Rehabilitation Psychology

Rehabilitation psychology is the study and application of psychological principles on behalf of persons who have disability due to injury or illness. Rehabilitation psychologists, often within teams, assess and treat cognitive, emotional, and functional difficulties, and help people to overcome barriers to participation in life activities. Rehabilitation psychologists are involved in practice, research, and advocacy, with the broad goal of fostering independence and opportunity for people with disabilities.

The specialty of rehabilitation psychology addresses behavioral and mental health issues faced by individuals across the lifespan who are affected by any injury or chronic condition that leads to disability, including issues such as:

• Emotional coping, mental and psychological status.
• Behavior that promotes positive adaptation to disability.
• Minor adjustment issues as well as severe psychopathology.

Rehabilitation psychology serves people across the lifespan affected by any injury or chronic condition that leads to disability. Typical population groups include those with traumatic brain injury, stroke, spinal cord injury, limb loss, sensory loss, burn injury, chronic pain, multiple sclerosis and neuromuscular disorders. Individuals with disability and their caregivers/ family members are served by rehabilitation psychologists.

• Administration of standardized and non–standardized tests of cognitive and psychological functioning; behavioral observation methods; and culturally sensitive interviewing techniques.
• Evaluation and treatment of both individual and family/caregiver coping and adaptation.
• Individual and group interventions including counseling and psychotherapy, cognitive remediation, behavioral management, enhancing use of assistive technology, and facilitation of healthy team functioning.