Advance Your Career as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor with the VA

Are you a dedicated mental health professional looking to make a lasting difference in the lives of those who served our country? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a highly skilled Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) to join the Texas Valley Coastal Bend VA Health Care System in McAllen, Texas. This role is a unique opportunity to provide comprehensive care within a Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PCMHI) model, blending clinical expertise with a mission-driven environment.

Job Responsibilities

As an LPMHC, you will operate as a critical member of an interdisciplinary team. Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

Conducting thorough intake assessments and diagnostic interviews.
Developing and implementing individualized treatment plans for Veterans.
Providing crisis intervention and stabilization for patients in psychological distress.
Facilitating individual, group, and family psychotherapy sessions.
Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to ensure a seamless continuum of care.
Documenting services and clinical progress in electronic health records.

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, applicants must meet the following baseline requirements:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Education: Master's or doctoral degree in a clinical mental health counseling program accredited by CACREP.
Licensure: Must hold a current, full, and unrestricted state license to practice independently.
Proficiency: Must demonstrate strong oral and written English communication skills.

Grade Comparison Table

Grade Level	Experience Requirement	Focus
GS-9	Entry Level	Developing clinical skills and assessment techniques.
GS-11	1+ Year Post-Master's	Full performance level; expert evaluation and intervention.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range starting from $61,722 up to $97,087 per year, commensurate with your experience and the assigned GS grade level.

Benefits

Choosing a career with the VA comes with significant advantages:

EDRP Eligibility: You may be eligible for up to $200,000 in student loan debt reduction.
Work-Life Balance: Generous vacation, sick leave, and federal holiday schedules.
Comprehensive Health: Exceptional federal health and life insurance options.
Retirement: Access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).

Application Tips

Use the Template: Always use the official VA Clinical Resume template found on the VA Careers website.
Be Quantitative: Highlight the number of patients you have managed or the complexity of the cases you have handled.
Stay Accurate: Ensure all certifications and education credentials match your submitted transcripts exactly.

Join us in McAllen, Texas, and dedicate your professional skills to serving the heroes who have sacrificed for our nation. With competitive pay, robust loan repayment support, and a supportive team environment, this is an excellent next step for any licensed mental health counselor.

Why This Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Pcmhi) - Edrp Approved Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on the lives of our nation's heroes by joining the Primary Care Mental Health Integration team at the Texas Valley Coastal Bend VA Health Care System.

Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Pcmhi) - Edrp Approved Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) to join our Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PCMHI) team in McAllen, Texas. This vital role focuses on providing compassionate, accessible, and high-quality mental health care to Veterans through comprehensive assessment, treatment planning, and evidence-based clinical interventions. This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which offers significant student loan repayment support.

Requirements for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Pcmhi) - Edrp Approved

Must be a United States Citizen.
Master's or doctoral degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, or a closely related field from a CACREP-accredited program.
Must hold a current, full, and unrestricted license to independently practice counseling.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Completion of a two-year trial period.
Annual seasonal influenza vaccination or authorized medical/religious exemption.

Preferred Qualifications for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Pcmhi) - Edrp Approved

Fully licensed within your discipline.
Extensive experience providing individual and group psychotherapy across diverse diagnostic ranges.
Prior professional experience working within a VA clinical setting.
Specialized experience in Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PCMHI) or primary care environments.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000 for qualifying loans).
✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans.
✓Paid annual and sick leave, plus federal holidays.
✓Opportunities for professional development and mentorship.
✓Integration into an innovative, academic-affiliated healthcare system.

💡 How to Apply Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Pcmhi) - Edrp Approved Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Pcmhi) - Edrp Approved Job

Review the full vacancy announcement and gather your transcript, license, and resume.
Download and complete the required clinical resume template from the VA Careers website.
Log into or create your USAJOBS account.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload all required documentation, including your resume and supporting credentials.
Submit your application before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Use the specific VA clinical resume template provided in the job listing to ensure your experience is highlighted correctly.
Be detailed and specific when describing your clinical experience; do not assume the recruiter knows your internal processes.
Upload all supporting documents, such as SF-50s or DD-214s, early to avoid last-minute technical delays.
Regularly check your application status on USAJOBS for updates regarding your referral status.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)?

The EDRP is a student loan reimbursement program for specific VA healthcare positions. If eligible, you may receive significant debt relief (up to $200,000) based on your student loan balance and VHA policy.

Is this a remote position?

No, this is an onsite position located in McAllen, Texas. While ad-hoc telework may be available based on departmental needs, it is not a virtual or full-time remote role.

Can I apply if I am not yet fully licensed?

Applicants pending licensure may be considered for the GS-9 level under specific conditions, but must obtain full, unrestricted licensure within three years to remain in the position.

Is relocation assistance offered?

*A: Relocation/Recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.*

How long is the trial period?

*A: As a new federal employee, you will be required to complete a 2-year trial period to evaluate your performance and professional conduct.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Texas Valley Coastal Bend VA Health Care System (VATVCBHCS) provides essential services to over 30,000 Veterans across multiple outpatient clinics. Affiliated with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Medical School, our system is committed to academic excellence, innovative patient care, and a whole-health approach to wellness. We serve as a cornerstone for Veterans' mental health, medicine, and rehabilitation in the region.