Staff Psychologist - Mental Health

The Staff Psychologist - Mental Health provides comprehensive psychological services within a healthcare setting. Responsibilities include conducting psychological assessments, diagnosing mental health conditions, and developing evidence-based treatment plans. The psychologist delivers individual and group psychotherapy using modalities such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other empirically supported treatments. They collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including psychiatrists, social workers, and nurses, to coordinate patient care and ensure holistic treatment. The role involves crisis intervention, risk assessment, and management of acute mental health episodes. Psychologists maintain detailed clinical documentation, including progress notes, treatment plans, and discharge summaries, in compliance with regulatory standards. They participate in case conferences, staff meetings, and quality improvement initiatives to enhance service delivery. Additionally, the psychologist may provide consultation to other healthcare professionals on psychological aspects of patient care. They engage in ongoing professional development and may supervise psychology trainees, including interns and practicum students. The position requires adherence to ethical guidelines and legal standards, including patient confidentiality and informed consent. Psychologists also contribute to program development and evaluation, ensuring services meet the needs of the patient population. They may conduct psychoeducational groups and community outreach to promote mental health awareness. The role demands flexibility to address diverse patient needs, including those with co-occurring disorders, trauma histories, and chronic mental illness.

Qualifications include a doctoral degree in psychology from an APA, PCSAS, or CPA accredited program, with a specialty consistent with the assignment. Alternatively, a doctoral degree in any area of psychology with completion of an APA or CPA accredited re-specialization program, or a doctoral degree awarded between 1951 and 1978 from a regionally-accredited institution with a dissertation primarily psychological in nature. Candidates must have successfully completed an APA or CPA accredited professional psychology internship. Exceptions apply for internships in VHA programs seeking accreditation or pre-1979 VHA internships. Non-accredited internships may be accepted if the candidate is board certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology. Licensure is required: a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia. Non-licensed applicants may receive a temporary appointment as a graduate psychologist for up to two years under supervision. English language proficiency is mandatory. For GS-11 entry level, no experience beyond basic requirements. For GS-12 developmental level, at least one year of experience as a professional psychologist equivalent to GS-11, with demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities including knowledge of psychological assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based interventions.

The Veterans Health Administration operates the VA St. Louis Health Care System, providing comprehensive healthcare services to veterans. This role involves executive leadership in patient care services.