How to Become a Rehabilitation Psychologist: Degrees, Licensing & Salary 2025
To become a rehabilitation psychologist, you'll need a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD), state licensure, and 3,000-5,000 hours of supervised clinical experience. These specialists help individuals with disabilities, injuries, and chronic conditions adapt to life challenges through therapeutic interventions. The field offers strong career prospects with a median salary of $94,310 annually and 6% projected job growth through 2034.
Rehabilitation psychology is a rapidly growing branch of applied psychology focused on helping people with disabilities and chronic health conditions achieve maximum independence and quality of life. Whether you're recovering from a traumatic brain injury, adapting to a spinal cord injury, or managing the psychological effects of cancer, rehabilitation psychologists provide critical support during life's most challenging transitions.
This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about pursuing a career in rehabilitation psychology. From educational pathways to licensing requirements and salary expectations, we'll cover the essential steps to launch your career in this rewarding field.
Table of Contents
What Is Rehabilitation Psychology?
Rehabilitation psychology is a specialized field that applies psychological principles to help individuals with disabilities and chronic health conditions maximize their independence, functional abilities, and overall well-being. These professionals work with diverse populations facing physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral challenges resulting from injury, illness, or developmental conditions.
Rehabilitation psychologists serve clients dealing with conditions including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, strokes, cancer, chronic pain, autism spectrum disorders, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse disorders. They provide assessment, psychotherapy, behavioral interventions, and consultation services across multiple healthcare and community settings.
Common work settings for rehabilitation psychologists include hospitals and medical centers, private practice offices, Veterans Affairs facilities, community mental health centers, rehabilitation centers specializing in brain injury or spinal cord injury, correctional facilities, substance abuse treatment programs, and university research centers. Each setting offers unique opportunities to make a meaningful difference in clients' lives.
Educational Pathways in Rehabilitation Psychology
The journey to becoming a licensed rehabilitation psychologist requires extensive education and training. While most professionals hold doctoral degrees, the educational pathway typically begins with an undergraduate degree in psychology or a related field. Understanding each degree level helps you plan your educational timeline and career goals effectively.
Bachelor's Degree in Rehabilitation Psychology
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Most universities don't offer standalone bachelor's degrees specifically in rehabilitation psychology. Instead, students earn a bachelor's degree in general psychology or counseling psychology with a concentration or minor in rehabilitation psychology or rehabilitation counseling. This foundation provides essential knowledge for graduate-level specialization.
Your undergraduate coursework will cover fundamental psychology topics while introducing rehabilitation-specific concepts. Core classes typically include general psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, research methods, and statistics. Rehabilitation-focused courses might cover introduction to human services, theories of counseling, crisis intervention techniques, case management fundamentals, addiction and substance abuse treatment, and therapeutic interventions for disabilities.
While entry-level positions in rehabilitation psychology exist with a bachelor's degree, they're limited in scope and responsibilities. Most bachelor's degree holders work as rehabilitation aides, case management assistants, or behavioral health technicians under licensed professionals' supervision. These roles provide valuable experience but don't allow independent practice or the "psychologist" title, which requires doctoral education and licensure.
| Degree Level | Timeline | Career Options | Licensure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's | 4 years | Rehabilitation aide, behavioral health technician | No independent licensure |
| Master's | 6-7 years total | Rehabilitation counselor (licensed) | Counselor licensure possible |
| Doctoral (PhD/PsyD) | 10-14 years total | Licensed rehabilitation psychologist | Full psychologist licensure |
Master's Degree in Rehabilitation Psychology
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Master's programs in rehabilitation psychology or rehabilitation counseling provide advanced training in assessment, intervention, and case management for individuals with disabilities. These programs typically require 2-3 years of full-time study beyond the bachelor's degree and include both coursework and supervised clinical experience through practicums or internships.
Your graduate curriculum will combine advanced psychology theory with practical rehabilitation applications. Expect courses in occupational analysis and job placement, rehabilitation research methods and statistics, advanced rehabilitation counseling techniques, comprehensive case management strategies, psychosocial aspects of disability, rehabilitation counseling assessment tools, medical aspects of various disabilities, ethics in rehabilitation counseling practice, multicultural counseling for diverse populations, addiction and substance abuse rehabilitation, sexuality and disability counseling, and classification and assessment of emotional, mental, and physical disorders.
Most programs require a culminating experience such as a master's thesis, comprehensive examination, or extended clinical practicum. The clinical training component is particularly crucial, as accredited programs mandate 600-1,000 hours of supervised fieldwork to develop practical competencies.
It's important to understand that a master's degree alone doesn't qualify you for licensure as a psychologist in most states. However, master's graduates can pursue licensure as rehabilitation counselors, which requires the advanced degree plus 2,000-4,000 hours of supervised post-degree experience, depending on state requirements. This pathway allows you to work directly with clients in rehabilitation settings, though with a different credential than "psychologist."
Doctoral Degree in Rehabilitation Psychology
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The doctoral degree represents the gold standard for rehabilitation psychology practice. Most states require a doctorate for licensure as a psychologist, making this credential essential for independent practice. Doctoral programs typically require 5-7 years beyond the bachelor's degree, including coursework, clinical training, dissertation research, and a full-time pre-doctoral internship.
You have two primary doctoral options in psychology. The PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) emphasizes research, statistics, and scientific inquiry alongside clinical training. It's ideal if you're interested in research, teaching, or academic careers combined with clinical practice. The PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) focuses primarily on clinical practice with less research emphasis, preparing you for direct service delivery in healthcare settings.
