Serving Those Who Served: Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Careers at the VA
Are you a dedicated mental health professional looking to transition your career into a high-impact, mission-driven environment? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in Memphis, Tennessee, is currently seeking a motivated Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) to provide life-changing support to our nation's Veterans. This role offers not only professional stability but also the chance to serve as a cornerstone of mental health recovery for those who have sacrificed for our country.
Job Responsibilities
As an LPMHC (BHIP), you will function independently, assuming responsibility for clinical assessments, diagnosis, and treatment planning. Key duties include:
- Conducting comprehensive psychosocial assessments for complex psychiatric cases.
- Delivering evidence-based psychotherapy via individual, group, and family modalities.
- Coordinating tele-mental health services to reach Veterans in diverse locations.
- Mentoring and providing clinical supervision to interns and fellows.
- Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to optimize patient care and recovery outcomes.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Master’s or Doctoral degree from a CACREP-accredited counseling program.
- A full, current, and unrestricted license to practice.
- Proven proficiency in written and spoken English.
Qualifications Comparison Table
| Criteria | Required | Highly Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Masters/Doctorate (CACREP) | Advanced Specialty Certifications |
| Licensure | Full, Independent License | Supervisor Credential |
| Experience | 1+ year GS-11 equivalent | 5+ years post-licensed expertise |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $89,508 to $116,362 annually. Beyond the base salary, the VA offers an exceptional benefits package, including:
- Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): Up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement for eligible candidates.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Top-tier federal health insurance plans.
- Retirement Security: Robust pension and 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Paid Time Off: Generous accrual of annual and sick leave.
Application Tips
Applying for a federal position requires precision. Follow these steps to maximize your chances:
- Use the Right Resume: Download the VA clinical resume template to ensure you meet all formatting requirements.
- Be Specific: Quantify your experience. Don't just list your tasks; explain the impact of your clinical interventions.
- Review the Questionnaire: Preview the assessment questions before you start the application to ensure you have all necessary documentation ready.
Joining the Memphis VA team as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the well-being of the Veteran community. With strong financial incentives, clear professional growth, and the opportunity to lead in a clinical environment, this role is an excellent next step for your counseling career.
Why This Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Bhip) Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served our country as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor with the VA in Memphis.
Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Bhip) Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) to join the VHA-Memphis healthcare team. This position offers the opportunity to provide high-quality, comprehensive mental health services in one of the most complex medical centers in the VA system, supporting Veterans through evidence-based psychotherapy and advanced psychosocial interventions.
Requirements for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Bhip)
- U.S. Citizenship (unless no qualified citizens are available).
- Master's or doctoral degree in a CACREP-accredited clinical mental health or rehabilitation counseling program.
- Full, current, and unrestricted license to independently practice as an LPMHC.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Completion of a pre-employment physical examination.
- Annual seasonal influenza vaccination.
- Must be able to pass a background and security investigation.
Preferred Qualifications for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Bhip)
- At least one year of progressively complex LPMHC experience equivalent to the GS-11 level.
- Five years of post-licensed experience demonstrating advanced practice skills and clinical judgment.
- Experience providing clinical supervision to trainees or unlicensed staff.
- Demonstrated expertise in specialized treatment modalities for complex mental illness.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000)
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance
- ✓Retirement savings plans (FERS)
- ✓Paid annual and sick leave
- ✓Professional development and training opportunities
- ✓Work-life balance with standard daytime scheduling
💡 How to Apply Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Bhip) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Bhip) Job
- Review the full announcement and required documentation.
- Prepare your resume using the VA-specific clinical template.
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all required supporting documents (License, Transcripts, DD-214 if applicable).
- Submit your application package before the deadline.
💡 General Tips
- Use the provided VA resume template to ensure all required information is captured.
- Clearly articulate your experience with complex mental health cases.
- Ensure your professional license is current and verifiable.
- Double-check that all uploaded documents are legible and complete to avoid disqualification.
- Submit well before the deadline to account for any technical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for loan repayment?
Yes, this role is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which provides student loan reimbursement up to $200,000 based on program approval.
What is the typical work schedule for this role?
The position follows a standard full-time schedule, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Can I work remotely?
No, this is an onsite position located at the Memphis VAMC and is not eligible for virtual or remote work.
What is the EDRP?
The Education Debt Reduction Program provides significant student loan debt relief for qualifying clinical staff.
Is this a virtual position?
No, this role is based onsite at the Memphis VA facility.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. The Memphis VA Medical Center is a premier, Level I facility that serves over 206,000 Veterans across Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi. With a strong commitment to "Whole Health," the Memphis VA team integrates clinical excellence with compassionate care to improve the lives of our Veterans.