Advance Your Career as a Counseling Psychologist with the U.S. Army
Are you a licensed psychologist with a passion for helping others overcome substance use challenges? The Department of the Army is offering a unique opportunity to serve those who serve at the Madigan Army Medical Center.
Job Responsibilities
As a Counseling Psychologist (Substance Abuse), your work directly influences the recovery and resilience of our service members. Your core duties include:
- Conducting comprehensive clinical assessments of patients dealing with substance abuse.
- Developing tailored, evidence-based treatment plans.
- Providing group, individual, and family therapy.
- Tracking patient progress through data collection and outcome evaluations.
- Maintaining meticulous clinical records and case findings.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet strict criteria:
- A valid, unrestricted license as a psychologist or counselor.
- A master’s degree or higher in a field directly related to counseling psychology.
- At least one year of specialized clinical experience at the GS-11 level or equivalent.
- U.S. Citizenship.
Comparison of Qualifications
| Requirement | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Education | Masters Degree or 2 Years Graduate Study |
| Licensure | Current, Unrestricted, U.S. Based |
| Experience | 1+ Year Specialized (Clinical/Substance Abuse) |
| Citizenship | Must be U.S. Citizen |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $100,602 to $130,786 per year, which includes locality pay adjustments. Recruitment or relocation incentives may be available for highly qualified candidates.
Benefits
Working for the federal government provides robust benefits, including comprehensive health coverage, a federal retirement program, and consistent professional growth opportunities within a large, stable healthcare network.
Application Tips
Success in your application begins with attention to detail.
- Respect the Page Limit: Your resume must be two pages or less.
- Upload Required Documents: Always attach your transcripts and license; failure to do so will result in an immediate "ineligible" status.
- Use Plain Language: Make it easy for recruiters to understand your clinical background by avoiding excessive acronyms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is this position eligible for telework? A: No, this position is currently not eligible for telework.
Q: How will I know if my application is being reviewed? A: You can monitor the status of your application through your USAJOBS account dashboard.
If you are ready to apply your expertise in a challenging and rewarding environment, the U.S. Army Medical Command offers a career path that is as meaningful as it is professional. Submit your application today to join a team that values your clinical skills and dedication to the mission.
Why This Counseling Psychologist (Substance Abuse) Job Matters
Join the Department of the Army at Madigan Army Medical Center and leverage your clinical expertise to provide life-changing substance abuse counseling to those who serve.
Counseling Psychologist (Substance Abuse) Job Overview
The U.S. Army Medical Command is seeking a dedicated Counseling Psychologist to join the Department of Behavioral Health at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. This role is pivotal in delivering specialized substance abuse treatment, conducting comprehensive clinical assessments, and developing evidence-based treatment plans for military personnel and eligible patients. Working within a multidisciplinary team, you will provide critical support in rehabilitation and behavioral health recovery, directly impacting the well-being and readiness of our military community.
Requirements for Counseling Psychologist (Substance Abuse)
- Possess a master's degree or two full years of graduate study directly related to counseling psychology.
- Must hold a current, active, valid, and unrestricted counseling/psychologist license from a U.S. state, territory, or jurisdiction.
- Minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level, focusing on clinical substance abuse assessment and treatment.
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Must be able to pass a drug test.
- Must complete a one-year probationary period.
Preferred Qualifications for Counseling Psychologist (Substance Abuse)
- Demonstrated ability to formulate and execute complex behavioral health treatment plans.
- Experience in diverse modalities including individual, group, and family counseling.
- Proven track record in collecting and analyzing patient data to evaluate long-term treatment outcomes.
- Clear, concise, and professional documentation skills for diagnostic and case reporting.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans.
- ✓Competitive salary based on locality pay.
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for qualified candidates.
- ✓Stable career growth within the Department of the Army.
- ✓Access to professional development and medical career programs.
💡 How to Apply Counseling Psychologist (Substance Abuse) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Counseling Psychologist (Substance Abuse) Job
- Create or update your profile on the official USAJOBS portal.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, detailing your relevant clinical experience.
- Complete the online questionnaire required for this specific vacancy.
- Attach all required documentation, including academic transcripts and a copy of your current, unrestricted license.
- Submit your application package by the closing date of November 13, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume to two pages or less; longer resumes will be automatically excluded.
- Be specific about your work history: include dates, employer names, and hours worked per week.
- Ensure your license is clearly uploaded and readable; missing it will result in an automatic ineligible rating.
- Avoid acronyms and technical jargon; use plain language to describe your accomplishments.
- Double-check your application status in your dashboard to confirm submission was successful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute my education for the required experience?
No. For this specific position, you must meet the qualification requirements through experience alone; education substitution is not permitted.
What happens if my resume exceeds two pages?
Your application will be removed from consideration. Please ensure your resume is concise and strictly adheres to the two-page limit.
Is a security clearance required for this role?
No, a security clearance is not required; however, you will undergo a suitability and fitness assessment.
Job from U.S. Army Medical Command
The U.S. Army Medical Command serves as the backbone of healthcare for our military personnel. Civilian employees play a vital role in this mission, providing specialized skills that complement the military workforce. Joining the Department of Behavioral Health means becoming part of a dedicated team committed to the highest standards of mental health and rehabilitation care.