Advance Your Career as a Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor at the VA
Are you a dedicated mental health professional looking to leverage your expertise to serve those who have served our country? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is looking for a Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) to join the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center team. This is a significant opportunity to provide high-level clinical services while benefiting from professional development and generous federal incentives.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will be the cornerstone of mental health support for your patients. Key duties include:
- Developing and implementing individualized treatment plans with measurable goals.
- Collaborating with BHIP teams to ensure seamless care coordination.
- Providing advanced counseling services, including individual, group, and family therapy.
- Conducting crisis assessments and developing robust safety plans for at-risk Veterans.
- Mentoring junior staff and trainees, sharing your clinical expertise to foster professional growth within the team.
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-12 position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- U.S. Citizenship.
- A master's or doctoral degree from a CACREP-accredited program.
- A current, unrestricted license to practice independently.
- At least five years of post-licensed professional experience.
- Proficiency in clinical documentation and diagnostic procedures.
| Feature | Requirement Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $89,508 - $116,362 |
| Education | Master’s or Doctorate (CACREP Accredited) |
| License | Full & Unrestricted (Independent) |
| Experience | 5+ Years Post-Licensure |
| Clearance | Non-sensitive / Low Risk |
Salary Overview
The GS-12 pay scale for this position ranges from $89,508 to $116,362 annually. This reflects the advanced level of expertise and responsibility expected of the Senior LPMHC role within the VA health system.
Benefits
- Education Debt Reduction Program: Eligible for up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement.
- Federal Benefits: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- Work-Life Balance: Generous annual leave, sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
- Professional Growth: Access to internal training, clinical supervision, and leadership development programs.
Application Tips
- Be Detailed: Ensure your resume highlights specific duties and measurable outcomes. Do not assume the hiring panel knows your previous day-to-day tasks.
- Documentation is Key: Have your license, transcripts, and (if applicable) your DD-214 ready for upload.
- Follow Deadlines: All application materials must be submitted by the closing date to be reviewed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I apply if I don't have a CACREP-accredited degree? A: The basic requirement includes graduation from a CACREP-accredited program. Please review the official posting for specific details regarding grandfathering if you are already a VHA employee.
Q: Is there flexibility in the start date? A: Start dates are coordinated through the HR and hiring department after the selection process is finalized.
Serving as a Senior LPMHC at the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center is more than just a job; it is a chance to advocate for the health and well-being of Veterans. If you possess the required clinical expertise and a passion for patient-centered care, we encourage you to apply today via the USAJobs portal.
Why This Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Job Matters
Empower our nation's heroes: Join the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center as a Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor and make a lasting impact on Veteran well-being.
Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated and experienced Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) to join our team. In this pivotal role, you will provide advanced mental health care, coordinate specialized services, and contribute to the recovery and improved quality of life for Veterans in Monroe, Louisiana, and Texarkana, Texas. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to work within a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment that prioritizes evidence-based practice and compassionate patient care.
Requirements for Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor
- U.S. Citizenship
- Master's or doctoral degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or a related field from a CACREP-accredited program
- Full, current, and unrestricted license to independently practice as an LPMHC
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- At least one year of progressively complex LPMHC experience equivalent to the GS-11 level
- Five years of post-licensed experience demonstrating advanced practice skills
- Ability to provide clinical supervision to trainees or unlicensed counselors
- Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation
- Completion of a background and security investigation
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
Preferred Qualifications for Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor
- Demonstrated expertise in patient engagement and crisis response
- Strong background in interdisciplinary team collaboration
- Experience with data-informed clinical decision-making
- Proven ability to mentor staff and trainees
- Knowledge of VA and community mental health resources
- Commitment to recovery-oriented and patient-centered care
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000)
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans
- ✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and clinical supervision
- ✓Collaborative work environment with interdisciplinary teams
💡 How to Apply Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Job
- Create or log into your account on USAJobs.
- Review the full job announcement and required document list.
- Prepare your long-form resume, transcripts, and licensure documentation.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your application and all required documents by 11:59 PM (ET) on October 30, 2026.
- Monitor your email for status updates and follow-up requests.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly lists job titles, duties, and specific dates (month/year) of employment.
- Quantify your experience; if you volunteered, include that as relevant professional experience.
- Verify that your licensure status is clearly documented and current.
- When claiming Veterans' Preference, ensure your DD-214 is legible and indicates your character of service.
- Check your application status regularly via the USAJobs dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for student loan repayment?
Yes, this position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which provides student loan reimbursement up to $200,000 for eligible participants.
What is the work schedule for this role?
The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, though this may be adjusted based on facility requirements.
Are there travel requirements?
This position does not involve regular travel and is not a virtual or remote position.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) provides comprehensive, whole-health care to America's Veterans. Joining the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center means becoming part of a community that values compassion, clinical excellence, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Located in the heart of the Ark-La-Tex region, the facility offers a unique blend of Southern charm, a low cost of living, and a vibrant, supportive professional culture.