Making a Difference: Marriage and Family Therapist Careers at the VA

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class, comprehensive healthcare to those who have served in our nation's military. At the heart of this mission is the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP). We are currently looking for dedicated, mission-driven Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) to join our team in the Texas Valley Coastal Bend area. If you are passionate about systemic health, couples therapy, and improving the quality of life for Veterans, this is a unique opportunity to advance your career.

Job Responsibilities

As an MFT within the BHIP, you will:

Provide specialized therapy for couples, families, individuals, and groups.
Utilize family systems theory to diagnose and treat mental health conditions.
Develop and re-evaluate patient treatment plans through continuous clinical assessment.
Coordinate care with multidisciplinary medical teams to ensure holistic support.
Participate in committees to help improve the standard of mental health services.

Comparison of Grade Levels

Feature	GS-9 (Entry)	GS-11 (Full Performance)
Experience Level	Entry-level / Pre-license eligible	1+ year post-master's clinical experience
Supervision	Required clinical oversight	Independent practice / Mentorship
Scope	Foundational assessment	Advanced psychosocial intervention

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, you must be a U.S. citizen with a valid license to practice MFT independently (or meet specific GS-9 waiver criteria). You must be proficient in English and have completed a graduate degree from an accredited program. All applicants must undergo a background investigation.

Salary Overview

The salary range for these positions is competitive, starting at $63,476 and reaching up to $99,835 annually, depending on experience, education, and specific location requirements.

Benefits

Beyond a rewarding career, you will enjoy federal benefits including:

EDRP: Up to $200,000 in student loan debt reduction.
Leave: Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
Insurance: Federal health, dental, and vision insurance options.
Retirement: Access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).

Application Tips

Use the template: Always download and use the official VA Clinical Resume Document.
Be specific: When describing your work history, include quantitative data (e.g., number of patients seen, types of therapy modalities used).
Check eligibility: If you are a veteran, ensure you include your DD-214 for preference points.

Serving our Veterans requires patience, skill, and deep empathy. If you are ready to apply your MFT expertise in a supportive environment, we encourage you to submit your application by September 15, 2026.

Why This Marriage And Family Therapist (Bhip) - Edrp Approved Job Matters

Join the Texas Valley Coastal Bend VA Health Care System and make a tangible difference in the lives of our nation's heroes through specialized, systemic mental health care.

Marriage And Family Therapist (Bhip) - Edrp Approved Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a compassionate and skilled Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) to join the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP). In this role, you will provide essential mental health services to Veterans and their families across the Texas Valley Coastal Bend region. As a member of a multi-disciplinary team, you will utilize family systems theory to address a wide range of psychological needs, helping Veterans navigate challenges through individual, group, couples, and family therapy. This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), offering up to $200,000 in potential student loan reimbursement.

Requirements for Marriage And Family Therapist (Bhip) - Edrp Approved

U.S. Citizenship
Proficiency in written and spoken English
Master's or doctoral degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (or a comparable mental health field meeting VA standards)
Full, current, and unrestricted state license to practice independently as an MFT
Completion of Selective Service Registration for males born after 12/31/1959
Ability to pass a background/security investigation
Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program

Preferred Qualifications for Marriage And Family Therapist (Bhip) - Edrp Approved

Experience working within the VA or Department of Defense systems
Clinical experience in community-based settings
Proven proficiency in outcome-measurement based care
Expertise in evidence-based psychotherapies for diverse client groups
Prior experience in case management for complex clinical populations
Background in outpatient general mental health clinical settings

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility up to $200,000
✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans
✓Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual
✓Professional development and clinical training opportunities
✓Collaborative interdisciplinary team environment

💡 How to Apply Marriage And Family Therapist (Bhip) - Edrp Approved Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Marriage And Family Therapist (Bhip) - Edrp Approved Job

Create or update your profile on the official USAJOBS portal.
Download and complete the required standard Clinical Resume Document from the provided VA careers link.
Prepare your full CV or resume, academic transcripts, and professional licensure documentation.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your application package before the 11:59 PM ET closing date on September 15, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly details your experience in paid and volunteer settings related to MFT practices.
Upload the specific standard Clinical Resume Document into the designated two-page restricted field to avoid processing errors.
Check your application status frequently through your USAJOBS account dashboard.
Clearly highlight your clinical supervision or teaching experience if applying for the GS-11 level.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the EDRP and how does it apply here?

The Education Debt Reduction Program provides loan reimbursement for qualified clinical professionals. Upon selection, the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services office reviews your eligibility for up to $200,000 in student loan debt relief.

Can I apply if I am currently pending licensure?

Applicants pending full licensure may be considered for a GS-9 appointment, provided they meet all other requirements and operate under the supervision of a licensed MFT for a period not exceeding three years.

Is relocation assistance provided?

*A: No, relocation/recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.*

Can I work from home?

*A: This position allows for ad-hoc telework, but it is not a virtual position.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Texas Valley Coastal Bend VA Health Care System (VATVCBHCS) serves over 30,000 Veterans across multiple outpatient clinics in Corpus Christi, Harlingen, Laredo, and McAllen. We provide a full spectrum of care, including surgery, rehabilitation, and mental health services. As a teaching site affiliated with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, we foster an environment of continuous learning and professional growth.