Advance Your Clinical Career: Behavioral Health Consultant at Fort Belvoir
Are you a dedicated clinical psychologist looking to make a meaningful impact? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently hiring a Clinical Psychologist (Behavioral Health Consultant) to join the team at the A.T. Augusta Military Medical Center in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. This role offers an incredible opportunity to provide high-level care in a critical environment while enjoying the stability and benefits of a federal career.
About the Defense Health Agency
The Defense Health Agency is the backbone of the Department of Defense’s healthcare system. By managing medical, dental, and pharmacy programs for over 9.5 million uniformed service members, retirees, and their families, the agency plays a strategic role in maintaining global readiness. Working here means you are part of an integrated, mission-focused team dedicated to supporting those who serve our country.
Job Responsibilities
As a Behavioral Health Consultant, your primary responsibility is to act as a crucial link between the Primary Care team and behavioral health services. Your daily tasks will include:
- Diagnostic Assessment: Conducting DSM-based diagnostics to guide treatment.
- Evidence-Based Treatment: Delivering brief, problem-focused interventions including CBT and motivational interviewing.
- Crisis Management: Effectively managing high-risk cases, including suicidal ideation, trauma exposure, and acute psychiatric crises.
- Consultation: Providing concise, actionable feedback to the Primary Care team regarding patient status.
- Psychoeducation: Implementing classes to address high-frequency diagnoses within the clinic.
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-13 position, candidates must meet specific criteria:
- Degree: A doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in clinical psychology.
- Licensure: A current, active, and unrestricted clinical license from a U.S. jurisdiction.
- Experience: At least one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level (or private sector equivalent) in behavioral health assessment and group/individual treatment.
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen.
Salary and Benefits
The federal government offers a highly competitive compensation package. The salary range for this position is $121,785 to $158,322 per year, inclusive of locality pay.
| Benefit Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary | $121,785 - $158,322 |
| Healthcare | Comprehensive FEHB options |
| Retirement | FERS pension + Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent) |
| Incentives | Potential for recruitment/relocation bonuses |
| Work-Life | Paid federal holidays and sick leave |
Application Tips
Your application is your first impression. Follow these steps to ensure you remain competitive:
- Keep it Brief: Your resume must not exceed two pages. Excessively long resumes are disqualified immediately.
- Highlight Specialized Experience: Use clear, professional language to describe your history of behavioral health assessments.
- Submit Your License: Ensure your clinical license is included in your application package. Without it, you will be deemed ineligible.
- Verify Your Data: Include employer names, start and end dates (month/year), and hours worked per week for every job listed.
This role at the A.T. Augusta Military Medical Center is a unique opportunity to blend clinical expertise with national service. If you meet the criteria and are ready to advance your career, submit your application via USAJOBS before the deadline.
Why This Clinical Psychologist (Behavioral Health Consultant) Job Matters
Advance your career in clinical psychology while serving those who serve our nation at the A.T. Augusta Military Medical Center.
Clinical Psychologist (Behavioral Health Consultant) Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated Clinical Psychologist to serve as a Behavioral Health Consultant at the A.T. Augusta Military Medical Center in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. In this role, you will provide vital, evidence-based psychological support within a fast-paced primary care environment. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, you will bridge the gap between primary care and behavioral health, ensuring that service members and their families receive timely, effective care. This position utilizes Direct Hire Authority, streamlining the recruitment process for highly qualified professionals.
Requirements for Clinical Psychologist (Behavioral Health Consultant)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Possess a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in clinical psychology.
- Maintain a current, active, valid, and unrestricted clinical psychology license.
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level.
- Ability to pass a background check for a Noncritical-Sensitive/Moderate Risk position.
Preferred Qualifications for Clinical Psychologist (Behavioral Health Consultant)
- Proven track record of success in high-paced primary care behavioral health settings.
- Advanced proficiency in delivering brief, evidence-based interventions such as CBT and motivational interviewing.
- Experience conducting DSM-based diagnostic assessments for diverse populations.
- Demonstrated ability to manage high-risk patients, including those with suicidal ideation or complex trauma.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay.
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Generous paid time off and federal holidays.
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates.
- ✓Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized.
💡 How to Apply Clinical Psychologist (Behavioral Health Consultant) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Clinical Psychologist (Behavioral Health Consultant) Job
- Register for a USAJOBS account if you do not already have one.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less and details your specialized experience.
- Complete the online questionnaire via the provided application link.
- Upload all required supporting documents, including your license/certification and transcripts.
- Review your application package for completeness and accuracy before submission.
- Submit your application by the 11:59 PM EST deadline on October 30, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume concise; any resume exceeding the two-page limit will be automatically excluded.
- Ensure your resume explicitly mentions employer names, dates of employment (month/year), and hours worked per week.
- Use plain, clear language and avoid jargon or acronyms that may confuse a recruiter.
- Double-check that you have uploaded your professional license, as failure to do so will result in an ineligible rating.
- Submit your materials well before the deadline to account for potential system virus scans and processing times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Ph.D. required for this position?
Yes, a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) directly related to professional work in clinical psychology is a mandatory requirement.
Can I substitute education for the experience requirement?
No, for this specific position, you must meet the qualification requirements through specialized experience alone.
Is remote work an option for this role?
No, this position is not eligible for remote work; it is located on-site at the A.T. Augusta Military Medical Center.
Is a security clearance required?
While this is a sensitive position, formal security clearance is not required; however, you will undergo a suitability/fitness adjudication.
What is the closing date?
The application must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on October 30, 2026.