Mental Health Therapist Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Ohio
Mental health therapist visa sponsorship jobs in Ohio are concentrated at large health systems like Cleveland Clinic, OhioHealth, and MetroHealth, as well as community mental health centers across Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati. Ohio's federally designated mental health shortage areas create steady demand for internationally trained therapists, making the state a consistent source of sponsored positions.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
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.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health is seeking a Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTF) Lead to support and oversee statewide initiatives that enhance access to high-quality psychiatric residential treatment and intensive behavioral health services for children and youth. This role helps strengthen the continuum of care, improves system coordination, and drives positive outcomes for families across Ohio. The position directly supports statewide efforts to ensure children and youth receive safe, effective, family-centered residential treatment and behavioral health services. Your work will help shape systems, strengthen provider capacity, and advance department priorities that improve outcomes for families.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Administration & System Leadership
- Administer statewide Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) programs and intensive behavioral health initiatives for children and youth.
- Implement department priorities to improve access to residential treatment, strengthen the care continuum, and enhance outcomes for children, youth, and families.
- Develop statewide program guidance, policies, procedures, and recommendations aligned with evidence informed and family driven practices.
- Ensure program activities comply with state and federal laws, rules, regulations, and Medicaid requirements.
Project, Contract & Grant Coordination
- Coordinate and monitor PRTF related projects, contracts, grants, and program activities.
- Evaluate program performance, identify trends and gaps, and recommend improvements to quality, access, and care transitions.
- Prepare concise reports and outcome evaluations to support system effectiveness.
Stakeholder Consultation & Technical Assistance
- Provide consultation and technical assistance to PRTFs, county behavioral health boards, managed care organizations, hospitals, providers, and other child serving partners on policies, program requirements, and best practices.
- Participate in statewide committees and workgroups; collaborate with agencies including Medicaid, Children and Youth, and Developmental Disabilities to improve cross system coordination.
This is an hourly position and is exempt from the bargaining units, with a pay range of 14 on the E1 Exempt Pay Range Schedule. Normal working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm.
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.
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
Position Qualifications
For all “programmatic” positions, completion of undergraduate core program in one of following fields: mental health & developmental disabilities technology, social work or comparable field (e.g., child & family community services), special education, psychology or rehabilitation or 24 mos. exp. in development & implementation of treatment/ habilitation plans for persons who are mentally ill or developmentally disabled & working as part of interdisciplinary team to assess consumers'/residents' needs & abilities; 12 mos. trg. or 12 mos. exp. in state & federal regulations, standards & court orders governing care, custody, treatment, programming & environment of consumers/residents in mental health or developmental centers, or regulating drug treatment center operations or federally funded drug abuse services, or governing delivery of psychiatric services in adult correctional institution, or affecting community mental health programs (i.e., category of state & federal regulations, standards & court orders must be linked directly to type of facility & services being provided).
For all “administration staff” positions, completion of undergraduate core program in business administration/management sciences or 12 mos. exp. developing goals, objectives, policies & procedures of operational unit or program of agency or firm & monitoring implementation of same.
In addition to one of preceding categories (i.e., programmatic positions or administrative staff), 6 mos. trg. in supervisory principles/techniques or 6 mos. exp. scheduling, monitoring & evaluating personnel; 6 mos. trg. in budgeting or 6 mos. exp. determining budget needs & spending for operational unit or program of agency or firm; 6 mos. trg. in employee training & development or 6 mos. exp. writing training materials or conducting training; 3 mos. trg. in manpower planning or 3 mos. exp. scheduling personnel for adequate coverage & making staff projections.
- Or 6 mos. exp. as Mental Health Administrator 3, 65223.
- Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment noted above.
UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Travel may be required; may be exposed to communicable diseases & consumers/residents who may display erratic or violent behavior.
Primary Job Skill: Behavioral Health
Technical Skills: Policy Direction, Behavioral Health, Planning and Development, Public Relations
Professional Skills: Collaboration, Establishing Relationships, Leading Others, Presenting, Strategic Thinking
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. DBH reserves the right to evaluate the academic validity of the degree-granting institution.
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
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.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health is seeking a Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTF) Lead to support and oversee statewide initiatives that enhance access to high-quality psychiatric residential treatment and intensive behavioral health services for children and youth. This role helps strengthen the continuum of care, improves system coordination, and drives positive outcomes for families across Ohio. The position directly supports statewide efforts to ensure children and youth receive safe, effective, family-centered residential treatment and behavioral health services. Your work will help shape systems, strengthen provider capacity, and advance department priorities that improve outcomes for families.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Administration & System Leadership
- Administer statewide Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) programs and intensive behavioral health initiatives for children and youth.
- Implement department priorities to improve access to residential treatment, strengthen the care continuum, and enhance outcomes for children, youth, and families.
- Develop statewide program guidance, policies, procedures, and recommendations aligned with evidence informed and family driven practices.
- Ensure program activities comply with state and federal laws, rules, regulations, and Medicaid requirements.
Project, Contract & Grant Coordination
- Coordinate and monitor PRTF related projects, contracts, grants, and program activities.
- Evaluate program performance, identify trends and gaps, and recommend improvements to quality, access, and care transitions.
- Prepare concise reports and outcome evaluations to support system effectiveness.
Stakeholder Consultation & Technical Assistance
- Provide consultation and technical assistance to PRTFs, county behavioral health boards, managed care organizations, hospitals, providers, and other child serving partners on policies, program requirements, and best practices.
- Participate in statewide committees and workgroups; collaborate with agencies including Medicaid, Children and Youth, and Developmental Disabilities to improve cross system coordination.
This is an hourly position and is exempt from the bargaining units, with a pay range of 14 on the E1 Exempt Pay Range Schedule. Normal working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm.
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.
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
Position Qualifications
For all “programmatic” positions, completion of undergraduate core program in one of following fields: mental health & developmental disabilities technology, social work or comparable field (e.g., child & family community services), special education, psychology or rehabilitation or 24 mos. exp. in development & implementation of treatment/ habilitation plans for persons who are mentally ill or developmentally disabled & working as part of interdisciplinary team to assess consumers'/residents' needs & abilities; 12 mos. trg. or 12 mos. exp. in state & federal regulations, standards & court orders governing care, custody, treatment, programming & environment of consumers/residents in mental health or developmental centers, or regulating drug treatment center operations or federally funded drug abuse services, or governing delivery of psychiatric services in adult correctional institution, or affecting community mental health programs (i.e., category of state & federal regulations, standards & court orders must be linked directly to type of facility & services being provided).
For all “administration staff” positions, completion of undergraduate core program in business administration/management sciences or 12 mos. exp. developing goals, objectives, policies & procedures of operational unit or program of agency or firm & monitoring implementation of same.
In addition to one of preceding categories (i.e., programmatic positions or administrative staff), 6 mos. trg. in supervisory principles/techniques or 6 mos. exp. scheduling, monitoring & evaluating personnel; 6 mos. trg. in budgeting or 6 mos. exp. determining budget needs & spending for operational unit or program of agency or firm; 6 mos. trg. in employee training & development or 6 mos. exp. writing training materials or conducting training; 3 mos. trg. in manpower planning or 3 mos. exp. scheduling personnel for adequate coverage & making staff projections.
- Or 6 mos. exp. as Mental Health Administrator 3, 65223.
- Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment noted above.
UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Travel may be required; may be exposed to communicable diseases & consumers/residents who may display erratic or violent behavior.
Primary Job Skill: Behavioral Health
Technical Skills: Policy Direction, Behavioral Health, Planning and Development, Public Relations
Professional Skills: Collaboration, Establishing Relationships, Leading Others, Presenting, Strategic Thinking
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. DBH reserves the right to evaluate the academic validity of the degree-granting institution.
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 Therapist Job Roles in Ohio
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Search Mental Health Therapist Jobs in OhioMental Health Therapist Jobs in Ohio: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for mental health therapists in Ohio?
Large health systems are the most active sponsors, including Cleveland Clinic, OhioHealth, Nationwide Children's Hospital, and University Hospitals. Community mental health centers such as Netcare Access and Syntero also sponsor for licensed therapist roles. Federally Qualified Health Centers operating in underserved Ohio counties are another consistent source, as they face ongoing shortages and have established sponsorship infrastructure for clinical staff.
Which visa types are most common for mental health therapist roles in Ohio?
The H-1B visa is the most common visa for mental health therapists in Ohio, as licensed counselor and clinical social worker roles typically qualify as specialty occupations requiring a relevant master's degree. The J-1 visa is used by some academic medical centers for research or training components. Therapists working in underserved areas may also be eligible for Conrad 30 J-1 waivers through the Ohio Department of Health.
Which cities in Ohio have the most mental health therapist sponsorship jobs?
Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati generate the largest volume of sponsored mental health therapist positions, driven by their major hospital systems, university affiliates, and community behavioral health networks. Dayton and Toledo also have active hiring through regional health systems and VA medical centers. Rural and Appalachian counties in southeastern Ohio see demand through federally funded community health programs targeting shortage areas.
How to find mental health therapist visa sponsorship jobs in Ohio?
Migrate Mate is the most direct way to find mental health therapist roles in Ohio where employers are actively open to visa sponsorship. Filtering by state and role on Migrate Mate surfaces positions at health systems, community mental health centers, and FQHCs across Ohio. Because sponsorship willingness is often unlisted on general postings, using a platform built specifically for sponsored roles saves significant time in the search process.
Are there state-specific considerations for mental health therapists seeking sponsorship in Ohio?
Ohio requires independent licensure (LPCC-S or LISW-S for independent practice) which affects how employers classify roles for H-1B purposes. Therapists working toward licensure hours may find some employers willing to sponsor during the supervised period, but this varies by organization. Ohio's participation in the Conrad 30 J-1 visa waiver program is particularly relevant for therapists willing to commit to practice in designated Health Professional Shortage Areas, which are plentiful across the state.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored mental health therapist 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.