Clinical Psychologist: Supporting Military Readiness in Portsmouth
The role of a Clinical Psychologist within the Defense Health Agency (DHA) is both challenging and profoundly rewarding. As a Mental Health Consultant at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, you are not just providing therapy; you are an essential partner in the health, well-being, and readiness of the men and women who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. If you are a licensed professional looking to apply your skills in a high-impact environment, this position offers a unique path to public service.
Job Responsibilities
As a Clinical Psychologist, your daily contributions will center on:
- Biopsychosocial Evaluations: Utilizing comprehensive assessments to develop tailored intervention plans.
- Evidence-Based Treatment: Implementing cognitive, behavioral, and motivational therapies to address mental health conditions.
- Integrated Care: Collaborating directly with primary care physicians to provide feedback and coordinate multidisciplinary care plans.
- Psychoeducation: Leading classes designed to help patients manage high-frequency health conditions and behavioral challenges.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, candidates must meet specific criteria:
- Education: A Doctoral degree in clinical psychology from an accredited program.
- Licensure: You must hold a current, active, and unrestricted license to practice independently.
- Experience: A minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the federal system.
- Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
Comparison: General vs. Specialized Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Education | Doctoral Degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) |
| License | Current, Active, Unrestricted State License |
| Experience | 1+ Year Specialized (GS-12 Level) |
| Clearance | Secret Level Sensitivity |
Salary Overview
The salary range for this position is $108,019 to $140,426 annually. This range includes applicable locality pay, reflecting the specific economic conditions of the Portsmouth, Virginia area. The DHA may also consider 'Advanced In-Hire' salary placement for candidates with exceptional qualifications.
Benefits
Federal employment offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your long-term success:
- Health, vision, and dental insurance options.
- Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
- Potential for recruitment or relocation bonuses.
- Opportunities for federal student loan repayment or other professional incentives.
Application Tips
- Edit for Brevity: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or less. Excess length leads to automatic removal from consideration.
- Quantify Your Experience: Be specific about your clinical hours and the types of assessments you have performed.
- Sanitize Sensitive Data: If submitting personal documents like marriage certificates, feel free to redact personal info for family members.
- Verify Uploads: Documents like your license and transcripts are non-negotiable. If they are missing, you will be deemed ineligible.
Serving as a Clinical Psychologist at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth is more than just a job—it is a commitment to supporting those who protect our nation. With competitive pay, a stable federal environment, and the opportunity to make a tangible difference in patient lives, this position is ideal for the experienced clinical psychologist ready for their next professional chapter.
Why This Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health Consultant) Job Matters
Advance your clinical psychology career by providing essential mental health support to our nation's service members at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth.
Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health Consultant) Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated Clinical Psychologist to join the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia. This position focuses on providing high-quality, evidence-based mental health services within a multidisciplinary clinical team. You will support military beneficiaries by performing assessments, managing treatment plans, and integrating care with primary health teams to improve patient outcomes. This is a vital role for professionals passionate about supporting the health and readiness of the joint force.
Requirements for Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health Consultant)
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Hold a Doctoral Degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in clinical psychology.
- Possess a current, active, valid, and unrestricted clinical license to practice psychology independently in a U.S. jurisdiction.
- Minimum of one year of specialized experience conducting mental health assessments and providing individual/group treatment.
- Experience working within a multidisciplinary clinical team.
- Must be able to pass a drug test and obtain a Secret security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications for Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health Consultant)
- Previous experience within a military treatment facility or federal health setting.
- Advanced clinical skills in cognitive-behavioral and motivational intervention techniques.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with primary care providers in a fast-paced environment.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs
- ✓Retirement planning and pension options
- ✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified applicants
- ✓Advanced in-hire salary flexibility
- ✓Enhanced leave accrual options for non-federal experience
💡 How to Apply Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health Consultant) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health Consultant) Job
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Ensure your resume includes employer names, job titles, dates of employment, and average weekly hours worked.
- Obtain copies of your Doctoral transcripts and your current, unrestricted clinical license.
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Complete the online questionnaire via the application portal.
- Upload all required documentation, including license and transcripts.
- Submit your application before the closing date of October 29, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume concise; any document exceeding two pages will be disqualified.
- Be precise in describing your 'specialized experience' to ensure it aligns with GS-13 level work.
- Avoid using unexplained acronyms; write in clear, professional English.
- Double-check that your license copy is legible and clearly shows your current status.
- Monitor your email for status updates throughout the hiring process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute education for the required experience?
No, this specific position requires one year of specialized experience in addition to the required Doctoral degree.
What is the security clearance level for this position?
This position requires a Secret level security clearance.
Are relocation incentives available?
Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates, though they are decided on a case-by-case basis.
Is telework an option for this role?
*A: No, this position is currently not designated as telework-eligible.*
What happens after I submit my application?
*A: Once the vacancy closes, your application will undergo a review of qualifications. You will receive email notifications regarding your status.*
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is a global leader in military healthcare. Operating as an integrated health system, the DHA ensures that more than 9.5 million uniformed service members, retirees, and their families receive exceptional medical, dental, and pharmacy care. By joining the team at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, you become part of a mission-driven organization that values clinical excellence and innovative patient care.