Advance Your Career as a Clinical Psychologist with the Defense Health Agency
If you are a dedicated mental health professional with a passion for serving those who serve our country, a career as a Clinical Psychologist with the Defense Health Agency (DHA) offers a unique and fulfilling path. We are currently accepting applications for a position at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia. This role is essential to maintaining the psychological readiness of our armed forces and their families.
Job Responsibilities
As a Clinical Psychologist, you will serve as a lead member of an interdisciplinary team responsible for patient care. Your core duties will include:
- Clinical Assessment: Evaluating patients through screenings for mental health concerns and substance toxicity.
- Treatment Planning: Collaborating with individuals to create measurable, goal-oriented treatment plans.
- Therapy Delivery: Providing individual and group counseling, including specialized workshops on anger management and social skills.
- Crisis Intervention: Offering immediate support and referral services to stabilize patients in crisis.
- Clinical Mentorship: Evaluating and providing input on the clinical development of counseling staff.
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-13 position, candidates must meet specific criteria:
- Education: A Doctoral Degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in clinical psychology.
- Licensure: You must hold a current, active, and unrestricted license to practice psychology independently.
- Experience: A minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the federal system.
- Security: Ability to successfully complete a Secret clearance and a pre-employment drug screening.
Qualifications Comparison
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Education | Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology |
| Licensure | Current, Unrestricted State License |
| Experience | 1+ Year at GS-12 Level Equivalent |
| Clearance | Secret Clearance Level |
Salary Overview
This position offers a highly competitive salary range reflecting the expertise required for the role. The annual salary is set between $108,019 and $140,426, depending on qualifications and locality adjustments.
Benefits
Federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including:
- Comprehensive health insurance options.
- Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Opportunities for student loan repayment assistance.
- Possible recruitment, relocation, or retention incentives for highly qualified candidates.
- Accrued annual and sick leave starting from day one.
Application Tips
- Resume Length: Your resume MUST be two pages or less. Overly long resumes will result in immediate disqualification.
- Supporting Documentation: Always include your clinical license and transcripts. Missing these documents will cause your application to be marked as incomplete.
- Detail Your Experience: Clearly state the number of hours worked per week for each role listed to ensure you meet the 'specialized experience' threshold.
Serving as a Clinical Psychologist at the Naval Medical Center is a prestigious opportunity to provide high-level care in a mission-critical environment. If you meet the qualifications, we encourage you to submit your application package promptly to be considered for this rewarding role.
Why This Clinical Psychologist Job Matters
Transform lives and support our nation's heroes as a Clinical Psychologist at the Naval Medical Center.
Clinical Psychologist Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated Clinical Psychologist to join the team at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia. This pivotal role involves providing comprehensive mental health services, including assessments, treatment planning, and individual and group therapy for service members and their families. This is a Direct Hire Authority position, offering a competitive federal salary and the opportunity to work within an integrated, interdisciplinary healthcare environment committed to military readiness.
Requirements for Clinical Psychologist
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must possess a Doctoral Degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in clinical psychology.
- Must hold a current, active, valid, and unrestricted clinical license to practice psychology independently in a U.S. jurisdiction.
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in federal service.
- Must pass a pre-employment drug screening.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
- Males born after December 31, 1959, must register for Selective Service.
Preferred Qualifications for Clinical Psychologist
- Proven experience in developing behavioral health treatment plans.
- Expertise in facilitating psycho-social skills groups and education workshops.
- Experience in crisis intervention and interdisciplinary team leadership.
- Strong background in managing co-occurring disorders.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans.
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives.
- ✓Possible student loan repayment assistance.
- ✓Advanced leave accrual opportunities.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and clinical skill advancement.
💡 How to Apply Clinical Psychologist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Clinical Psychologist Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Complete the online application questionnaire.
- Upload your doctoral transcripts and a copy of your current, unrestricted clinical license.
- Submit your complete application package before the deadline on July 27, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume to two pages; any longer and you will be disqualified.
- Clearly define your hours worked per week for every position listed on your resume.
- Ensure your license is clearly visible and uploaded as a standalone document.
- Use plain language and avoid obscure acronyms.
- Monitor your application status regularly through your USAJOBS dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Ph.D. required for this position?
Yes, a doctoral degree in clinical psychology is a basic educational requirement for this role.
Can I substitute my education for the required work experience?
No, this position requires at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level; education cannot be substituted for this experience.
Is this a remote or telework position?
No, this position is located at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia, and is not eligible for remote or telework arrangements.
What is the closing date for this application?
The application portal closes at 11:59 PM EST on July 27, 2026.
Can I submit my documents later?
No. All supporting documentation, including transcripts and licenses, must be submitted with your initial application package.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is an integrated health care system tasked with delivering high-quality medical, dental, and pharmacy services to over 9.5 million uniformed service members, retirees, and their families. As a strategic partner, the DHA focuses on improving health outcomes and fostering resilience across the military community worldwide.