Empowering Veterans: Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Careers at the VA

Are you a dedicated mental health professional looking to make a lasting impact? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a motivated Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) to serve at the Fredericksburg Healthcare Center in Virginia. This role is a unique opportunity to join the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) and contribute to the well-being of those who have served our country.

Job Responsibilities

As an LPMHC within the BHIP team, your daily responsibilities will include:

Conducting independent psychosocial assessments and intake screening.
Developing individualized treatment plans in collaboration with Veterans and their families.
Providing evidence-based psychotherapy and crisis intervention for high-risk patients.
Serving as a subject matter expert and consultant to other healthcare professionals.
Maintaining accurate, timely electronic clinical documentation.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, candidates must meet the following federal requirements:

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Hold a master's or doctoral degree in an accredited counseling program.
Possess a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice independently.
Maintain proficiency in spoken and written English.

Grade Level Comparison

Grade Level	Requirements	Key Focus
GS-9	Master’s/Doctoral degree, working toward licensure	Foundational skill development
GS-11	1+ year post-graduate experience, fully licensed	Advanced clinical evaluation & crisis management

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $70,622 to $111,087 annually, depending on experience and grade level. In addition to a competitive salary, the VA offers a comprehensive federal benefits package, including health insurance, retirement options, and generous paid time off.

Application Tips

To stand out during the selection process:

Be thorough in your resume; specific examples of your clinical experience carry significant weight.
Utilize the recommended clinical resume template provided by the VA.
Verify that all licenses and certifications are clearly documented.
Submit your application well before the September 30, 2026, deadline.

Serving our nation’s Veterans is a deeply rewarding career path. If you are a licensed counselor ready to apply your expertise in a supportive, multidisciplinary clinical environment, we encourage you to apply for the LPMHC position in Fredericksburg today.

Why This Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Job Matters

Advance your career as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor with the VA—provide life-changing support to those who served our nation.

Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) to join the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) Outpatient Services at the Fredericksburg Healthcare Center. In this vital role, you will perform essential psychosocial assessments, develop collaborative treatment plans, and provide crisis intervention to Veterans in the Fredericksburg, Virginia area. This position offers the opportunity to work within a multidisciplinary team to improve the lives of our nation's heroes through evidence-based care.

Requirements for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor

U.S. Citizenship
Master’s or doctoral degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or a related field from a CACREP-accredited program
Full, current, and unrestricted license to independently practice as an LPMHC
Proficiency in written and spoken English
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
Completion of a 1 or 2-year trial period

Preferred Qualifications for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor

Minimum one year of experience conducting biopsychosocial assessments in a healthcare environment
Experience working with a multidisciplinary treatment team
Proficiency in evidence-based psychotherapies (EBPs)
Documented experience treating mental health conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression
Experience managing electronic medical records
Demonstrated background working with Veteran or military populations

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary and benefits package
✓Accrual of paid vacation and sick leave
✓Opportunities for professional growth and interdisciplinary collaboration
✓Supportive work environment dedicated to Veteran wellness

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

Application Steps for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Review the full vacancy questionnaire for specific guidance.
Prepare your resume and ensure you include the required clinical resume document.
Upload all necessary supporting documents, such as transcripts and professional licenses.
Submit your complete application package via the online portal by the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly articulates how your experience aligns with the specific Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) listed.
Do not make assumptions about your experience; be explicit in your descriptions.
Double-check that all required documents, such as SF-50s or DD-214s, are attached prior to submission.
Check the status of your application regularly through the USAJOBS portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the grade range for this position?

This position is open at the GS-09 to GS-11 levels.

Is this a remote position?

No, this is not a virtual position, although it does offer ad-hoc telework opportunities.

What happens if I am not yet licensed?

The GS-9 entry level allows for individuals working toward independent licensure, provided they meet specific educational prerequisites.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Providing comprehensive care to millions of Veterans, the VA is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." By joining our team, you become part of a compassionate community that prioritizes whole-health care.