Become a Clinical Psychologist at the Naval Medical Center San Diego
Are you a dedicated mental health professional looking to make a meaningful impact? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently accepting applications for a Clinical Psychologist to join the Directorate of Behavioral Health at the prestigious Naval Medical Center in San Diego, California. This is a unique opportunity to serve those who serve our country, working in a fast-paced, collaborative, and highly professional environment.
Job Responsibilities
The Clinical Psychologist in this role will perform high-level functions including:
- Comprehensive Assessment: Conducting clinical evaluations and diagnostic testing for psychological disorders.
- Therapeutic Intervention: Delivering evidence-based individual and group therapy to patients.
- Treatment Planning: Developing and monitoring behavioral health plans to address intellectual, cognitive, and emotional dysfunction.
- Leadership & Oversight: Providing expert direction and clinical supervision to nurse providers, psychiatry residents, and psychology interns.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
| Education | Doctoral Degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in Clinical Psychology |
| Licensure | Current, active, and unrestricted license to practice independently |
| Experience | At least 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-12 |
| Background | Must obtain a Secret security clearance |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary ranging from $121,585 to $158,062 per year, depending on qualifications and locality pay. Beyond salary, federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package, which may include:
- Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance.
- Federal retirement systems and TSP participation.
- Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for top-tier candidates.
- Accrued leave and paid federal holidays.
Application Tips
Submitting a federal application is different from applying to the private sector. Ensure your resume is precisely two pages or less—excessive length will disqualify you. Be explicit about your hours worked per week and specific responsibilities to ensure your GS-12 experience is clearly demonstrated to HR reviewers. Finally, do not forget to attach your clinical license and transcripts; incomplete applications will not be processed.
This role at the Naval Medical Center offers a rewarding path for professionals dedicated to evidence-based care. If you meet the criteria and are ready for a new challenge in San Diego, submit your application before November 5, 2026.
Why This Clinical Psychologist Job Matters
Advance your career as a Clinical Psychologist at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego, providing elite psychological care to our nation's service members.
Clinical Psychologist Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated Clinical Psychologist to join the Directorate of Behavioral Health at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego, CA. This position involves diagnosing, assessing, and treating a diverse range of psychological disorders while providing critical clinical oversight to healthcare teams. This is a vital role for those passionate about evidence-based care in a military medical environment.
Requirements for Clinical Psychologist
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Possess a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in clinical psychology.
- Hold a current, active, valid, and unrestricted clinical license to practice psychology independently.
- Must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the federal service.
- Must successfully undergo a background investigation for a Secret security clearance.
- Submission of a resume that does not exceed two pages.
- Must pass a pre-employment drug test.
Preferred Qualifications for Clinical Psychologist
- Proven track record in conducting behavioral health assessments.
- Extensive experience in developing and monitoring complex treatment plans.
- Expertise in providing both individual and group evidence-based psychotherapy.
- Demonstrated ability to mentor and oversee psychology interns and resident staff.
- Strong communication skills for clinical consultation and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay.
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates.
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance and retirement plans.
- ✓Potential for advanced leave accrual.
- ✓Access to a vast professional network within the Defense Health Agency.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development in a premier clinical setting.
💡 How to Apply Clinical Psychologist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Clinical Psychologist Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Complete the mandatory online questionnaire.
- Upload a two-page resume that details your specialized experience, hours worked, and employment dates.
- Attach copies of your doctoral transcripts and current, unrestricted clinical license.
- Review your application for accuracy before the closing date of November 5, 2026.
- Monitor your application status via your USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; submissions exceeding this length will be rejected.
- Use clear, plain language in your resume and avoid obscure acronyms.
- Double-check that your clinical license is included, as failure to attach it will result in automatic disqualification.
- Log in well before the deadline to ensure your documents clear the system virus scan.
- Highlight specific instances of specialized experience that mirror the duties described in the job announcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute my education for the required experience?
No, this specific position requires one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level. Education cannot be substituted for the required experience for this vacancy.
What level of security clearance is required?
This position requires a Secret security clearance and is designated as a Noncritical-Sensitive/Moderate Risk role.
Is there a probationary period?
Yes, all new hires are subject to a one-year probationary period to evaluate performance, conduct, and fitness for federal service.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is an integrated healthcare system responsible for delivering medical services across the Department of Defense. As a strategic partner in global combat support, the agency is committed to ensuring the health and readiness of over 9.5 million uniformed service members, retirees, and their families. Joining this team means being part of a mission-critical organization where your clinical expertise directly contributes to the resilience of our armed forces.