Staff Psychologist - Primary Care Mental Health ...

Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Responsibilities The psychologist functions as part of an interdisciplinary primary care team, serving Veterans, primary care providers, and allied Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) members. The psychologist will provide services for a wide range of concerns, resolving problems within the primary care service context. Behavioral health visits are brief (generally 20-30 minutes), limited in number (averaged 2-3 visits), and are provided in the primary care practice area. Visits are structured so that the patient views meeting with the team psychologist as a routine primary care service. The psychologist functions within fast-paced primary care teams and can expect to provide a variety of services for on average 5-8 patients per day in addition to consulting as needed with their PACT team members. The primary goals are assisting PACT team members with identification, treatment, and management of mental health and behavioral medicine conditions in the enrolled population. The incumbent PCMHI psychologist provides brief functional assessments using assigned templates, brief intervention, education, and consultative services regarding a wide range of mental health and behavioral medicine concerns, upon referral from primary care providers and allied PACT members. The incumbent PCMHI psychologist provides brief, time limited mental health and behavioral interventions face-to-face, via telephone, and via telehealth. The incumbent PCMHI psychologists see patients for an average of 2 to 4 sessions for a broad range of concerns including, but not limited to, mild to moderate depression and anxiety, grief/bereavement, pain, tobacco cessation, alcohol misuse, weight management, coping with chronic illness, stress management, sleep, relaxation training, non-adherence to treatment and other interventions will be provided as clinically appropriate, based on patient need. The incumbent PCMHI psychologist uses population based practice management strategies to include conducting brief assessments, based on 30-minute appointments, referring to Mental Health care services as appropriate, and using brief screening tools to track progress and inform care routinely (e.g., PHQ-9, PCL, AUDIT C, etc.). The incumbent PCMHI psychologist provides education to PACT members on behavioral health issues as well as consultation on tips for successful care management, even when there is no direct patient contact. Typical shift will match the primary care clinic's hours (e.g., 0730-1600 or 0800-1630), though occasional evening and Saturday hours (0800 to noon) may be required. When properly credentialed and licensed, the incumbent will operate independently in all areas, consulting with peers and supervisors when warranted. The incumbent psychologist will serve as a consultant to other medical center staff and trainees and assist in their formulation of the psychological characteristics and appropriate treatment expectations regarding her/his patients. The incumbent PCMHI psychologist will perform others duties as requested or assigned. Work Schedule: Full Time 0730-1600 or 0800-1630 Telework: Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position EDRP Authorized: Contact , the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Psychologist: vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/ Total-Rewards-of-a-Psychology-Career-Flyer.pdf Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the

Created: 2026-02-02