US Navy Clinical Psychologist - $65K Bonus!

US Navy; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accession Bonus

Incentive Pay

Retention Bonus

Board Certification Pay

TRICARE Medical Coverage

No-cost Malpractice

Job summary

The U.S. Navy is seeking a Clinical Psychologist to join the Medical Service Corps as an officer, delivering comprehensive mental health care to Sailors, Marines, their families, and retirees.

You’ll practice full-scope psychology in diverse settings—from clinics to deployed environments—while enjoying command-level opportunities and a strong benefits package. Expect to conduct assessments, provide therapy, and contribute to readiness, education, and resilience initiatives.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Clinical or Counseling Psychology from an APA- or PCSAS-accredited program.
• Completion of an APA-accredited doctoral internship (waivers considered in some cases).
• Current, unrestricted U.S. psychology license (or eligibility to obtain one).
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain a security clearance.
• Meet Navy physical standards; typically commissioned before age 42 (waivers possible).
• Board certification (ABPP) encouraged and supported.

Responsibilities

• Conduct psychological assessments, evaluations, and evidence-based therapy for a wide range of mental health needs.
• Provide clinical care and consultation in military treatment facilities, embedded operational settings, and deployed environments.
• Deliver preventive services, psychological first aid after critical incidents, and seminars on resilience and leadership coaching.
• Support command climate, personnel selection, and training/mentorship of junior providers and interns.
• Contribute to multidisciplinary teams while advancing behavioral health readiness across the Navy and Marine Corps.

Skills

Clinical assessment

Evidence-based therapy

Consultation

Leadership

Education

Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Clinical or Counseling Psychology (APA/PCSAS)

Job description

Clinical Psychologist - U.S. Navy Medical Service Corps Officer

Join the U.S. Navy as a Clinical Psychologist and deliver impactful mental health care to those who defend our nation—while enjoying professional autonomy, competitive incentives, and global opportunities without the burdens of private practice.

As a commissioned officer in the Navy Medical Service Corps, you'll provide comprehensive clinical and counseling psychology services to Sailors, Marines, their families, and retirees. Focus on evidence-based care in a mission-driven environment, with access to diverse settings ranging from major medical centers to operational and deployed environments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct psychological assessments, evaluations, and evidence-based therapy for a wide range of mental health needs.
• Provide clinical care and consultation in military treatment facilities, embedded operational settings, and deployed environments (including aboard ships or with Marine Corps units).
• Deliver preventive services, psychological first aid after critical incidents, seminars on mental health and resilience, and executive coaching for leadership.
• Support command climate, personnel selection, and training/mentorship of junior providers and interns.
• Contribute to multidisciplinary teams while advancing behavioral health readiness across the Navy and Marine Corps.

Why Choose Navy Clinical Psychology?

Meaningful Impact & Variety: Practice full-scope psychology with unique military applications—treating service members, supporting deployments, and enhancing force resilience—without insurance billing, overhead, or malpractice costs.

Work-Life Balance:

Predictable clinic hours in many assignments, 30 days of paid vacation annually, and dedicated time for fitness and family.

Competitive Compensation & Benefits (FY26):

• Accession Bonus: Up to $65,000 lump sum for a 4-year obligation (or $42,500 for 3 years).
• Incentive Pay: $5,000–$15,000 per year (higher with retention bonus agreement).
• Retention Bonus: Up to $30,000 per year for a 4-year commitment.
• Board Certification Pay: $8,000 per year for ABPP Diplomate status.
• Full medical/dental coverage (TRICARE), retirement plan, housing allowance, and tax-advantaged incentives.
• No-cost malpractice coverage.

Leadership & Growth:

Commission as a Lieutenant (O-3) or higher with constructive credit; opportunities for promotion, post-doctoral fellowships, APA-accredited training pathways, and leadership roles in policy or training programs.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Clinical or Counseling Psychology from an APA- or PCSAS-accredited program.
• Completion of an APA-accredited doctoral internship (waivers considered in some cases).
• Current, unrestricted U.S. psychology license (or eligibility to obtain one).
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain a security clearance.
• Meet Navy physical standards; typically commissioned before age 42 (waivers possible).
• Board certification (ABPP) encouraged and supported.

This is more than a job—it's a commission to heal, lead, and strengthen the mental readiness of America's warfighters.