Welcome to Rehab-Counseling…
Welcome to Rehab-Counseling.com. My name is Jeong Han Kim, an alumnus of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, having completed my studies in 2008. Presently, I hold the position of Associate Professor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
The year 1972 marks the official incorporation of the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE), as documented by Shaw and Kuehn (2009). The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) was established in the year 1981. Over the course of several decades, the field of rehabilitation counseling, along with other counseling disciplines, has undergone significant development and progress, overseen by two distinct certification bodies. One notable distinction between the two programs is that the CORE-approved program necessitates the completion of 48 credit hours, but the CACREP-accredited program requires a minimum of 60 credit hours. In relation to curriculum, rehabilitation counseling distinguishes itself by incorporating vocational rehabilitation and job placement, the medical dimensions of disability, and case management. In contrast, other counseling professions, such as mental health counseling, place greater emphasis on psychotherapy treatment planning and diagnosis. While there has been some overlap in professional boundaries, both programs have experienced distinct growth trajectories in their own respective ways.
In 2015, the governing bodies of CORE and CACREP reached the consensus that the merger would represent an ideal decision in order to effectively cater to the needs of the counseling profession, as guided by a set of unified accreditation requirements. The merger between CORE (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) and CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) was finalized in the year 2017. The field of rehabilitation counselor education changed to encompass two distinct areas: clinical rehabilitation counseling and rehabilitation counseling. Currently, according to the CACREP directory, there are a total of 90 programs listed in the field of rehabilitation counseling. Specifically, 51 programs are included under the designation of rehabilitation counseling, while the remaining 39 programs are categorized as clinical rehabilitation counseling. Based on the accreditation standards set forth by CACREP in 2016 and 2024, it is evident that the definitions of these two counseling professions vary, bringing about issues in professional identity. The merger has certainly ushered in significant changes including curriculum adjustments and shifts in professional identity. While this change can be daunting, it also presents opportunities for us to redefine and reaffirm the value we bring as rehabilitation counselors.
This website is born out of my deep-seated belief that our unique discipline plays an irreplaceable role in helping individuals with disabilities lead fulfilling lives. As we navigate the changes brought about by the recent merger of CORE and CACREP, I believe it’s more important than ever to maintain open lines of communication and foster a sense of unity within our professional community. Rehab-Counseling.com aims to serve as a platform where we can exchange ideas, share research findings, discuss challenges and issues, and more importantly celebrate achievements in our field.
I invite you all – seasoned professionals, emerging practitioners, educators, students, and anyone invested in the progress of rehabilitation counseling – to join me on this journey. Together let’s ensure that Rehabilitation Counseling continues its vital work with strength and resilience. I hope that this space will not only keep you informed but also inspire you to actively shape the future direction of our profession.
