Mission

Prepare rehabilitation and mental health professionals who are skilled in advocating for and with persons who are deaf or have disabilities and who are competent counselors knowledgeable about the development and dissemination of innovative and culturally sensitive rehabilitation practices and policies.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of the rehabilitation counseling related theories and policies.
2. Demonstrate competency in facilitating employment, independent living, community integration and personal adjustment for individuals who are deaf or have disabilities and come from diverse cultural backgrounds.
3. Show commitment to professional excellence and leadership through the practice of ethical behavior and integrity.

The Rehabilitation Counseling (RC) Masters degree within the Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling (RMHC) program prepares students for both vocational and mental health counseling. Preparation consists of a two to three-year sequential program that integrates academic knowledge and theory with closely supervised counseling practice. Many classes are offered as a hybrid (once or twice a month in-person, on a Saturday at the Salem campus) and online. Some classes require weekly online synchronous sessions (e.g. Group, Practicum, and Internship supervision). Some classes are offered asynchronously online. Students in the RC program generally complete the program in 2 to 3 years. Graduates of this program provide counseling and consultative services to the general population of persons with disabilities. Students who are interested in mental health counseling are eligible to seek licensure as licensed professional counselors. 

The RMHC program cohort begins the fall term each year and requires a minimum of seven sequential terms, including one or two summer terms depending if following a 2 or 3-year plan. Graduates are prepared for positions in a variety of agencies where the counselor is part of a team of specialists providing comprehensive services to persons who have a disability.

Employment opportunities that are within the scope of training include: vocational rehabilitation counselor, case manager with a vendor who serves vocational rehabilitation clients, youth transition specialist, community services coordinator for adults with disabilities, student disability services, client advocate and group or supported living coordinator and mental health counselor in community and higher education settings.

The program emphasizes five major academic components:

• Individual and group counseling theory and technique;
• The influence of career acquisition and personal independence on the daily lives of people with disabilities;
• The social and psychological impact of disability on an individual and family;
• The federal, state and private service delivery systems for persons with disabilities; and,
• Self-awareness on the part of the counselors-in-training.