What Is Rehabilitation Psychology?

Rehabilitation psychology is a specialty within the field of psychology that focuses on helping individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses to regain or improve their functional abilities and independence. Rehabilitation psychologists work with people of all ages who have a wide range of conditions, including spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, stroke, cancer, and chronic pain.

The goal of rehabilitation psychology is to help individuals achieve their full potential and live as independently as possible. Rehabilitation psychologists use a variety of techniques to achieve this goal, including:

* Assessment: Rehabilitation psychologists conduct a comprehensive assessment of the individual's physical, cognitive, and psychological functioning. This assessment helps to identify the individual's strengths and weaknesses and to develop a treatment plan.

* Treatment: Rehabilitation psychologists provide a variety of treatments, including individual therapy, group therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Treatment is tailored to the individual's needs and may focus on improving physical function, cognitive skills, emotional well-being, or social skills.

* Consultation: Rehabilitation psychologists provide consultation to other professionals, such as physicians, nurses, and social workers, to help them understand the psychological needs of individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses.

* Research: Rehabilitation psychologists conduct research to improve the understanding of disability and chronic illness and to develop new treatments.

Rehabilitation psychologists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, and private practice. They may work with individuals of all ages, from children to older adults.

Rehabilitation psychology is a rewarding and challenging field that offers the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses.