Transforming Mental Health: Career Opportunities for Psychiatrists at the VA New York Harbor Healthcare System
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking compassionate and highly skilled Psychiatrists to serve our nation's Veterans at the New York Harbor Healthcare System. This is a unique opportunity to combine high-level clinical practice with the stability and mission-driven nature of federal service. If you are a board-certified or eligible professional seeking a role that balances academic rigor with patient-centered care, the VA offers an unparalleled environment.
Job Responsibilities
Psychiatrists at the NYHHCS play a critical role in the Mental Health (MH) Service. Your primary duties will include:
- Clinical Assessment: Conducting thorough psychiatric evaluations for new and existing patients.
- Medication Management: Developing and managing treatment plans for outpatients.
- Team Collaboration: Actively participating in multi-disciplinary meetings to ensure comprehensive care.
- Compliance: Adhering to Joint Commission standards and facility-specific suicide prevention protocols.
- Clinical Support: Providing peer reviews and potential coverage for the Emergency Department as assigned.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Education: Possession of an MD or DO degree from an accredited medical school.
- Licensure: A current, full, and unrestricted medical license from any U.S. state or territory.
- Training: Completion of an accredited psychiatry residency program.
- Language: Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Background: Ability to pass a background security investigation and pre-employment physical.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $250,000 - $265,000 |
| Schedule | Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Benefits | Full Federal Package |
| Loan Repayment | Eligible for EDRP |
Salary Overview
This role offers a highly competitive salary range between $250,000 and $265,000 per year. Beyond the base pay, physicians receive regular salary increases and annual performance bonuses, making it one of the most stable career paths in the medical field.
Benefits
The VA provides a comprehensive total rewards package, including:
- Student Loan Assistance: Access to the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP).
- Generous PTO: 26 days of annual leave, 13 sick days, and 11 paid holidays.
- Retirement: Traditional pension plan plus a 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan with employer matching.
- Insurance: Federal health, dental, and vision insurance that remains available into retirement.
Application Tips
- Use the provided template from the VA career site to ensure your resume meets the formatting standards.
- Clearly document your psychiatry residency and any fellowship training.
- Mention your board certifications early in your CV.
- Apply via USAJOBS and follow all prompts to ensure your application is submitted before the late September deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I need a New York State medical license? A: No, the VA accepts a full, unrestricted license from any U.S. state or territory.
Q: What is the EDRP? A: The Education Debt Reduction Program provides significant student loan payment reimbursement to eligible physicians.
Serving as a Psychiatrist within the VA New York Harbor Healthcare System offers more than just a paycheck; it offers a chance to provide world-class mental health care to Veterans while enjoying the benefits of a federal career. Start your application today to join this mission-driven team.
Why This Physician - Psychiatrist Job Matters
Transform lives while advancing your career at the VA New York Harbor Healthcare System—where your psychiatric expertise provides essential, compassionate care to those who served our nation.
Physician - Psychiatrist Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking dedicated Psychiatrists to join our Mental Health Service team at the New York Harbor Healthcare System. This role offers the chance to work within a prestigious academic medical environment across Manhattan and Brooklyn campuses. You will provide vital psychiatric assessments, manage patient medications, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality, evidence-based mental health support to our Veteran community. This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), providing substantial financial assistance for eligible candidates.
Requirements for Physician - Psychiatrist
- U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply only if qualified citizens are unavailable).
- Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an accredited institution.
- Current, full, and unrestricted medical or surgical license in any U.S. State, Territory, or District of Columbia.
- Completion of an ACGME/AOA accredited psychiatry residency program.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Successful completion of a pre-employment physical examination and drug screening.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Preferred Qualifications for Physician - Psychiatrist
- Completion of an addiction psychiatry fellowship.
- Board certification in general psychiatry.
- Board certification in addiction psychiatry.
- X-waiver certification for buprenorphine administration.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive base salary with annual performance bonuses
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) up to $200,000
- ✓50-55 days of total paid time off (Annual, Sick, and Federal Holidays)
- ✓Comprehensive Federal Health, Vision, Dental, and Life Insurance
- ✓Federal Pension and 401(k) retirement plans with employer matching
- ✓Malpractice liability protection with tail coverage
- ✓Continuing Medical Education (CME) reimbursements
💡 How to Apply Physician - Psychiatrist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physician - Psychiatrist Job
- Create or sign in to your USAJOBS account.
- Download the standard Clinical Resume Document from the provided VA career site.
- Upload your customized clinical resume into the required two-page restricted field.
- Complete the mandatory occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your full application package before the closing date of September 30, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume reflects all qualifying experience, including volunteer work or service-related clinical roles.
- Veterans should attach a legible copy of their DD214 to receive preference considerations.
- Double-check your eligibility for the EDRP program early to streamline your application.
- Monitor your email for status updates after submitting your materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for loan repayment?
Yes, this role is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which offers up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement for qualified participants.
Can I work remotely?
This position requires on-site clinical presence at the Manhattan or Brooklyn campuses and is not designated as a remote role.
What is the work schedule?
The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
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 committed to a "whole health" philosophy. The New York Harbor Healthcare System (NYHHCS) acts as a premier teaching and research hub, operating facilities across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. Joining this team means working alongside leading experts dedicated to the health and well-being of those who have served.