Become a Clinical Psychologist at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton
Are you a licensed psychologist driven by the desire to serve those who serve our country? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently recruiting for a Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health Consultant) to join our team at the Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton in California. This is an exceptional opportunity to work within a dynamic, multidisciplinary medical environment that prioritizes evidence-based care and patient-centered outcomes.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will act as a bridge between mental health services and primary care clinics. Your daily duties will include:
- Providing biopsychosocial assessments and evidence-based treatments.
- Conducting mental health diagnoses using the latest DSM standards.
- Utilizing CBT and other modalities for brief, focused interventions.
- Providing clinical education and briefings to clinic staff regarding behavioral health principles.
- Assessing and managing acute and chronic risk for patients in medical settings.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- U.S. Citizenship.
- A Doctoral Degree in clinical psychology.
- A valid, active, and unrestricted clinical license to practice independently.
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level or equivalent.
- Ability to pass a mandatory drug screening.
Quick Comparison: Qualifications vs. Preferences
| Criteria | Requirement | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Licensure | Active/Unrestricted | Mandatory |
| Degree | Doctoral (Ph.D.) | Mandatory |
| Experience | 1+ Year Specialized | Mandatory |
| Primary Care | Behavioral Health focus | Highly Desired |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $121,585 to $158,062 per year, depending on qualifications and locality pay adjustments.
Benefits
Employees of the DHA enjoy a robust federal benefits package including:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
- Paid time off and federal holidays.
Application Tips
- Watch the Page Count: Your resume must be two pages or less. This is non-negotiable.
- Include Details: Ensure every experience entry lists start/end dates and hours per week.
- Sanitize Sensitive Data: Remove personal information from supporting documents where necessary.
If you are ready to elevate your career and provide life-changing support to military service members, we encourage you to apply. This is a unique role that combines clinical practice with strategic healthcare delivery in a premier coastal location.
Why This Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health Consultant) Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of service members at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton by joining our elite team as a Clinical Psychologist.
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 Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton. In this vital role, you will integrate mental health expertise into primary care settings, offering essential support, assessment, and treatment to military personnel and their families. This is a direct-hire opportunity within a mission-essential environment, perfect for practitioners looking to provide evidence-based care in a collaborative, fast-paced medical facility.
Requirements for Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health Consultant)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Doctoral Degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in clinical psychology
- Current, active, valid, and unrestricted license to practice psychology independently in a U.S. state, territory, or jurisdiction
- At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the federal service
- Ability to pass a drug test
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance
Preferred Qualifications for Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health Consultant)
- Extensive experience in primary care behavioral health models
- Proficiency in cognitive-behavioral therapy and brief problem-focused interventions
- Strong background in managing chronic medical conditions alongside mental health comorbidities
- Experience working within a large-scale military or government medical system
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary package
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance options
- ✓Federal retirement and savings plans
- ✓Opportunities for professional development
- ✓Access to a stable, mission-focused healthcare environment
💡 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 or create a new profile.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Gather all required documentation, including doctoral transcripts and your active psychology license.
- Complete the online questionnaire via the provided application portal.
- Submit your full application package before the closing date of December 31, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume to exactly two pages; longer resumes will be automatically excluded from consideration.
- Ensure your resume explicitly mentions hours worked per week and specific dates for each role.
- Avoid using unexplained acronyms or internal jargon.
- Double-check that your license and transcripts are uploaded, as missing these documents will result in an automatic rejection.
- Monitor your USAJOBS dashboard regularly for status updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Ph.D. required for this position?
Yes, a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in clinical psychology is a basic requirement for this role.
Can I substitute education for the required experience?
No, for this specific position, you must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience. Education cannot be substituted for this experience.
What is the security clearance requirement?
This position requires a Secret security clearance and is designated as a noncritical-sensitive/moderate risk role.
Is relocation assistance offered?
No, payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized for this position.
Can I telework?
This position is not currently listed as telework-eligible.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is the backbone of healthcare for the U.S. military. As an integrated healthcare system, we provide world-class medical, dental, and pharmacy services to over 9.5 million uniformed service members, retirees, and their families. By joining the DHA, you become part of a global team dedicated to readiness, wellness, and medical excellence.