Become a Staff Psychologist at the Cape Girardeau VA Clinic

Are you a dedicated mental health professional seeking a career that combines clinical excellence with a higher purpose? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is looking for a qualified Staff Psychologist to join the team in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. This position offers the rare opportunity to serve those who have served our country while working in a supportive, professional environment.

Job Responsibilities

As a Staff Psychologist, you will perform a wide range of essential clinical and administrative functions, including:

Assessments: Conducting suicide risk screenings and comprehensive psychological testing.
Treatment Planning: Collaborating with Veterans to create evidence-based, goal-oriented treatment plans.
Clinical Services: Providing individual, group, and family therapy to adult and geriatric populations.
Consultation: Advising interdisciplinary teams on behavioral health issues.
Professional Development: Participating in peer review, mentoring students or interns, and staying current with clinical research.

Comparison: Standard Clinical Practice vs. VA Psychologist Role

Feature	Private Practice	VA Staff Psychologist
Patient Population	General Public	Veterans & Families
Support System	Independent	Interdisciplinary Team
Loan Repayment	Rare	Available (EDRP)
Mission	Business Focused	Service Focused

Requirements

Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in psychology and a full, unrestricted license to practice. You must be a U.S. citizen, proficient in English, and capable of passing necessary background and security checks.

Salary Overview

This position is classified at the GS-13 grade level, with an annual salary range of $147,935 to $192,318. This is a full-time, permanent role with significant upward mobility in benefits and retirement security.

Benefits

Up to $200,000 in student loan debt reduction through EDRP.
Comprehensive federal health insurance packages.
Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
Federal retirement pension and TSP (Thrift Savings Plan) matching.

Application Tips

Use the template: Always utilize the provided VA-specific resume template for your application.
Address KSAs: Your resume should explicitly reflect the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required for the position.
Deadlines: Submit all documents before the 11:59 PM ET deadline on September 8, 2026.

Serving as a Staff Psychologist in the VHA is more than a job—it is a commitment to the well-being of our nation's heroes. If you are a licensed, passionate psychologist, apply today to start your journey in Cape Girardeau.

Why This Staff Psychologist Job Matters

Make a lasting impact on those who served. Join the Cape Girardeau VA Clinic as a Staff Psychologist and advance your career with a competitive salary and student loan repayment support.

Staff Psychologist Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Staff Psychologist to join our team in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. In this role, you will provide comprehensive mental health services, conduct psychological assessments, and develop evidence-based treatment plans to support the diverse needs of our Veteran population. This position offers a unique opportunity to practice independently while collaborating within an interdisciplinary healthcare environment.

Requirements for Staff Psychologist

U.S. Citizenship
Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA or CPA accredited program
Completed a professional psychology internship program
Full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level
Proficiency in spoken and written English
Must pass a pre-employment physical and drug screening
Successful completion of a background/security investigation

Preferred Qualifications for Staff Psychologist

Two years of professional psychology experience
At least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-12 level
Board certification by the American Board of Professional Psychology
Advanced clinical expertise in treating geriatric and adult patient populations

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000)
✓Competitive federal salary structure
✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
✓Federal retirement benefits
✓Generous paid annual and sick leave
✓Professional development and training opportunities

💡 How to Apply Staff Psychologist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Staff Psychologist Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Review the full vacancy announcement details carefully.
Download the standard clinical resume template provided by the VA.
Prepare your supporting documents, including transcripts and professional licenses.
Complete the occupational questionnaire via the application portal.
Submit your full application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Be specific and detailed when describing your professional experience; do not rely on assumptions.
Clearly document how you meet the listed Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs).
Ensure your resume includes all required components, including paid and volunteer experience.
Double-check that all uploaded documents are legible and in the requested formats.
Monitor your email for status updates and follow-up requests after the closing date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position eligible for student loan repayment?

Yes, this role is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which provides student loan reimbursement up to $200,000 based on program approval.

What is the primary work location for this role?

The position is based at the Cape Girardeau VA Clinic in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

Is this a remote or virtual position?

No, this is an onsite position, though ad-hoc telework may be available according to agency policy.

What is EDRP?

The Education Debt Reduction Program provides significant student loan repayment for eligible healthcare professionals at the VA.

Are there physical requirements?

The work is primarily sedentary, though it requires the mental stamina to handle complex emotional cases.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. Our mission is to honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional healthcare that improves their health and well-being. Beyond standard care, the VHA is committed to its "Fourth Mission"—supporting national preparedness during emergencies and disasters.