Mental Health Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Mental health professionals, including counselors, therapists, and social workers, can pursue H-1B visa sponsorship if they hold at least a master's degree in their field. Hospitals, community health centers, and large behavioral health organizations are the most likely sponsors, especially in underserved areas. Licensure requirements vary by state and can be a hurdle, so make sure your credentials are transferable before applying. EB-2 and EB-3 green card pathways are also realistic given the nationwide shortage of mental health providers. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) Systems Analyst (MA5/DBHR)
71045973
The Division of Behavioral Health is seeking a seasoned policy and systems analyst to play a vital role in shaping how Washington supports the mental health and well-being of its youngest residents. This position will leverage their expertise in Medicaid financing, cross-agency collaboration, and infant and early childhood health policy to build and strengthen the systems that families across Washington depend on. This is a telework flexible position that delivers meaningful impact for children and families at scale.
All HCA employees will apply an equity lens to their work, which may include but is not limited to all analyses of core business and processes.
About the division:
The Health Care Authority (HCA) administers programs that provide health insurance coverage to over 1.8 million Washington Residents and 400,000 public employees, retirees and their dependents. HCA promotes health care access to the uninsured, underinsured and Tribes, and administers Washington’s Medicaid program which provides federal and state medical assistance to Washington’s most vulnerable individuals.
About the position:
The Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) Systems Analyst (Management Analyst 5) conducts expert-level research, policy analysis, and strategic planning to align Medicaid financing with early childhood mental health services across Washington State. The analyst works across agencies and sectors, including health, public health, and education to develop programs that promote prevention, improve health outcomes, and reduce long-term health care costs for children and families. This role includes representing HCA in statewide and national workgroups, providing technical assistance, and leading internal cross-agency teams focused on policy and program alignment to serve the state’s youngest and most vulnerable residents.
This position is eligible to telework and is typically not required to report on-site. The default assigned work location of all Health Care Authority (HCA) positions – both on-site and telework eligible positions – is within the State of Washington. This position reports to Olympia, WA. Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs. HCA has currently suspended the ability to support out-of-state telework.
Duties
Some of what you will do:
- Work with agency staff and external partners to develop and implement policies and procedures related to aligning and coordinating Medicaid and early childhood services and supports
- Provide expert-level research, analysis and strategic planning to develop policy and services across early childhood systems and Medicaid supporting the comprehensive social and health care needs of children and families
- Analyze agency policy and operations that impact alignment and coordination with infant-early childhood mental health services; recommend policy and practice improvements
- Clarify and explain current policy and procedure for legislative staff, constituents, other state agencies, HCA staff and community-based organizations
- Develop proposals on Medicaid and early childhood policy, practice, and implementation for review by agency leadership
- Develop recommendations and implementation plans to meet short-term goals, objectives and long-term strategies for alignment and coordination of Medicaid and early childhood systems
- Provide executive level briefings and recommendations on aligning policy and financing infant-early childhood mental health services consistent with agency strategic long-range plans
- Provide oversight and monitoring related to implementing cross-agency Medicaid and early childhood initiatives and strategies
- Review federal and state legislation with potential impacts to Medicaid and early childhood services and supports, and track and catalog policy and program issues and concerns related to Medicaid and infant-early childhood mental health services
- Participate in and add to the ongoing national and state infant-early childhood mental health services exploration of the broader health care and early childhood financing strategies and cross-sector systems’ development
- Clarify and explain Medicaid and infant-early childhood mental health services recommendations, findings, initiatives, activities and opportunities
- Provide clear and objective analysis of current and pending federal and state legislation, regulations, rules and implementation processes relating to early childhood health outcomes and infant-early childhood mental health services
Qualifications
Required qualifications:
Qualifying candidates will meet one of the following criteria options:
Option 1:
Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college with major study in business administration, public administration, public health, health administration, social work or a related field and five (5) years of the required experience below
Option 2:
Associate's degree in a field identified above, and seven (7) years of the required experience below
Option 3:
Nine (9) years of the required experience below
The required experience includes two (2) or more of the following:
- Conducting research
- Analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations
- Conducting business analysis and developing requirements
- Leading business projects or managing business operations
- Business policy development
- Supervising staff
Experience must include two (2) years of:
- Working in health services/Medicaid, and/or family support, home visiting and/or other early childhood or human service-related field
- Current working knowledge of family-centered health integration with a focus on social determinants of maternal, infant and early childhood health outcomes
- Demonstrated ability to understand, organize and present information and data to various audiences, including developing formal and informal written and oral reports, briefings, presentations and technical reports
- Facilitating community engagement activities with diverse populations including agency personnel, stakeholders, and partners. Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize and complete work within multiple competing timelines
- Current working knowledge of early learning and home visiting services including model components, services, and professionals
- Current working knowledge of Medicaid includes traditional Medicaid services, managed care and Healthier Washington innovation plans
Required competencies:
- The ability to take action to learn and grow
- The ability to take action to meet the needs of others
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience with continuous quality improvement approaches and change management techniques and practices
- Ability to respond quickly to special requests and excellent written and oral communication skills
- Experience with policy research and development and clearly explain finding and recommendations
- Ability to explain complex information in an easy-to-understand way
- Experience building and maintaining strong relationships with partners
How to apply:
Only candidates who reflect the required qualifications on their NEOGOV profile will be considered. Failure to follow the application instructions below may lead to disqualification. To apply for this position, you will need to complete your profile which includes three professional references and attach:
- A cover letter that specifically addresses how you meet the qualifications for this position
- Current resume
To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:
- Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter
- Please black out any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.
