Pursuing a Career as a Clinical Psychologist with the Defense Health Agency
If you are a licensed clinical psychologist passionate about supporting those who serve our nation, the Naval Branch Health Clinic in Gulfport, Mississippi, offers an exceptional opportunity. This position, titled Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health Consultant), is a vital role within the Defense Health Agency (DHA), designed for professionals who thrive in collaborative, interdisciplinary environments.
Job Responsibilities
As a Mental Health Consultant, you will not be working in a silo. You will serve as a key member of the medical team, acting as a bridge between mental health services and primary care. Key duties include:
- Conducting comprehensive biopsychosocial evaluations.
- Providing evidence-based treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral or motivational approaches.
- Offering professional recommendations to primary care providers for patient care.
- Facilitating psychoeducational classes to address common behavioral health needs.
- Maintaining precise clinical documentation within the electronic health record system.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet strict federal criteria:
- Educational Background: A doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in clinical psychology.
- Licensure: You must hold a current, active, valid, and unrestricted clinical license to practice psychology independently.
- Experience: You must possess at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level or higher.
- Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Degree | Doctoral Degree (Ph.D./Psy.D) |
| Experience | 1 Year Specialized (GS-12 level) |
| License | Active, Unrestricted License |
| Clearance | Secret Security Clearance |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $106,437 to $138,370 per year, which includes locality pay adjustments for the Gulfport area. This reflects the federal government's commitment to attracting top-tier clinical talent.
Benefits
Federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including:
- Comprehensive healthcare options.
- Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Generous leave policies, including 10+ paid federal holidays.
- Career advancement and development opportunities.
Application Tips
To stand out, follow these tips:
- Respect the page limit: Your resume must be two pages or less.
- Be specific: Detail your experience in hours worked per week and provide clear start/end dates.
- Include all docs: Upload your transcripts and current professional license immediately.
- Proofread: Errors can disqualify you, so review your questionnaire responses twice.
Serving as a Clinical Psychologist at the Naval Branch Health Clinic is more than just a job; it is a chance to contribute to the well-being of military personnel. If you meet the qualifications, we encourage you to submit your application package before the deadline.
Why This Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health Consultant) Job Matters
Advance your career in clinical psychology while making a tangible impact on the lives of service members at the Naval Branch Health Clinic in beautiful Gulfport, Mississippi.
Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health Consultant) Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated Clinical Psychologist to join the Naval Branch Health Clinic in Gulfport. This role serves as a Mental Health Consultant within a multidisciplinary team, providing evidence-based psychological interventions and primary care support. Operating within a standard weekday schedule, this position is ideal for a professional committed to integrated, high-quality patient care for military personnel and their families.
Requirements for Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health Consultant)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in clinical psychology
- Current, active, valid, and unrestricted clinical license to practice psychology independently in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in federal service
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance
- Must be able to pass a drug test
- Male applicants born after 1959 must be registered for Selective Service
Preferred Qualifications for Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health Consultant)
- Experience in biopsychosocial evaluation and evidence-based treatment planning
- Proficiency in delivering cognitive, behavioral, and motivational interventions
- Experience working in a primary care setting as a consultant for medical providers
- Strong communication skills for interdisciplinary team collaboration
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
- ✓Life insurance and long-term care insurance programs
- ✓Generous retirement plans including the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching
- ✓Paid federal holidays, vacation, and sick leave
💡 How to Apply Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health Consultant) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health Consultant) Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS account profile.
- Draft a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Complete the online questionnaire via the provided application link.
- Upload your doctoral transcripts and active professional clinical license.
- Submit your complete package, including all supporting documentation, before the closing date.
- Monitor your application status through the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume includes clear dates of employment (month/year) and hours worked per week.
- Avoid using acronyms in your resume; describe your experience using plain language.
- Proofread your application thoroughly; omissions can lead to an ineligible rating.
- Upload documents well before the deadline to allow time for the automated virus scan process.
- If using foreign education, ensure you have an official equivalency evaluation report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum page length for my resume?
Your resume must be two pages or less. Resumes exceeding this limit will be excluded from consideration.
Can I substitute my education for the experience requirement?
No, for this specific position, you must meet the qualification requirements through experience alone.
Is this a remote or telework position?
No, this position is not eligible for telework or remote status; it requires on-site presence at the Naval Branch Health Clinic in Gulfport.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is a critical component of the Department of Defense. It manages a massive integrated healthcare network, providing medical, dental, and pharmaceutical services to over 9.5 million uniformed service members, retirees, and their families. Working here means joining a mission-driven organization focused on readiness, resilience, and compassionate care.