Advance Your Career as a Clinical Psychologist at Camp Pendleton

Are you a dedicated mental health professional looking for a position that combines clinical excellence with the opportunity to serve those who protect our nation? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently hiring two Clinical Psychologists to provide vital care at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton in California. This is an exceptional opportunity to utilize your skills within a world-class integrated healthcare system.

Job Responsibilities

As a Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health Consultant), your primary role will be to provide comprehensive mental health services to beneficiaries. Your daily responsibilities will include:

Assessment & Diagnosis: Utilizing the latest DSM standards to perform biopsychosocial assessments for a wide range of conditions.
Therapeutic Intervention: Delivering individual and group therapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and brief, problem-focused interventions.
Medical Integration: Collaborating with medical staff to assess patients with complex chronic conditions and providing mental health dispositions for acute risks.
Consultation: Leading training and briefings for clinic staff to promote best practices in mental healthcare.

Comparison: Standard vs. Military Clinical Practice

Feature	Standard Clinical Practice	Military Clinical Practice
Patient Base	General Population	Military Personnel & Families
Primary Focus	General Mental Health	Mission Readiness & Resilience
Environment	Private Practice/Clinic	Hospital / Integrated DoD Facility
Intervention Style	Often Long-term	Often Brief & Targeted

Requirements

To qualify for this GS-13 position, you must meet stringent federal standards, including:

Doctoral Degree: A Ph.D. or equivalent in clinical psychology.
Licensure: A current, active, and unrestricted license to practice psychology independently.
Specialized Experience: A minimum of one year of experience at the GS-12 level focusing on psychological evaluation and treatment.
Documentation: Proof of citizenship, transcripts, and a resume limited to two pages.

Salary and Benefits

Compensation for this position ranges from $121,585 to $158,062 per year, depending on qualifications and locality pay. Beyond the salary, federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including comprehensive health coverage, a structured retirement program (TSP), and generous paid time off.

Application Tips

Navigating federal hiring can be complex. To ensure your application stands out:

Strict Adherence: Follow the two-page resume limit precisely. Excess content will lead to automatic rejection.
Detail is Key: Clearly define your specialized experience, highlighting hours worked and specific interventions performed.
Submit Early: Do not wait until the September 3, 2026 deadline to avoid potential technical issues during the document scanning process.

This role offers more than just a job; it offers a chance to provide crucial support to the military community in one of the most beautiful locations in California. If you meet the criteria and are ready to advance your career while making a tangible difference, we encourage you to apply today via the USAJOBS portal.

Why This Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health Consultant) Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on the lives of service members and their families as a Clinical Psychologist at Camp Pendleton with the Defense Health Agency.

Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health Consultant) Job Overview

The Defense Health Agency is seeking two dedicated Clinical Psychologists to join the Mental Health directorate at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, California. This role is a vital component of a comprehensive healthcare system, providing expert psychological services to military personnel and their families. As a clinical consultant, you will play a key role in diagnostic assessment, therapeutic intervention, and the promotion of mental wellness in a high-impact, mission-critical environment.

Requirements for Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health Consultant)

U.S. Citizenship is required.
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. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
Must have at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level or equivalent, including psychological evaluations and treatment plan implementation.
Ability to pass a background investigation for a Secret security clearance.
Submission of a resume limited to two pages or less.
Completion of a pre-employment drug test.
Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service.

Preferred Qualifications for Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health Consultant)

Experience in military or Department of Defense healthcare settings.
Proficiency in evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Experience providing brief, problem-focused interventions.
Strong skills in multidisciplinary consultation and staff education.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health insurance programs.
✓Federal retirement benefits, including pension and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Opportunities for professional growth within the Department of Defense.
✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates.

💡 How to Apply Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health Consultant) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health Consultant) Job

Log into your USAJOBS account to create or update your profile.
Ensure your resume is two pages or less and explicitly details your relevant work experience.
Upload required documents, including your doctoral transcripts and active clinical license.
Complete the online assessment questionnaire via the application portal.
Submit your final application package before the closing date of September 3, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Review your resume carefully to ensure it does not exceed the two-page limit, as longer resumes are automatically disqualified.
Use clear, professional language and avoid excessive industry jargon or acronyms.
Include specific start/end dates (month and year) and average hours worked per week for all previous employment.
Verify that your license and transcripts are clearly legible before uploading.
Submit early to allow sufficient time for the automated document virus scanning process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute my education for the required year of specialized experience?

No. For this specific position, you must possess one year of specialized experience as defined in the announcement. Education cannot be substituted for this experience.

What is the security requirement for this role?

This position requires a Secret security clearance and is designated as a noncritical-sensitive position. A background investigation is required for employment.

Is telework available?

This position is not currently eligible for telework, and the role is designated as Mission Essential.

Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha

The Defense Health Agency (DHA) serves as a cornerstone of the Department of Defense’s healthcare infrastructure. By managing medical, dental, and pharmacy programs for over 9.5 million uniformed service members, retirees, and their families, the DHA ensures that the Joint Force is healthy, ready, and capable at all times. Working within the DHA means joining a dedicated team of professionals committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-based care in diverse environments.