Providing Excellence in Mental Health: Psychiatrist Careers at the VA
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class, holistic healthcare to the men and women who have defended our nation. As a Physician (Psychiatrist) within the VA Phoenix Healthcare System, you are not just an employee; you are a vital partner in a Whole Health approach that empowers Veterans to take charge of their well-being.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will lead diagnostic and therapeutic services. Your routine duties will include:
- Conducting comprehensive psychiatric evaluations.
- Providing crisis intervention and individual psychotherapy.
- Managing pharmacotherapy, including specialized treatments like Clozapine and Buprenorphine.
- Coordinating with interdisciplinary teams to ensure patient progress.
- Supervising residents and medical students in a teaching capacity.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must be a U.S. citizen and hold a valid, unrestricted medical license. You must have completed an accredited residency and be prepared to pass a federal background check and pre-employment physical.
Comparison: Private Practice vs. VA
| Feature | Private Practice | VA Physician |
|---|---|---|
| Benefits | Often Variable | Comprehensive Federal |
| Malpractice | Expensive Premium | Fully Covered (Tail included) |
| Loan Forgiveness | Rarely Offered | EDRP Available |
| Patient Mission | Revenue-Focused | Veteran-Centric |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a highly competitive salary range of $260,000 to $300,000. Beyond the base pay, the VA provides an extensive "Total Rewards" package, including federal retirement, insurance, and the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP).
Serving those who served is a career-defining opportunity. If you are a board-eligible or certified psychiatrist looking for a stable, mission-driven career in Goodyear, Arizona, we invite you to review the application process and join our team today.
Why This Physician (Psychiatrist) Job Matters
Transform lives as a Psychiatrist with the VA: Competitive pay, student loan forgiveness, and a mission-driven career await you in beautiful Goodyear, Arizona.
Physician (Psychiatrist) Job Overview
Join the VA Phoenix Healthcare System as a Physician (Psychiatrist). This role offers a unique opportunity to provide comprehensive mental health care to those who have served our country. As part of a dedicated interdisciplinary team, you will manage a spectrum of psychiatric conditions while enjoying an exceptional work-life balance and a robust federal benefits package.
Requirements for Physician (Psychiatrist)
- U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply per VA policy).
- Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy from an accredited medical school.
- Current, full, and unrestricted medical license in any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Completion of an ACGME or AOA-approved residency program.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Successful completion of a pre-employment physical exam and background investigation.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Preferred Qualifications for Physician (Psychiatrist)
- Experience in General Mental Health or integrated Primary Care/Mental Health models.
- Proven expertise in psychopharmacology, including Buprenorphine, Clozapine, and substance use disorder treatments.
- Commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and clinical supervision of students or residents.
- Experience with telehealth modalities for direct patient care.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) up to $200,000.
- ✓Competitive salary with annual performance bonus potential.
- ✓Generous PTO (26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 federal holidays).
- ✓Federal pension plan and 401k with matching contributions.
- ✓Comprehensive health, vision, dental, and life insurance.
- ✓Free malpractice liability protection with tail coverage.
- ✓CME reimbursement opportunities.
💡 How to Apply Physician (Psychiatrist) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physician (Psychiatrist) Job
- Create or log into your account on the official federal jobs portal.
- Prepare your current C.V. and resume.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your full application package before the deadline.
- Monitor your status through the application dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly highlights your residency completion and current licensure status.
- Submit your application well before the deadline to avoid technical issues.
- Veterans should include their DD214 and relevant documentation to claim preference.
- Verify all contact information is accurate to receive timely status updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for loan repayment?
Yes, this role is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which provides student loan reimbursement up to $200,000 depending on eligibility.
Can I work remotely?
The position is based in Goodyear, Arizona, but some care modalities may involve telehealth. It is not classified as a fully remote position.
What is the work-life balance like?
VA physicians benefit from a structured environment with significant paid time off and no restrictive private employment contracts, allowing for flexible scheduling.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The VA Desert Pacific Health Care Network operates under a model of compassionate care that bridges the gap between clinical intervention and community support. By working with the Mental Health Service, you become part of a network that prioritizes dignity, recovery, and innovation in psychiatric treatment.