Careers
Careers
The National Center for PTSD has fellowships and internships programs as well as a list of current positions available at the Center's divisions. If you are interested in a career at the VA in mental health, resources are listed in this article.
Internship and Postdoctoral Fellowship Programs
Approved pre-doctoral internships and postdoctoral fellowships for psychology are offered at some Center Divisions, see below. For Fellowship Requirements, see the bottom of this page. For internships, please see the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (www.appic.org).
Mental Health Careers
VA is a leader in treating mental health issues, including PTSD, and employs a number of different types of mental health providers. Becoming a PTSD therapist within the VA first requires training and licensure as a psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse, psychologist, clinical social worker, or master's level clinician as described above. In addition to obtaining a license, experience in assessing and treating PTSD is expected.
Learn about VA's mission to improve the lives of Veterans and their families and locate job openings: VA's Mental Health Careers.
There are more types of therapists, counselors, and mental health providers who are qualified to treat issues related to trauma. To find information about becoming a mental health counselor and licensure in your state, visit the National Board for Certified Counselors
.
Positions Currently Open
Position: Deputy Director (Psychologist), Behavioral Science Division
Location: Boston, MA
Description:
Overview
The Behavioral Science Division (Boston) of the National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder is recruiting within the Department of Veterans Affairs for a Deputy Director to begin duties in 2018.
The National Center is a multi-site Center of Excellence and the Behavioral Science Division is widely recognized for developing model research and clinically-oriented programs in stress and trauma. The Division has outstanding resources for research, training, and clinical activities. Exceptional opportunities exist for professional collaboration with a wide array of researchers locally and at other National Center divisions, as well as with investigators in other academic, VA, and military settings.
Major duties of the Deputy Director include managing day-to-day activities of the division, supervising administrative and professional staff, participating in National Center leadership, and conducting research related to traumatic stress. Faculty appointment at the Boston University School of Medicine is anticipated.
How To Apply
The formal position posting can be found on the USAjobs.gov website at https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/498991400 until May 22, 2018.
Contact Information
Email inquiries can be sent to the Behavioral Science Division Director, Terence Keane, Ph.D., at Terry.Keane@va.gov.
The Department of Veterans Affairs is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Position: Director, Pacific Islands Division
Location: Honolulu, HI
Description:
Overview
The National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, seeks a dynamic, academically-oriented leader for the position of Director, Pacific Islands Division. We are seeking a senior doctor-level individual with a strong background in clinical psychology, psychiatry, social work, public health, and/or related field with a solid research and publication record in the area of mental health disparities within a multicultural context. A focus on PTSD or trauma is preferred, but applications working on other mental health disorders are encouraged to apply. A demonstrated record of publication, national leadership, and research grant funding are essential. Experience with program or policy development is preferred and recognition within the scientific and academic community is required.
The Director advances innovative programs and national collaborations in research and education, as well as promotes staff development and scientific productivity. Mentorship/teaching/training experience in the academic and/or clinical applied fields is desirable. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential, including sensitivity to issues related to the stigma of mental illness and minority mental health.
The Division is located at the VA Medical Center in Hawaii, which is the principal tertiary care referral center for Veterans from throughout the Hawaiian Islands, American Samoa, and Guam. The VA Medical Center provides a full spectrum of inpatient, residential, and outpatient medical-surgical and mental health services.
The Division also has an affiliation with the University of Hawaii. The Director would be expected to take a leading role with regard to both VA and university relationships.
How To Apply
Interested applicants are encouraged to submit:
- Cover letter outlining interest in the position and personal career goals
- Resume or curriculum vita
- Current transcript (unofficial copies are acceptable)
- Names of two individuals who can serve as professional references.
Contact Information
Please send curriculum vita and cover letter to Matthew J. Friedman, MD PhD at Matthew.Friedman@va.gov or Veronica.Thurston@va.gov, Inquiries are also accepted via telephone at (802) 295-9363, ext. 5326.
The Department of Veterans Affairs is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Position:VA-Sponsored Advanced Fellowships
Location: Menlo Park, CA
Description: PTSD Research and Treatment
The National Center for PTSD Division of Dissemination and Training is accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Fellowship. The Fellowship is a two year program sponsored by the Office of Academic Affiliations, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and provides an academic affiliation with the Stanford University School of Medicine.
Overview
Fellows devote the majority of their time to patient-oriented research and education activities and 25% to direct patient clinical care. The program is a mentorship-based experience where fellows work with a primary and secondary mentor on ongoing and/or independent research projects, publish and present findings, and prepare applications to funding agencies for research support. Potential research areas include PTSD treatment effectiveness trials, innovations in treatment applications, health services research on access and quality of PTSD care, telemental health trials testing video, internet, or smart phone-based interventions, and implementation science studies on mechanisms for expanding adoption of best care practices. Content areas of special focus include sleep, substance abuse, mental health service delivery in primary care, military sexual trauma (MST), and disaster response.
