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Mental Health Careers at VA
Office of Discovery, Education and Affiliate Networks
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Mental Health Careers at VA
Serve Those Who Served: Make a Difference in Mental Health 
Mental health professionals at VA help Veterans manage conditions like PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Whether you’re starting out or advancing your career, VA offers rewarding roles to support fellow Veterans.
Explore Your Career Path
Choose the route that fits your education, experience, and career goals:
- College and High School Students: Discover internships, apprenticeships, and career tools to help you get started while still in school.
- Paraprofessionals and Certification-Based Careers: Learn about roles like Peer Support Specialist and Behavioral Health Technician—positions that don’t require a license but play a key role in Veteran care.
- Career Pathways for Licensed Professionals: Step-by-step guidance for becoming a Clinical Psychologist, Psychiatrist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).
- Internships and Scholarships: Get help paying for school and training through VA scholarships, loan repayment programs, and hands-on clinical opportunities.
Mental Health Career Pathways
The table below provides a roadmap for VA mental health career exploration and the necessary education for each opportunity.
| Education Level | Example Roles at VA |
| High School | Nursing Assistant, Social Services Volunteer |
| 1 Year of College | Peer Support Specialist, Community Health Worker |
| Associate Degree | Mental Health Worker, Outreach Specialist, Registered Nurse (RN) |
| Bachelor’s Degree | RN / Case Manager, Behavioral Health Specialist, Psychiatric Technician, Social Work Assistant |
| Master’s / Postgraduate | Nurse Practitioner (Mental Health), Nurse Manager, Program Director, Behavioral Analyst, Clinical Therapist |
| Doctoral Degree | Psychiatrist (MD), Psychologist (PhD) |
Support Programs That Help You Succeed
Vet Center Scholarship Program- Scholarships for students pursuing mental health careers who commit to working in underserved Vet Centers.
- Vet Center Scholarship Program
- Offers loan repayment for mental health professionals working in high-need VA specialties.
- SELRP Overview
- Up to $200,000 in loan repayment for qualifying VA mental health professionals.
- EDRP PDF Overview
- Make a Mental Health Career Yours
- Explore job descriptions, career stories, and current openings for VA mental health professionals.
Search for Jobs at VA 
Visit USAJOBS.gov to find and apply for mental health positions at VA.
Use search filters to refine by:
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Job Title (e.g., “psychologist,” “social worker”)
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Agency (Veterans Affairs)
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Location
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Eligibility Group (Veterans, students, U.S. citizens)
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Need help applying? Visit the Career Portal for step-by-step instructions.
Why Choose a Mental Health Career at VA?
- Mission-driven work. Help Veterans heal and recover.
- Nationwide opportunities. Serve in VA hospitals, outpatient clinics, and Vet Centers.
- Career and education support. Access scholarships, loan repayment, and residencies.
- Competitive benefits. Enjoy federal pay, retirement, and job stability.
