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What Is Rehabilitation Counseling?

Man in Wheelchair

Rehabilitation counselors are mental health professionals, who work with disabled individuals to build skills, cope with feelings of anxiety and depression, and find solutions to problems such as employment, chronic pain, mobility, transportation, basic care, and more. The goals and practice of of rehabilitation counseling are similar to many other professions that fall under the categories of psychology, counseling and mental health - a rehabilitation counselor will use tests and other assessment tools to assess and understand a client’s problem, develop a treatment plan, and utilize therapeutic techniques to foster a better quality of life for the client.

How Do I Become a Rehabilitation Counselor?

To become a rehabilitation counselor you will need to go through a rather rigorous amount of schooling. This includes obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree, then a Master’s Degree, and finally entering into a Doctorate or PhD program.

Why Do We Need Rehabilitation Counseling?

Contrary to what some people believe, nearly every person can be a productive and contributing member of society, regardless of their disabilities. Some people, however, may need some guidance on how to become more independent.

Rehabilitation counseling can help point these individuals in the right direction on becoming more independent. Having more independent individuals in our society not only helps the moral of the society in general, but it also reduces the strain on government assistant and other resources.

What Does a Rehabilitation Counselor Do?

”Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime”

This quote can be thought of as the motto of the field of rehabilitation counselors.

However, before teaching a person to do anything, a rehabilitation psychologist will first usually need to determine where that person’s strengths and weaknesses lie. A rehabilitation counselor will usually interview his clients first in order to determine what they are capable of doing as well as what their limitations are.

After determining what a client is able to do, a rehabilitation psychologist will then be able to implement an individual therapy and counseling plan that can help them become more independent.

Where Do Rehabilitation Psychologists Work?

Rehabilitation counselors might work in traditional hospitals, physical therapy clinics, assisted living facilities, independent living facilities, and nursing homes. They can also be found working in social and human service offices, schools, detention centers, disability centers, and unemployment offices.

Like many other counselors and psychologists, rehabilitation counselors can also choose to open private practices.

What are the Education Requirements to Become a Rehabilitation Counselor?

Counseling Educational TrackEducation RequirementsEducation LengthAvailable ProgramsUndergraduate WorkEarn a Bachelor’s Degree in Counseling4 YearsOnlineorCampusGraduate WorkEarn a Master’s Degree in Counseling5-6 YearsOnlineorCampusPHD or Doctoral WorkEarn a Doctorate in Counseling7-8 YearsOnlineorCampus

The right education is very important when considering a rehabilitation counseling career. Most aspiring rehabilitation counselors will usually start their careers with a bachelor’s degree in counseling. During this time, students should take several courses in their preferred area of interest. If you want to eventually work with individuals suffering from autism, for instance, you should take any courses that deal with this area.

A master’s degree is also usually required for most people looking to start a rehabilitation counseling career. Several schools in the country offer master’s degree programs in this area. After earning a master’s degree, you will most likely also be required to complete a certain number of hours in a clinical setting.

What Is the Median Salary of a Rehabilitation Counselor?

2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics job market trends and salary figures forrehabilitation counselorsare based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2023.

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