A certified rehabilitation counselor holds a bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution and must attain an additional two years of professional experience. This additional professional experience is usually accomplished through a fellowship, internship or clinical training program. This two years of professional study is required to be considered a true member in good standing by the RCOC. In order to become certified, a licensed social worker must complete two years of study and take a test that covers the area of special needs counseling. This test is known as the Adassen Test. Once a person has met all of these requirements, he or she will be considered a certified member in good standing of the RCOC.
What does a certified rehabilitation counselor do? A certified counselor has the ability to work with families, individuals, children and families of all ages. They are highly trained to work with all people and all forms of therapy. They also have the knowledge and skills to refer individuals, couples and families to local agencies and organizations that specialize in the care and treatment of people with developmental disabilities or other mental health issues. As a licensed professional counselor, you can help individuals improve their lives and the quality of their lives by helping them address various concerns about their lives such as improving their self-image, enhancing their skills and interests, developing meaningful relationships, improving their employment and living situation and assisting them in the preparation for the future.
Becoming a certified rehabilitation counselor requires taking an advanced graduate course in social and behavioral psychology. You must also complete a program at an approved university. This course will require you to have worked for two years in a placement related position in a mental health agency or in a similar field. The course will also require that you have taken at least one year of college courses related to psychology, sociology and other human services disciplines.
There are several different types of therapists who can help individuals suffering from psychological problems. There are family counselors, therapists and social workers. There are also faith-based counselors who focus on spiritual and religious based therapies. The course work will show that you need to have knowledge and skills in working with all of these types of people in order to become a successful and productive Certified Rehabilitation Counselor.
If you want to work in a clinical setting, you can go to school and earn your Masters or Doctorate Degree in Social Work or Social Service. These programs will give you the knowledge and skills to help individuals and families in a variety of settings. You will have the opportunity to study in either an area of counseling or social service. You will also have an opportunity to participate in internship programs. Most states require that you graduate from an accredited school or program and pass an exam before you can become licensed as a CCR.
Once you have completed your course work, you will need to get a license to practice as a CRC. There are many programs across the country and you can choose to work in a specific area or in the entire country. You can choose to work with both government and private sector clients. Some clients may require that you have certain qualifications and work under supervision. Most CRAs are state-funded and you will be supervised by experienced licensed counselors and psychotherapists.
If you are considering a career as a CRC, you have several options. Many community agencies that provide after-care services will hire certified therapists and place them with clients. There are also private agencies that will place you with clients. The choice is up to you and depends on your availability and time constraints. Your CRC certification will allow you to enter into this profession quickly and pursue it full-time or part-time.
