Explore a mental health career helping Veterans at #APA2019 in Chicago

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recently hired over 1,000 new mental health professionals, and we’re always looking for more. That’s why we’re heading to the Windy City Aug. 8-11 for the American Psychological Association Annual Convention 2019.

A VA career in Veterans’ mental health is more than just a job — it’s a deeply rewarding mission to give back to those who have served. Our mental health professionals assist in Veterans’ recovery from diagnoses such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

If that sounds like a mission you can get behind, we invite you to stop by Booth 1628 to speak with recruiters Charles Long, Larry Elliott and Keith Liles about the wide range of opportunities and benefits that come with a VA career.

“VA psychologists work to ease symptoms and provide Veterans in crisis with the support they need,” said Darren Sherrard, Associate Director of Recruitment Marketing at VA. “Conference attendees can meet with recruiters to explore what it’s like to work in mental health at VA, share their contact information and learn how they can contribute to Veterans’ care.”

Learn from VA mental health professionals on the front lines

The American Psychological Association Annual Convention is the world’s largest gathering of psychologists, psychology students, and other mental and behavioral health professionals. With more than 1,000 sessions over four days, attendees can explore the most compelling psychology topics, scientific research and thought leadership happening in the world.

At APA 2019, you can also learn about Veteran-specific mental health issues from VA healthcare professions during the following sessions:

Aug. 8 symposium:

• What Are We Learning From Implementing Measurement-Based Care in the Veterans Health Administration?, chaired by Claire Collie, Ph.D., Department of VA Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, and featuring other mental health expert speakers from VA.

Aug. 8 poster sessions:

• Defeated No More: Meaning-Making After Military Sexual Trauma, presented by A’mie Preston, Psy.D., of the South Texas Veterans Health Care System in San Antonio.
• Predictors of Mental Health Treatment Seeking Among Post-Deployment National Guard Service Members, featuring Maleeha Abbas, Ph.D., of VA Puget Sound Health Care System–Seattle Division and Megan Schultz, B.A., Michele Hiserodt, B.S., Mary F. Wyman, Ph.D., of William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin.

Discover the benefits of working with VA

At the VA Careers booth, you’ll learn about the wide range of benefits available to VA psychologists, including premium-support group health insurance (with dental, vision and long-term care), generous leave policies and free liability coverage that comes with federal service.

VA providers can also work anywhere in the United States, Puerto Rico, American Samoa and Guam with one active license. Other perks that come with choosing a VA career in mental health include:

• Flexible work schedules and shifts.
• Diversity and inclusion policies and programs.
• Low patient-provider ratios.
• Leadership development and mentoring programs.
• Career training and enhancement opportunities.
• Dining options and a tax-free retail store.
• A smoke/drug-free workplace.

 “From counseling to emergency services, VA psychologists provide a full range of therapeutic interventions for a diverse Veteran population that contribute to their overall wellness and recovery,” Sherrard said. “We encourage attendees interested in a VA career to visit Booth 1628 to share their story and stay informed of employment opportunities.”

Choose VA at the APA Annual Convention 2019

• SPEAK to a VA recruiter at Booth 1628 at APA 2019, and plan ahead by downloading the conference program.
• SEARCH VA careers at VAcareers.va.gov.
• REACH a recruiter today at VACareers@va.gov.