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Health Psychologist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Who We Are ZoeRVA Health is an integrative behavioral health practice dedicated to helping ... As we continue to grow, we are seeking an experience Psychologist to provide comprehensive ...

Who We AreZoeRVA Health is an integrative behavioral health practice dedicated to helping ... As we continue to grow, we are seeking an experience Psychologist to provide comprehensive ...

Who We Are ZoeRVA Health is an integrative behavioral health practice dedicated to helping ... As we continue to grow, we are seeking an experience Psychologist to provide comprehensive ...

$108K/yr

Basic Requirement for Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health): Degree: Doctoral Degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) directly related to full professional work in clinical psychology. In addition to meeting ...

$108K/yr

Basic Requirement for Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health): Degree: Doctoral Degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) directly related to full professional work in clinical psychology. In addition to meeting ...

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Health Psychologist information

See Virginia salary details

$51.6K

$119.8K

$236.9K

How much do health psychologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for health psychologist in Virginia is $119,774.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,600.00 and $127,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a health psychologist?

Health psychologists are professionals who study how psychological, behavioral, and social factors affect health and illness. They use their knowledge to promote healthy lifestyles, help patients manage chronic diseases, and support individuals coping with illness. Health psychologists often work in hospitals, clinics, research institutions, or private practice, collaborating with other healthcare providers to improve patient outcomes. Their role includes conducting assessments, providing therapy, and developing interventions to encourage positive health behaviors.

What do health psychologists do?

A health psychologist focuses on how emotional, mental, and social factors affect physical health and wellness. As a health psychologist, your duties are to interview patients, conduct behavioral tests, and diagnose mental health issues that cause physical problems. Other responsibilities involve developing treatment programs, monitoring patient progress, and promoting healthy behaviors. While most health psychologists work directly with patients in a clinical setting, you can also focus on researching health-related issues to aid the psychology industry or even help to develop public policy on mental health care. Many health psychologists specialize in a sub-field, such as community or occupational health psychology. You can find positions in both private practices or larger medical facilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a health psychologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Health Psychologist, you need a doctoral degree in psychology, expertise in behavioral health interventions, and licensure to practice. Familiarity with assessment tools, electronic health records, and evidence-based therapy methods such as CBT is typically required. Strong communication, empathy, and cultural sensitivity are crucial soft skills for building rapport with clients and collaborating with healthcare teams. These competencies are essential for effectively promoting behavior change, supporting patient well-being, and integrating psychological care into multidisciplinary health settings.

What are some common challenges health psychologists face when working in multidisciplinary healthcare teams?

Health Psychologists often collaborate with physicians, nurses, social workers, and other specialists to support patients’ well-being. One common challenge is ensuring clear communication and mutual understanding among professionals from diverse backgrounds, especially when integrating psychological perspectives into medical care. Additionally, Health Psychologists may need to advocate for the importance of behavioral interventions and work to overcome misconceptions about the role of psychology in physical health. Successfully navigating these challenges can lead to more holistic and effective patient care.

What is the difference between Health Psychologist vs Clinical Psychologist?

AspectHealth PsychologistClinical Psychologist
CredentialsDoctoral degree (PhD or PsyD), licensure, specialized training in health behaviorsDoctoral degree (PhD or PsyD), licensure, training in mental health assessment and therapy
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, research settings, wellness programsHospitals, mental health clinics, private practices
FocusBehavioral factors affecting physical health, disease management, health promotionMental health disorders, emotional issues, psychological assessment
Common UsageHealthcare, wellness, preventive careTherapy, mental health treatment, psychological testing

While both roles require doctoral-level training and licensure, Health Psychologists focus on the psychological aspects of physical health and wellness, whereas Clinical Psychologists primarily address mental health disorders and emotional well-being. Their work environments and client needs often overlap but serve different primary purposes.

What skills are useful in health psychologist?

A health psychologist needs strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively work with patients and healthcare teams. Analytical skills, knowledge of behavioral theories, and proficiency in assessment tools are also important, along with the ability to develop and implement behavioral interventions. Certification or licensure may require ongoing education and familiarity with healthcare environments.

What type of work do health psychologists do?

Health psychologists study how psychological, behavioral, and social factors influence health and illness. They often work in clinical settings, helping patients manage chronic conditions, promote healthy behaviors, and develop interventions to improve well-being. Their work involves assessment, counseling, and designing programs to support health-related behavior change.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Health Psychologist jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Health Psychologist job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Health Psychologist jobs in VA?

For Health Psychologist jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Health Psychologist job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,774 per year, or $57.6 per hour.

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Job description

Health Psychologist M68042

Unit: School Of Medicine

Department: Psychiatry

The mission of the Department of Psychiatry is to provide clinical services to consultation and liaison psychiatry/psychology in the VCU Health System and teaching to trainees, and Health system medical providers.

Chief Purpose of this position: The department seeks candidates to provide consultation and liaison services within designated VCU Health System programs. Provide teaching and supervision in the Health Psychology Postdoctoral and Psychiatry residency programs.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Clinical- Areas of concentration may include transplant, bariatrics, trauma, eating disorders and other health psychology opportunities.
  • Teaching-Supervision of a health psychology post-doctoral fellow and doctoral level psychology students and opportunities to teach other trainees (including psychiatry residents, graduate program practicum students, undergraduate psychology students).
  • Service- Assist in training within the health psychology postdoctoral fellowship; service on appropriate committees of the department, university, and health system. Provide national and local leadership, advocacy, and public education/public policy guidance related to health behaviors research.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

  • Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from an APA accredited program, advanced training and experience in clinical health psychology, licensed or license eligible in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
  • Experience or interest in areas of health psychology that may including but not limited to transplant, weight loss, primary care, geriatric care, cancer care or other settings.
  • Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU

Preferred Qualifications

  • APA accredited postdoctoral fellowship in Clinical Health Psychology.
  • Demonstrated experience in multidisciplinary research collaborations developing approaches to challenging behavioral problems related to health psychology.

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU's robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Restricted Position: No

ORP Eligible: No

Flexible Work Arrangement: Other

Rank: Open

Tenure: Ineligible

Months: 12 months

Contact Information: Contact Name: Brianna Porch Contact Email: brianna.porch@vcuhealth.org

Equal Opportunity Employer


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