Rehabilitation Counselor: A Vital Role in Health Care
Rehabilitation counselors are healthcare professionals who help patients with physical, mental, developmental, and emotional disabilities gain independence and improve their quality of life. Rehabilitation counselors specialize in addressing the impact of disabilities on an individual’s lifestyle and providing support to help individuals achieve their goals. This article will discuss the role and responsibilities of a rehabilitation counselor, as well as the qualifications and training necessary to become a rehabilitation counselor.
Role and Responsibilities of a Rehabilitation Counselor
Rehabilitation counselors focus on providing an individual with the tools and support necessary to achieve his or her goals. This includes helping patients develop self-care skills, manage their physical environment, and manage their finances. Rehabilitation counselors also help patients develop strategies to cope with their disabilities and advocate for their rights within their community. Additionally, rehabilitation counselors help patients find employment and educational opportunities that are tailored to their needs, and provide support for individuals who are transitioning back into their communities.
Qualifications and Training
Rehabilitation counselors must have a master’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, rehabilitation counseling, or a related field. Additionally, rehabilitation counselors must be certified or licensed by their state board of rehabilitation counseling or a related professional board. Certification and licensure requirements vary by state, but typically involve completing a certain number of hours of supervised clinical experience and passing a written exam.
Conclusion
Rehabilitation counselors play a vital role in the healthcare system by helping individuals with disabilities improve their quality of life and gain independence. Rehabilitation counselors provide support and guidance to help patients develop self-care skills, manage their physical environment, and gain access to employment and educational opportunities. To become a rehabilitation counselor, individuals must have a master’s degree in a relevant field and complete the necessary certification or licensure requirements.
References
American Counseling Association. (n.d.). What is Rehabilitation Counseling? Retrieved from https://www.counseling.org/knowledge-center/what-is-rehabilitation-counseling
National Rehabilitation Association. (n.d.). What is Rehabilitation Counseling? Retrieved from https://www.nationalrehab.org/what-is-rehabilitation-counseling/
U.S. Department of Labor. (2020, May 19). Rehabilitation Counselors. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/rehabilitation-counselors.htm