Veterans Health Administration Jobs 2026 – Marriage and Family Therapist (BHIP) – EDRP Approved in Washington

Salary / Pay Package: $61,409 - $99,835 per year.

To qualify for GS-9 (entry level), you must meet basic education requirements and demonstrate knowledge of human development, diagnostic criteria, and evidence-based practice. GS-11 (full performance) requires one year of post-master's experience or a doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or comparable mental health field.

• U.S. Citizenship required; non-citizens may be appointed only when qualified citizens cannot be recruited per VA policy.
• English language proficiency required for direct patient care positions.
• Master's or doctoral degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from a COAMFTE-accredited program, or a comparable mental health degree (e.g., Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor, Social Work, Psychiatric Nursing, Psychology, Psychiatry).
• For GS-9: Licensure may be waived for up to 3 years under clinical supervision of a licensed MFT. Failure to obtain licensure within 3 years results in removal from the series.
• For GS-11: Full, current, unrestricted MFT license to practice independently, or one year of post-master's experience in marriage and family therapy.
• Health Profession Trainees (HPTs) pending completion of educational or licensure requirements may be tentatively selected but cannot be hired until all requirements are met.
• Grandfathering provision applies to current VHA employees who were in the occupation on the effective date of the qualification standard (4/18/2018).
• Selective Service Registration required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Subject to background/security investigation and completion of online onboarding process.
• Participation in seasonal influenza vaccination program required for all VA Health Care Personnel.

Provide a full range of psycho-diagnostic services including individual, group, couples, and family psychotherapy.

• Conduct assessment interviews, develop treatment plans, and provide treatment to eligible Veterans using evidence-based modalities.
• Use systemic health theories and family systems theory to address interpersonal relationship issues.
• Provide crisis intervention, intake evaluations, and outreach services as needed.
• Refer clients to other programs and professionals when appropriate.
• Participate in conjoint emergency treatment with medical facility mental health personnel.
• Provide subject matter consultation to colleagues and students on psychosocial treatment in the specialty area.
• May serve as clinical supervisor for MFTs seeking licensure if holding AAMFT approved supervisor credential.
• May serve as representative on Psychology Service, Mental Health Service Line, or VISN committees as assigned.

Open the USAJOBS announcement and with your USAJOBS/Login.gov account.

• Complete the federal application questionnaire and attach your federal resume and required documents (e.g., transcripts, SF-50, license).
• Submit your complete application package by 11:59 PM (ET) on October 15, 2026.
• After submission, you will receive a confirmation email. Check your application status in USAJOBS under 'Applications'.

EDRP: Up to $200,000 student loan repayment; apply within 4 months of appointment. Former EDRP participants ineligible.

• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.
• Trial period: 1 or 2 years; employment may be terminated if continued employment does not advance public interest.
• Telework: Ad-hoc telework available. This is not a virtual position.
• Multiple locations: Corpus Christi, Harlingen, Laredo, McAllen, Texas. Salary varies by location.
• Contact VISN 17 SSU USAS Group at [email protected] for application questions.
• For EDRP questions, contact [email protected].

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care to over 9 million Veterans each year. VHA operates through 18 regional networks (VISNs) and over 1,200 health care facilities nationwide. The Texas Valley Coastal Bend VA Health Care System serves Veterans in South Texas with medical centers in Harlingen and Corpus Christi, and community-based outpatient clinics in Laredo, McAllen, and other locations. This position is part of the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP), which delivers team-based mental health care focused on Veteran-centered, accessible services. BHIP teams include psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and marriage and family therapists working collaboratively to address the full spectrum of mental health needs.