Embark on a Fulfilling Career as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor with the VA

Are you a dedicated mental health professional looking to make a meaningful difference? The Texas Valley Coastal Bend VA Health Care System is currently seeking compassionate, skilled Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselors (LPMHC) to join our Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP). This is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to honor those who have served our nation while growing your clinical expertise in a supportive, professional environment.

Job Responsibilities

As an LPMHC, you will be an integral member of a multidisciplinary team. Your daily responsibilities will include:

Clinical Assessment: Conducting intake interviews and diagnostic evaluations.
Treatment Planning: Developing and executing individualized, evidence-based treatment plans.
Intervention: Providing individual, group, and family psychotherapy.
Crisis Management: Delivering urgent interventions for Veterans in acute psychological distress.
Team Collaboration: Coordinating care with other medical professionals and participating in facility committees.

Grade Level Comparison

Feature	GS-09 (Entry)	GS-11 (Full Performance)
Experience Requirement	Entry-level or post-degree	1+ year post-graduate clinical experience
Complexity of Cases	Supervised/Foundational	Independent/Complex
Decision Making	Routine/Supported	Advanced/Autonomous

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen.
Education: A Master's or doctoral degree in a relevant counseling field from a CACREP-accredited program.
Licensure: A full, current, and unrestricted license to practice independently.
Language: Proficiency in spoken and written English.

Salary and Benefits

The annual salary for this position ranges from $63,476 to $99,835, depending on experience and grade level. Beyond competitive pay, the VA offers an excellent benefits package:

EDRP: Eligible for up to $200,000 in student loan debt reduction.
Leave: Accrual of annual and sick leave starting from your first pay period.
Security: Federal health insurance, life insurance, and a robust retirement plan.

How to Apply

Applying for a federal position requires attention to detail. Follow these steps to ensure your application is complete:

Prepare your documents: Ensure your resume, transcripts, and licensure are ready to upload.
Use the correct template: Download the specialized Clinical Resume Document from the VA Careers website.
Apply on USAJOBS: Navigate to the USAJOBS portal, create your account, and submit your responses to the online occupational questionnaire.

Join us at the Texas Valley Coastal Bend VA Health Care System and turn your passion for mental health counseling into a career that truly matters. If you meet the qualifications and are eager to support our Veterans, submit your application today.

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

Make a lasting impact on the lives of those who served our country while advancing your career as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor with the VA.

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

The Texas Valley Coastal Bend VA Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) to join our Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP). In this vital role, you will provide comprehensive, patient-centered mental health care across multiple clinic locations in Texas. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to perform intake assessments, create tailored treatment plans, and deliver evidence-based interventions to support our Veterans' psychological well-being. This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which offers student loan repayment incentives of up to $200,000.

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

U.S. Citizenship
Proficiency in written and spoken English
Master's or doctoral degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, or a related field from a CACREP-accredited program
Full, current, and unrestricted license to practice as an LPMHC
Ability to pass a background and security investigation
Registration with the Selective Service for males born after December 31, 1959
Successful completion of a trial period

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

Experience working within the VA or Department of Defense health systems
Proven background in community-based mental health counseling
Expertise in integrating outcome measures into evidence-based psychotherapies
Experience working with diverse patient groups, including individuals, couples, and families
Proficiency in complex case management within an outpatient mental health setting

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility up to $200,000
✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans
✓Paid annual leave and sick leave accrual
✓Opportunities for clinical program leadership
✓Active participation in research and medical training programs
✓Collaborative and mission-driven work environment

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

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

Create or update your profile on USAJOBS.
Download and complete the required Clinical Resume Document from the VA Careers website.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload your resume, licensure documentation, and any applicable veterans' preference documents (DD-214, SF-15).
Submit your full application package before the deadline.

💡 General Tips

Be specific in your resume; do not assume the recruiter knows your day-to-day duties.
Use the standard VA clinical resume template provided to ensure your application is processed efficiently.
Double-check that your license information is current and clearly stated.
Apply well before the closing date to avoid technical delays.
Clearly articulate your experience with specific mental health conditions and treatment modalities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position eligible for loan repayment?

Yes, this role is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which may provide up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement for eligible candidates.

Can I apply if I am currently in the process of getting my license?

Yes, applicants pending completion of licensure requirements may be selected at the GS-09 level for up to a three-year appointment while they finalize their credentials.

Are there opportunities for remote work?

While this is not a virtual position, there is potential for ad-hoc telework, depending on clinical needs and facility policy.

What is the EDRP?

The Education Debt Reduction Program provides significant student loan reimbursement for qualifying health care professionals to help attract and retain top talent.

Can I work at multiple locations?

This position serves several clinics; you will be assigned to a specific area of the system and work with the interdisciplinary team at that location.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class health care to our nation's Veterans. The Texas Valley Coastal Bend VA Health Care System serves a vast population across South Texas, including facilities in Corpus Christi, Harlingen, Laredo, and McAllen. We provide a full spectrum of services ranging from surgery and medicine to specialized psychiatric care. By joining our team, you become part of a network that manages over 30,000 Veterans and conducts over 350,000 outpatient visits annually.