Advance Your Career as a Clinical Psychologist with the Defense Health Agency
Are you a dedicated mental health professional looking for a career that offers both professional growth and the chance to serve those who defend our nation? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently seeking a motivated and highly qualified Clinical Psychologist to join the team at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center in Fort Gordon, Georgia. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to impact the lives of service members and their families.
Job Responsibilities
As a Clinical Psychologist, your role is pivotal to the mental health services at the medical center. Your primary responsibilities will include:
- Performing behavioral health assessments to diagnose conditions in accordance with the DSM.
- Providing individual and group therapy sessions using evidence-based modalities such as cognitive and behavioral approaches.
- Collaborating with primary care providers to offer regular feedback and recommendations for integrated team-based care.
- Documenting all patient encounters accurately within the electronic health record system.
- Developing and facilitating psychoeducational classes designed to manage high-frequency diagnoses within the clinic.
Comparison: Private Practice vs. Federal Clinical Psychology
| Feature | Private Practice | Federal Service (DHA) |
|---|---|---|
| Patient Base | Varies | Military Service Members & Families |
| Benefits | Varies by employer | Standard Federal Benefits |
| Collaboration | Often independent | High, Multidisciplinary Team |
| Work Setting | Private Office | Military Medical Center |
Requirements
To be considered for this vital role, applicants must meet specific federal criteria:
- Citizenship: You must be a United States citizen.
- Education: A doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in clinical psychology is mandatory.
- Licensure: You must possess a current, active, and unrestricted license to practice psychology independently.
- Experience: Applicants must have at least one year of specialized experience that matches the complexity of a GS-12 level position. Note that no substitution of education for experience is permitted for this role.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $106,437 to $138,370 per year. In addition to a stable income, qualified candidates may be eligible for recruitment or relocation incentives. Working with the federal government provides access to extensive professional development and a comprehensive benefits package.
Application Tips for Success
Competition for federal roles is high, so your application must stand out. First, keep your resume under two pages; longer resumes will be removed from consideration. Second, ensure that your resume explicitly details your experience in a way that maps to the requirements of the job—use clear, professional language. Finally, always double-check that you have attached your license and transcripts, as missing documents will result in an automatic rejection.
If you are a licensed psychologist with a desire to serve the military community, the Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center at Fort Gordon is an excellent place to build your career. By delivering top-tier mental health support, you will contribute directly to the readiness and well-being of the Joint Force. Review the requirements, prepare your documentation, and apply today to begin your journey with the Defense Health Agency.
Why This Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health) Job Matters
Advance your clinical career by supporting the mental health and well-being of our nation's service members and their families at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center.
Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health) Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated Clinical Psychologist to join the team at Fort Gordon, Georgia. In this role, you will provide critical mental health support through individual and group therapy, diagnostic assessments, and multidisciplinary collaboration. As a key member of our healthcare team, you will influence patient outcomes by applying evidence-based treatments and contributing to the overall readiness of our military community.
Requirements for Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Possess a Doctoral Degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in clinical psychology.
- Hold a current, active, valid, and unrestricted clinical license to practice psychology independently in a U.S. jurisdiction.
- Demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level.
- Successfully pass a drug test.
- Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
Preferred Qualifications for Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health)
- Experience in conducting behavioral health assessments in a primary care setting.
- Demonstrated ability to utilize cognitive, behavioral, and motivational treatment approaches.
- Proficiency in clinical documentation within electronic health records.
- Experience implementing psychoeducational classes for high-frequency diagnoses.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay.
- ✓Opportunity for federal employment benefits.
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates.
- ✓Professional growth within an integrated healthcare system.
- ✓Direct deposit of pay.
💡 How to Apply Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health) Job
- Review the full vacancy details on the official application portal.
- Ensure your resume is limited to two pages or less.
- Complete the mandatory online assessment questionnaire.
- Prepare and attach all required documentation, including your doctoral transcripts and current state license.
- Submit your complete application package via the online system before the closing date.
- Monitor your status through the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume concise; any resume exceeding two pages will be automatically disqualified.
- Be specific about your work hours and responsibilities to prove your specialized experience.
- Avoid acronyms and technical jargon; use plain language to describe your accomplishments.
- Double-check that your license and transcripts are clearly legible and attached as PDFs.
- Submit early to allow for any technical issues or document scanning delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute my education for the experience requirement?
No, for this specific position, you must meet the qualification requirements through professional experience alone.
Is a security clearance required?
No, a security clearance is not required for this role, though you will undergo a suitability and fitness determination.
Is relocation assistance available?
Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates at the agency's discretion; however, permanent change of station (PCS) costs are not authorized.
Is this position eligible for telework?
No, this position is not listed as telework-eligible.
Are veterans given preference?
Yes, veterans and military spouses are considered alongside all other eligible candidates in accordance with federal hiring rules.
Job from Defense Health Agency
The Defense Health Agency is an integrated healthcare system that delivers essential medical services across the Department of Defense. As a strategic partner to the Joint Force, the DHA ensures that millions of uniformed service members, retirees, and their families have access to world-class medical, dental, and pharmacy programs. Joining the DHA means becoming part of a community of dedicated professionals committed to readiness, health, and excellence in medicine.