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.

Ethical Dilemmas: Current and Projected Concerns Reported by Certified Rehabilitation Counselors

The purpose of this study was to investigate ethical dilemmas faced by certified rehabilitation counselors. Using a mixed-method survey approach, both quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed. Thematic analysis was used to identify common themes among responses including the ethically challenging incident, additional resources to clarify the situation or reach resolution, projecting future ethical issues, approach to resolution for current ethical issues, and additional issues to address or consider in the code of ethics. Results indicated that participants most frequently encountered ethical dilemmas related to Section B. Confidentiality, Privileged Communication and Privacy of the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) Certification Code of Professional Ethics, followed by Section A. The Counseling Relationship. When addressing recognized ethical dilemmas, participants also identified consideration of the counseling relationship and maintaining confidentiality, privileged communication and privacy as the most important sections of the code to consider. Implications include topics identifying current and projected ethical dilemmas faced by CRCs, as well as the need for a variety of topics to be addressed or considered in the new revisions of the CRC Code of Ethics.

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.

The Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification Code of Ethics: An Emerging Approach to Digital Technology

BackgroundRehabilitation counselors are becoming more adept at providing distance services.ObjectiveFocused on the ethical use of digital technology, the purpose of this article is to highlight ethical considerations when using digital technologies professionally.MethodsReviewing the ethical standards of the 2017 Code of Professional Ethics for Rehabilitation Counselors, this article examines the current ethical standards governing the use of technology, distance counseling, and social media.FindingsIt is critical for rehabilitation counselors to understand how affordances and constraints of technology will continue to mediate the professional practice of rehabilitation counseling.ConclusionThe professional practice of rehabilitation counseling will increasingly involve digital technology.

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.

Ethics in Telerehabilitation: Looking Ahead

Given the fast-paced growth of telerehabilitation, an updated integrated analysis of the ethical codes and ramifications for telerehabilitation practice is warranted. This article sensitizes rehabilitation counselors to ethical issues associated with providing telerehabilitation services and provides suggestions for safeguards and resources for addressing ethical challenges. Recent publications of the American Counseling Association (ACA, 2014), the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (2017), and the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC, 2016a) highlight ethical issues such as privacy, security, informed consent, and social media guidelines. Suggestions for practitioners to address ethical challenges include acquiring compliant software, receiving training, setting clear boundaries with clients through an informed consent procedure, and using an ethical decision-making model.

A Survey of Current and Projected Ethical Dilemmas of Rehabilitation Counselors

Purpose:This study surveyed current and projected ethical dilemmas of rehabilitation counselors.Method:As a mixed-methods approach, the study used both quantitative and qualitative analyses.Results:Of the 211 participants who completed the survey, 116 (55.0%) reported an ethical dilemma. Based on the descriptions, common themes involved roles and relationships with clients, professional responsibility and competence, and confidentiality and privacy. In addition, projected dilemmas involved social media, health care legislation, insurance concerns, and professional competence.Conclusions:Implications address areas for ongoing discussion, including considerations for future revisions to the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification Code of Ethics.

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.

Ethics Consultation in Rehabilitation Counseling

The present study was designed to provide information about the content of the advisory opinions provided by the Ethics Committee of the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification. Specifically, a content analysis was performed on all of the advisory opinions rendered between March 1996 and November 2013. NVivo10 was utilized to systematically inspect the content of the opinions and describe emerging patterns. Results from the study revealed that most of the advisory opinions addressed ethical standards related to the counseling relationship, confidentiality, resolving ethical issues, and professional responsibility. Implications for future education outreach initiatives and research directions are discussed.

Analysis of the Reported Ethical Complaints and Violations to the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification, 2006–2013

This study reviewed ethical complaints and violations received from Fiscal Year 2006–2013 by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification. There were 71 complaints, of which 37 cases (52.1%) progressed to full adjudication. Of the cases involving a violation, more than half (56.4%) involved ethical misconduct pertaining to role and relationship boundaries, client rights and welfare, and honest and responsible conduct. Strategies to ameliorate common violations as well as define and promote the ethical behavior of all Certified Rehabilitation Counselors are provided.

Labor Market Surveys: Importance to and Preparedness of Certified Rehabilitation Counselors

The purpose of this study was to explore certified rehabilitation counselors’ (CRCs’) importance of and preparedness in the labor market survey (LMS) competency through data collected by theKnowledge Validation Inventory-Revised(KVI-R) instrument used by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification’s (CRCC) 2011 role and function study (CCRC, 2011b; Leahy, Chan, Sung, & Kim, 2011). LMS is a primary data collection method for gathering occupational and labor market information. Thus, this competency was examined because of its importance in the areas of rehabilitation counseling where this data is usually applied—transferable skills analysis, vocational decision making, job development and placement, and forensics. In this ex post facto secondary analysis, the single largest group of CRCs found LMS to beverytoextremely importantbut also reported onlymoderate preparednessto perform the function. Significant differences were found by geographical location, particularly between the Mid and South Atlantic, and in experience. Discussion, conclusions, implications, and areas for further research are addressed.

Empirically Derived Test Specifications for the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Examination

This study examined the major job functions and knowledge domains required for effective rehabilitation counseling practice in today’s rapidly changing practice environment to revise and update the test specifications for the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification examination. This report describes the methodology used in this nationwide study, the primary research questions addressed, the study’s principal findings and recommendations, including the new set of test specifications that will guide future versions of the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Examination. The results of this study provide empirical support for the description of the knowledge base underlying the practice of rehabilitation counseling and contributes further empirical evidence in relation to the content and construct validity of the knowledge domains identified in this replication and extension of the most recent study completed in 2006.

Benchmarking the Importance and Use of Labor Market Surveys by Certified Rehabilitation Counselors

The purpose of this research was to benchmark the importance and use of labor market survey (LMS) among U.S. certified rehabilitation counselors (CRCs). A secondary post hoc analysis of data collected via the Rehabilitation Skills Inventory–Revised for the 2011 Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification job analysis resulted in importance and use ratings across 11 content items and 11 demographic variables. This research suggests that labor market analyses, of which LMS could be a component, were considered to be along a continuum of important or extremely important by CRCs and performed along a range of very infrequent to very frequent. Data suggest that those CRCs reporting the highest frequency of use of labor market analyses were older and male, possessed education in rehabilitation-orientated areas of study, had more than 20 years of post-CRC experience, were in the private/proprietary rehabilitation or private practice practitioner professional settings, and held the title of forensic/expert witness or rehabilitation consultant/specialist. For all survey items studied, employment setting and job title were found to be significant in the frequency of use of labor market analyses. Limitations, delimitations, and areas for further study were discussed.

Prediction of Membership in Rehabilitation Counseling Professional Associations

Declining membership is a concerning yet poorly understood issue affecting professional associations across disciplines (Bauman, 2008). Rehabilitation counseling association membership is in decline even while number of certified rehabilitation counselors continues to increase (Leahy, 2009). Factors influencing rehabilitation counseling professional association membership were explored and motives for membership examined using tenets of social exchange and social identity theories. A sample of 1,257 professionals was obtained from the databases of Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification, American Rehabilitation Counseling Association, National Rehabilitation Counseling Association, and Rehabilitation Counselors and Educators Association. Results support tenets of exchange and identity theories for membership motives, with perceived value of membership and professional identity salience predicting current membership. Graduate programs and the workplace were also shown to play an important role in predicting membership status. Results provide multiple individual and organizational means for addressing professional association membership decline.