Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
Program Overview
The Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling program prepares students to assist people with disabilities to realize personal goals and maximize their physical, emotional, social, intellectual, and vocational potential. The Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Counseling Program Mission Statement
Our mission is to train clinicians who are clinically insightful, capable of practicing in various clinical settings, and committed to serving a diverse population that reflects the fabric of New York City. We value an education that promotes cultural humility, curiosity, empathy, critical thinking, self-awareness, ethical practice, advocacy, and an appreciation of human diversity. Our aim is for trainees to provide therapeutic interventions that are evidence-based, offer practical solutions to everyday concerns, foster personal insight, and promote self-efficacy and overall well-being.
Clinical Rehabilitation Counselors provide person-centered counseling and rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities and their families. Issues that may be addressed include adjustment and coping with disability and other personal issues; assessment of interests, strengths, and challenges; preparation for employment and continued career development; transition from secondary or post-secondary education to adult life; independent living; and advocacy.
Rehabilitation counselors are prepared to work with individuals in a variety of community-based
settings including State-Federal vocational rehabilitation agencies (e.g., ACCES-VR), hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, colleges, chemical dependency agencies, career/vocational counseling programs, and independent living centers.
Coursework and Clinical Experiences
Courses are offered in the afternoon and evening. Students are required to complete one semester of practicum (100 hours) and two semesters of internship (600 hours). Students need to be supervised by a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) with a minimum of 2 years pertinent professional experience.
Credits
60
Certification/Licensure
Certified Rehabilitation Counselor credential through the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification
Eligibility and Admission Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of at least 2.7
- 15-25 credits of approved courses from the following fields: anthropology, economics, education, guidance, health sciences, political science, psychology, sociology, and related areas
- Evidence of written expression consonant with graduate-level study
- A statement of purpose (400-600 words) that addresses the following prompt: Please describe a meaningful event that has shaped your interest in becoming a counselor and explain why it was important. Upload to the Statement of Purpose section.
- An additional essay (400-600 words) that addresses the following prompt: Consider you are a counseling student providing services at a counseling internship placement site, what type of client or client issue would be difficult for you and why? How do you think you would cope with this situation? Upload to the Supplemental Materials section.
- Two letters of recommendation from appropriate professional or academic references to aid in determining the potential for work as a professional counselor
- A resume. Relevant work and/or volunteer experience is highly recommended
Counseling Programs Information Session Slide Presentation
To Apply
Applications are accepted each Fall and Spring semester.
Create your Hunter College Graduate Application and select the program “Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, MSEd”.
Application Deadlines
Fall Start
- March 15
Spring Start
- October 15
Visit How to Apply for information about deadline extensions.
Contact an Admissions Advisor
Program Leader
Counseling Programs Administrative Advisor
Related Programs
Candidates who complete a Master’s in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling may pursue a one-year Advanced Certificate in Mental Health Counseling to become eligible for the Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) credential in New York State.