Advance Your Clinical Career as a Staff Psychologist with the VA in Visalia
Are you a dedicated mental health professional looking to make a lasting impact on the lives of those who served our country? The VA Central California Health Care System is currently accepting applications for a Staff Psychologist focused on Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PCMHI). This role offers a unique opportunity to integrate behavioral health directly into primary care, providing crucial, accessible, and high-quality care to Veterans.
Job Responsibilities
As a PCMHI Psychologist, your primary duty is to function as a behavioral health consultant within an interdisciplinary Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT). You will:
- Provide brief, evidence-based interventions for mild to moderate behavioral health concerns.
- Facilitate 'warm handoffs' to ensure same-day access to mental health services.
- Engage in team-based activities including clinical huddles, case reviews, and provider consultations.
- Deliver care via both in-person and virtual modalities to maximize patient engagement.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Education: Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA, PCSAS, or CPA-accredited program.
- Internship: Completion of an accredited professional internship.
- Licensure: Hold a current, full, and unrestricted license to practice psychology.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Position Level | GS-11 to GS-13 |
| Salary Range | $96,624 - $179,032 |
| Work Schedule | Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm |
| Location | Visalia, CA |
Salary Overview
The salary for this position is competitive and commensurate with experience and grade level (GS-11 to GS-13). As a federal employee, you will receive regular salary increases and step-rate adjustments based on performance and tenure.
Benefits
Beyond salary, the VA offers a robust benefits package designed to support your long-term success:
- Loan Repayment: Eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) up to $200,000.
- Work-Life Balance: Generous annual leave, sick leave, and 11 paid Federal holidays.
- Retirement: Federal pension and 401(k) with employer matching.
- Family Support: Paid parental leave and child care subsidies for qualifying families.
Application Tips
- Customize Your Resume: Clearly delineate your clinical experience in primary care settings.
- Documentation: Ensure all educational transcripts and licensure documents are uploaded in the required format.
- Early Submission: The announcement is open until December 15, 2026, but the first referral cut-off is October 30, 2026. Apply early for priority consideration.
This role is more than just a job; it is a chance to define the standard of care for Veterans. If you possess the clinical expertise and the passion for integrated behavioral health, we invite you to join our team in Visalia and help us honor the promise to our Veterans.
Why This Staff Psychologist- Primary Care Mental Health Integration Job Matters
Transform Veteran healthcare in California: Join the VA as a Staff Psychologist and lead integrated behavioral health solutions in a high-impact primary care setting.
Staff Psychologist- Primary Care Mental Health Integration Job Overview
The VA Central California Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Staff Psychologist to serve as a behavioral health consultant within the Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PCMHI) team. Based in Visalia, CA, this role allows you to work at the forefront of patient-centered care, providing brief, evidence-based interventions to support the men and women who have served our nation. This is a unique opportunity to join an interdisciplinary Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) and influence care outcomes through collaborative, same-day access models.
Requirements for Staff Psychologist- Primary Care Mental Health Integration
- U.S. Citizenship
- Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA, PCSAS, or CPA-accredited program
- Completion of an accredited professional psychology internship
- Current, full, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical and TB test
- Background investigation and security screening
- Registration with Selective Service (if male and born after 12/31/1959)
Preferred Qualifications for Staff Psychologist- Primary Care Mental Health Integration
- Proven experience providing mental health services within an integrated primary care or medical care team
- Strong skills in brief intervention and consultation
- Expertise in designing and implementing evidence-based treatment strategies
- Knowledge of clinical research methods and behavioral health documentation
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility up to $200,000
- ✓13-26 days of annual paid leave plus 13 days of sick leave
- ✓11 paid Federal holidays
- ✓Federal pension plan and 401k-style savings plan with 5% matching
- ✓Comprehensive health, vision, dental, and life insurance options
- ✓Paid parental leave
- ✓Child care subsidy for eligible employees
💡 How to Apply Staff Psychologist- Primary Care Mental Health Integration Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Staff Psychologist- Primary Care Mental Health Integration Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Review the full vacancy announcement and gather required documentation (CV, transcripts, license, etc.).
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your application package, including all required supporting materials, before the closing date.
- Monitor your email for status updates and confirmation notifications.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly highlights your clinical experience in primary care or integrated settings.
- Submit all required documents, including your long-form CV and license, to avoid disqualification.
- Take advantage of the initial cut-off date to ensure your application is reviewed in the first cycle.
- Check the status of your application regularly through your USAJOBS dashboard.
- Review the specific educational documentation requirements for foreign degrees or re-specialization programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote or virtual position?
No, this is an onsite position located in Visalia, California, requiring in-person care and participation in clinical huddles.
Are there recruitment incentives available?
Yes, a recruitment or relocation incentive may be authorized for highly qualified candidates.
Can I qualify if I am not yet licensed?
Non-licensed applicants may be considered for a temporary 'graduate psychologist' appointment for up to two years, provided they are supervised by a licensed psychologist.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing compassionate care to Veterans, their families, and caregivers. The VA Central California Health Care System, located in Fresno and serving the Visalia area, is a cornerstone of the VA Sierra Pacific Network. We operate with a mission rooted in integrity and service, utilizing state-of-the-art facilities to provide comprehensive medical, surgical, and mental health care.