Jan. 8, 2024
Next Start Date
18
Courses Required
$673
Cost Per Credit Hour
63
Total Credit Hours
Online, Low-Residency
Learning Formats
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.
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.
"Being a WVU graduate and a first-generation college student, I’m happy to be back to help you navigate the WVU System. Something WVU Online wants to do is assist you in creating your sense of community and continuity, making sure you have the answers to any and all questions."
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.
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.
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
Credits | Cost |
---|---|
1 | $673 |
3 | $2,019 |
6 | $4,038 |
9 | $6,057 |
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.
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
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.