Advance Your Clinical Career: Marriage and Family Therapist Opportunities at the West Texas VA

Are you a licensed professional dedicated to healing and supporting those who have sacrificed for our nation? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a compassionate Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) to join the West Texas VA Health Care System. This role offers the unique opportunity to integrate systemic therapy into the care of our Veterans, helping them navigate complex psychosocial needs while working within a highly skilled interdisciplinary team.

Job Responsibilities

As an LMFT, you will perform a wide range of duties, including:

Clinical Assessment: Conducting independent intake assessments to determine psychosocial functioning.
Therapeutic Delivery: Providing evidence-based therapy for individuals, couples, and families.
Collaboration: Serving as a vital member of an interdisciplinary treatment team to ensure seamless care transitions.
Crisis Intervention: Providing immediate support for Veterans in outpatient settings.
Mentorship: Offering clinical oversight to students and less experienced peers.

Comparison: Standard vs. Specialized MFT Roles

Feature	Standard Outpatient MFT	VA Behavioral Health MFT
Scope	Individual/Family focused	Systemic/Interdisciplinary focused
Setting	Private practice/Clinic	Integrated Healthcare System
Collaboration	Limited	Daily with Psychiatrists/Social Workers
Documentation	General	Standardized VA Medical Record (CPRS)

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, applicants must meet specific federal qualification standards. Candidates must hold a master's or doctoral degree from a COAMFTE-accredited program (or equivalent) and possess a full, unrestricted license to practice independently. Additionally, U.S. citizenship, proficiency in English, and the ability to pass a background security investigation are mandatory.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $74,678 to $97,087 annually. Beyond the base salary, employees benefit from a robust federal package including:

Exceptional health and life insurance options.
Retirement plans including a 401(k)-style TSP.
Paid annual leave and sick time.
Eligibility for recruitment and relocation incentives.

Application Tips

Ensure your application stands out by following these steps:

Use the Required Template: Download the standard clinical resume document provided by the VA Careers portal.
Highlight Experience: Clearly document your experience with evidence-based therapies and interdisciplinary teams.
Double-Check Deadlines: Ensure all materials are submitted by the July 1, 2026, deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is relocation pay available? A: Yes, recruitment and relocation incentives may be authorized for eligible, high-quality candidates.

Q: What is the work schedule? A: This is a full-time, standard day-shift role, Monday through Friday.

Join a team where your work directly honors the service of our Veterans. The West Texas VA is looking for clinical leaders who are ready to make an immediate impact. Apply today and start your journey with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Why This Marriage And Family Therapist - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on the lives of our nation's heroes by joining the West Texas VA Health Care System as a Marriage and Family Therapist.

Marriage And Family Therapist - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized Job Overview

The West Texas VA Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) to join our Behavioral Health team in Big Spring, Texas. This role is pivotal in providing comprehensive, evidence-based mental health services to Veterans and their families. You will play a key role in systemic therapy, crisis intervention, and interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure our Veterans receive the compassionate, high-quality care they have earned. We offer a supportive, team-oriented environment with access to cutting-edge clinical resources.

Requirements for Marriage And Family Therapist - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized

U.S. Citizenship (unless no qualified citizens are available).
Full, current, and unrestricted MFT license in a state or territory.
Master’s or doctoral degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (or a comparable mental health field) from an accredited institution.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Background and security investigation clearance.
Successful completion of a 1- or 2-year trial period.

Preferred Qualifications for Marriage And Family Therapist - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized

Experience within a VA Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (RRTP).
Demonstrated expertise in delivering Evidence-Based Psychotherapies.
Background in treating Serious Mental Illness (SMI), PTSD, and substance use disorders.
Experience functioning within a Behavioral Health interdisciplinary treatment team.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal salary and benefits package
✓Recruitment/Relocation incentives authorized for eligible candidates
✓Comprehensive health insurance and life insurance options
✓Generous paid annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays
✓Retirement savings via the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
✓Ongoing professional development and continuing education opportunities

💡 How to Apply Marriage And Family Therapist - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Marriage And Family Therapist - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Prepare your resume according to the specific VA Clinical Resume formatting requirements.
Review the application questionnaire to ensure you meet eligibility standards.
Upload your resume, licensure documentation, and any relevant transcripts or veterans' preference forms.
Submit your complete application package via the USAJOBS portal before the closing date of July 1, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Use the provided standard Clinical Resume template to ensure your application meets VA compliance standards.
Be specific and detailed regarding your clinical hours and work experience to avoid assumption errors during the evaluation process.
Check your application status regularly through your USAJOBS account dashboard.
Ensure all uploaded documents are clearly legible and categorized correctly in the portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is relocation assistance provided for this position?

Yes, recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized for qualified candidates depending on agency needs and eligibility criteria.

Can I apply if I am not currently a VA employee?

Yes, this position is open to the public, and individuals outside of the federal service are encouraged to apply.

What is the expected schedule for this role?

This is a full-time position with a standard work schedule of Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The West Texas VA Health Care System (WTXVAHCS) serves a vast population of approximately 57,000 Veterans across the region. Based in Big Spring, Texas—a community known as the "Crossroads of West Texas"—the facility offers a unique blend of modern clinical care and a welcoming, growing regional hub. By joining our team, you become part of a national commitment to provide whole-health care to those who have served.