Supplemental Information
About HCA:
Functioning as both the state's largest health care purchaser and its behavioral health authority, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is a leader in ensuring Washington residents have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible.
There are three pillars of our work: Apple Health (Medicaid); the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs; and behavioral health and recovery. Under these pillars, HCA purchases health care, including behavioral health treatment for more than 2.7 million Washington residents and provides behavioral health prevention, crisis, and recovery supports to all Washington residents.
What we have to offer:
- Meaningful work with friendly co-workers who care about those we serve Voices of HCA
- A clear agency mission that drives our work and is person-centered HCA's Mission, Vision & Values
- A healthy work/life balance, including alternative/flexible schedules and mobile work options
- A great total compensation and benefit package WA State Government Benefits
- A safe, pleasant workplace in a convenient location with restaurants, and shopping nearby
- And free parking!
Notes:
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment.
HCA is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. HCA has five employee resource groups (ERGs). ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups whose aim is to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with HCA’s mission. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Studies have shown women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons of disability are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. Persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are also encouraged to apply. If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at HCAjobs@hca.wa.gov. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact Lisa Fleming at (360) 725-1723 or lisa.fleming@hca.wa.gov.
The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is an E-Verify employer. All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to receive a list of new job postings at HCA.
Description
Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) Systems Analyst (MA5/DBHR)
71045973
The Division of Behavioral Health is seeking a seasoned policy and systems analyst to play a vital role in shaping how Washington supports the mental health and well-being of its youngest residents. This position will leverage their expertise in Medicaid financing, cross-agency collaboration, and infant and early childhood health policy to build and strengthen the systems that families across Washington depend on. This is a telework flexible position that delivers meaningful impact for children and families at scale.
All HCA employees will apply an equity lens to their work, which may include but is not limited to all analyses of core business and processes.
About the division:
The Health Care Authority (HCA) administers programs that provide health insurance coverage to over 1.8 million Washington Residents and 400,000 public employees, retirees and their dependents. HCA promotes health care access to the uninsured, underinsured and Tribes, and administers Washington’s Medicaid program which provides federal and state medical assistance to Washington’s most vulnerable individuals.
About the position:
The Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) Systems Analyst (Management Analyst 5) conducts expert-level research, policy analysis, and strategic planning to align Medicaid financing with early childhood mental health services across Washington State. The analyst works across agencies and sectors, including health, public health, and education to develop programs that promote prevention, improve health outcomes, and reduce long-term health care costs for children and families. This role includes representing HCA in statewide and national workgroups, providing technical assistance, and leading internal cross-agency teams focused on policy and program alignment to serve the state’s youngest and most vulnerable residents.
This position is eligible to telework and is typically not required to report on-site. The default assigned work location of all Health Care Authority (HCA) positions – both on-site and telework eligible positions – is within the State of Washington. This position reports to Olympia, WA. Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs. HCA has currently suspended the ability to support out-of-state telework.
