Providing Excellence: Career as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor with the VA

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a compassionate and skilled Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) to serve at the Fredericksburg Healthcare Center in Virginia. This role is more than just a job; it is a commitment to providing high-quality, whole-health support to the men and women who have served in our nation's military.

Job Responsibilities

As an LPMHC in the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP), your primary responsibilities will include:

Performing independent psychosocial assessments and case finding.
Developing collaborative treatment plans with Veterans and their families.
Providing evidence-based psychotherapy and crisis intervention.
Liaising with community services and other VA programs.
Documenting care accurately within electronic medical records.
Supporting high-risk Veterans through specialized care.

Requirements

To be considered for this GS-11 position, you must meet the following criteria:

U.S. Citizenship.
A master’s or doctoral degree from a CACREP-accredited program.
A full, current, and unrestricted clinical license.
Proficiency in English.
Ability to pass a background check and health screenings.

Comparison: Standard Clinical Practice vs. VA Clinical Practice

Feature	Standard Private Practice	VA Clinical Practice
Population	General Public	Veterans & Families
Team Environment	Often Solo	Multidisciplinary Collaboration
Resources	Limited to Private Funding	Extensive VA Integrated Network
Benefits	Varies	Full Federal Benefits Package

Salary Overview

This position is classified at the GS-11 level, with an annual salary range of $85,447 to $111,087, depending on experience and qualifications.

Benefits

Employees of the VA enjoy industry-leading benefits, including:

Robust health, dental, and vision insurance.
Federal retirement planning and 401(k)-style thrift savings plans.
Comprehensive paid time off and federal holidays.
Support for ongoing professional development.

Application Tips

To maximize your chances, be sure to use the specific VA clinical resume template provided on the VA Careers website. When describing your experience, focus on specific examples of your work with multidisciplinary teams and your experience in crisis intervention.

If you are a licensed counselor with a desire to serve those who have served, this position at the Fredericksburg Healthcare Center offers the perfect blend of clinical challenge and rewarding public service. Apply today to start your journey with the VA.

Why This Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Job Matters

Make a lasting impact on those who served by providing compassionate, expert mental health care as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor with the VA.

Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Job Overview

The Fredericksburg Healthcare Center is seeking a dedicated Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) to join our Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP). In this vital role, you will provide essential mental health support, crisis intervention, and psychotherapy to our nation's Veterans. This position offers a unique opportunity to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment dedicated to delivering whole-health care to those who have sacrificed for our country.

Requirements for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor

U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply only if no qualified citizens are available)
Full, current, and unrestricted state license to independently practice clinical counseling
Master’s or doctoral degree from a CACREP-accredited program in a relevant mental health field
Proficiency in spoken and written English
Ability to pass a pre-employment background/security investigation
Completion of a 1 or 2-year trial period as a condition of employment
Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program

Preferred Qualifications for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor

At least one year of post-graduate experience conducting biopsychosocial assessments
Proven experience working within a multidisciplinary clinical team
Demonstrated expertise in delivering evidence-based psychotherapies
Minimum of one year of experience treating depression, anxiety, and PTSD
Prior experience working with the Veteran or military population
Proficiency in using electronic medical record (EMR) systems

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary structure
✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
✓Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual
✓Opportunities for professional development and clinical supervision
✓Work-life balance with a stable Monday-Friday schedule

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

Application Steps for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Job

Create or log in to your account at the USAJOBS portal.
Prepare your resume using the standard VA Clinical Resume template.
Gather all required supporting documentation, including transcripts and professional licenses.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your full application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume specifically addresses the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) listed in the job announcement.
Use the mandatory VA-provided clinical resume format to ensure your application is processed correctly.
Double-check that all professional licenses are current and clearly documented.
Submit your application well before the September 30, 2026 deadline to avoid technical issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote position?

No, this is an on-site position located at the Fredericksburg Healthcare Center in Virginia, though it may offer some ad-hoc telework opportunities.

What is the primary focus of this role?

The position focuses on providing outpatient mental health services within the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP), including diagnosis, treatment planning, and crisis intervention.

What is the trial period?

As a condition of federal employment, you will serve a 1-2 year trial period to ensure professional fitness.

Are there relocation incentives?

No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Providing care to millions of Veterans, the VHA is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have borne the battle, along with their families and survivors. Working at the Fredericksburg Healthcare Center means joining a mission-driven team that values integrity, commitment, and clinical innovation.