Mental Health Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Mental health professionals, including counselors, therapists, and social workers, can pursue H-1B 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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Job Overview
Location: This position is located at Firefly, a residential treatment facility in NE Portland, OR.
Schedule: The schedule for this position is Sunday through Thursday, overnight shift, 11:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.
Position: Mental Health Aide I or II
Program: Multnomah County Licensed Residential
Cascadia’s Mission And Vision
Mission: Cascadia Health delivers whole health care – integrated mental health and addiction services, primary care, and housing – to promote hope and support the well-being of the communities we serve.
Vision: We envision a community where everyone benefits from whole health care, experiences well-being, and has a self-directed, connected life.
Program Description: Cascadia operates several licensed residential treatment homes for adults experiencing mental health challenges. Our homes provide psychiatric treatment, personal care, skills training, and case management. Employees have an opportunity to provide services in a single staffed location or a location with multiple staff scheduled simultaneously. The goal is to prepare residents to live in a less restrictive environment. Referrals are accepted from counties and the state, typically for individuals leaving the state hospital. We operate sites in Multnomah County (N, NE, SE Portland) and Clackamas County (Oregon City, Gladstone).
Position Summary: As a Mental Health Aide at Cascadia Health, you will play a vital role in supporting individuals with mental health challenges within our residential settings. Your responsibilities include assisting with daily living activities, implementing individualized care plans, and fostering a safe, supportive environment for our residents. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team to promote recovery and enhance the overall well-being of those in your care. This position requires compassion, patience, and a commitment to providing high-quality, trauma-informed care.
Essential Responsibilities
This position description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position. Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties as necessary.
- Implement and monitor treatment plans for residents as part of an interdisciplinary team.
- Promote a strengths-based, client-centered approach to help residents achieve their goals and transition to a less restrictive setting.
- Provide individual and group-based therapeutic interventions as directed by the mental health treatment plan.
- Supervise and support residents in self-care, hygiene, housekeeping, meal preparation, public transportation, community integration, and social skills.
- Coordinate with shift partners and staff regarding resident concerns, follow-up needs, and building/program needs.
- Accompany and assist residents during appointments, outings, and activities using a company-provided vehicle when possible.
- Administer medications according to providers' orders using a Medication Administration Record (MAR).
- Ensure daily household chores are completed, including light housekeeping and biohazard cleaning.
- Assist in crisis situations, de-escalating residents using non-violent crisis intervention techniques (Pro-ACT) and following emergency protocols.
- Adhere to compliance with laws, required trainings, safety regulations, mandatory abuse reporting, HIPAA, and fire regulations.
- Participate in staff meetings, supervision sessions, and other departmental and agency meetings.
- Document and maintain clinical records in compliance with agency policies and local, state, and federal regulations using an Electronic Health Record System (EHR).
- Complete annual training requirements to conduct ethical work, for professional development, and to stay in compliance.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education:
Mental Health Aide I
- Required: High school diploma or equivalent.
- Compensation: Base Pay $21.90/hr. to $22.56/hr. DOE
Mental Health Aide II
- Must meet the requirements and demonstrate the competencies to be credentialed as a Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA).
- Required: Must have a bachelor’s degree in an approved behavioral science field from an accredited college or university or three years of mental health work experience.
- Required: Certification must be current and in compliance with MHACBO.
- Compensation: Base Pay $24.81/hr. to $25.84/hr. DOE
Experience
Experience in a residential mental health setting and providing skills training services is preferred but not required.
Specialized Skills And Knowledge
- Proficient verbal and written communication skills.
- Basic knowledge of Trauma Informed Care (TIC), Motivational Interviewing, and Evidence-Based Practices.
- Basic understanding of recovery models, illness management, and strength-based philosophies.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Word & Excel).
Other
- CPR Certification (training provided post-hire).
Working Conditions
- Environmental: Work is generally performed in a residential treatment home and occasionally in the community. Universal precautions should be taken due to exposure to disease, biohazards, noise, and contaminants.
- Operating Hours: Mental Health Aides operate on three shifts within a 24/7 window: day shift (7:00 am to 3:30 pm), swing shift (3:00 pm to 11:30 pm), and overnight shift (11:00 pm to 7:30 am). Float positions fill in shifts as needed and default to one program if no coverage is needed. Per diem (On-call) positions provide coverage, up to 12 shifts per quarter, as available. Schedules may vary depending on program.
- Additional Compensation/Differentials: Depending on program, shift, and other factors, additional compensation may be available. Secure locations receive an additional $1.00/hr. for working in a secure facility. Swing shift receives an additional $1.00/hr. in addition to the base pay. Overnight shifts receive an additional $3.00/hr. in addition to the base pay. Per diem positions include an additional $2.00/hr. in the base pay in lieu of benefits. Bilingual pay is available depending on language and ability to pass competency exam.
- Mental: Meal periods and breaks may be interrupted. Constant awareness and alertness are critical to detect and address escalated, potentially volatile situations.
- Physical Demands: Requires constant alertness, perception, and awareness of surroundings. Regularly stationary work at a computer, moving around program spaces, assisting residents with daily living tasks, cleaning, and using a computer for documentation. Requires occasional lifting of 20 to 50 lbs. (e.g., supplies). Requires occasional fast movement in potentially escalated situations to evade harm.
Cascadia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, contact us at 503-963-7654. This position is represented by a labor union.
Benefits
We offer generous benefits for our full-time and part-time employees (20 hours + pro-rated) including:
- Generous Paid Time Off Package Full-time employees earn 6 weeks of PTO in their first year!
- Medical and Dental Coverage (begins 1st of the month following 30 days after hire date)
- VSP Vision Discount Plan
- 403(B) Retirement Savings (Pre and post-tax plans with up to 8% employer matching contribution!)
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA) (Medical, dependent care, and transportation options)
- Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance
- Paid Bereavement and Jury Duty Leave
- Length of Service Award
- Voluntary Life Insurance
- Supplemental Insurance
- Student loan forgiveness options
Wellness Benefits
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Bicycle Reimbursement
- Discounted Fitness Memberships
- Trauma Support Team
Starting Rate Range in USD ($)
$21.90 - $22.56

How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Mental Health
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.
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Get Access To All 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.
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