Duties
Some of what you will do:
- Work with agency staff and external partners to develop and implement policies and procedures related to aligning and coordinating Medicaid and early childhood services and supports
- Provide expert-level research, analysis and strategic planning to develop policy and services across early childhood systems and Medicaid supporting the comprehensive social and health care needs of children and families
- Analyze agency policy and operations that impact alignment and coordination with infant-early childhood mental health services; recommend policy and practice improvements
- Clarify and explain current policy and procedure for legislative staff, constituents, other state agencies, HCA staff and community-based organizations
- Develop proposals on Medicaid and early childhood policy, practice, and implementation for review by agency leadership
- Develop recommendations and implementation plans to meet short-term goals, objectives and long-term strategies for alignment and coordination of Medicaid and early childhood systems
- Provide executive level briefings and recommendations on aligning policy and financing infant-early childhood mental health services consistent with agency strategic long-range plans
- Provide oversight and monitoring related to implementing cross-agency Medicaid and early childhood initiatives and strategies
- Review federal and state legislation with potential impacts to Medicaid and early childhood services and supports, and track and catalog policy and program issues and concerns related to Medicaid and infant-early childhood mental health services
- Participate in and add to the ongoing national and state infant-early childhood mental health services exploration of the broader health care and early childhood financing strategies and cross-sector systems’ development
- Clarify and explain Medicaid and infant-early childhood mental health services recommendations, findings, initiatives, activities and opportunities
- Provide clear and objective analysis of current and pending federal and state legislation, regulations, rules and implementation processes relating to early childhood health outcomes and infant-early childhood mental health services
Qualifications
Required qualifications:
Qualifying candidates will meet one of the following criteria options:
Option 1:
Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college with major study in business administration, public administration, public health, health administration, social work or a related field and five (5) years of the required experience below
Option 2:
Associate's degree in a field identified above, and seven (7) years of the required experience below
Option 3:
Nine (9) years of the required experience below
The required experience includes two (2) or more of the following:
- Conducting research
- Analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations
- Conducting business analysis and developing requirements
- Leading business projects or managing business operations
- Business policy development
- Supervising staff
Experience must include two (2) years of:
- Working in health services/Medicaid, and/or family support, home visiting and/or other early childhood or human service-related field
- Current working knowledge of family-centered health integration with a focus on social determinants of maternal, infant and early childhood health outcomes
- Demonstrated ability to understand, organize and present information and data to various audiences, including developing formal and informal written and oral reports, briefings, presentations and technical reports
- Facilitating community engagement activities with diverse populations including agency personnel, stakeholders, and partners. Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize and complete work within multiple competing timelines
- Current working knowledge of early learning and home visiting services including model components, services, and professionals
- Current working knowledge of Medicaid includes traditional Medicaid services, managed care and Healthier Washington innovation plans
Required competencies:
- The ability to take action to learn and grow
- The ability to take action to meet the needs of others
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience with continuous quality improvement approaches and change management techniques and practices
- Ability to respond quickly to special requests and excellent written and oral communication skills
- Experience with policy research and development and clearly explain finding and recommendations
- Ability to explain complex information in an easy-to-understand way
- Experience building and maintaining strong relationships with partners
How to apply:
Only candidates who reflect the required qualifications on their NEOGOV profile will be considered. Failure to follow the application instructions below may lead to disqualification. To apply for this position, you will need to complete your profile which includes three professional references and attach:
- A cover letter that specifically addresses how you meet the qualifications for this position
- Current resume
To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:
- Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter
- Please black out any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.
Supplemental Information
About HCA:
Functioning as both the state's largest health care purchaser and its behavioral health authority, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is a leader in ensuring Washington residents have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible.
There are three pillars of our work: Apple Health (Medicaid); the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs; and behavioral health and recovery. Under these pillars, HCA purchases health care, including behavioral health treatment for more than 2.7 million Washington residents and provides behavioral health prevention, crisis, and recovery supports to all Washington residents.
What we have to offer:
- Meaningful work with friendly co-workers who care about those we serve Voices of HCA
- A clear agency mission that drives our work and is person-centered HCA's Mission, Vision & Values
- A healthy work/life balance, including alternative/flexible schedules and mobile work options
- A great total compensation and benefit package WA State Government Benefits
- A safe, pleasant workplace in a convenient location with restaurants, and shopping nearby
- And free parking!
Notes:
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment.
