Supporting Our Veterans: Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Role at the VA
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class care to the brave men and women who have served our country. At the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System (CTVHCS), we are currently seeking highly motivated and compassionate Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselors (LPMHC) to join our team in Temple, Texas. This position is a critical component of our Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (MH RRTP), helping Veterans navigate and overcome a wide spectrum of mental health challenges.
Job Responsibilities
As an LPMHC, you will play a pivotal role in the recovery and well-being of our Veterans. Your core duties include:
- Clinical Assessment: Conducting thorough diagnostic assessments and developing evidence-based treatment plans.
- Therapeutic Intervention: Delivering individual, group, and family psychotherapy using modalities such as CBT, DBT, and Prolonged Exposure.
- Crisis Stabilization: Providing immediate, professional intervention for Veterans in psychological distress.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Serving as a Mental Health Treatment Coordinator, working alongside physicians, social workers, and nursing staff.
- Documentation & Compliance: Maintaining accurate, timely records within the VA’s Electronic Health Record system.
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-11 level position, you must meet the following baseline requirements:
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Education: A master's or doctoral degree from a CACREP-accredited clinical counseling program.
- Licensure: A full, current, and unrestricted license to practice independently.
- Experience: At least one year of post-master’s/doctoral mental health experience.
Comparison: Standard vs. Specialized Clinical Roles
| Feature | Licensed Professional Counselor (LPMHC) | General Social Work Role |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Specialized Counseling/Therapy | Case Management/Psychosocial support |
| Accreditation | CACREP required | CSWE required |
| Setting | MH Residential/Inpatient | Inpatient/Outpatient/Community |
Salary Overview
This position is classified under the GS-11 pay scale, with a competitive annual salary range of $74,678 to $97,087. Located in Texas, employees enjoy the significant benefit of no state income tax, effectively increasing take-home pay.
Benefits
- Comprehensive Federal health benefits.
- Generous paid vacation and sick leave.
- Retirement security through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Recruitment and relocation incentives (may be authorized for eligible candidates).
- Professional networking and growth within the VA system.
Application Tips
- Use the Template: The VA specifically requires a standard Clinical Resume format. Failure to use this template can hinder your application.
- Be Specific: In your application questionnaire, provide detailed examples of your experience with suicide risk stratification and group therapy.
- Stay Current: If you are not selected immediately, keep your application updated every 3 months to remain in the active pool.
If you are a licensed counselor looking for a role that offers both personal satisfaction and professional growth, the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System invites you to apply. Help us honor those who have served by providing the best care possible.
Why This Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Lpmhc) (Recruitment/Relocation Incentive) Job Matters
Advance your clinical career while serving those who have served us at the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System.
Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Lpmhc) (Recruitment/Relocation Incentive) Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking dedicated Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselors (LPMHC) to join the Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (MH RRTP) in Temple, Texas. This role focuses on providing high-quality diagnostic and therapeutic services to Veterans managing complex challenges, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and substance use issues. You will be part of a level 1A medical center facility that prides itself on integrated care and a supportive, professional environment.
Requirements for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Lpmhc) (Recruitment/Relocation Incentive)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Master's or doctoral degree in a CACREP-accredited counseling program
- Full, current, and unrestricted license to independently practice
- Minimum of one year of post-master's/post-doctoral mental health counseling experience
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program
- Completion of a 1 or 2-year trial period
Preferred Qualifications for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Lpmhc) (Recruitment/Relocation Incentive)
- Previous experience within a residential or inpatient clinical setting
- Proven proficiency with group psychotherapy
- Experience integrating measurement-based care into clinical treatment plans
- History of working in complex clinical environments
- Proficiency in suicide risk stratification
- Full, independent LPC licensure
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
- ✓Generous retirement plans (FERS) and Thrift Savings Plan
- ✓Annual and sick leave accrual
- ✓Professional development and training opportunities
- ✓No state income tax in Texas
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives
💡 How to Apply Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Lpmhc) (Recruitment/Relocation Incentive) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Lpmhc) (Recruitment/Relocation Incentive) Job
- Create or update your account on USAJobs
- Prepare your standard Clinical Resume (via the VA careers portal link)
- Upload your official transcripts and licensure documentation
- Complete the occupational questionnaire
- Submit your application package before the specified cut-off dates
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly reflects your experience with the specific clinical interventions listed.
- Use the specific VA Clinical Resume template provided on their careers website.
- Submit your application well before the initial July 23rd cut-off for the best consideration.
- Be detailed in your descriptions; the hiring team cannot make assumptions about your experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the work schedule for this position?
The schedule is Monday through Friday, with shifts typically from 7:30 am - 4:00 pm or 8:00 am - 4:30 pm.
Is this a remote or virtual position?
No, this is an on-site, in-person position located at the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System in Temple, Texas.
What is the application deadline?
This is an open continuous announcement closing on September 10, 2026, with recurring referral cut-off dates on the 1st and 15th of each month.
Are there relocation incentives?
Recruitment and relocation incentives may be authorized for qualified, high-need candidates. Please discuss this during the interview process.
What is the patient population like?
You will serve a diverse population of Veterans dealing with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and substance use issues in a residential recovery environment.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Central Texas Veterans Health Care System serves as a beacon of health and wellness for Veterans across 39 counties. Spanning facilities from Austin to Waco, our network is one of the largest and most integrated in the nation. Working at the Temple campus offers the unique opportunity to work in a Level 1A medical facility, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams dedicated to a whole-health approach to patient care.