Empowering Veterans: Join the VA as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class health care to the men and women who have served in our nation's military. The Texas Valley Coastal Bend VA Health Care System is currently seeking a passionate and skilled Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (PCMHI) to join our team in Corpus Christi, Texas. If you are a mental health professional looking to combine your clinical expertise with a mission-driven career, this role offers an exceptional opportunity to support those who have sacrificed for our country.

Comparison of Grade Levels

Feature	GS-09 (Entry)	GS-11 (Full Performance)
Experience Requirement	Basic Education	1 Year Post-Degree Experience
Autonomy	Supervised Growth	Independent Practice
Treatment Scope	Foundational Counseling	Advanced Crisis Intervention

Job Responsibilities

In this position, you will work within the Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PCMHI) program. Your daily tasks will include:

Conducting comprehensive psycho-diagnostic assessments.
Developing individualized treatment plans using DSM-5 criteria.
Facilitating group, family, and individual psychotherapy sessions.
Coordinating care across multidisciplinary teams.
Maintaining accurate and timely clinical documentation via VA software.
Participating in quality improvement committees and teaching initiatives.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is required.
Education: A master’s or doctoral degree in a related field from a CACREP-accredited program.
Licensure: A full, current, and unrestricted license to practice independently.
English Proficiency: Must be fluent in written and spoken English.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $62,023 to $97,560 per year. Beyond the salary, the VA provides a comprehensive benefits package:

EDRP: Eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program, offering up to $200,000 for qualified student loans.
Retirement: Access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Leave: Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
Insurance: Extensive health and life insurance options.

Application Tips

Use the Template: Always use the VA-provided resume document to ensure your experience is formatted correctly.
Be Specific: Detail your clinical hours and specific treatment modalities used.
Monitor Deadlines: The announcement remains open until September 2026, but early applications are highly encouraged for earlier referral.

Working with the VA in Corpus Christi is more than just a job; it is a commitment to excellence in Veteran care. If you meet the qualifications and are eager to make a lasting impact, we encourage you to submit your application today and become part of our dedicated healthcare family.

Why This Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Pcmhi) - Edrp Approved Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served our country while advancing your career as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor with the VA in Corpus Christi.

Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Pcmhi) - Edrp Approved Job Overview

The Texas Valley Coastal Bend VA Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (PCMHI) to join our Primary Care Mental Health Integration team. In this role, you will provide expert psycho-diagnostic services, specialized psychotherapy, and interdisciplinary support to Veterans. This position offers a unique chance to work in a collaborative, mission-driven environment and is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP).

Requirements for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Pcmhi) - Edrp Approved

U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply per VA policy).
Master's or doctoral degree in a related mental health field from a CACREP-accredited program.
Full, current, and unrestricted license to practice independently as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Ability to pass a background/security investigation.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959.

Preferred Qualifications for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Pcmhi) - Edrp Approved

Experience in primary care mental health integration.
Advanced skill in individual, group, and family psychotherapy.
Subject matter expertise in evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions.
Experience in crisis intervention and clinical stabilization.
Demonstrated ability to function effectively on an interdisciplinary health care team.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000).
✓Federal retirement benefits including the FERS system.
✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
✓Paid annual and sick leave.
✓Opportunities for professional development and mentorship.
✓Service credit for annual leave accrual based on prior experience.

💡 How to Apply Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Pcmhi) - Edrp Approved Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Pcmhi) - Edrp Approved Job

Create or update your USAJOBS account.
Review the specific resume requirements for VA clinical positions.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload your resume, licensure documentation, and any applicable transcripts or military records (DD-214).
Submit your complete application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Use the specific VA clinical resume template provided in the job announcement.
Be detailed in your resume; do not assume the recruiter knows your background.
Verify that your licensure status is clearly documented.
Apply before the initial cut-off date of June 17, 2026, for the best consideration.
Ensure all supporting documents are clearly scanned and attached.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position eligible for student loan repayment?

Yes, this position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) with potential awards up to $200,000 depending on eligibility and application approval.

What is the work schedule for this position?

The typical work schedule is Monday through Friday, from 08:00 to 16:30.

Can I work remotely?

This is not a virtual position, though ad-hoc telework may be available based on supervisor approval and departmental policy.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System is an expansive ambulatory network providing a wide array of medical, surgical, psychiatric, and rehabilitative services. As a teaching site affiliated with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Medical School, our facility is at the forefront of integrated care. We prioritize a "whole health" approach, ensuring that every Veteran receives compassionate, evidence-based treatment tailored to their specific needs.