Becoming a Federal Clinical Psychologist: Serving Those Who Serve at NBHC Mid-South

The landscape of modern medicine is shifting rapidly toward a holistic model of patient care. Rather than treating physical ailments and psychological challenges in isolated silos, innovative medical institutions are integrating mental health support directly into primary care clinics. This integration, often referred to as the Primary Care Behavioral Health (PCBH) model, ensures that patients receive holistic, immediate, and comprehensive care.

If you are a licensed clinical psychologist seeking a meaningful career path where you can practice on the cutting edge of collaborative healthcare, the position of Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health Consultant) at the Naval Branch Health Clinic Mid-South in Millington, Tennessee, represents an unparalleled opportunity. In this federal GS-13 role, you will act as a critical resource, supporting active-duty military personnel, military retirees, and their families. This guide details the responsibilities, qualifications, and extensive rewards associated with this vital military healthcare career.

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About the Agency: The Defense Health Agency (DHA)

The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is a joint, integrated combat support agency that enables the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps medical services to provide a medically ready force. Delivering world-class care to more than 9.5 million uniformed service members, retirees, and families, the DHA manages healthcare delivery programs across the globe.

Operating within the DHA system, the Naval Branch Health Clinic Mid-South serves as a vital resource for readiness and wellness. By working within this system, healthcare professionals join a dedicated network of medical and therapeutic specialists who prioritize medical readiness and clinical excellence anytime, anywhere.

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Job Responsibilities of a Mental Health Consultant

As a Clinical Psychologist serving as a Mental Health Consultant (MHC), your day-to-day operations will differ significantly from a traditional, long-term outpatient therapy setting. You will be physically located within the Primary Care clinic itself, serving as an on-the-spot consultant to primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and administrative staff.

Key responsibilities of this position include:

• Biopsychosocial Assessments: Applying rapid, focused clinical diagnostics to propose immediate psychological interventions.
• Evidence-Based Treatment Delivery: Implementing short-term, targeted therapeutic protocols such as cognitive-behavioral, motivational, and behavioral strategies tailored to a primary care setting.
• Interdisciplinary Team Collaboration: Providing fast, actionable feedback to primary care providers on referred patients, helping guide the overall clinical care team.
• Psychoeducational Class Development: Creating and executing educational group programs targeting frequent challenges such as sleep issues, stress management, chronic pain, and anxiety.
• Electronic Health Record Documentation: Timely and precise logging of clinical patient encounters in the federal electronic healthcare tracking system to maintain seamless communication across the medical clinic.

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Requirements and Qualifications

To qualify for this GS-13 clinical position, applicants must demonstrate a unique combination of advanced education, specialized experience, and active clinical licensing.

1. Basic Educational Requirement

Applicants must hold a Doctoral Degree (Ph.D., Psy.D., or equivalent) directly related to full professional work in clinical psychology from an accredited program.

2. Specialized Clinical Experience

In addition to the academic requirements, you must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized clinical experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in federal service. This must involve:

• Performing comprehensive clinical diagnostic assessments.
• Formulating and executing individualized clinical treatment plans.
• Working successfully inside a multidisciplinary medical environment.

Note: Education cannot be substituted for experience for this specialized standard. Candidates must qualify based on professional history.

3. Licensing and Credentials

You must hold a current, active, valid, and unrestricted professional license to practice psychology independently. This license must be issued by a recognized authority in a U.S. State, the District of Columbia, a U.S. Commonwealth, territory, or jurisdiction.

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Salary and Grade Overview

This position is categorized under the General Schedule (GS) system at the GS-13 grade level. The salary is highly competitive and includes locality pay adjustments or local market supplements for the Millington, Tennessee region.

Position Characteristic	Job Details
Classification Grade	GS-13
Minimum Annual Salary	$106,437
Maximum Annual Salary	$138,370
Employment Schedule	Full-Time
Promotion Potential	None (Established senior specialist)
Travel Required	Occasional travel may be expected (0% typical)
Relocation Expenses	Not Authorized (PCS costs are not paid)

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Federal Benefits and Perks

In addition to standard pay, working as a federal clinical psychologist within the Department of Defense brings extensive, secure, and highly competitive benefits. Key perks of joining the civil service include:

• Robust Retirement Security: Coverage under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension plan, alongside matching contributions up to 5% to the federal Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
• Top-Tier Healthcare Coverage: Choice among excellent Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) options, federal dental and vision plans, and flexible spending accounts.
• Generous Paid Leave: Accrual of sick leave and personal annual leave hours every pay period, as well as 11 paid federal holidays annually.
• Workplace Incentives: Potential recruitment, relocation, or advanced leave accrual incentives for exceptionally qualified candidates at the agency's discretion.

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Application Tips for Success

Navigating the federal hiring process requires attention to detail. Utilize the following expert recruitment tips to give your application the best chance of succeeding:

1. Keep Resumes to Two Pages or Less: This announcement has a strict limitation on resume length. Any resume exceeding two pages will be immediately removed from consideration. Keep your document dense, impactful, and clear.
2. Clearly Document Your Specialized Experience: For every previous role, include job titles, start and end dates (month and year), and the average number of hours worked per week. Explicitly describe clinical activities that align with the required GS-12 level duties.
3. Include Mandatory Credentials: Ensure you upload legible copies of your doctoral transcripts, along with a copy of your active, unrestricted independent clinical license. Failing to submit these will lead to automatic disqualification.
4. Target the First Cut-Off Date: This is an open continuous announcement. However, the first applicant review occurs immediately after the initial cut-off date on June 2, 2026. Apply early to ensure your application package is prioritized.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is telework or hybrid scheduling possible in this role?

No. Because this role requires direct, real-time collaboration with primary care physicians and patients inside the clinic, the position is strictly on-site in Millington, Tennessee.

Q2: What security requirements must I meet?

This position is classified as Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS) / Moderate Risk. You will be required to successfully pass a national security background adjudication process to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance. A pre-employment drug screening is also mandatory.

Q3: What is the benefit of the Primary Care integration model?

Integrated primary care allows psychologists to intervene early, reducing the stigma of mental healthcare. By providing rapid consultations and brief evidence-based interventions directly in the medical clinic, you help address psychological challenges before they escalate, improving patient compliance and overall outcomes.

Q4: Are there options for foreign-educated candidates?

Yes, but you must prove your educational credentials have been evaluated by an authorized private organization certifying that your education is equivalent to an accredited U.S. program.

Q5: Can military spouses or veterans receive priority?

Yes, eligible veterans and military spouses are evaluated and considered alongside all other candidates under established federal guidelines.

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Stepping into the role of a Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health Consultant) with the Defense Health Agency at the Naval Branch Health Clinic Mid-South is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of those who defend our nation. With competitive pay, robust federal retirement protections, and an active, collaborative clinical environment, this role is a premier destination for ambitious mental health professionals. Submit your complete application prior to the initial June 2, 2026 cut-off date to launch your clinical career in federal service.