Help Veterans care for their mental and emotional health as a psychologist

Not all the scars that Veterans bear are physical. As a VA psychologist, you can help these heroes heal, empowering them to lead fuller lives and take charge of their mental health and wellbeing.

This February, we’re spotlighting psychologists as part of a blog series recognizing critically needed health care occupations to mark the 75th anniversary of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

“The greatest achievement [of VHA] is the extraordinary personnel,” said Richard Stone, MD, executive in charge of VHA.

“What we really celebrate in these 75 years is the extraordinary service that we provide. More than 90% of Veterans who come to us for care say they are fully confident in our care and would recommend to their fellow Veterans that they enroll in VA health care,” Stone added.

Pursue a VA psychology career

Returning Veterans face unique challenges as they adjust to civilian life. As a VA psychologist, you’ll tailor treatment plans to meet patients where they are, ease their symptoms and help them achieve wholeness.

Providing everything from counseling to emergency services, you’ll help Veterans reclaim their mental and emotional freedom.

As part of Team VA, you can work in a variety of care environments, conduct research and continue your education – with nearly limitless room to grow and excel in your career. This can include mentoring and being mentored, providing training or moving into executive roles.

“In my short time at VA, I have been impressed by the sense of community that exists across VA sites, and the shared commitment to ongoing development of quality care for Veterans,” said Leah Squires, Ph.D., a psychologist at the Washington D.C. VAMC.

Rewarding benefits

From your first day at VA through your retirement, you’ll receive competitive pay and generous benefits – icing on the cake of a satisfying career giving back to those who have given so much to our nation.

Compensation is based on education, training, licensure, certification and experience with regular cost of living increases, step increases, and grade increases when you receive additional credentials or promotions.

Flexibility is key at VA. Not only do some positions offer flexible scheduling and telework, but you’ll receive 13-26 paid vacation days each year, as well as 10 federal holidays and 13 sick days. Whether you work full or part time, there are no employment contracts, noncompete clauses, restrictive covenants or other significant restrictions on outside work.

We’ve also got you covered with:

• Liability protection under federal tort laws.
• A variety of health insurance plans, as well as dental and vision.
• Group life insurance, as well as long-term care insurance.
• A three-tier retirement plan.
• Education support programs, including loan repayment and free continuing education unit credits and hours.

Focus on what matters most: healing and caring for Veterans so they can thrive in life after military service.

Work at VA

Across the nation, our psychologists touch lives every day. Take a look at our unbeatable benefits and pursue a psychology career with VA today.

• SEARCH for psychology job openings.
• DOWNLOAD our psychology brochure (PDF).
• LEARN about the benefits of a VA career.
• WATCH Dr. Stone talk about VHA’s 75^th anniversary.
• READ more about previous Occupation Recognition month careers: Custodial Workers, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists, Medical Supply Aides and Technicians and Human Resources Management.