The Profession

Increasing Awareness, Understanding, and Appreciation of Rehabilitation Counseling

The Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) designation is an important one in the field of rehabilitation counseling for individuals with disabilities. It signifies a level of career–specific education, a demonstrated understanding and application of key competencies, and a commitment to ongoing career training and development. Individuals are measured and certified via a stringent CRC Examination and an ongoing certification renewal process as governed by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC).

CRCC actively educates and promotes the importance of the CRC designation to facilitate:
  • Individuals with disabilities making informed decisions when seeking qualified and professional rehabilitation counselors;
  • Universities and colleges supporting the rehabilitation counseling profession with appropriate communication, curriculum, and testing to student populations;
  • Managers in employment settings understanding the added qualifications associated with the CRC credential in their hiring and staffing practices, and;
  • Recognition and acknowledgement by legislators and lawmakers of the importance of qualified, professional rehabilitation counseling services in maintaining and increasing access for individuals with disabilities.

CRCC Representation and Collaboration

CRCC is an active participant in conferences and summits representing rehabilitation counseling.  Initiatives include:
  • 20/20:  A Vision for the Future of Counseling
  • Alliance of Professional Counseling Organizations (APCO)
  • International Rehabilitation Counseling Organization (IRCA)
  • Leadership meetings within both rehabilitation and general counseling professions, including
    -  CRCC appointing organizations (click here for list)
    -  American Counseling Association (ACA)
    -  National Rehabilitation Association (NRA)

In addition, CRCC provides information to a variety of organizations and publications to showcase rehabilitation counseling, promote the profession, and highlight the value and need for rehabilitation counselors. Publications include:
  • Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH); US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
  • Health Care Careers Directory; American Medical Association (AMA)


Highlights of Current Activity

TRICARE
February 2012

The U.S. Department of Defense has issued proposed regulations to allow licensed mental health counselors to practice independently within TRICARE, the health care program that provides services for active duty service members, retirees, and their families. Fully effective on January 1, 2015, the rule establishes qualifications for a new category of allied health professionals, Certified Mental Health Counselors (CMHCs), whereby licensed mental health counselors must pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE) in addition to having a master’s degree from a program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).  Proposed regulations include a transition period through December 31, 2014, wherein licensed mental health counselors who do not meet the new requirements for independent practice may continue to provide services to TRICARE beneficiaries under the requirements of physician referral and ongoing supervision.

ARCA (American Rehabilitation Counseling Association), CORE (Council on Rehabilitation Education), CRCC, NRCA (National Rehabilitation Counselor Association), and NCRE (National Council on Rehabilitation Education) believe strongly that the exclusion of CORE graduates who have subsequently passed the NCMHCE to become licensed in their state unnecessarily restricts the number of qualified practitioners providing care and thus limits access to care for those in need of mental health counseling services, including those in underserved rural geographic locations. Correspondence has been issued both through the comment portal and to Dr. Woodson, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs and Director, TRICARE Management Activity with additional follow-up underway.