Commission On Rehabilitation Counselor Certification Research Articles

Variations of the Traditional Life Care Plan

A staple in assessing and valuing injury and related monetary damages claims, life care plans have traditionally encapsulated damages computations associated with present and anticipated future rehabilitation interventions related to contested events, the most common involving personal injury, medical malpractice, and product liability. The needs and sophistication of the injury claims assessment process have continued to evolve since the inception of life care plans, and accordingly affect the services life care planners contribute to resolve disputes over the need for and value of litigated future rehabilitation interventions. After a brief history and overview of life care planning, this article describes how the discipline evolved to its current state. The authors then discuss how lawyers’ discernments in prosecuting cases have led to the need for three variations/derivatives of the traditional life care plan: the life care plan cost comparison, the interpolated life care plan, and the international life care plan. Standards of practice considerations follow. According to the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification, life care planning is a career pathway for certified rehabilitation counselors (CRCs). Rehabilitation counselors encounter a myriad of physical and psychosocial factors that affect the rehabilitation process. CRC certification and training prepares counselors to holistically address complex areas of rehabilitation following a catastrophic illness or injury. According to the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) Code of Ethics, CRCs have a responsibility to the public to engage in practices that are based on accepted research methodologies and evidence-based practices. They need to remain current with developments in evidence-based practice. Notably, the three variations/derivatives of the traditional life care plan presented in this article address pertinent standards of practice considerations.

Disability Adjustment Counseling: Experiences and Perspectives of Certified Rehabilitation Counselors

Background Disability adjustment counseling (DAC) focuses on the diverse process of adjusting to chronic illness or disability, including responding to the initial diagnosis or the onset and adjusting to changes and barriers that arise from living with a disability. Although DAC is a primary role and function of rehabilitation counselors, there have been limited efforts to explore the use of DAC in the field. Objective The purpose of this study was to survey certified rehabilitation counselors (CRCs) about the extent of DAC utilization and its focus, the theoretical basis for DAC, and professional preparation. Methods A cross-sectional survey was completed with 109 CRCs recruited through the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC). The research team developed a 35-item survey questionnaire for this study. Most respondents identified as white women with master’s degrees (mean age = 51.41 years). Results Approximately two-thirds of the respondents (67.78%) reported engaging in DAC for approximately a third (31.15%) of their professional time. Many respondents reported wanting to spend more of their professional time providing DAC. Most respondents (75%) indicated they do not operate from a specific model of psychosocial adjustment to chronic illness or disability. Nearly half (48.6%) of the respondents reported that there were not adequate options for DAC counseling. Conclusions The survey results confirm that DAC is an important role and function for rehabilitation counselors. Although the sample was too small to permit broad generalizations, the results imply that further exploration of the research questions among a larger sample is warranted.

Embracing the Future: Updating and Revising the Code of Professional Ethics for Rehabilitation Counselors

The Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) certifies qualified candidates as certified rehabilitation counselors in the United States (CRCs) and as Canadian certified rehabilitation counselors (CCRCs) in Canada. Those professionals who are certified as CRCs/CCRCs are expected to adhere to the CRCC Code of Professional Ethics. The CRCC Code of Ethics is updated from time to time. With the completion of the recent revision process, a revised Code of Professional Ethics for CRCs/CCRCs is now being distributed and implemented by the CRCC. Given the changes and updates to the Code of Professional Ethics, this article and subsequent articles in this special issue help to outline the process and rationale that framed the recent revision process. Although some specific changes are highlighted through this special issue, practitioners are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the entire code.

A Way Forward With Multicultural Considerations, Advocacy, and Accessibility Across the 2023 Revised Code of Professional Ethics for Rehabilitation Counselor Educators and Practitioners

While the 2017 version of the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) Code of Ethics engrained diversity considerations across the 12 main sections of professional practice, more explicit ethical expectations related to multicultural competence are needed to govern the future of rehabilitation counseling practice. The 2023 revised CRCC Code of Ethics will include a newly added unit labeled, Section D: Multicultural Considerations, which seeks to reduce bias, minimize discrimination, and prevent harm in practice. This section infuses cultural competencies introduced to the profession and tenets of advocacy as more than just aspirational directives but also as enforceable tenets of conduct. This article provides an overview of the changes made to Section C: Advocacy and Accessibility and explains the significance of Section D across the principles that instruct professional behavior. The authors will describe best practices for operationalizing the ethics code to ensure that services are comprehensive, equitable, and inclusive. Finally, we will present strategies for becoming a culturally competent and ethically conscientious Rehabilitation Counselor.

