Launch Your Career as a Clinical Psychologist with the Defense Health Agency

Are you a dedicated mental health professional looking to make a meaningful difference? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently inviting applications for a Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health Consultant) at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. This role offers the unique opportunity to integrate your clinical expertise into a high-impact military healthcare environment, directly supporting the wellbeing of service members and their families.

Job Responsibilities

As a Clinical Psychologist, you will function as a vital member of a multidisciplinary team. Key responsibilities include:

Performing accurate mental health diagnoses using the most recent DSM standards.
Delivering evidence-based individual and group therapies.
Providing psychological consultation to primary care providers to improve patient outcomes.
Assessing patients with complex, chronic medical conditions exacerbated by mental health stressors.
Developing and documenting treatment plans with SMART goals.

Comparison: Traditional Practice vs. DHA Clinical Role

Feature	Traditional Practice	DHA Clinical Role
Scope	Patient-Focused	Patient + Mission/Readiness Focused
Team	Independent or Small Group	Multidisciplinary/Integrated Care
Impact	Individual Wellness	Global Military Readiness
Stability	Variable	Federal Benefits & Security

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:

U.S. Citizenship is required.
A Doctoral degree in clinical psychology.
A current, active, and unrestricted license to practice psychology independently.
One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level or equivalent.

Salary Overview

This position is graded at the GS-13 level, with an annual salary range of $109,137 to $141,880. Salary placement depends on experience, and negotiation may be available for candidates new to federal service.

Benefits

Generous federal leave and holiday policies.
Federal retirement system participation.
Extensive health, vision, and dental insurance options.
Potential eligibility for student loan repayment.
Access to recruitment or relocation incentives.

Application Tips

Candidates must ensure their resume clearly details their experience. Remember to keep the document under two pages, avoid acronyms, and include the hours worked per week for every position listed. Verification of your license is mandatory; ensure the documentation is uploaded clearly.

Serving as a Clinical Psychologist at Scott AFB provides a stable, rewarding career path with a direct impact on those who serve our country. With competitive pay and the opportunity for professional growth, this position is ideal for clinicians ready to bring their skills to the federal stage. Apply before the September 1, 2026, deadline to be considered.

Why This Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health Consultant) Job Matters

Elevate your clinical practice by joining the Defense Health Agency at Scott AFB, where your psychological expertise directly supports the health and readiness of our nation’s heroes.

Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health Consultant) Job Overview

The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated Clinical Psychologist to serve as a Mental Health Consultant at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois. This role is pivotal in delivering integrated healthcare, offering you the opportunity to provide direct clinical care, consult with multidisciplinary medical teams, and shape patient treatment outcomes within a dynamic Department of Defense setting.

Requirements for Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health Consultant)

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Possess a Doctoral Degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in clinical psychology.
Maintain a current, active, valid, and unrestricted clinical license to practice psychology independently in a U.S. jurisdiction.
At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the federal service, including conducting mental health assessments and providing individual/group treatment.
Must successfully complete a probationary period.
Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team environment.

Preferred Qualifications for Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health Consultant)

Demonstrated experience in brief, problem-focused interventions.
Background in consulting within primary care settings.
Proven success in managing complex cases involving chronic medical conditions alongside mental health issues.
Proficiency in DSM-based diagnostic procedures.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay.
✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives.
✓Potential for student loan repayment assistance.
✓Comprehensive federal health and insurance benefits.
✓Federal retirement planning options.
✓Paid time off and federal holidays.

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

Application Steps for Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health Consultant) Job

Ensure your resume is limited to two pages or less.
Gather necessary documentation, including academic transcripts and proof of active clinical licensure.
Access the official online application via the USAJOBS portal.
Complete the mandatory online questionnaire.
Upload all required supporting documentation, ensuring files are clear and legible.
Submit your application package prior to the closing date of September 1, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Your resume must explicitly state hours worked per week to verify specialized experience.
Use plain language; avoid technical acronyms that non-subject matter experts may not understand.
Check that your license information is current and clearly visible on your documents.
Submit early to allow time for the automated virus scan of your documents.
Double-check your application package for completeness; incomplete submissions will be disqualified.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a doctoral degree required for this role?

Yes, a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in clinical psychology is a mandatory requirement for this position.

Can I substitute my education for the required experience?

No, this position requires specific specialized experience gained post-degree; education substitution is not permitted for this vacancy.

Are there incentives for this position?

Yes, recruitment or relocation incentives and student loan repayment may be authorized, and salary negotiation may be possible for those new to federal service.

Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha

The Defense Health Agency is the backbone of healthcare within the Department of Defense. Operating as an integrated system, the agency provides medical, dental, and pharmacy services to over 9.5 million beneficiaries worldwide. By joining the DHA, you become part of a mission-driven team dedicated to medical readiness and the highest standards of patient care.