Advance Your Career as a Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor at the VA

Are you a skilled clinician looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have served our country? The Overton Brooks VA Medical Center in Shreveport, Louisiana, is currently accepting applications for a Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC). This role is designed for experienced practitioners who are ready to provide expert clinical care while shaping the future of veteran mental health services.

Job Responsibilities

As a Senior LPMHC, you will serve as a key member of our Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) team. Your primary focus will be providing high-level clinical services to Veterans struggling with serious mental health conditions. Key duties include:

Expert Clinical Care: Conducting screenings, diagnostic assessments, and evidence-based psychotherapy.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Working alongside psychologists, social workers, and psychiatrists to ensure holistic patient care.
Crisis Management: Performing timely risk assessments and initiating safety plans for at-risk patients.
Mentorship: Providing subject matter expertise and clinical supervision to trainees and junior staff.
System Improvement: Utilizing clinical data to suggest process improvements that enhance patient throughput and care quality.

Requirements

To qualify for this senior-level role, candidates must meet stringent professional standards:

Education: A master’s or doctoral degree from a CACREP-accredited program in a relevant counseling field.
Licensure: You must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice independently.
Experience: Candidates must have five years of post-licensed clinical experience, including one year at the GS-11 equivalent level.
Communication: Exceptional command of written and spoken English is required.

Salary and Benefits

Category	Details
Salary Range	$89,508 – $116,362 per year
Loan Repayment	Eligible for EDRP (up to $200,000)
Schedule	Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm
Location	Shreveport, LA

In addition to a competitive salary, the VA offers a robust benefits package, including federal health insurance, generous leave accrual, and retirement plans. The Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) is a significant highlight, offering substantial relief for eligible student loans.

Application Tips

Standing out in the federal hiring process requires precision. Ensure your resume provides clear, quantifiable examples of your clinical experience. Use action verbs to describe how you have used evidence-based modalities in the past. Always include the beginning and ending dates of your employment, as well as the average hours worked per week. Finally, be sure to highlight any experience you have in clinical supervision, as this is a core requirement for the senior-level designation.

This Senior LPMHC position at the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center is more than a clinical role—it is a chance to elevate your career within one of the nation's most respected healthcare organizations. If you are passionate about evidence-based treatment and collaborative care, we encourage you to submit your application today.

Why This Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Job Matters

Advance your clinical career while serving our nation's heroes in the scenic, vibrant community of Shreveport, Louisiana.

Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Job Overview

The Overton Brooks VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated and experienced Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) to join our Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP). In this role, you will provide expert-level clinical interventions for Veterans facing complex mental health needs. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to impact patient outcomes through evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional mentorship within a supportive federal healthcare environment.

Requirements for Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor

U.S. Citizenship (subject to VA policy for non-citizens).
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Master's or doctoral degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or a closely related field from a CACREP-accredited program.
Full, current, and unrestricted license to practice as an LPMHC independently.
Five years of post-licensed clinical experience.
One year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level.
Demonstrated ability to provide clinical supervision to trainees or unlicensed staff.
Ability to pass a pre-employment physical evaluation and undergo annual TB testing.
Commitment to the seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Preferred Qualifications for Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor

Proficiency in at least two evidence-based psychotherapy modalities.
Expertise in crisis response and patient engagement.
Strong background in interdisciplinary collaboration and data-informed decision-making.
Comprehensive knowledge of VA-specific resources and community support systems.
Proven ability to mentor and teach clinical staff or trainees.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility up to $200,000.
✓Competitive federal salary and benefits package.
✓Accrual of annual and sick leave.
✓Opportunities for professional development and mentorship.
✓Federal health insurance and retirement planning options.

💡 How to Apply Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Job

Create or update your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a comprehensive long-form resume documenting your duties, dates of employment, and average hours worked.
Gather supporting documents including your license, transcripts, and SF-50 (if applicable).
Complete the occupational questionnaire through the provided portal.
Submit your full application package before the closing date of November 9, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly details your experience in a way that maps directly to the required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs).
Do not leave gaps in employment history without explanation.
Clearly label your clinical supervision experience, as this is critical for the Senior-level designation.
Verify that your license is currently active and unrestricted.
Review your application status frequently via your USAJOBS dashboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the EDRP and am I eligible?

The Education Debt Reduction Program provides student loan reimbursement for qualified clinical staff. Eligibility is determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services office after your appointment.

Is this a remote position?

No, this is an onsite position located at the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center in Shreveport, Louisiana.

What is the trial period requirement?

As an excepted service position, new hires are subject to a 1 or 2-year trial period to evaluate performance and suitability for continued federal employment.

Can I apply if I am not a veteran?

*A: Yes, this position is open to the public, although veterans' preference applies to those eligible.*

Is relocation assistance provided?

*A: This position does not authorize relocation or recruitment incentives at this time.*

What is the trial period?

*A: New hires serve a 1 to 2-year trial period to evaluate their fitness for the position and contribution to the federal service.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have borne the battle. At the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center, we provide comprehensive, whole-health care to a diverse population of Veterans. Located in the heart of the Ark-La-Tex, our facility offers a unique environment where professional excellence meets Southern hospitality. Working here means more than just a job; it means joining a community committed to dignity, respect, and clinical innovation.