Using the Revised CRCC Code of Professional Ethics for Rehabilitation Counselors as a Tool in Resolving Ethical Issues

The Code of Professional Ethics for Rehabilitation Counselors (CRCs) directs CRCs to “. . . apply appropriate decision-making models and skills to resolve dilemmas and act ethically” (Section M—Introduction). Other codes of ethics include similar verbiage, suggesting knowledge and application of the Code as a beginning step when using an ethical decision-making model. The updated “Resolving Ethical Dilemmas” section of the Code (now Section M) guides CRCs on using the Code as a tool when encountering ethical dilemmas. This article describes updates to Section M resulting from the Code revision process. Contemporary counseling ethical decision-making models are reviewed, and descriptions of Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) resources to assist with ethical decision-making are provided. In addition, an examination of the CRCC ethics committee’s process for addressing grievances and providing advisory opinions is outlined. In addition, this article provides a brief overview of how the committee relies on the Code overall, specifically Section M, to carry out its mission. Two case studies provide examples using the Code to examine a process for resolving ethical dilemmas.

The 2023 Revision to the CRCC Code of Ethics: Implications for Defining and Protecting the Counselor–Client Relationship

The revised 2023 Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) Code of Ethics, adopted in September 2022, addresses changes in ethical standards related to the counseling relationship. To promote awareness and understanding of these changes, this article reviews the purpose of Section A (The Counseling Relationship) of the CRCC Code of Ethics and provides a summary of the key revisions that have been made to Section A in the new revised Code and how the changes in these sub-sections of Section A impact counselors/practice.

Earning Capacity of Private Rehabilitation Counselors

The following study builds upon prior research on rehabilitation counseling salary surveys completed by the American Counseling Association (ACA), the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC), the International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals (IARP), and the American Board of Vocational Experts (ABVE). The present study examines the current state of salary distribution within the private sector of rehabilitation counseling by combining the data sets from the IARP and ABVE participants into one large sample for regression analyses. The survey was created by building on the existing ACA and CRCC salary surveys in the counseling field and refined with the assistance of a Delphi panel of 10 nationally known rehabilitation counselors with an average of 31 years clinical experience. The survey participants included 524 members of IARP and ABVE who completed the identical online survey to provide the data to examine the average annual earnings, demographics, and participants who experienced disabilities during their career within the two national organizations. Results found that gender, education level, practice setting, licensure status, and years in practice were statistically significant.

Application of the KVI-R to Assess and Compare Training Needs for Private and Public State-Federal Rehabilitation Counselors

BackgroundThe KVI-R was developed by a team of researchers in collaboration with the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) as a measurement instrument to assess training needs of rehabilitation counselors. The KVI-R includes 92 items measured on two dimensions: importance to the rehabilitation counseling field and degree of preparedness to work in that area.ObjectiveThe objective for this study was to assess and compare training needs reported by private sector and public sector rehabilitation counselors via the KVI-R.MethodsParticipant data for this study was compiled from two previous studies examining rehabilitation counselors working the public sector and a second study examining the private sector. A sample of 442 public sector rehabilitation counselors were recruited from the state-federal Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies within the federal Mid-Atlantic Region III (DC, DE, MD, PA, VA, WV). A sample of 423 private sector rehabilitation counselors across the United States were recruited through the George Washington University's Forensic Rehabilitation Counseling Certificate Program marketing email list for a total sample of N = 865 Participants responded to two pre- and post- survey questions along with the Knowledge Validation Inventory–Revised (KVI-R) instrument which is used to measure training needs of rehabilitation professionals.FindingsThere were no statistically significant differences shown between the two groups' overall training need or for any KVI-R domain specific need. Both groups indicated that time spent in training was unnecessarily emphasized in areas of group counseling practices and interventions, group counseling theories, and historical philosophical foundations of rehabilitation counseling. Comparing qualitative responses between rehabilitation counselors in the private and the public sector, there were several areas of differences in reported training needs. Those who worked in the public sector reported significantly higher perceived benefits from further training for persons with disabilities (p = .001). Additionally, demographic differences were found between overall years practicing, with private sector counselors having about twice the clinical experience on average compared to the public sector counselors. In addition, private sector counselors had significantly more professional credentials compared to public sector rehabilitation counselors.

Empirically Derived Test Specifications for the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Examination: Revisiting the Essential Competencies of Rehabilitation Counselors

The purpose of this article is to examine the results of the certified rehabilitation counselor (CRC) knowledge validation study conducted in collaboration with the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC). The research design for the present study includes both descriptive and ex post facto approaches. Three hundred ninety-four CRCs completed the Knowledge Validation Inventory–Revised (KVI-R) survey. Factor analysis results revealed six knowledge domains: (a) rehabilitation and mental health counseling, (b) employer engagement and job placement, (c) case management, (d) medical and psychosocial aspects of chronic illness and disability, (e) research methodology and evidence-based practice, and (f) group and family counseling. The findings of this study provide important information for CRCC to examine and develop test and item specifications that will guide future versions of the CRC examination. The findings also inform the description of the knowledge base underlying the practice of rehabilitation counseling and contribute further empirical evidence regarding the knowledge domains identified in this replication and extension of the previous study completed in 2012.

