Become a Clinical Psychologist with the Defense Health Agency

Are you a dedicated mental health professional looking to make a difference in the lives of those who serve our nation? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently hiring for a Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health Consultant) in Temecula, California. This is a unique opportunity to integrate behavioral health into a primary care environment, providing high-level support to the military community.

Job Responsibilities

As a Clinical Psychologist, you will serve as a Mental Health Consultant within the Primary Care Mental Health (PCMH) program. Key responsibilities include:

Conducting clinical assessments and differential diagnoses according to DSM standards.
Providing individual and group psychotherapy using evidence-based modalities.
Consulting with primary care physicians to coordinate care and establish treatment priorities.
Educating clinical staff on the principles of integrated mental health.
Leading psychoeducational sessions on topics like stress management, relaxation training, and substance abuse.

Requirements

To be considered, candidates 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: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to a GS-12 level.
Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.

Qualifications Comparison

Feature	Requirement
Minimum Education	Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.)
Licensing	Current, Active, Unrestricted
Experience Level	GS-12 Equivalent (1 year)
Citizenship	Required (United States)
Security Clearance	Secret (Noncritical-Sensitive)

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $124,085 to $161,313 per year, inclusive of locality pay. Beyond the salary, federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package including health and life insurance, the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), and generous paid leave. Selected candidates may also be eligible for recruitment or relocation incentives.

Application Tips

When applying, remember that your resume is your primary representation. Ensure it is exactly two pages or less and clearly details your hours worked per week and specific dates of employment. The federal hiring process is precise—if your resume lacks the required information or exceeds the page limit, you may be automatically disqualified.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is remote work available? No, this position is not telework-eligible. Is education substitution allowed? No, this role requires specific specialized experience. What is the status of this job? It is a permanent, mission-essential role.

If you are a licensed clinical psychologist passionate about military mental health, this position in Temecula offers a fulfilling career path. Prepare your application carefully, submit your transcripts and licenses early, and take the next step in your career with the Defense Health Agency.

Why This Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health Consultant) Job Matters

Advance the mission of military healthcare by providing expert mental health consultation and clinical support to our service members in Temecula.

Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health Consultant) Job Overview

The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated Clinical Psychologist to serve as a Mental Health Consultant (MHC) within the Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton system. In this pivotal role, you will bridge the gap between mental health services and primary care, providing essential support to military personnel and their families. This position is a direct hire opportunity designed for a highly skilled professional ready to make an immediate impact on patient wellness through evidence-based interventions and collaborative care.

Requirements for Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health Consultant)

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. State, District of Columbia, or territory.
Must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the federal service, including conducting psychological evaluations, counseling, and treatment planning.
Must submit a copy of academic transcripts.
Must pass a drug screening test.
Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Must be available for work during emergencies or contingency operations (Mission Essential status).

Preferred Qualifications for Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health Consultant)

Proven history of implementing brief, problem-focused mental health interventions in a primary care setting.
Demonstrated ability to perform differential diagnoses using the DSM-5.
Experience in developing and conducting psychoeducational classes for stress management and substance abuse identification.
Expertise in consulting with primary care providers to streamline patient treatment priorities.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay adjustment.
✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
✓Federal retirement benefits including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates.
✓Opportunities for professional development and training.

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

Application Steps for Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health Consultant) Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Complete the mandatory online questionnaire.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, highlighting relevant experience with specific dates and hours worked.
Upload required documentation, including doctoral transcripts and your active, unrestricted professional license.
Submit your complete application package, including any optional cover letters or performance appraisals.
Verify the status of your application through your USAJOBS dashboard before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume specifically addresses the one-year specialized experience requirement; federal recruiters will not make assumptions.
Use plain language and avoid jargon or internal acronyms when describing your previous work.
Double-check that all uploaded documents—especially licenses and transcripts—are clear and legible.
Submit early to allow for the automated virus scanning process to complete.
Keep your resume to two pages; any content beyond two pages will be excluded from the selection process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute my education for the required experience?

No. For this specific position, you must possess the required specialized professional experience. Substitution of education for experience is not permitted.

What does it mean to be a 'Mission Essential' employee?

As a Mission Essential employee, you are required to report to work during national emergencies, natural disasters, or other contingency operations to ensure continuous healthcare delivery.

Is a security clearance required?

Yes. This position is designated as Noncritical-Sensitive and requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret-level security clearance.

Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha

The Defense Health Agency is an integrated healthcare system responsible for delivering medical services to over 9.5 million uniformed service members, retirees, and their families. As a strategic partner to the Department of Defense, the DHA ensures that the Joint Force remains ready and healthy. Working within a Military Treatment Facility like the one at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton offers a fast-paced, mission-driven environment where your expertise directly contributes to medical readiness.