Providing Excellence: Careers in Mental Health Counseling at the VA

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class care to the men and women who have served our country. As part of this mission, the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital is seeking dedicated Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselors (LPMHC) to support our nation’s heroes. This is a vital role that requires a blend of clinical mastery, empathetic patient care, and collaborative spirit.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will provide a full spectrum of behavioral health services. Key responsibilities include:

Performing thorough intake, assessment, and diagnostic evaluations.
Developing and implementing individualized psychotherapeutic treatment plans.
Facilitating evidence-based individual, group, and family therapy sessions.
Collaborating with medical and psychiatric staff to coordinate comprehensive care.
Maintaining timely, accurate clinical documentation in the electronic health record system.

Comparison Table: GS-9 vs GS-11 Levels

Feature	GS-9 (Entry Level)	GS-11 (Full Performance)
Experience Requirement	Less than 1 year post-master's	1+ year post-master's experience
Licensure Status	Working toward independent license	Fully licensed for independent practice
Autonomy	Supervised/Developmental	Independent judgment/Consultation

Requirements

Education: A master's or doctoral degree in a CACREP-accredited counseling program.
Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Licensure: Must hold a current, unrestricted independent practice license (unless applying for GS-9 entry-level criteria).
Compliance: Willingness to undergo physical exams and maintain seasonal vaccination compliance.

Salary and Benefits

Compensation: The salary range for this position is $61,722 to $97,087 annually, depending on experience and grade level.
Loan Repayment: The Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) offers up to $200,000 for qualifying student loans.
Federal Benefits: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance; robust retirement plans including FERS and TSP; and generous annual/sick leave.

Application Tips

To maximize your chances, always use the agency-provided Clinical Resume template. Ensure your documentation clearly reflects your clinical hours and specific interventions performed. Do not rely on recruiters to interpret your duties; be explicit in your description of patient care and evidence-based practices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I handle foreign education? You must provide a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcripts.
Are there recruitment incentives? Yes, incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates based on agency budget and review.

Serving our Veterans is a profound responsibility and a rewarding career path. If you are a licensed counselor looking to advance your skills in a high-impact environment, the VA offers the support, resources, and mission-driven culture to help you succeed.

Why This Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Job Matters

Advance your clinical career while directly impacting the lives of our nation's Veterans at the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital.

Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Job Overview

The James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital is seeking compassionate and skilled Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselors to join their Behavioral Sciences Service. This role offers the opportunity to provide comprehensive mental health care, including diagnosis, individual and group therapy, and crisis intervention, within a prestigious tertiary care teaching hospital environment.

Requirements for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor

U.S. Citizenship
Master's or doctoral degree in a CACREP-accredited clinical mental health or rehabilitation counseling program
Full, current, and unrestricted state license to independently practice counseling
Proficiency in spoken and written English
Completion of a pre-employment physical examination
Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program
Ability to pass a background and security investigation

Preferred Qualifications for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor

Experience in evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions
Proficiency in utilizing DSM-5 clinical criteria for diagnosis
Ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary medical team
Experience with electronic health record documentation and clinical workload management

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) up to $200,000
✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
✓Generous paid time off and federal holidays
✓Federal retirement pension and thrift savings plan
✓Professional development and clinical training opportunities
✓Recruitment/Relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates

💡 How to Apply Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Job

Review the full announcement on the official federal portal
Prepare a resume that specifically highlights your counseling experience and clinical skills
Download and complete the required clinical resume document
Gather your educational transcripts and licensure verification
Log in to the application portal to complete the occupational questionnaire
Submit your complete application package before the August 10, 2026, closing date

💡 General Tips

Use the provided standard Clinical Resume template to ensure your application passes initial screenings
Be specific about your clinical hours and duties; the agency cannot make assumptions about your experience
Submit your application early to be considered for the first referral cut-off date
Ensure all supporting documents, including your license and transcripts, are clear and readable

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position eligible for loan repayment?

Yes, this position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which provides student loan reimbursement for qualified candidates up to $200,000.

Can I work remotely?

This is not a virtual position. While ad hoc telework may be available, the role requires physical presence at the facility.

What if I am not yet fully licensed?

The GS-9 entry level may allow for applicants currently working toward state licensure prerequisites, provided they meet the educational requirements.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital (JAHVH) in Tampa, Florida, is a Level 1 Tertiary Care facility that serves as a cornerstone of health for Veterans across Central Florida. As a teaching hospital, JAHVH is at the forefront of clinical research, education, and innovative treatment protocols. Joining the JAHVH team means becoming part of a diverse, interdisciplinary network dedicated to holistic patient wellness.