A day in the life of a clinical psychologist at VHA

Anna is a clinical psychologist with the VA Greater Los Angeles HealthCare System. As a student she completed her training at VA, then became an intern, and did her post-doctoral fellowship with Veterans Health Administration. She was also recently named the training director for the psychology training program.

Anna explained the culture of VA is changing around mental health through the recovery model, focusing on a Veteran’s strengths, needs and preferences. This model is carried out by designing a program of classes and therapies the Veteran wants to participate in. There is more of an emphasis on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and trauma-related treatments and recovery for severe mental illness. There are even programs that utilize peer-support specialists who provide a unique aspect to care of our Veterans.

From Anna’s perspective, the beauty of the VHA health system is the interconnectedness of everything. The system allows for routine communication between psychologist and nurses or primary care physicians. This communication leads to the highest level of treatment for patients. VA is very supportive of research, teaching, and VA-centered innovations, which makes it a wonderful place to work.

Are you ready to join our VHA team and make a real difference in the lives of our Veterans? Check out our current job openings. Or, consider volunteering your time and talents to help our Nation’s Veterans through Care Enough to Share .