Advance Your Career: Join the VA as a Primary Care Mental Health Integration Psychologist
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class, whole-person care to the men and women who have served in our nation's military. We are currently seeking a compassionate, skilled, and experienced Psychologist to join our team in Phoenix, Arizona. This is a unique opportunity to integrate mental health services directly into primary care settings, ensuring that our Veterans receive the most comprehensive support possible.
Job Responsibilities
As a PCMHI Psychologist, your role is pivotal. You will work alongside primary care providers to address behavioral health needs early and effectively. Your primary duties will include:
- Clinical Care: Providing evidence-based psychotherapies such as CBT, ACT, and Motivational Interviewing.
- Consultation: Serving as a mental health expert for PACT teams and other healthcare providers.
- Treatment Planning: Developing, implementing, and documenting patient-centered care plans.
- Collaboration: Coordinating with various medical departments to ensure seamless patient transitions.
Requirements
To qualify for this GS-13 position, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Must hold a doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited program.
- Must possess a current, full, and unrestricted license to practice.
- Must have completed an accredited professional psychology internship.
- Must be able to pass a rigorous background check and pre-employment physical.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $141,571 - $193,145 |
| Employment Type | Permanent, Excepted Service |
| Location | Phoenix, Arizona |
| Clearance | Low Risk / Suitability |
Salary and Benefits
Working for the VA offers more than just a paycheck. Our compensation package is designed to provide security and long-term value:
- Comprehensive Leave: Generous annual, sick, and federal holiday time.
- Financial Future: A robust federal retirement plan and 401K-style matching.
- Insurance: Extensive choices for health, dental, vision, and long-term care.
- Student Loan Support: Potential eligibility for the EDRP loan repayment program.
Application Tips
Ensure your resume highlights specific, measurable clinical achievements. Since the VA utilizes an automated hiring system, accuracy in your self-assessment questionnaire is vital. Double-check that all required documents—license, transcripts, and CV—are attached before submitting.
If you are a licensed Psychologist ready to dedicate your talents to our nation's Veterans, we encourage you to apply. Your expertise will directly influence the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for our country. Apply through USAJOBS today to start your journey with the VA Phoenix Healthcare System.
Why This Psychologist (Pcmhi) Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of our nation's heroes by joining the Phoenix VA as a Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PCMHI) Psychologist.
Psychologist (Pcmhi) Job Overview
The VA Phoenix Healthcare System is actively seeking a dedicated and highly qualified Psychologist to join the Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PCMHI) team. This position is vital to our mission, placing you directly within outpatient primary care clinics to provide collaborative, comprehensive, and compassionate behavioral health support for Veterans. You will serve as a key member of the medical staff, utilizing evidence-based practices to improve patient outcomes in a supportive, multidisciplinary environment.
Requirements for Psychologist (Pcmhi)
- U.S. Citizenship (Non-citizens may be considered only if qualified citizens are unavailable per VA policy)
- Full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level
- Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA, PCSAS, or CPA accredited program
- Completion of an accredited professional psychology internship program
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Pass a pre-employment physical evaluation and drug screening
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959
- Ability to undergo and pass a background/security investigation
Preferred Qualifications for Psychologist (Pcmhi)
- Demonstrated experience in evidence-based psychotherapies such as CBT-D, CBT-I, ACT, or PST
- Proven ability to provide clinical consultation to primary care and multidisciplinary teams
- Familiarity with clinical research literature and its application to patient care
- Experience working in a fast-paced outpatient or integrated medical setting
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive salary with potential for increases
- ✓37-50 days of paid time off per year (Annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays)
- ✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave
- ✓Federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance programs
- ✓Traditional federal pension plan with 5-year vesting
- ✓Federal 401K-style savings plan with up to 5% agency matching
- ✓Childcare subsidy program for eligible employees
- ✓Potential for Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility
💡 How to Apply Psychologist (Pcmhi) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Psychologist (Pcmhi) Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Review the full job announcement and required document list.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload your CV/resume, professional license, and academic transcripts.
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date.
- Monitor your email for status updates and potential interview invitations.
💡 General Tips
- Be precise and detailed when describing your clinical experience to ensure your qualifications are clearly understood.
- Ensure your license and education credentials are clearly reflected in your uploaded documents.
- Apply early to allow time for the automated HR process.
- Keep your contact information up-to-date in your USAJOBS profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for loan repayment?
Yes, this position may be eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which provides student loan reimbursement up to $200,000 for qualifying candidates.
What is the expected timeline for the hiring process?
The VA uses a 30-day hiring model designed to expedite the process, focusing on quick reviews, prompt interviews, and efficient onboarding.
Can I work remotely for this position?
No, this is an onsite position based at the Phoenix VA medical facility and requires regular interaction with patients and clinical teams.
Is there an age limit for this position?
There is no specific age limit, but you must be able to meet the physical requirements of the role.
Will I need to relocate?
Relocation assistance is not authorized for this specific vacancy.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The VA Desert Pacific Healthcare Network is dedicated to the 'Whole Health' philosophy. We believe that true healing happens through partnership, personalized health plans, and strong community connections. By joining our team, you become an essential part of an agency that values integrity, commitment, and excellence in healthcare delivery.