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Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling M.S.

Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling M.S.

Aug. 21, 2024

Next Start Date

Courses Required

$673

Cost Per Credit Hour

Total Credit Hours

Online Synchronous, Online Asynchronous, Low-Residency

Learning Formats

Milestones and Beyond, the Inspiration to Spread Joy in Learning

The Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling, offered by the College of Applied Human Sciences, prepares students to help individuals overcome, physical disabilities, substance abuse disorders, and mental illnesses enabling them to regain their independence through employment or another form of meaningful engagement. The scope of practice for graduates of this degree is expansive, covering a wide spectrum of work with people who have disabilities. The degree requires 63 credit hours for completion. This is a low-residency program, requiring two site visits to campus. The remainder of the program is completed online.

One of only 23 such programs in the country, this combination gives graduates the knowledge and skills to operate in a variety of counseling settings, including mental health centers and practices, physical and vocational rehabilitation agencies and companies, hospitals, in the field of addiction counseling and wellness programming, among others. Many of our graduates work in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as vocational rehabilitation counselors or mental health counselors.

Young man talking to a rehabilitation counselor.

Most importantly, the education provides excellent background for working in the world of integrative healthcare. Graduates can provide a comprehensive counseling approach for people in recovery from traumatic injuries, neurological events or disorders, mental health disorders, and chronic health conditions, to include addictions. They are also prepared to provide assistance to those with developmental disabilities and aging related health conditions.

This may include counseling or related interventions in mental health, lifestyle, social connection and finding work and purpose as part of habilitation, rehabilitation or recovery. All of their efforts address the process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential.

Attend a Virtual Information Session

Thank you for your interest in the Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling M.S. program at West Virginia University! Attend a Virtual Information Session and learn more about the Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling M.S. program.

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Ann is here to help.

Ann Clayton, Your Personal Online Admissions Coach

"I am a graduate of Michigan State University, with a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. I have worked in an advising setting for over 15 years and am here to help answer any questions you may have about the enrollment process in our online programs. Our online programs are designed to allow everyone the opportunity to earn a degree, while balancing school, family and life, and I am happy to help you as you go through that journey."

Learn More About Ann Request Information

Contact

Email: Ann.Clayton@mail.wvu.edu
Phone: (304) 293-0915
Virtual Session: Schedule a virtual session with me

Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling Admission Requirements

Three letters of reference; The Graduate School Application process includes forms that are emailed to your references.
Submit resume/C.V.
A personal statement as outlined in the department application. Please include what it means for you to have a commitment to diversity and social justice.
TOEFL or IELTS Scores for International Students
Request official transcripts from all institutions attended (other than WVU) and
1. Mail to:
  WVU Office of Graduate Admissions
  One Waterfront Place
  PO Box 6510
  Morgantown, WV 26506-6510
2. or Email to: GraduateAdmissions@mail.wvu.edu
Students may start in fall or spring of each year. The Application Deadline is February 15 for Fall 2024 and October 1 for Spring 2025

The objective data (undergraduate major, grade point average, Graduate Record Examination or Miller Analogies Test, work experience, letters of recommendation, and quality of application) are given weightings. These scores are used to select applicants for interviews. Final selection is made following structured personal interviews which assess the applicant’s knowledge of rehabilitation, goals, motivation to pursue a degree, interpersonal skills, and intellectual ability.

Apply Now

Accreditation

This program is fully accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.

Visit the WVU catalog for faculty information and comprehensive course information.

Zabrya Robson profile image.

Zabrya Robson

Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling M.S.

"Plan my days around what I needed."

Zabrya Robson chose to study for a master’s degree in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from WVU Online because it fit better with her specific needs and interests than the in-person learning options she was considering.

"Having my classes online helped me to plan my days around what I needed, rather than it being only on the school’s terms," she said.

She also liked the fact that she could get Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accreditation, which helped her to make the most her field with instructors who had much more experience and expertise.

"Although it was an online program, I got to have internships that gave me first-hand experience and helped me really prepare for my field and learn by doing," she says.

"My practicum and internship experiences gave me a hands-on component with professionals in my field that has been very helpful."

Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

Financial aid is available. Students are encouraged to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to determine their eligibility for federal and state funds as well as scholarships. WVU’s FAFSA Code is 003827. Please contact the WVU Financial Aid Office at (304) 293-5242 or financialaid.wvu.edu for additional information.

The Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling M.S. requires 63 credit hours to complete. Cost per credit hour is $673.
$42,399 – Residents and Non-Residents

Tuition and fees are usually not the only educational expenses you may have while pursuing a degree. You may have other costs such as books, supplies and living expenses. Please see the Estimate Costs and Aid webpage for how to estimate and plan for other potential expenses.

Your future in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling

The Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling program in the College of Education and Human Services offers a curriculum at the master’s degree level. All students complete coursework in core counseling knowledge and skill development as well as knowledge associated with disability, mental health, addiction, and rehabilitation issues. The opportunities for working as a professional counselor are numerous and include working in allied health settings, state-federal systems of vocational rehabilitation, Veterans' Affairs, and delivering counseling services in mental health and/or substance use disorder treatment programs.

The Benefits to Choosing Our Program

The program is available for both full and part-time students in a hybrid modality that uses asynchronous online courses coupled with two immersion weeks on campus for counseling skill development.
The program is fully accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) for the specializations of Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling until 2023 and is a WVU Program of Excellence.

Why Choose a Career in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling?

The online Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling program is unique in its ability to provide dual specializations under the umbrella of one program of study. Students participate in coursework in clinical rehabilitation counseling and clinical mental health counseling.

Career Outlook for Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling

Students who graduate from WVU Online with the Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling M.S. degree may be prepared for the following careers. These are only a few examples of some of the many opportunities that will be open to you with this degree. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for some positions.

Mental Health Counselor
Projected Growth: 11% or higher *Bright Outlook

Rehabilitation Counselor
Projected Growth: 7-10% *Bright Outlook

Information about careers on this list comes from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling M.S. Requirements

A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required in all courses
A grade of C- or higher is required in all courses

Course	Title	Credit Hours
REHB 600	Introduction to Rehabilitation Services	3
REHB 610	Medical Aspects of Rehabilitation	3
REHB 612	Disability Across the Lifespan	3
REHB 620	Career Development and Job Placement	3
REHB 624	Rehabilitation Client Services	3
COUN 501	Counseling Theory and Techniques 1	3
COUN 606	Counseling Theory and Techniques 2	3
COUN 609	Group Counseling Theory and Techniques	3
COUN 505	Theory and Practice of Human Appraisal	3
COUN 665	Diagnosis and Treatment Planning	3
COUN 634	Cultural Issues	3
COUN 640	Addictions Counseling	3
COUN 645	Couples and Family Counseling	3
COUN 664	Ethical Issues in Counseling	3
COUN 668	Crisis Trauma Grief Counseling	3
REHB 680	Seminar	3
REHB 672	Counseling Practicum	3
REHB 675	Clinical Practice	12

Total Hours: 63

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between clinical mental health counseling and rehabilitation counseling?

Clinical mental health counselors are highly-skilled professionals who provide flexible, consumer-oriented therapy. They combine traditional psychotherapy with a practical, problem-solving approach that creates a dynamic and efficient path for change and problem resolution. - American Mental Health Counselors Association Rehabilitation counselors are counselors with a special focus to their preparation, developing the knowledge and skills to support individuals with disabilities on their path of rehabilitation and recovery to independence.

What is the difference between counseling and rehabilitation?

Some differences between counseling and rehabilitation occur with the populations each serve. Rehabilitation counselors often work with clients who have some form of disability, chronic illness or medical condition. Counselors may work with those who have mental health conditions or those who could just benefit from counseling to assist in relationships, self-perception, or stressful life events.

What is a typical salary and projected job outlook for someone with this degree?

According to O*NET Rehabilitation counselors have a bright job outlook. Pay range for this occupation ranges from $28K to $66K. Mental health counselors will also see a bright job outlook with pay range for this occupation ranging from $31K to $78K.

What does it means for you to have a commitment to diversity and social justice?

West Virginia University has a commitment to cultural humility, diversity, advocacy, and social justice which we strive for within the Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling program.

Become a problem solver.

Be a decision maker. First, your degree. World-class academics at an exceptional value.

Occasionally a student will encounter an issue with an online course that he or she doesn’t know how to resolve. Should this occur, please visit the link below.

Internal Student Complaint Process