Clinical training includes intensive experience working with both female and male veterans and in individual and group modality. Training options include participation in residential, substance abuse and outpatient environments. Fellows are exposed to a variety of evidence-based therapies including Prolonged Exposure (PE), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). In their second year, fellows will have the opportunity to provide clinical supervision to less advanced trainees.
The overarching goals in the National Center for PTSD D&T; program are for fellows to develop the full range of skills required for independent functioning as a psychologist; and the skills required to function effectively as a psychologist in a high priority area of health care for veterans (e.g. PTSD).
Fellows are expected to demonstrate, by the end of their tenure (2 years), competence in the following areas: Clinical assessment, diagnosis, and intervention; Consultation, supervision, and teaching; Scholarly inquiry; Organization, administration, management, and program evaluation; Professional, ethical, and legal issues; and Cultural and individual diversity.
The current annual stipend for first year postdoc fellowship at VA Palo Alto is $50,227.50. We expect the second year stipend amount to be no less than first year's and may include cost of living increase.
Requirements
Application materials should be submitted via email to Chetali.Gupta@va.gov AND Douglas.Olive@va.gov
- A personal statement of professional goals and interests that strictly follows the instructions. Please review the National Center for PTSD Fellowship Training Brochure, which describes our programs training goals and opportunities with Training Faculty. In your letter please describe:
- Your previous educational, clinical and research experiences
- Your areas of clinical and research interest and its alignment with the National Center for PTSD's emphasis area and mission
- Specific clinical and research goals and objectives for your Fellowship year
- Your career "next steps"
- Statement of interest should be no more than 2 pages and include the names of the three individuals expected to provide references.
- Current Curriculum Vitae
- Work Sample, such as a published manuscript on which you are first author or other written product that highlights your work relevant to PTSD emphasis area
- Three letters of reference from faculty members or clinical supervisors who know your research work well. One of these letters must be from your primary research mentor. Letter writers should email an electronic copy from his/her university or agency email address, and this will be considered an official "signed" copy.
- Completed an ACGME, AOA, or equivalent accredited specialty or subspecialty residency training program
- Have an active, unrestricted U.S. license to practice
- U.S. citizenship
- Earned doctorate in psychology from an APA-approved program by start date
- Completed APA-approved internship
Psychologist applicants must have obtained a doctorate from an APA accredited program in clinical or counseling psychology and completed an APA accredited internship in clinical or counseling psychology. Social Work or Nursing applicants must have a doctorate from an accredited program and have appropriate clinical training. Associated Health Fellows must be U.S. citizens.
The Fellowship Program is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to enhancing diversity within our staff and trainees.
Contact Information
If you have any questions about the application process, please contact Chetali Gupta, MPH (Fellowship Coordinator) at chetali.gupta@va.gov and for program content; please contact Marylene Cloitre, PhD (Fellowship Director) at marylene.cloitre@va.gov
More information: Please visit www.paloalto.va.gov/services/mental/ncptsdfellowship.asp
The Department of Veteran Affairs is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Position: Staff Investigator
Location: Boston, MA
Description: PTSD Research
Overview
We anticipate one or more career positions with duties that begin in 2018. A major focus of National Center research is adjustment following military service, but candidates who have background in related areas or with other types of trauma are welcomed. Trauma-related topics in the areas of sleep, aging, and health or health disparities are among current priorities.
Division staff participate in the training and supervision of postdoctoral fellows and predoctoral interns. Faculty appointment at the Boston University School of Medicine is anticipated. Salary and benefits are competitive.
Requirements
Requirements for a position are a doctoral degree plus demonstrated skills in research, scientific publication, and grant writing. Clinical psychologists must have training and clinical internship from APA-accredited programs, as well as existing professional licensure or eligibility for licensure.
How to Apply
Interested applicants are encouraged to submit a curriculum vita with a cover letter, reprints, and the names of anticipated professional references to the contact listed below. Materials will be reviewed on a first-come basis until available positions are filled. Formal position posting and the application process will follow federal procedures via the USAjobs.gov website. U.S. citizenship is required.
Contact Information
Danny Kaloupek, Ph.D.
National Center for PTSD (116B-2)
VA Boston Healthcare System
150 South Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02130-4817
Email: Danny.Kaloupek@va.gov
The Department of Veteran Affairs is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Position: Postdoctoral Fellowships
Location: Boston, MA
Description: Clinical Psychology with Emphasis on PTSD
Overview
Postdoctoral positions through the VA Boston Psychology Postdoctoral Fellowship Program are APA accredited and are located within the VA Boston Healthcare System (VABHS). VABHS has affiliations with both Boston University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School; it is anticipated that fellows will receive dual appointments with these affiliates during their fellowship year.
