Clinical Psychologist (Psychologist II)

Central State Hospital (CSH) is a 277-bed Joint Commission accredited psychiatric inpatient facility located in Petersburg, Virginia. CSH has proudly been serving citizens of the Commonwealth since 1870, when we opened our doors as the first psychiatric hospital in the country dedicated to the treatment of African Americans. A new and modern CSH is currently under construction on the same property, with a scheduled completion date of 2027. CSH maintains the only maximum-security treatment facility in the state (111 beds). We also have 166 beds available for individuals in the community who need inpatient care, as well as individuals in the criminal justice system.

We believe that treatment should be holistic and focused on the person’s individual needs, recognizing that recovery is not linear or the same for every person. Treatment modalities may include medication, evidence-based group and individual therapy, peer support, psychosocial rehabilitation, vocational training, preparation for court, and treatment for substance use.

About the Role

Central State Hospital is recruiting for a Clinical Psychologist (Psychologist II) to join a collaborative, multidisciplinary team dedicated to providing evidence-based, recovery-oriented behavioral health services for adults with serious mental illness in both maximum-security and civil units. In this rewarding role, you will:

• Conduct comprehensive psychological and substance use disorder assessments
• Complete forensic and clinical evaluations
• Develop individualized treatment recommendations
• Provide individual and group therapy that supports patient recovery and competency restoration
• Work closely with treatment teams to shape personalized care plans and implement behavioral interventions
• Contribute expertise through psychological testing, consultation, and clinical documentation

This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while collaborating with experienced professionals in a supportive environment that values clinical excellence, professional growth, cultural respect, and the use of least restrictive, patient-centered interventions.

Requirements

• Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology or a closely related field from an accredited college or university
• Licensed or eligible for licensure within 12 months of employment as a Clinical Psychologist by the Virginia Board of Psychology
• Experience providing mental health services to clients with severe mental illness

Skills

• Knowledge of psychological/therapeutic theory and evidence-based practices
• Experience providing psychological services including treatment planning, assessment, and individual/group therapy with adults with serious mental illness
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work as a collaborative team member

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience working in an inpatient psychiatric or behavioral health facility

Pay

Hiring range: $106,321.00 - $146,723.00

Benefits

DBHDS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Choice of health plans
• Paid life insurance
• Retirement plans
• 13 paid holidays
• Annual leave
• Family personal leave
• Sick leave
• Employee discount programs