TRAINING IN REHABILITATION PSYCHOLOGY
Rehabilitation Psychology is a specialty area within professional psychology focused on the study and application of psychological principles on behalf of persons who have disability due to injury or illness. Rehabilitation psychologists, often within teams, assess and treat cognitive, emotional, and functional difficulties, and help people to overcome barriers to participation in life activities. Rehabilitation psychologists are involved in practice, research, and advocacy, with the broad goal of fostering independence and opportunity for people with disabilities.
Rehabilitation Psychology provides diverse opportunities for trainees and doctoral psychologists across the career span. "The broad field of rehabilitation psychology also includes development and management of rehabilitation programs, policy development and public education related to injury prevention and health promotion, and advocacy for persons with disabilities and chronic health conditions" (Stiers et al., 2011).
CRPPTP Member Programs offer specialty postdoctoral training in rehabilitation psychology as a Major Area of Study (highest level of education and training in accordance with APA's taxonomy guidelines). Additionally, many psychology doctoral, internship, and postdoctoral programs offer training opportunities for Exposure, Experience, and Emphasis in rehabilitation psychology.
Rehabilitation Psychology provides diverse opportunities for trainees and doctoral psychologists across the career span. "The broad field of rehabilitation psychology also includes development and management of rehabilitation programs, policy development and public education related to injury prevention and health promotion, and advocacy for persons with disabilities and chronic health conditions" (Stiers et al., 2011).
CRPPTP Member Programs offer specialty postdoctoral training in rehabilitation psychology as a Major Area of Study (highest level of education and training in accordance with APA's taxonomy guidelines). Additionally, many psychology doctoral, internship, and postdoctoral programs offer training opportunities for Exposure, Experience, and Emphasis in rehabilitation psychology.
PUBLISHED TRAINING PROGRAM SURVEYS
- A survey of postdoctoral training in rehabilitation psychology in the United States and Canada: 2019 (Stiers & Stucky, 2022).
- Survey of internship training in rehabilitation psychology: 2019 (Uy, Williamson, Arutiunov, Klepper, McGill, Boothe, Accardi-Ravid, Stucky, & Stiers, 2022)
For additional information about training in rehabilitation psychology, including key readings and career paths, visit the Division 22 Education and Training Committee website.
Prospective applicants for postdoctoral training in CRPPTP member programs are encouraged to review our Trainee FAQs.