Advancing Military Mental Health: Career Opportunities as a Clinical Psychologist
Are you a licensed clinical psychologist passionate about supporting those who serve? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently seeking a highly qualified professional to fill a critical role at the Tricare Prime Clinic located at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach. This position offers a unique opportunity to apply your clinical expertise within an integrated military healthcare system.
Job Responsibilities
As a Clinical Psychologist, your primary duty is to provide evidence-based care to a diverse beneficiary population. You will:
- Conduct individual and group therapy sessions utilizing modalities such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
- Perform detailed biopsychosocial evaluations to inform treatment paths.
- Address acute mental health needs through efficient, targeted clinical interventions.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure cohesive care plans.
- Provide psychoeducational briefings and training to clinic staff to improve overall mental health support within the facility.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:
- Education: A doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in clinical psychology.
- Licensure: An active, unrestricted license to practice psychology independently in a U.S. jurisdiction.
- Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level (or equivalent) in clinical settings.
- Background: Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Comparison of Qualifications
| Feature | Requirement Status |
|---|---|
| Degree Type | Doctoral (Ph.D. Required) |
| License | Active & Unrestricted |
| Specialized Experience | 1 Year Minimum |
| Security Clearance | Secret Required |
| Telework Eligible | No |
Salary Overview
The salary range for this position is $108,019 to $140,426 per year, depending on qualifications and locality pay. The government may also authorize recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates, along with the potential for student loan repayment.
Benefits
Working for the federal government provides robust benefits, including:
- Comprehensive health insurance options.
- Generous retirement programs.
- Accrued leave and federal holidays.
- Opportunities for advanced in-hire salary placement.
- Professional development and clinical training support.
Application Tips
Applying for federal roles requires precision. Your resume must be two pages or less. Ensure every experience entry includes the name of the employer, your job title, start/end dates (month/year), and the number of hours worked per week. Any resume exceeding the two-page limit will not be considered.
Joining the Defense Health Agency is a chance to use your skills in a setting that truly values patient outcomes and the well-being of our military community. With a competitive salary, professional incentives, and a mission-driven environment, this Clinical Psychologist position is a significant career move for any licensed professional. Apply before August 31, 2026, to ensure your application is processed.
Why This Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health) Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of service members and their families as a Clinical Psychologist with the Defense Health Agency at Naval Air Station Oceana.
Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health) Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated Clinical Psychologist to join the team at the Tricare Prime Clinic in Virginia Beach. This role focuses on providing vital mental health services, including biopsychosocial evaluations, group therapy, and individualized treatment planning to support military personnel and their families. This is a Direct Hire Authority position offering a professional environment dedicated to high-quality patient care.
Requirements for Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health)
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Must hold a Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in clinical psychology.
- Possession of 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 the federal service.
- Ability to pass a background investigation for a Secret security clearance.
- Must undergo a pre-employment drug screening.
- Male applicants born after 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Must serve a one-year probationary period.
Preferred Qualifications for Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health)
- Experience in delivering brief, problem-focused mental health interventions.
- Proven track record in conducting comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments.
- Experience in training and educating clinical staff on psychological best practices.
- Ability to foster cooperative inter-agency agreements within medical treatment facilities.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives
- ✓Student loan repayment assistance eligibility
- ✓Comprehensive federal health and retirement benefit programs
- ✓Advanced leave accrual opportunities
- ✓Advanced in-hire salary placement for qualified candidates
💡 How to Apply Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health) Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is two pages or less, ensuring it covers relevant work dates, hours per week, and specific clinical duties.
- Complete the online questionnaire via the provided application link.
- Upload all required documentation, including your academic transcripts and proof of current clinical licensure.
- Submit your complete application package before the deadline on August 31, 2026.
- Verify your submission status via the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to two pages or less to avoid automatic disqualification.
- Use plain, professional language; avoid complex jargon or acronyms.
- Explicitly detail your hours worked per week for each listed experience.
- Ensure your license copy is clear and up-to-date; missing documentation will result in an ineligible rating.
- Submit your application well before the deadline to allow time for the system to scan your documents for viruses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) position?
DHA allows agencies to expedite the hiring process for positions that are difficult to fill or require critical skills, such as healthcare roles in the Department of Defense.
Can I substitute education for the required experience?
No, this specific position requires applicants to meet the qualification standards through professional experience alone.
Is this a remote or telework position?
No, this position is based on-site at the Naval Air Station Oceana facility and is not eligible for remote work or telework.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is a cornerstone of the Department of Defense’s medical infrastructure. Dedicated to the health and readiness of over 9.5 million uniformed service members, retirees, and their families, the DHA manages a vast network of medical, dental, and pharmacy programs worldwide. Working here means joining a team of professionals committed to excellence, providing high-quality care that supports the operational readiness of the Joint Force.