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How To Start a Career In Psychology

A Guide for Veterans Pursuing a Career in Psychology
Enroll via Optum →
Enroll via TriWest

DCP Hub · Clinical Education

Psychology · Careers · Education

Welcome to Veterans Desk, your trusted resource for connecting veterans with educational and professional opportunities. This guide is designed to walk you through the step-by-step process of pursuing a career in psychology, from earning the necessary degrees to gaining hands-on experience and obtaining licensure. With the support of VA education benefits, you can access tuition assistance, internships, and specialized training to build a fulfilling career that makes a real difference in people’s lives.

Step-by-Step Enrollment in the VA CCN

1

Verify Educational Requirements

  • Obtain a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a closely related field.
  • For advanced practice, pursue a master’s or doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology.
  • Complete courses in:
    • Statistical Techniques
    • Abnormal Psychology
    • Cognitive, Developmental, and Social Psychology
    • Research Methods and Thesis/Capstone Projects

2

Gain Practical Experience

  • Participate in supervised internships or clinical placements.
  • Complete required supervised hours for licensure (typically ~3,500 hours).
  • Work under mentorship to develop real-world skills and experience.

3

Prepare Required Documentation

  • Collect transcripts and degree certificates.
  • Obtain proof of completed internships and supervised hours.
  • Document any military or veteran-related experience relevant to psychology.
Optum — Regions 1–3 →
TriWest — Regions 4–5 →

4

Apply for Licensure

  • Submit a license application in your state.
  • Pass required examinations (state or national).
  • Maintain continuing education and professional certifications as required.
VHA TRAIN Portal →

5

Begin Professional Practice

  • Apply for positions in VA facilities, community clinics, schools, or private practice.
  • Collaborate with healthcare and social work teams to provide veteran-focused care.
  • Participate in telehealth or in-person counseling as applicable.

6

Continuous Learning and Career Growth

  • Participate in VA-sponsored workshops, conferences, and CME courses.
  • Explore student loan forgiveness programs and other financial benefits.
  • Consider specialization in areas such as trauma, PTSD, or adolescent psychology.
VA CCN Enrollment Page →

Why Psychology Careers Matter to Veterans

About This Specialty

Mental health is a critical need for veterans and the wider community. Veterans may face challenges such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, or other behavioral health issues that require specialized care. By pursuing a career in psychology, you can:

  • Support veterans and families in managing mental health challenges.
  • Provide evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, and counseling.
  • Contribute to research and programs designed to improve veteran mental health outcomes.
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to provide holistic care.

Key Benefits of Pursuing a Career in Psychology

Serve a Unique Population

Work with veterans and other populations with specialized mental health needs.

Educational Support

Utilize VA education benefits to fund undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.

Career Flexibility

Opportunities exist in clinical practice, research, school systems, and VA healthcare facilities.

Professional Growth

Access workshops, mentorship, and continuing education through VA programs.

Financial Assistance

Eligible veterans may receive student loan repayment or scholarships to offset costs.

Meaningful Impact

Help veteran families navigate one of the most complex healthcare and service systems their children will encounter — with your expertise as the guide.

Career Support & Military Pathways

Educational Support & Professional Growth

  • Use VA education benefits to fund undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral studies.
  • Access mentorship and VA-sponsored professional development programs.
  • Eligible veterans may qualify for financial aid, scholarships, or student loan repayment.

Transitioning from Military Service

  • Veterans with prior experience in counseling, behavioral health, or medical fields can leverage military skills.
  • Highlight deployment-related experience, mental health work, or leadership roles on applications.
  • Explore expedited licensing pathways available in some states for veterans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Many psychologists focus on veteran mental health, trauma, PTSD, and related areas.

Typically 6–8 years: 4 years for a bachelor’s, 2–4 years for graduate training, plus supervised internship hours.

Yes. Telehealth is widely used to reach veterans in rural or underserved areas.

Not always. School psychologists and counselors may only require a master’s degree. Clinical psychologists typically require a doctoral degree.

Ready to Join

Start Your VA CCN Enrollment Today

Licensed Start a Career In Psychology can begin the enrollment process through Optum (Regions 1–3) or TriWest (Regions 4–5). Veterans Desk provides education. The VA’s administrators handle enrollment.

Enroll via Optum →
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Disclaimer. Veterans Desk is a Florida 501(c)(3) nonprofit and is not a HIPAA-covered entity and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any federal agency. All content on this page is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or clinical advice. Veterans Desk does not collect, store, or transmit Protected Health Information (PHI). Enrollment eligibility, reimbursement terms, and credentialing requirements are determined solely by the VA, Optum, and TriWest — verify current requirements directly with those organizations. Emergency: 911 | Veterans Crisis Line: 988 (Press 1) | Text 838255.