Psychiatrist - Department of Veteran Affairs

The Mental Health Service at our Bakersfield Community Based Clinic is seeking Psychiatrists who have a passion for working with a diverse population, 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 at 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 referrals, and, as part of our Psychiatric team, participate in teaching and/or supervising psychiatry residents and medical students through our affiliation with UCLA with eligibility for a health sciences faculty appointment within the UCLA Geffen School of Medicine.    

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am-4:30pm

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 a state, territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia.
• 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 & favorable work-life-family balance. The VA package includes: 

• Competitive Salary Range: $280,000-$290,000, Final Salary determination within this range.
• Paid Time Off:50-55 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year and possible 5 day paid absence for CME)
• Benefits Include: Dental, Health, Life Insurance, Pension, Thrift Savings Plan (401K) with 5% match, Survivor Benefits etc.
• 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.

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.

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 Kern River provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and camping. Bakersfields 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 citys charm.

The citys 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. Bakersfields 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.