Inside the Profession

Rehabilitation counseling is a systematic process which helps persons with physical, mental, developmental, cognitive, and emotional disabilities to achieve their personal, career, and independent living goals.

This is accomplished in the most integrated setting possible, through the application of the counseling process.

The counseling process involves communication, goal setting, and beneficial growth or change through self-advocacy, psychological, vocational, social, and behavioral interventions.

Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation

• Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation (TVR) Institute
• American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Training and Technical Assistance Center (AIVRTTAC)

State Rehabilitation Agencies in the Region

Alaska Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

• Alaska Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (including Blind Services)
• Employment Opportunities with Alaska Rehabilitation Services

Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

• Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
• Employment Opportunities with Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

Idaho Commission for the Blind & Visually Impaired

• Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired
• Employment Opportunities with Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Oregon Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services

• Department of Human Services-Oregon Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services
• Employment Opportunities with Oregon Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Oregon Commission for the Blind

• Oregon Commission for the Blind
• Employment Opportunities with Oregon Division of Services for the Blind

Washington Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

• Department of Social and Health Services-Washington State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services
• Employment Opportunities with Washington State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Washington Department of Services for the Blind

• Washington State Department of Services for the Blind
• Employment Opportunities with Washington Department of Services for the Blind

Information on Certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor

• Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) - Certifying body for rehabilitation counselors.
• Video: The Art of Rehabilitation Counseling by CRCC
• Video: CRC Certification: It Makes a Difference by CRCC

Information on Licensure as Mental Health Counselor in Washington

• Washington Department of Health

Information on Licensure as Mental Health Counselor/Professional Counselor in Other States

• State Board Directory

WWU MA in Rehabilitation Counseling Advisory Committee

• Committee Members

Professional Organizations

• American Counseling Association (ACA) – a professional and educational organization that is dedicated to the growth and enhancement of the counseling profession
• American Rehabilitation Counseling Association (ARCA) – a professional association for rehabilitation counseling practitioners, educators, and students who are concerned with continually improving the profession
• Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES) – a professional association for counselor educators and supervisors. There is also a Western Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (WACES).
• Association for Rehabilitation, Research, Policy, and Education (ARRPE) – a professional association for rehabilitation educators, researchers, providers, students, advocates and members of the disability community to connect and collaborate
• Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP) – accrediting body for graduate programs in counseling
• International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals (IARP) – a global association for professionals involved in private rehabilitation. There is also a Washington State chapter of IARP.
• National Association of Multicultural Rehabilitation Concerns (NAMRC) – a professional association that promotes cultural diversity and disability through advocacy for excellence and equity in rehabilitation research, education, and practice
• National Clearinghouse for Rehabilitation Training Materials (NCRTM) – continuing education classes and a digital library
• National Rehabilitation Counseling Association (NRCA) – a professional association dedicated to the professional development of those committed to maximizing the self-determination and inclusion of people with disabilities into the mainstream of life
• Northwest ADA Center – a regional resource on Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) information for the states of Alaska, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon
• Rehabilitation Counselors and Educators Association (RCEA) – a professional association that includes rehabilitation counselors, rehabilitation educators, counselor supervisors, researchers, and students in a rehabilitation education program
• Rehabilitation Counseling and Educators Journal (RCEJ) – a professional open-access journal focusing on the roles of rehabilitation counseling and counselor education, as well as issues facing the broader disability community
• UW Center for Continuing Education in Rehabilitation (CCER) – a regional training and consulting resource for professionals in the field of rehabilitation in the states of Alaska, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. CCER houses the VR Projects & Services and the Accessible Design & Innovative Inclusion (ADII) projects.