Counseling has emerged in the last few decades as a profession that aims to help people and guide them depending on their characteristics, background, and needs.
There is a large variety of counseling specialties since this profession has been constantly adapting to new sectors or difficulties that we human beings face, whether it’s because of our intrinsic or natural traits or as a result of accidents, traumatic experiences, or mental health disorders.
One of these specialties is Rehabilitation Counseling, which can also have different concentrations.
Let’s review some of the most important information about Rehabilitation Counselors, how to become one and how much it costs.
Table of Contents
What Is a Rehabilitation Counselor?
Rehabilitation Counselor helps their client by working closely with them to truly comprehend the difficulties or problems that are affecting their lives and then providing them with the right tools to facilitate their development in society and achieve their goals as individuals.
Rehabilitation Counselors mainly focus on people that have mental, physical, emotional, or developmental disabilities.
Where Can a Rehabilitation Counselor Work?
There are different settings where Rehabilitation Counselors can work.
The most common are mental health facilities, family centers, substance abuse centers, the school system, the justice system, residential care facilities, and centers for military veterans, among others.
What Do I Need to Become a Rehabilitation Counselor?
In order to become a Rehabilitation Counselor, you must obtain a variety of degrees, as well as certifications and licensures.
However, the requirements will generally vary according to the city and the type of specialty you aspire to work in.
Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree
These are the most common undergraduate degrees that will prepare you to start your career in Rehabilitation Counseling.
You can obtain an undergraduate degree in rehabilitation and disability studies, social sciences, or in the psychology area.
An Associate’s degree usually takes 2 years to complete studying full-time, whereas a Bachelor’s degree, which is a more comprehensive program, will be four years, also studying full-time.
It is possible to find work just with one of these undergraduate degrees, yet employers might prefer someone that has a Master’s degree in the area.
Master’s Degree
In order to become a Rehabilitation Counselor, you need a Master’s degree.
This degree will allow you to acquire the knowledge and develop the right skills to be able to help your clients in the best possible way.
Some universities offer a Master of Arts (M.A.), a Master of Science (M.S.), or a Master of Education (M.E.) in Rehabilitation Counseling, thus it will depend on which type of focus you prefer.
There are concentrations or specializations within a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, such as alcoholism and addiction services, pediatric rehabilitation counseling, rehabilitation research training, or human resource management.
Obtaining a Master’s degree might take between 2 to 4 years to complete, depending on the program you choose.
Doctor of Philosophy Degree
Although earning a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is not required to become a Rehabilitation Counselor, it’s still an option for those who wish to continue specializing in a specific field or those who want to focus on research and academia.
This degree can be obtained in between 3 to 7 years.
Certification Exam
Another important requirement to become a Rehabilitation Counselor is to pass the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) exam, which is administered by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC).
You can take this exam while you are still studying for a graduate program or after completing one.
The requirements will vary, especially when it comes to internships or work experience.
State Licensure
You will also need to acquire licensure in the state you wish to work.
The requirements are generally different depending on the state, and it might be necessary to pass another exam different from the CRC test.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Rehabilitation Counselor?
The time it takes to become a Rehabilitation Counselor is going to vary according to the time you can dedicate to your studies, the type of studies and degrees you choose, and the hours of internship or work experience you need.
On average, you could become a Rehabilitation Counselor in between 5 and 7 years.
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Rehabilitation Counselor?
The cost of becoming a Rehabilitation Counselor will mostly depend on the type of degree you want to obtain and the university and city where you study.
An undergraduate degree might cost between $9,000 and $34,000 on average.
On average, a Master’s degree is going to cost from $12,000 to $45,000.
The CRC exam costs $410 and, in order to renew your certification either by continuing your education or by taking the exam again, it’s going to cost from $405 to $660.
