Rehabilitation Psychology Tackles Challenges

Every life has challenges, but for people living with a disability or chronic illness, everyday tasks can be burdensome. Likewise, individuals experiencing mental health or emotional issues, substance use disorders or chronic pain may struggle to get the support they need to recover and live well. 

Rehabilitation psychologists support individuals as they cope with the mental and physical challenges their conditions present. They often teach their patients how to adapt and make lifestyle choices that promote good health.

The goal of rehabilitation psychology is to help individuals with disabilities and chronic health conditions improve the quality of their lives. Rehabilitation psychologists are concerned with all of the factors in people’s lives that contribute to their wellness and recovery, from the support they receive from family and friends to the relationships they have with their team of treatment providers. 

Rehabilitation psychologists work in a variety of settings, including acute care hospitals and health care centers, inpatient and outpatient physical rehabilitation centers, and assisted living and long-term care facilities. Those who specialize may work in pain and sports injury centers or cardiac rehabilitation facilities. In addition, they serve in community agencies assisting individuals with specific disabilities or chronic illnesses like cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, brain injury or deafness.