Advance Your Clinical Career: Psychologist (PTSD) Opportunities at the Phoenix VA

Are you a doctoral-level psychologist dedicated to providing evidence-based care to those who served in our nation's military? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently recruiting for two Psychologists to join the PTSD Clinical Team at the Phoenix VA Healthcare System. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of mental health treatment for Veterans in a highly supportive, interdisciplinary environment.

Job Responsibilities

As a Psychologist on the PTSD Clinical Team, you will serve as a primary clinician and an integral member of the mental health medical staff. Your daily duties will include:

Conducting comprehensive psychological assessments and diagnostic evaluations.
Delivering evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions (EBP) for PTSD via individual, group, or couples sessions.
Providing care through both in-person and tele-mental health modalities.
Consulting with an interdisciplinary team including psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, and primary care physicians.
Contributing to the design and implementation of clinical program improvements.

Comparison: Standard Staff Psychologist Roles vs. PTSD Specialty Roles

Feature	General Psychologist	PTSD Specialty Psychologist
Scope of Practice	General Mental Health	Trauma-Focused Care
Primary Focus	Broad Assessment	PTSD-Specific EBPs
Collaboration	Moderate	High (Interdisciplinary Teams)
Patient Population	Diverse	Combat/Military-Related Trauma

Requirements

To qualify for this position, you must hold a doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited program and possess a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice. You must be a U.S. citizen and proficient in English. For detailed grade-level requirements, please review the qualification standards on the VA website.

Salary Overview

The compensation for this position ranges from $107,176 to $193,145 per year, depending on experience and qualifications. The VA also offers regular pay increases and the possibility of starting at a higher step rate for highly qualified candidates.

Benefits

Beyond a competitive salary, the VA offers one of the most comprehensive benefits packages in the federal sector:

EDRP Program: Potential for up to $200,000 in student loan debt reduction.
Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of combined annual and sick leave, plus 11 paid holidays.
Retirement: Excellent federal pension plan and 401(k) with up to 5% agency matching.
Insurance: Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and long-term care options.
Work-Life Balance: Generous paid parental leave after 12 months of service.

Application Tips

To ensure your application is competitive, please use the standardized Clinical Resume template linked in the job posting. Tailoring your experience to match the specific KSAs (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) listed in the announcement is crucial. Ensure all documents are uploaded prior to the September 9, 2026, deadline.

If you are looking to make a genuine difference in the lives of Veterans while working in a state-of-the-art facility in Phoenix, this is the position for you. Take the next step toward a rewarding federal career today.

Why This Psychologist (Ptsd) Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served by joining the Phoenix VA's PTSD Clinical Team as a psychologist.

Psychologist (Ptsd) Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking two dedicated Psychologists to join the PTSD Clinical Team (PCT) at the Phoenix VA Healthcare System. This role offers the opportunity to provide evidence-based, compassionate care to Veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress. You will work within an interdisciplinary environment to design and deliver specialized mental health treatments, including group, individual, and couples therapy, while advancing the VA’s mission of whole health.

Requirements for Psychologist (Ptsd)

United States Citizenship
Proficiency in spoken and written English
Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA, PCSAS, or CPA accredited program
Completion of a professional psychology internship accredited by APA or CPA
Full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level
Subject to background and security investigation
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
Pass a pre-employment drug screening

Preferred Qualifications for Psychologist (Ptsd)

One or more years of professional psychology experience equivalent to the GS-11 or GS-12 level
Proven expertise in evidence-based psychotherapeutic (EBP) interventions for PTSD
Strong skills in clinical consultation and interdisciplinary team collaboration
Experience in designing and implementing specialized mental health programs
Current board certification by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP)

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility up to $200,000
✓37-50 days of paid time off per year
✓11 paid federal holidays
✓Federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance
✓Traditional federal pension plan
✓Federal 401(k) with up to 5% agency matching
✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave

💡 How to Apply Psychologist (Ptsd) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Psychologist (Ptsd) Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Download the standard Clinical Resume Document from the provided VA link.
Complete the occupational questionnaire.
Upload required documents, including your transcript and the standardized resume.
Submit your full application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Use the standardized Clinical Resume Document template provided by the VA to ensure your application passes initial screenings.
Be detailed and specific when describing your clinical experience to ensure you receive credit for all relevant work.
Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Double-check that all required documents, including your license and transcripts, are uploaded correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position eligible for loan repayment?

Yes, this role is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which provides student loan payment reimbursement up to $200,000 based on eligibility.

What is the typical hiring timeline?

The VA uses a 30-day hiring model. After the announcement closes, human resources aims to review applications, conduct interviews, and complete pre-employment requirements within a condensed timeframe.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. Our mission is to fulfill the promise of caring for our Veterans, their families, and survivors. At the Phoenix VA, we champion a 'Whole Health' model of care—an approach that empowers Veterans to take charge of their well-being through personalized health plans and healing environments.