Rehabilitation Psychology
Formal Specialty Definition:
Rehabilitation Psychology as a specialty area within psychology assists the individual with an injury or illness, which may be chronic, traumatic and/or congenital, including the family, in achieving optimal physical, psychological and interpersonal functioning. The focus of rehabilitation psychology is on provision of services consistent with the level of impairment, disability and handicap relative to the patient’s personal preferences, needs and resources (World Health Organization). The Rehabilitation Psychology consistently involves interdisciplinary teamwork as a condition of practice and services within a network of biological, psychological, social, environmental and political considerations in order to achieve optimal rehabilitation goals. Psychologists in the specialty usually work with accredited rehabilitation programs and are identified as Rehabilitation Psychologists.
Levels of Specialty Training:
Formal programs of specialty training are offered at the Postdoctoral level.
Specialty Board Certification:
Board Certification in Rehabilitation Psychology is available through the American Board of Rehabilitation Psychology, which is a Specialty Board of the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP).
Sources of Specialty Recognition:
- APA/CRSPPP recognition
- ABPP recognition
Synarchy Membership:
- American Board of Rehabilitation Psychology (ABPP)
- Division of Rehabilitation Psychology (22) of the American Psychological Association
Related Non-Psychology Groups:
- American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine
Specialty Related Web Links:
Education and Training Guidelines:
Representative: