Become a Physician (Psychiatry) with the Defense Health Agency
Are you a dedicated mental health professional looking for a career that combines clinical excellence with service to our nation? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently inviting applications for a Physician (Psychiatry) at the Army Health Clinic in Monterey, California. This is an exceptional opportunity to practice in a supportive, mission-focused environment while enjoying the coastal beauty of the Monterey Peninsula.
Job Responsibilities
As a Psychiatrist for the DHA, you will serve as a primary provider of mental health services. Your daily responsibilities will include:
- Conducting comprehensive biopsychosocial evaluations.
- Developing and implementing patient-centered treatment and rehabilitation plans.
- Prescribing pharmacological treatments and providing psychotherapy.
- Collaborating with other medical specialists to ensure holistic care.
- Participating in quality assurance, risk management, and clinical research projects.
Requirements
To qualify for this role, you must meet the following criteria:
- Education: A degree from an accredited Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program.
- Licensure: A current, active, and unrestricted license to practice as a Physician.
- Training: Completion of an accredited psychiatry residency program and at least one year of supervised clinical experience.
- Documentation: Submission of a concise (max two-page) resume and proof of credentials.
Comparison of Qualifications
| Requirement Type | Essential Criteria | Documentation Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Education | MD/DO Degree | Official Transcripts |
| Licensure | Unrestricted License | License/Certification Copy |
| Experience | Residency + 1 Year | Detailed Resume |
Salary and Benefits
The DHA offers a highly competitive salary range of $123,077 to $300,000 per year. Beyond the base pay, employees enjoy:
- Federal medical and life insurance.
- Generous retirement packages.
- Accrued paid leave.
- Protection under the Federal Tort Claims Act.
Application Tips
- Watch the Resume Length: Keep your resume under two pages or it will be automatically removed from consideration.
- Be Specific: List the employer, job title, and dates for every position mentioned.
- Stay Organized: Ensure your license and transcripts are ready for upload at the time of application.
If you are a psychiatrist ready to take the next step in your career while serving those who protect our nation, the Army Health Clinic in Monterey is the place to be. Apply today to begin your journey with the Defense Health Agency.
Why This Physician (Psychiatry) Job Matters
Make a lasting impact on the lives of those who serve—join the Defense Health Agency as a Physician (Psychiatry) in the beautiful coastal city of Monterey, California.
Physician (Psychiatry) Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is seeking a dedicated Physician (Psychiatry) to join the Army Health Clinic at the Presidio in Monterey, California. This role offers the unique opportunity to provide comprehensive mental health care to a diverse patient population within the military community. You will serve as a key technical authority, delivering high-quality diagnostic and treatment services while contributing to clinical research and quality improvement initiatives. This position is vital to the DHA's mission of ensuring the health and readiness of service members and their families.
Requirements for Physician (Psychiatry)
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Hold a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an accredited institution in the U.S. or Canada.
- Possess a current, active, full, and unrestricted medical license from any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Completion of at least one year of supervised clinical internship or residency training.
- Successful completion of an accredited residency program specifically in Psychiatry.
- Ability to pass a drug test and meet credentialing/suitability requirements.
Preferred Qualifications for Physician (Psychiatry)
- Extensive experience in diagnosing and treating complex psychiatric conditions across a diverse patient demographic.
- Proven track record in performance improvement, quality assurance, and risk management in a clinical setting.
- Demonstrated ability to integrate biopsychosocial evaluations with clinical data, including EKG and psychological testing.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health and life insurance options
- ✓Retirement savings plans including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
- ✓Paid vacation and federal holidays
- ✓Federal Tort Claims Act liability coverage
- ✓Possible recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified applicants
- ✓Potential for advanced leave accrual and salary advancement
💡 How to Apply Physician (Psychiatry) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physician (Psychiatry) Job
- Log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Complete the online questionnaire via the application portal.
- Upload required documentation, including medical licenses and transcripts.
- Verify the completeness of your submission before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume to two pages or less; longer resumes will result in immediate disqualification.
- Include specific start/end dates (month/year) and hours worked per week for every job listed.
- Submit your license early; the application will be marked as incomplete without it.
- Avoid acronyms and technical jargon to ensure the HR team can easily evaluate your experience.
- Submit your application well before the deadline to account for potential system delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need malpractice insurance for this federal position?
No. As a federal civilian healthcare provider, you are covered by the Federal Tort Claims Act while acting within the scope of your employment.
Is this position remote?
No, this position is located on-site at the Army Health Clinic in Monterey, California.
Can I negotiate my salary?
Yes, once an initial offer is extended and accepted, a designated Activity Compensation Panel will determine your specific base and market pay.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is the backbone of the Department of Defense’s healthcare system. We are responsible for providing world-class medical, dental, and pharmacy services to over 9.5 million service members, retirees, and their families. Joining our team means becoming part of an integrated, multidisciplinary system that prioritizes readiness and innovation in patient care.