Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor

Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – a student loan payment reimbursement program. Applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit their 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 review of the EDRP application.

Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply.

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but cannot be hired until all requirements are met.

• Be a citizen of the United States
• Hold a master’s or doctoral degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling or both, or a related field from a program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
• Examples of related fields:
  Addiction Counseling, Community Counseling, Gerontology Counseling, Marital‑Couple‑and Family Counseling
• Hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to independently practice as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC)
• Licensed independently or, if not yet licensed, must be supervised by a licensed LPMHC who is a VA staff member with access to the electronic health record
• The Human Resources Office will provide a written notice to an unlicensed LPMHC detailing the requirement to obtain licensure, the deadline, and consequences for failure to meet the deadline
• Proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005 – Part II – Chapter III – Section A – Paragraph 3.j
• Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas:
  • Intake and assessment, problem identification, diagnosis, treatment planning, and implementation
  • Use of the DSM-5 to formulate treatment goals and apply appropriate clinical interventions
  • Application of cognitive‑affective‑behavioral or systemic interventions to address high‑risk behaviors, wellness, personal growth, and career development
  • Use of individual, group, or family counseling interventions
  • Interdisciplinary teamwork focused on intrapersonal, interpersonal, and relational functioning
  • Documentation skills, including use of VHA computer software and Telehealth services
  • Knowledge of relevant statutes, case law, ethics, and regulations affecting counseling practice
  • Effective oral and written communication with diverse populations
• For GS‑11 and above: at least one year of post‑master’s or post‑doctoral mental health counseling experience (VA or non‑VA) and a license to practice at the independent level
• Capacity to supervise unlicensed LPMHCs or trainees, subject to state licensing laws

See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

• Open continuous announcement until September 30, 2026 or until all positions are filled
• Initial referral cut‑off date:
  April 27, 2026, with subsequent cut‑offs every two weeks
• Located within the VA Mid‑Atlantic Health Care Network (VISN 6) – Hampton Veterans Affairs Medical Center (HVAMC) under the Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences Service Line
• Aligned with BHIP/Outpatient Mental Health services at community‑based outpatient clinics or outpatient clinics
• Independent case/care management, including outreach, screening, psychosocial needs assessment, and treatment plan development
• Provide counseling or psychotherapy to individuals, families, and groups using evidence‑based modalities
• Conduct psychosocial assessments and monitor treatment outcomes
• Coordinate community‑based services, referrals, and interdisciplinary teams such as Primary Care or Mental Health…