Boundaries with Social Media: Ethical Considerations for Rehabilitation Professionals

The increase in social networking media, online and distance counseling, and the ubiquitous use of laptops, hand-held devices, and internet connected devices at home and in work settings have resulted in the need for ethical standards to help guide rehabilitation professionals in service delivery. In response, the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) has incorporated Section J: Technology and Distance Counseling into the CRCC Code of Ethics. Additionally, the CRCC released a social media policy on their website. However, specific ethical standards addressing the use of social media have not been implemented. The purpose of this manuscript is to address potential issues that can arise in interacting with clients through social media. Specifically, we will discuss the following areas: (1) digital immigrants and natives, (2) social media mechanics, (3) advantages of using social media, (4) disadvantages of using social media, (5) social media and the CRCC Code of Ethics, (6) using social media professionally, privately, or not at all, and (7) implementing a social media policy. Discussion and recommendations are provided.

Test Equity for People who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing: Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification Steps for Implementation

The Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) has taken a proactive stance on perceived test inequities of the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) exam as it relates to people who are prelingually deaf and hard of hearing. This article describes the process developed and implemented by the CRCC to help maximize test equity for this target group. Using recommendations from a group of national experts in deafness and rehabilitation, focus groups examined exam items considered linguistically difficult items for people who are deaf or hard of hearing and, from that effort, developed guidelines that could be used to address linguistic complexity concerns for future test items.

Essential Knowledge Domains Underlying Effective Rehabilitation Counseling Practice

The purpose of this study was to identify and examine the major knowledge domains required for rehabilitation counseling practice across settings in today's rapidly changing practice environment. Data obtained and analyzed from a recent national study by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) is reported and reviewed in detail. Specific implications for knowledge translation of the study's finding for practitioner certification and academic program accreditation are identified.

Essential Knowledge Domains Underlying Effective Rehabilitation Counseling Practice

The purpose of this study was to identify and examine the major knowledge domains required for rehabilitation counseling practice across settings in today's rapidly changing practice environment. Data obtained and analysed from a recent national study by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) is reported and reviewed in detail. Specific implications for knowledge translation of the study's finding for practitioner certification and academic program accreditation are identified.

Applications of Computer-Meditated Communication Via the Internet in Rehabilitation Counseling

The Internet is a rapidly growing communication resource that is becoming mainstream in the American society. To better serve our clients, rehabilitation counselors need to understand the many aspects of the Internet and begin to explore its uses in rehabilitation counseling. The purpose of this article was to initiate a discussion regarding the impact of the Internet on rehabilitation counseling services. The current use of the Internet in counseling practices was reviewed. The relationship between the Internet usage and the empowerment of people with disabilities was explored, the roles of rehabilitation counselors in regard to the computer-mediated communication (CMC) via the Internet were outlined, and ethical and professional development-related issues concerning possible applications of CMC via the Internet for rehabilitation counseling services were discussed. CMC via the Internet may be offered as an adjunct to traditional face to face rehabilitation services. Professional organizations such as the National Rehabilitation Counseling Association (NRCA) and the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) should develop professional standards and ethical codes to guide such services before we fully embrace the technique.

The Certification Dilemma in Private Rehabilitation

Accountability has become the watch-word among service delivery systems. Certification of rehabilitation practitioners has become a dilemma as increasing numbers of rehabilitation organizations seek to develop standards to enhance the credibility of their respective roles and functions. The private rehabilitation sector has become acutely aware of the need for accountability and is seeking to incorporate existing national standards, as well as provide input to the credentialing process by joining the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC). This article advocates the private rehabilitation sector's membership within CRCC, presents reasons for certification, and attempts to identify a process for consolidating certification efforts among various rehabilitation specialty areas.

The History of Rehabilitation Counselor Certification

The certification movement for Rehabilitation Counselors has spanned more than 16 years. During this time extensive discussion on the topic took place, the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) was incorporated, and a reliable and valid written examination was developed and tested. Finally, a Certification Maintenance process that meets the standards of the National Commission for Health Certifying Agencies was established and accepted by the professional constituency. These efforts and the fact that 10,000 professionals have become certified in the field of rehabilitation counseling provide support for the viability of the certification process for the professional rehabilitation counselor and the existent profession of Rehabilitation Counseling.