Launching Your Career as a Psychology Technician at Walter Reed
Are you a dedicated mental health professional looking to make a meaningful impact? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently inviting applications for a Psychology Technician at the prestigious Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. This role offers the unique opportunity to provide high-level clinical support to military personnel and their families in an environment that prioritizes excellence and service.
Job Responsibilities
The selected candidate will serve within the Department of Mental Health Consultation and Education. Your day-to-day duties will be dynamic and multi-faceted:
- Patient Intake and Coordination: You will be the first point of contact for many, conducting interviews to determine eligibility and initial care needs.
- Clinical Support: Assisting under the supervision of credentialed providers, you will perform mental status examinations and contribute to group therapy sessions.
- Psychological Testing: You will administer, score, and document a variety of psychological tests, including cognitive, personality, and intelligence assessments.
- Case Management: You will coordinate care pathways, including interfacing with inpatient facilities for those in need of acute treatment.
- Crisis Intervention: You will play a key role in supporting patients during difficult moments and conducting essential suicide prevention briefings.
Qualifications
To be considered for this competitive position, applicants must meet specific criteria regarding experience and education.
| Requirement Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Experience | 1 year of specialized work equivalent to GS-06 level |
| Education | 1 year of graduate-level study in Psychology |
| Combination | Both education and experience totaling 100% |
| Citizenship | U.S. Citizenship is mandatory |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $57,736 to $75,059 per year, reflecting the locality pay associated with the Bethesda, Maryland region. Beyond the salary, federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including:
- Health and Wellness: Access to premier health insurance plans.
- Retirement: Inclusion in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Work-Life Balance: Generous leave accrual policies.
How to Apply Successfully
Applying for federal positions requires attention to detail. Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or less—this is a hard requirement. Every entry on your resume should include the employer's name, job title, start/end dates, and the number of hours worked per week. If your resume is incomplete or exceeds the page limit, it will be removed from consideration without review.
This role is more than just a job; it is a chance to provide critical mental health support to those who defend our nation. If you meet the qualifications and are ready to bring your clinical skills to a top-tier medical facility, submit your application today. Ensure all documents are uploaded and that your questionnaire is complete to maximize your chances of selection.
Why This Psychology Technician Job Matters
Launch a meaningful career in mental health support at the renowned Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where your expertise directly empowers the lives of those who serve.
Psychology Technician Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated Psychology Technician to join the Department of Mental Health Consultation and Education at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. This role is vital to the facility's mission, providing essential behavioral health support, diagnostic assistance, and clinical coordination. You will work under the supervision of credentialed providers to facilitate patient care, manage appointments, and contribute to suicide prevention initiatives. This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience within a premier military medical environment.
Requirements for Psychology Technician
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 level, including intake processing, patient counseling, and record maintenance.
- Alternatively, one full year of graduate-level education in Psychology or a directly related field.
- A combination of graduate education and relevant work experience totaling 100% of requirements.
- Ability to adhere to strict documentation standards and HIPAA compliance.
- Must be able to pass a Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS) / Moderate Risk suitability assessment.
Preferred Qualifications for Psychology Technician
- Hands-on experience with psychological testing and assessment protocols.
- Proficiency in test administration, scoring, and documenting behavioral observations.
- Prior experience working in a military or veteran-focused behavioral health setting.
- Strong interpersonal skills for crisis intervention and suicide prevention outreach.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Access to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
- ✓Generous paid vacation and sick leave.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates.
💡 How to Apply Psychology Technician Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Psychology Technician Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Review the specific instructions for the Psychodiagnostic Assessment position.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Ensure your resume details hours worked per week and clear start/end dates for all relevant experience.
- Complete the online questionnaire via the USA Staffing portal.
- Upload all necessary documentation, including official transcripts if using education to qualify.
- Submit your application package before the deadline of November 4, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume concise; any submission exceeding two pages will be automatically disqualified.
- Use clear, plain language and avoid specialized jargon or acronyms that the hiring team might not immediately understand.
- Double-check your transcripts; if you are relying on education to meet qualification standards, omission of transcripts will result in an ineligible rating.
- Verify that your uploaded documents have finished the virus scan process before the submission deadline.
- Sanitize sensitive documents, such as military orders, by removing third-party personal information before uploading.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the work schedule for this position?
The position operates Monday through Friday, from 0730 to 1600.
Can I qualify using foreign education?
Yes, but you must provide an evaluation from a recognized agency demonstrating that your education is equivalent to an accredited U.S. program.
Is a security clearance required?
While it is not a traditional security clearance, you must pass a Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS) / Moderate Risk suitability/fitness investigation.
What if I have foreign education?
You must have your credentials evaluated by a specialized organization to prove equivalency to a U.S. accredited program.
Is there a probationary period?
Yes, there is a one-year probationary period to evaluate your fitness and performance in the role.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is the backbone of healthcare for the Department of Defense. Operating as an integrated system, the DHA provides comprehensive medical, dental, and pharmacy services to over 9.5 million uniformed service members, retirees, and their families worldwide. By working at Walter Reed, you become a strategic partner in this mission, helping to ensure the readiness and well-being of the Joint Force.