Q: What is the duration of OPT employment authorization: A: the initial post-completion period for which students can apply is 12 months, less any OPT time used pre-completion. The requested employment start date must be between the end of program date, and 60 days later.: F-1 students who have been enrolled in legal status for a minimum of nine months are eligible for up to twelve (12) months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) work authorization by the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS).
Educational Requirements for Mental Health Counselors. In order to become a licensed mental health counselor in most states, a master's degree is required. Schools offer master's degrees in counseling, psychology and other related mental health fields.
For a psychology student with an interest in gaining the necessary training and master's degree education in mental health and psychotherapy to provide both individual and group therapeutic services, two popular options include becoming a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or a marriage and family therapist (MFT).