DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS HIRING OF PSYCHOLOGISTS Antonette Zeiss, Ph.D. Office of Mental Health Services Presentation at APA Education Leader Conference October 4, 2009
VA/Veteran Population Facts Veterans seen: 23.8 million veterans 1.8 million women 7.8 million enrolled for health care in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) About 5.5 million seen / yr (23% of all veterans) 1.6 million with MH Diagnoses (Almost 30% of all veterans seen) VA care VA hospitals = 153 Community Based Outpatient Clinics = 774
PSYCHOLOGY STAFFING: UNIQUES 3200 3000 2800 2600 2400 2200 2000 1800 1600 1400 VA Psychologists GS11-GS15 by Fiscal Year, FY95-July FY09 FY95 FY96 FY97 FY98 FY99 FY00 FY01 FY02 FY03 FY04 FY05 FY06 FY07 FY08 Oct FY09 Nov FY09 Dec FY09 Jan FY09 Feb FY09 Mar FY09 Apr FY09 May FY09 June FY09 July FY09
PSYCHOLOGY STAFFING: UNIQUES VA Psychologists GS11-GS15 by Fiscal Year, FY95- FY09 3400 3200 3000 2800 2600 2400 2200 2000 1800 1600 1400 FY95 FY96 FY97 FY98 FY99 FY00 FY01 FY02 FY03 FY04 FY05 FY06 FY07 FY08 FY09
PSYCHOLOGY VACANCIES Vacant positions: 680 Vacancies due to: Normal turn-over (high retention currently) Unfilled Psychology positions from earlier MH enhancement (small - 822/870 filled) Largest number is new positions from funding for mental health expansion in FY09
VA MENTAL HEALTH CARE How does Psychology fit into the picture? Interdisciplinary care of Veterans Interdisciplinary leadership and management of the health care system Interdisciplinary research and training
SITES FOR PSYCHOLOGY SERVICES IN VA Integrated physical and mental health care Primary care/mental Health integration Women s health clinics Home Based Primary Care Community Living Centers (formerly NHCUs) Hospice Specialty medical care (e.g., Oncology, Rheumatology, Pain clinics) Polytrauma units and other physical rehabilitation Spinal Cord Injury Units Blind Rehabilitation Centers
SITES FOR PSYCHOLOGY SERVICES IN VA Specialty mental health settings Outpatient clinics PTSD care teams SUD care Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs Inpatient mental health care Suicide prevention roles Recovery-oriented services Treatment of mental health consequences of Military Sexual Trauma Assessment units, e.g., Neuropsychology
Interdisciplinary Leadership and Management Governance policies - Psychology at the table Leader for the profession at each facility Apply for facility and VISN MH leadership positions Represent Psychology on the Mental Health Executive Council ( includes representation from core MH professional disciplines ) Fill in other roles as needed to support the facility and VISN, e.g.: Military Sexual Trauma Coordinator Liaison with Vet Centers Participate on Disruptive Behavior Committee
Research and Training Psychologists also have and use special skills in Research and program evaluation Supervision and training of mental health trainees and staff Staff education These skills can be used well to support overall mental health enhancement in an interdisciplinary work force
WHAT VA IS LOOKING FOR IN PSYCHOLOGY STAFF Must Haves - Eligibility US citizen Graduation from an APA accredited program in professional psychology Completion of an APA accredited internship in professional psychology Become licensed in some state within two years of hire (some sites require state of the facility)
WHAT VA IS LOOKING FOR IN PSYCHOLOGY STAFF Must Haves Other Interdisciplinary approach to care Commitment to providing evidence-based practice, within a context of Veteran choice and innovation Multicultural competence and sensitivity Respect for Veterans and ability to convey that Willingness to learn about, or experience with, military culture and how it affects Veterans, including common military-related mental health issues Respect for individuals with mental illness and understanding of a psychosocial rehabilitation model with a recovery orientation
WHAT VA IS LOOKING FOR IN PSYCHOLOGY STAFF Other desirable qualities vary by location and program, but commonly: Life span interest Behavioral health/health Psychology interest and training Geropsychology interest and training Interest in working with the family of the Veteran (emerging/expanding interest for VA) Appreciation of special issues of women Veterans Interest in providing training to a spectrum of psychology trainees practicum, internship, postdoctoral Interest in developing a career in VA, eventually moving into leadership roles
Mental health is an essential component of overall health care Psychology is an essential component of mental health and overall health care