Rehabilitation Psychology

Rehabilitation psychology works to maximize independence, functional status, health and social participation for people with disabilities and chronic health conditions, through the assessment and treatment of psychosocial, cognitive, behavioral and functional dimensions of a person's life, including self-esteem, coping skills and quality of life. The specialty is holistic, considering individuals within their broader social context and evaluating environmental and demographic factors in functioning, in line with the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, and beyond direct clinical practice its specialists engage in consultation, program development, teaching, training, public policy and advocacy, working on interdisciplinary teams across acute care hospitals, rehabilitation centers, assisted living, long-term care, specialty clinics and community agencies. In the United States the field is coordinated by the Rehabilitation Psychology Specialty Council, representing five professional organizations, and it is certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology as one of fourteen recognized specialty competencies.