Advance Your Career as a Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (PCMHI) at the Memphis VA
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class, whole-person care to those who have served our country. As a Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) specializing in Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PCMHI), you will serve as a cornerstone of clinical excellence. This role is not just a job; it is a commitment to the well-being of our Veterans, requiring an expert clinician capable of handling complex psychiatric cases within a fast-paced primary care environment.
Job Responsibilities
In this senior-level role, your primary responsibility is to bridge the gap between primary care and mental health. Key duties include:
- Clinical Assessment: Evaluating Veterans for mental health disorders within a primary care setting.
- Psychotherapeutic Intervention: Delivering evidence-based treatments, such as CBT and Motivational Interviewing.
- Consultation: Serving as a subject matter expert for the Primary Care (PACT) teams.
- Supervision: Providing clinical supervision and mentorship to trainees and less experienced staff.
- Program Development: Utilizing data to improve clinical programs and patient outcomes.
Requirements
To be considered for this high-level position, you must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Education: Master’s or Doctorate from a CACREP-accredited program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or a related field.
- Licensure: A full, current, and unrestricted license to independently practice.
- Experience: At least five years of post-licensed professional experience showing progressive complexity.
Comparison of Counseling Roles
| Feature | Clinical Counselor (GS-11) | Senior Counselor (GS-12) |
|---|---|---|
| Case Complexity | Standard | High / Multi-faceted |
| Supervision Role | Supervised | Supervisor for staff/trainees |
| Program Impact | Unit-focused | System-wide initiative design |
| Experience Req. | Moderate | 5+ years post-license |
Salary Overview
This position is classified at the GS-12 grade level. The annual salary range is $89,508 to $116,362, depending on experience and locality adjustments.
Benefits
- Student Loan Repayment: Eligibility for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which may cover up to $200,000 in student loans.
- Leave: Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
- Security: Federal retirement benefits and stable government career growth.
- Relocation: Incentives may be available for highly qualified candidates.
Application Tips
- Customize Your Resume: Clearly outline your experience in clinical supervision and complex diagnosis.
- Documentation: Ensure your transcripts clearly indicate CACREP accreditation.
- Follow Procedures: The application requires a questionnaire—do not skip any steps or your application may be incomplete.
If you are an experienced counselor with a passion for clinical leadership and service to Veterans, this role at the Memphis VA offers unparalleled professional development and the chance to make a real difference. Apply today to begin your journey with the VHA.
Why This Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor-Primary Care Mental Health Integration(Pcmhi) Job Matters
Make a lasting impact on the lives of those who served by providing expert, integrated mental health care at the prestigious Memphis VA Medical Center.
Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor-Primary Care Mental Health Integration(Pcmhi) Job Overview
Join the Veterans Health Administration in Memphis, Tennessee, as a Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC). In this vital role, you will integrate mental health services directly into primary care, delivering evidence-based psychotherapy, complex case management, and clinical supervision to support our nation's heroes. This is a unique opportunity to work within a highly complex, Level I facility and contribute to a mission-driven team dedicated to whole health care.
Requirements for Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor-Primary Care Mental Health Integration(Pcmhi)
- 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 a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor
- Five years of post-licensed experience demonstrating advanced clinical judgment
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959
- Ability to pass a background and security investigation
Preferred Qualifications for Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor-Primary Care Mental Health Integration(Pcmhi)
- Experience providing clinical supervision to trainees or unlicensed staff
- Expertise in complex mental health diagnoses and psychosocial assessment
- Ability to design and implement system-wide clinical programs
- Strong communication skills for interprofessional collaboration
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility up to $200,000
- âś“Competitive federal salary and annual leave accrual
- âś“Opportunity to work in a Level I Clinical Referral Facility
- âś“Professional development and clinical mentorship opportunities
- âś“Comprehensive federal health and retirement benefits
đź’ˇ How to Apply Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor-Primary Care Mental Health Integration(Pcmhi) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor-Primary Care Mental Health Integration(Pcmhi) Job
- Create a USAJOBS account if you do not have one.
- Prepare a comprehensive, long-form resume or CV detailing clinical experience.
- Collect required documentation, including licensure, transcripts, and veterans' preference documents (if applicable).
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the application portal.
- Submit your application package before the deadline on September 30, 2027.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal for notifications.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Be specific in your resume—detail your experience with complex cases rather than just listing responsibilities.
- Ensure all educational documents match the CACREP accreditation requirements precisely.
- Double-check that your license is current, active, and allows for independent practice.
- Submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment if you wish to participate in the loan repayment program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EDRP?
The Education Debt Reduction Program is a student loan reimbursement program offering up to $200,000 for eligible staff, contingent on VHA policy approval.
Is this position eligible for remote work?
No, this is an onsite position located at the Memphis VA Medical Center.
Is relocation assistance offered?
Yes, it may be authorized for highly qualified candidates at the agency's discretion.
What is the trial period?
As a new federal employee, you will be required to complete a one-to-two-year trial period to evaluate performance and mission alignment.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) operates the largest integrated health care system in the United States. The Memphis VA Medical Center, a Level I tertiary care facility, is a hub of innovation and specialized care. Located in the heart of the Mid-South, the facility serves over 206,000 Veterans across Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi. Joining this team means stepping into a supportive, collaborative, and highly professional environment dedicated to evidence-based practice.