The structure of the VA Boston Psychology Postdoctoral Fellowship Program follows a multiple practice format as defined by APA's Policy Statements and Implementing Regulations. The Fellowship Program is organized into two separate areas: (1) the substantive traditional practice area of Clinical Psychology, and (2) the specialty practice area of Clinical Neuropsychology. Within the Clinical Psychology Training Program, we offer training in nine areas of emphasis ("tracks"): Geropsychology, General Mental Health, Behavioral Medicine, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Substance Abuse, Dual Diagnosis, Interprofessional Mental Health, and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Healthcare, and Returning Veterans and Substance Abuse.
Training for Clinical fellows accepted into the PTSD track is for the duration of one year. Salary and benefits are competitive. Training in the PTSD track occurs within the two local VA divisions of the National Center for PTSD (Behavioral Science and Women's Health Sciences). PTSD faculty provide advanced clinical training within specialized outpatient programs for male and female Veterans. Additionally, staff are active in research and offer a range of research opportunities to complement the clinical emphasis of the PTSD training program.
How to Apply
The Postdoctoral Fellowship Training Brochure and application instructions can be downloaded from the VA Boston Psychology Fellowship website. The online brochure details information about all APA Accredited Fellowship programs available. Minority candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Contact Information
Amy K. Silberbogen, PhD,
Psychology Service (116B),
VA Boston Healthcare System
150 South Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA, 02130.
Email: amy.silberbogen@va.gov
Email inquires for the PTSD Fellowship can be directed to:
Dr. Steve Quinn (Steve.Quinn@va.gov) or Dr. Eve Davison (Eve.Davison@va.gov).
General inquires about the Postdoctoral Fellowship Program can be directed to the Training Director, Dr. Amy Silberbogen.
The Department of Veteran Affairs is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Position: VA-Sponsored Advanced Fellowships
Location: West Haven, CT
Description: PTSD Research and Treatment
The Clinical Neurosciences division of the National Center for PTSD at VA CT Health Care System and Yale University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry offer two-year term fellowships designed to advance PTSD research and clinical training among physicians and psychologists who would like to embark on an academic career.
Overview
Two incoming Fellows (one physician and one psychologist) are funded each year. Fellows will work closely with research mentors from the National Center for PTSD and Yale University and will conduct their clinical duties at the PTSD Clinic at the West Haven VA. Fellows will carry an appointment at Yale University (MDs as advanced fellows PGY-5/6 and Psychologists as Postdoctoral Associates) and will have full access to all Yale University resources to advance their research and career.
The primary objective of this training program is to prepare individuals for academically-oriented careers in the following areas: clinical neuroscience research, PTSD treatment, and PTSD mental health services research. Other area of research will be considered based on the availability of appropriate mentors.
Fellows will devote 75% of their time to research and education activities and 25% to clinical care. Incoming Fellows will be assigned to work with research mentors who best match their research interests. Research mentors are available from a wide range of departments at Yale University such as psychiatry, neurobiology, the neuroscience program at Yale and the department of psychology. In special cases a secondary mentor may be designated outside Yale University to advance the fellows' research career and interest.
Fellows will work with mentors on ongoing and/or independent research projects, publish and present findings, and prepare applications to funding agencies for research support. Advance clinical training and supervision in Evidence Based Treatment for PTSD is also provided. Fellows will benefit from a rich educational and clinical environment at the Clinical Neuroscience Division of the National Center for PTSD, Yale University, and the PTSD clinic at the West Haven VA Medical Center.
Anticipated start date will be July 1st. A later start date will be considered based on the applicant's needs.
How to Apply
Requirements for Physician and Psychologist applicants are detailed above. International medical graduates applying to the Physician Fellowship must also have a current visa and an ECFMG certificate that is valid indefinitely. Applicants on a J-1 visa must have current ECFMG sponsorship as well.
Priority will be given to individuals applying early, and applications will be accepted until December 31st. Application should include a personal statement of professional goals and interests, a curriculum vita, and three letters of reference. Minority candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Applications should be addressed to the program directors:
Drs. Steven Southwick and Ilan Harpaz-Rotem
Please mail applications materials to:
Brenda Martini, M.A., Health Sciences Officer
National Center for PTSD
VA CT Healthcare System
950 Campbell Ave (151E)
West Haven, CT 06516
Application may be also submitted via email.
Contact Information
Ilan Harpaz-Rotem, PhD
Phone: (203) 937-4760
Email: Ilan.harpaz-rotem@yale.edu
Steven Southwick MD
Phone: (203) 932-5711 ext 4448
Email: Steven.southwick@va.gov
The Department of Veteran Affairs is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Fellowship Requirements
Physician fellowship requirements
Psychology fellowship requirements
The Department of Veteran Affairs is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Get help for PTSD
If you need help right away:
- Call 1-800-273-8255
- Chat online with a counselor
- Call 911 or visit a local emergency room
PTSD Information Voice Mail:
(802) 296-6300
ncptsd@va.gov
Also see: VA Mental Health
