Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor

About the opportunity

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is seeking Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselors (LPMHC) to provide essential services to Veterans, active-duty Service members, and their families. Incumbents will perform intake screenings, risk assessments, crisis intervention, and develop individualized readjustment counseling service plans. This role involves working within an interdisciplinary team to implement psychotherapeutic modalities and coordinate care with community resources. The position is located in the Excepted Service and requires a commitment to serving those who have served in the military. Successful candidates will demonstrate mastery of counseling processes, diagnostic skills using the DSM, and the ability to provide complex crisis intervention in a clinical setting.

Salary and benefits

• Salary range: $70,507 – $110,905 per year
• Eligibility for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) with potential student loan reimbursement up to $200,000
• Federal employee benefits including annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service
• Professional development and interdisciplinary team collaboration

Who can apply?

• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Master's or doctoral degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, or a related field from a CACREP-accredited program
• Must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to independently practice as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (exceptions apply for GS-9 entry level)
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English
• Selective Service registration required for males born after 12/31/1959
• Must pass a background/security investigation
• Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program

Required documents

• Resume (standard Clinical Resume Document recommended)
• Transcript
• Cover Letter (if applicable)
• DD-214/Statement of Service (for Veterans' preference)
• License
• SF-50 (for current/former Federal employees)
• Professional Certification
• Disability Letter (VA)
• SF-15 (for 10-point Veteran preference)

When to apply

• Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 2026-09-08

How to apply

• Create or log in to a USAJOBS account
• Download the standard Clinical Resume Document from the provided link
• Complete the full online occupational questionnaire
• Upload all required documents, including the standard resume and transcript
• Submit the application package through the USAJOBS portal before the deadline

Additional information

• This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
• Selected applicants must serve a 1 or 2-year trial period.
• This announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
• Telework is not available; this is not a virtual position.
• Work schedule is Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm, with potential for evening/weekend requirements.