website (careers.ohio.gov). We will communicate with you through the email you provided in your profile and job application. Be sure to check your email regularly.
BACKGROUND CHECK NOTICE
The final candidate selected for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant’s prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.
Rule 5122-7-21, “Background check on applicants,” outlines disqualifying offenses that will preclude an applicant from being employed by the Department of Behavioral Health.
If you require a reasonable accommodation for the application process, assessment &/or interview, please contact Andrew Seifert, EEO/ADA Administrator at andrew.seifert@dbh.ohio.gov or 614-466-8884.
ADA STATEMENT
Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.
DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE
The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.
INTRODUCTION
The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) is proud to be an Ohio Recovery Friendly Workplace, committed to supporting the health and well-being of all employees, including those in recovery. We foster an inclusive, stigma-free environment where individuals impacted by mental health and substance use challenges are valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Our workplace culture promotes wellness, second-chance hiring, and recovery-informed policies that reflect our mission to serve Ohioans with compassion and respect, both in the community and within our own team.
Please note: Effective October 1, 2025, the Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services has transitioned to its new name—the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health. This change reflects our continued commitment to providing comprehensive, person-centered care that addresses the full range of behavioral health needs for Ohioans. All positions and services now fall under the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health as we move forward in serving individuals, families, and communities across the state.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
What you’ll do at DBH:
- Plan, organize, and facilitate a comprehensive
- Provide services on/off the unit for civil/forensic patients
- Co-facilitate services with unit or other staff members and direct patient participation
- Maintain schedule of patient services
- Evaluate patient progress toward treatment objectives
This is an hourly position covered by the OCSEA/AFSCME bargaining unit (union), with a pay range of #30 on the OCSEA Pay Range Schedule. Normal working hours will be 8:00 am - 4:30 pm. This position is located at Northcoast Behavioral Healthcare, 1756 Sagamore Road, Northfield, Ohio.
Unless required by any applicable union contract and/or requirements of the Ohio Revised Code, the selected candidate will begin at Step 1 of the pay range schedule listed above, with an opportunity for pay increase after six months of satisfactory performance and then a yearly raise thereafter.
ADDITIONAL SALARY / APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
- 3% increase July 1, 2026.
- Longevity supplement after 5 years of service.
WHY WORK FOR THE STATE OF OHIO
At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:
- Medical Coverage
- Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
- Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
- Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
- Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
- Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)
Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.
QUALIFICATIONS
24 mos. exp. in development & implementation of treatment/habilitation plans for individuals who are mentally ill or developmentally disabled & working as part of inter-disciplinary team to assess individual’s needs & abilities; 12 mos. exp. as lead worker providing work direction & training for other employees; 12 mos. trg. or 12 mos. exp. in state &/or federal regulations & standards governing care, custody & programming of consumers/residents in mental health or developmental centers.
Or completion of undergraduate core program in mental health & developmental disabilities technology, social work or comparable field (e.g., child & family community services), special education, psychology or rehabilitation; 12 mos. exp. as lead worker providing work direction & training for other employees; 12 mos. trg. or 12 mos. exp. in state &/or federal regulations & standards governing care, custody & programming of consumers/residents in mental health or developmental centers.
Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment noted above.
JOB SKILLS: Mental Health
Required Educational Transcripts
Official transcripts are required for all post-secondary education, coursework, or degrees listed on the application. Applicants must submit an official transcript before receiving a formal employment offer. Failure to provide transcripts within five (5) business days of the request will result in disqualification from further consideration. Transcripts printed from the institution’s website will not be accepted. The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health reserves the right to evaluate the academic validity of the degree-granting institution.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Application Procedures
To be considered for this position, you must apply online through this posting website (careers.ohio.gov). We no longer accept paper applications. When completing your online Ohio Civil Service Application, be sure to clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications outlined on this job posting. We will not give credit for your qualifications, experience, education, and training in the job selection process if there is no evidence provided on your application. In addition, “see resume” is not a substitution for completing supplemental questions. Answers to the supplemental questions must be fully supported by the work experience/education sections of your application. You may check the status of your application by signing into your profile on this website (careers.ohio.gov). We will communicate with you through the email you provided in your profile and job application. Be sure to check your email regularly.
BACKGROUND CHECK NOTICE
The final candidate selected for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant’s prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.
Rule 5122-7-21, “Background check on applicants,” outlines disqualifying offenses that will preclude an applicant from being employed by the Department of Behavioral Health.
If you require a reasonable accommodation for the application process, assessment &/or interview, please contact Andrew Seifert, EEO/ADA Administrator at andrew.seifert@dbh.ohio.gov or 614-466-8884.
ADA STATEMENT
Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.
DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE
The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.
Mental Health Counseling Job Roles in Ohio
See all 104+ Mental Health Counseling Jobs in Ohio
Sign up for free to filter by visa type, set job alerts, and find employers with verified sponsorship history.
Search Mental Health Counseling Jobs in OhioMental Health Counseling Jobs in Ohio: Frequently Asked Questions
Which visa types are most common for mental health counseling roles in Ohio?
The H-1B is the most common visa for licensed mental health counselors in Ohio, as the role typically qualifies as a specialty occupation requiring at least a master's degree in counseling or a related field. Some positions at nonprofit or government-affiliated agencies may also support J-1 visa placements through exchange programs. TN visas can apply for Canadian or Mexican nationals working in qualifying counseling classifications.
Which companies sponsor visas for mental health counselors in Ohio?
Larger health systems with dedicated immigration support programs are the most consistent sponsors. In Ohio, OhioHealth, Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, and Nationwide Children's Hospital have sponsored mental health and behavioral health roles. Federally Qualified Health Centers and community mental health agencies, particularly those with workforce shortage designations, are also known to sponsor international clinicians, especially in underserved areas.
Which cities in Ohio have the most mental health counseling sponsorship jobs?
Columbus leads in volume due to the concentration of large hospital systems, OhioHealth's network, and Nationwide Children's Hospital. Cleveland follows closely, driven by Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals. Cincinnati's health corridor, anchored by UC Health and TriHealth, also generates consistent demand. Smaller cities like Dayton and Toledo have opportunities through community behavioral health centers, particularly in federally designated mental health shortage areas.
How to find mental health counseling visa sponsorship jobs in Ohio?
Migrate Mate is a job board built specifically for international candidates seeking visa sponsorship in the United States. You can filter directly for mental health counseling roles in Ohio, surfacing employers who have a documented history of sponsoring work visas for clinical positions. This is more efficient than searching general job boards, where sponsorship willingness is rarely disclosed upfront and relevant postings are difficult to identify.
Are there any Ohio-specific considerations for mental health counselors seeking visa sponsorship?
Ohio requires licensure through the Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board before practicing independently. International candidates should confirm their degree and supervised hours meet Ohio's Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) requirements, as these affect employer eligibility to sponsor. Positions in areas designated as Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas may have stronger sponsorship incentives, and some carry J-1 waiver eligibility for physicians, though this is less common for counselors.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored mental health counseling jobs in Ohio?
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.
See which mental health counseling employers are hiring and sponsoring visas in Ohio right now.
Search Mental Health Counseling Jobs in Ohio