Psychiatric - Mental Health Physician

Company: Veterans Health Administration
Location: Bakersfield
Posted on: May 22, 2025

Job Description:

The Mental Health Service at our Bakersfield Community Based Clinic is seeking Psychiatrists, who is passionate about working with an underserved patient population with a diverse range of mental health needs, providing a full range of psycho-diagnostic services and therapeutic interventions, and who have a desire to be a part of the overall care of veterans with psychiatric disorders. As a multidisciplinary team member, you will work closely with primary care, psychology, nursing, and social workers to deliver excellent outpatient services by providing coordinated, integrated, rehabilitative, and restorative mental health care to help veterans achieve and maintain the highest level of functioning and independence. Psychiatrists within the Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System are responsible for medication management for patients with a wide variety of mental disorders, including supportive psychotherapy when indicated, as well as facilitation of medication support groups, evaluating and providing medical clearance for patients presenting to the clinic who may need psychiatric hospitalization, assessment or intervention for patients presenting in crisis. In addition to direct patient care, there will be opportunities to participate in treatment planning conferences, be a mental health team leader responsible for coordinating consults and triaging specialty clinic referralsWork Schedule: Monday Friday, 8:00 am-4:30pm (some flexibility)Qualifications:
--- Must be a U.S. Citizen
--- Education: Degree of Doctor of Medicine or an equivalent degree in allopathic or osteopathic medicine
--- Must possess a current, full, and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the U.S. or U.S. territory
--- Residency: Must have completed residency in an accredited core specialty

Benefits and Features: The VA offers all employees' industry leading full benefits and features-package to support high quality professional practice & a favorable work-life-family balance. The VA package includes:

--- Competitive Salary Range: $280,000-$290,000; final salary determination within this range.
--- PTO: days per year (26 days annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays & possible 5 day paid
absence for CME)
--- Benefits Include: Dental, Health, Life Insurance, Pension, Thrift Savings Plan (401K) with 5% match, Survivor Benefits
--- Continuing education: Up to $1,000 or more annually for full-time board-certified physicians
--- Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program: VA employees are eligible.
--- Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) Eligible: A student loan repayment program.
--- Malpractice: Free liability protection with tail coverage provided
--- Service without strings: No employment contracts, noncompete clauses, restrictive covenants, or other significant
restrictions on outside work.Bakersfield VA CBOC: The Bakersfield VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), part of the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, provides high-quality, comprehensive healthcare services to Veterans in Bakersfield and Kern County. Focused on honoring those who served, the clinic offers accessible medical, mental health, and social services close to Veterans homes. Services include primary care for preventive and chronic disease management, mental health support through therapy, psychiatric evaluations, and crisis intervention, as well as telehealth consultations and assistance with housing and employment through social services programs.With a community-oriented approach, the clinic fosters a welcoming environment that prioritizes personalized, Veteran-centered care. Staffed by a multidisciplinary team of experienced professionals, the Bakersfield VA CBOC ensures tailored care that addresses the unique needs of Veterans while enhancing their overall health and well-being. Its commitment to accessible, compassionate care makes it a vital resource for the local Veteran community.The Bakersfield Community: Bakersfield, California, offers an appealing combination of affordability, family-friendly living, and proximity to natural beauty. With a lower cost of living compared to other California cities, it is an attractive option for individuals and families seeking affordable housing. Its location near the Sierra Nevada mountains, Sequoia National Forest, and the Kern River provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and camping. Bakersfield s rich cultural heritage, particularly its role in the Bakersfield Sound of country music, is celebrated at venues like Buck Owens' Crystal Palace, while local museums and recreational attractions add to the city s charm.The city s diverse economy, driven by agriculture, energy, and healthcare, offers a range of professional opportunities. Its central location ensures convenient access to major California destinations such as Los Angeles, the Central Coast, and Yosemite National Park. Bakersfield s suburban feel, complemented by parks, family-oriented events, and quality schools, makes it an ideal place to raise a family. With sunny weather year-round and a vibrant community, Bakersfield balances small-town charm with urban amenities, making it a welcoming and enjoyable place to live and work.

Keywords: Veterans Health Administration, Delano , Psychiatric - Mental Health Physician, Healthcare , Bakersfield, California