Rehabilitation counselling has been defined by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counsellor Certification (CRCC) as “a systematic process which assists persons with physical, mental, developmental, cognitive, and emotional disabilities to achieve their personal, career, and independent living goals in the most integrated setting possible through the application of the counselling process. The counselling process involves communication, goal setting, and beneficial growth or change through self-advocacy, psychological, vocational, social, and behavioural intervention.”
Rehabilitation counselling panel
This series of videos will be of interest to people wanting to find out more about the profession and people who are potentially interested in a career in rehabilitation counselling. Find out more
Rehabilitation counselling at La Trobe: study options
Study options are available for rehabilitation counselling at both an undergraduate and postgraduate level:
Undergraduate studies
Why study rehabilitation counselling?
If you are interested in pursuing a career as a rehabilitation counsellor, injury management coordinator or case manager, the rehabilitation counselling major within the Bachelor of Health Sciences degree provides a pathway. Our program gives you a solid understanding of rehabilitation counselling concepts and practices. We offer a comprehensive introduction to rehabilitation counselling and its use within the community.
This major allows you to:
understand the psychological, social and systemic factors that can impact on rehabilitation outcomes
communicate clearly and establish rapport with their clients
understand and apply the principles of effective case management
understand barriers to behaviour change and how to facilitate key behaviour change in rehabilitation settings
To maximise the development of communication and counselling skills it is advised that you consider taking Sports Counselling and Athlete Welfare as a double major.
Rehabilitation counselling at La Trobe
Career opportunities
Graduates are prepared for roles in case management and with further study injury management including rehabilitation coordinator and rehabilitation counsellor.
Your study experience
Rehabilitation counselling placements
Your placements can take place in rehabilitation and injury management areas of large employers and insurers, community health centres and rehabilitation services.
Contact Dr Paul O’Halloran (Coordinator of the rehabilitation counselling course) directly by phone on 9479 5607 or via email at p.ohalloran@latrobe.edu.au
Postgraduate studies
Why study rehabilitation counselling?
Our accredited coursework programs offer a comprehensive introduction to rehabilitation and counselling concepts and practices for professionals working in health, education, welfare, and the occupational arena. We prepare you for work with populations characterised by chronic conditions or disability. Focus on client involvement, coordination of services and maintaining individuals in the community. We cover recent developments in rehabilitation at Commonwealth and State level including occupational and community-based rehabilitation systems. As a La Trobe graduate, you may be eligible for our 10% Alumni Advantage when you apply for a full-fee postgraduate coursework program.
Entry into the Master of Health Sciences can be gained upon completion of an appropriate undergraduate degree. e.g. Health Science, Psychology, Behavioural Sciences, etc. Prior learning developed through relevant work experience or professional accreditation, where it is deemed to be at least equivalent to that obtained through a Bachelor's degree, may be considered. In making an offer to an applicant, the University will give consideration to a range of factors to determine whether an applicant has demonstrated the capacity to work at a Master's level, including academic record, English proficiency, and/or employment experience.
Core subjects relate to areas such as counselling skills (including motivational interviewing), core psychosocial factors that can impact on rehabilitation, case management, vocational rehabilitation, rehabilitation services (e.g. mental health) and a 20-day placement in second semester first year.
Watch the video to learn about becoming a Rehabilitation Counsellor from leading experts on La Trobe University's industry panel.
Career opportunities
Graduates are prepared to deliver and coordinate client-focused rehabilitation services (e.g. counselling clients) and case manage individuals in rehabilitation settings including community health services, local government, drug and alcohol services, aged care and disability employment services. La Trobe designs its courses with your future career in mind and partners with a range of professional organisations for accreditation and registration.
To find out more
Contact Dr Paul O’Halloran (Coordinator of the Rehabilitation Counselling course) directly by phone on 9479 5607 or via email at p.ohalloran@latrobe.edu.au
ATAR and location:Melbourne: 59.2
Start dates: Semester 1 and 2 (March and July)Semester 1 (March), Semester 2 (July)
Duration: 4 years4.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Location: City