HCA is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. HCA has five employee resource groups (ERGs). ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups whose aim is to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with HCA’s mission. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Studies have shown women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons of disability are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. Persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are also encouraged to apply. If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at HCAjobs@hca.wa.gov. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact Lisa Fleming at (360) 725-1723 or lisa.fleming@hca.wa.gov.
The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is an E-Verify employer. All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to receive a list of new job postings at HCA.
See all 13,390+ Mental Health jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Mental Health roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Mental Health Jobs
Target community mental health centers in shortage areas
Community mental health centers (CMHCs) in designated HPSAs face persistent provider shortages and are often experienced in sponsoring international clinicians. Many of these centers receive federal funding that supports their hiring of visa-holding providers. Check HRSA's shortage area finder to identify centers in areas with the greatest need.
Complete a CACREP-accredited program for the strongest credentials
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) is the gold standard for counseling programs in the U.S. Graduating from a CACREP-accredited program streamlines licensure in most states and strengthens the specialty occupation argument in H-1B petitions. Many states are moving toward requiring CACREP-accredited degrees for LPC licensure.
Build telehealth competency to expand your employer options
Telehealth has dramatically expanded access to mental health services, and many employers now hire remote counselors to serve clients across multiple locations. Demonstrating proficiency with telehealth platforms and understanding of interstate practice regulations makes you more versatile. Telehealth roles may also connect you with employers in shortage areas without requiring relocation.
Accumulate supervised hours strategically during OPT
Most mental health licensure paths require thousands of supervised clinical hours after your master's degree. Use your OPT period to begin accruing these hours at a site that may eventually sponsor your H-1B. Aligning your supervision timeline with the H-1B filing cycle means you can be approaching licensure eligibility when your petition is submitted.
Specialize in underserved populations for greater sponsorship leverage
Expertise in serving specific populations - such as Spanish-speaking clients, refugees, veterans, or children with trauma histories - creates a compelling case for sponsorship. Employers can demonstrate that your language skills or cultural competency are not readily available in the local labor market. Bilingual mental health providers are in especially high demand nationwide.
Mental Health jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Mental Health JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can mental health counselors get visa sponsorship in the U.S.?
Mental health counselors with a master's degree or higher can qualify for H-1B sponsorship, as the role meets the specialty occupation requirement when it demands graduate-level education. Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs), Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) are all eligible in principle. The growing demand for mental health services in the U.S. has increased employer willingness to sponsor qualified candidates.
Do mental health shortage areas affect sponsorship opportunities?
Yes, significantly. HRSA designates Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) across the country, and employers in these areas face severe staffing challenges. Community mental health centers and rural clinics in shortage areas are often more willing to sponsor international providers because they cannot fill positions locally. Working in a mental health HPSA may also open additional visa pathways for psychiatrists through J-1 waiver programs.
What licensure is required for mental health professionals in the U.S.?
Licensure requirements vary by state and credential type. LPC licensure typically requires a master's in counseling from a CACREP-accredited program, 2,000-4,000 supervised clinical hours, and passing the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). LCSW licensure requires a master's in social work (MSW) and passing the ASWB clinical exam. Requirements for supervised hours and specific coursework vary significantly between states.
Can psychiatrists use J-1 waiver programs for mental health positions?
Yes. Psychiatrists who completed U.S. residency training on J-1 visas can apply for a waiver of the two-year home residency requirement by committing to work in an underserved area. The Conrad 30 program allows each state to recommend up to 30 J-1 physician waivers per year, and mental health is a qualifying shortage area in many states. Federal agencies like the VA and HHS also sponsor J-1 waivers for psychiatrists.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Mental Health jobs?
When a U.S. employer sponsors a foreign worker for a work visa, they are legally required to pay at least the "prevailing wage" — the average wage paid to workers in the same occupation, in the same geographic area, with similar experience. This is set by the Department of Labor to prevent employers from hiring foreign workers at below-market rates. The prevailing wage varies significantly by role, location, and experience level — for example, a mental health in New York will have a different prevailing wage than the same role in a smaller state. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search.
How to find Mental Health jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Mental Health jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international candidates with sponsoring employers. Focus on healthcare systems, private psychiatric facilities, community mental health centers, and telehealth companies that commonly sponsor H-1B, O-1, and other work visas for licensed therapists, psychologists, and psychiatric professionals seeking opportunities in the United States.
See which Mental Health employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
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