How do I become a VA therapist?
Robert Miller
Updated on March 29, 2026
To be eligible for employment as a VA Psychologist, a person must be a U.S. citizen and must have completed an APA, or CPA accredited graduate program in Clinical, Counseling, or Combined psychology or PCSAS accredited Clinical Science program AND must have completed an APA or CPA accredited internship in Psychology.
How much does a VA psychiatrist make?
How much does a Psychiatrist at US Department of Veterans Affairs make? The typical US Department of Veterans Affairs Psychiatrist salary is $226,829 per year. Psychiatrist salaries at US Department of Veterans Affairs can range from $172,241 – $381,649 per year.
Can MFTs work at the VA?
Background: Marriage and Family Therapists are eligible to be hired by the Department of Veterans Affairs as MFTs in VA facilities.
What do VA psychologists do?
Clinical psychologists at the VA provide evidence-based general and preventive mental health services; treatment for PTSD, substance abuse, depression and anxiety disorders; and spinal cord injury treatment.
Whats the difference between LPC and Lcsw?
Becoming an LCSW means earning at least a master’s degree in Social Work (MSW). LCSWs treat clients in the context of a wider social system, while LPCs treat clients in the context of an individual’s psychological experience, which can include how this interacts with the wider social environment.
Do VA interns get paid?
INTERNSHIP. Stipend: Interns receive a competitive stipend paid in 26 biweekly installments. VA internship pay is locality adjusted to reflect different relative costs in different geographical areas. Currently, stipends range from $26,297 to $32,079 annually.
Do VA nurses get paid more?
According to Indeed.com, the average pay for a nurse at a VA hospital in 2017 was $78,402 which is approximately 12% above the national average. The Payscale.com average range was $53,000 to $95,000.
How much do VA counselors make?
Average Department of Veterans Affairs licensed professional counselor yearly pay in the United States is approximately $70,728, which meets the national average.
How many psychologists work for the VA?
3,361 psychologists
VA psychologists work in specialty mental health settings, primary-care clinics and other medical settings. As of April 1, the VA employed 3,361 psychologists — about 5 percent of licensed psychologists in the United States.
Where can I get a job as a veteran counselor?
The majority of veterans counselors work for veterans’ health centers, like VA hospitals and clinics. They may also be employed by community health facilities, social service offices, and mental health clinics. Veterans counselors might also be employed at general hospitals and psychiatric hospitals as well.
Who are the mental health professionals at the VA?
MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS PLAY A CRITICAL ROLE IN MAKING SURE VETERANS RECOVER AND THRIVE AFTER MILITARY SERVICE. That’s why VA recently hired 1,045 new mental health professionals, who are caring for Veterans across the country.
What kind of problems can a veteran counselor help with?
Mental and emotional health problems are some of the most important issues that veterans counselors may help with. For instance, they may help veterans and their families cope with mental illnesses, such as depression, anxiety, grief, and post-traumatic stress syndrome.
How to talk to a veteran about mental health?
Through this program, you can talk privately with peer coaches who are Veterans, service members, or military spouses. To talk with a peer coach, call Military OneSource’s free, confidential peer support services at 800-342-9647. This service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.