Both PhD and PsyD programs provide comprehensive training in foundational psychology domains. Core doctoral coursework includes biological bases of behavior and neuroscience, cognitive and affective psychology, social psychology and group dynamics, lifespan human development, psychopathology and diagnostic systems, psychological assessment and testing, evidence-based psychotherapy interventions, research design and statistical methods, psychometric theory and test construction, professional ethics and standards, and multicultural and diversity issues in psychology.
Rehabilitation-specific training includes specialized courses in disability studies, neuropsychological assessment for brain injury, chronic pain management strategies, assistive technology applications, vocational rehabilitation counseling, family systems in rehabilitation contexts, and consultation with interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
The pre-doctoral internship is a pivotal year-long experience where you apply your knowledge in supervised clinical settings. Most programs require APA-accredited internships that provide 2,000 hours of supervised practice. Following the doctorate, many states require an additional 1-2 years of post-doctoral supervised experience (1,500-3,000 hours) before granting full licensure.
Online Rehabilitation Psychology Programs
Online and hybrid programs offer flexibility for working professionals pursuing psychology degrees. You can complete bachelor's degrees in general psychology entirely online from many accredited institutions, providing the foundation for graduate study. These programs work well if you're balancing work, family, or other commitments while building your educational credentials.
Master's level online programs in related fields like counseling psychology, clinical mental health counseling, or applied psychology are increasingly available from regionally accredited universities. While few offer specific rehabilitation psychology specializations online, these programs provide relevant training that can be applied to rehabilitation settings. However, all legitimate programs require in-person components for clinical practicums and supervised fieldwork.
Doctoral programs in clinical or counseling psychology rarely exist in fully online formats due to APA accreditation standards requiring substantial face-to-face clinical training. Some hybrid programs combine online coursework with in-person intensive sessions and local clinical placements, but prospective students should verify that any program they're considering holds proper accreditation.
The American Psychological Association (APA) accreditation is critical for psychology programs. APA-accredited programs meet rigorous standards for curriculum, faculty credentials, clinical training, and student outcomes. Many state licensing boards require graduation from APA-accredited programs, and employers strongly prefer candidates from accredited institutions. Always verify a program's accreditation status through the APA's official accreditation database before enrolling.
Licensing and Credentialing for Rehabilitation Psychologists
Licensure is mandatory to practice psychology independently in all 50 states. Requirements vary by state, but certain elements remain consistent nationwide. Understanding these requirements helps you plan your path to licensure from the beginning of your doctoral program.
All states require a doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited or government-chartered institution as the foundation for licensure. The degree must be from a program with appropriate psychology-specific content and supervised clinical training. Regional accreditation alone isn't sufficient; the program should ideally hold APA accreditation.
The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) serves as the national licensing examination. This computer-based test contains 225 multiple-choice questions covering eight content areas including biological bases of behavior, cognitive-affective bases, social and cultural bases, growth and lifespan development, assessment and diagnosis, treatment and intervention, research methods and statistics, and ethical and professional issues. Most states require a passing score of 500 on the 200-800 scale, though some states set higher thresholds.
Supervised experience requirements typically total 3,000-5,000 hours combining pre-doctoral internship hours (usually 1,500-2,000 hours from your doctoral program) and post-doctoral supervised experience (1,500-3,000 hours depending on state requirements). The post-doctoral period typically spans 1-2 years working under a licensed psychologist's supervision before you can apply for independent licensure.
State-specific requirements may include additional examinations on state laws and ethics, jurisprudence exams testing knowledge of state psychology regulations, oral examinations before the licensing board, background checks and fingerprinting, and proof of liability insurance. The Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) publishes the Handbook of Licensing and Certification Requirements, which details each jurisdiction's specific requirements.
Application fees vary widely by state but typically range from $400-$800 for initial licensure, including application processing fees ($100-$300), EPPP examination fee (approximately $650), and state-specific examination fees if required. Many states offer credentials banking through ASPPB's system, allowing you to submit and store your internship, post-doctoral, and degree verification documents in one secure location accessible to multiple state boards.
Licensure isn't always required in certain practice settings. University and college faculty positions often don't require clinical licensure if you're primarily teaching and conducting research. Federal employment positions with agencies like the VA may have different credential requirements than state licensure. Corporate consulting and industrial-organizational psychology roles may not require clinical licensure. However, any position involving direct clinical services to the public typically requires full state licensure.
Board Certification in Rehabilitation Psychology
Beyond state licensure, rehabilitation psychologists can pursue specialty board certification through the American Board of Rehabilitation Psychology (ABRP), a member board of the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP). Board certification demonstrates advanced competency in rehabilitation psychology and distinguishes you as a specialist in the field.
Eligibility for ABRP certification requires completion of a doctoral degree from an APA-accredited program or equivalent, current unrestricted psychology license in good standing, and three years of post-doctoral experience in rehabilitation psychology, with at least two years under supervision. One year of post-doctoral experience may be fulfilled by an APA-accredited internship with rehabilitation psychology emphasis.
The certification process involves submitting a comprehensive application and credentials to ABPP, providing documentation of your current psychology license, submitting official doctoral transcripts, obtaining letters of recommendation from two supervisors who can attest to your rehabilitation psychology competence, and submitting endorsement forms from at least two professional colleagues. You'll also need to submit practice samples demonstrating your clinical work in rehabilitation psychology, typically including psychological evaluations, treatment plans, and intervention summaries. The final step is successfully completing an oral examination before ABRP examiners who evaluate your knowledge, clinical skills, and professional judgment.
Board certification brings several professional advantages. Many rehabilitation hospitals and medical centers prefer or require ABPP certification for senior positions. Insurance companies may provide better reimbursement rates for board-certified specialists. Academic and research institutions often prefer board-certified faculty. The credential enhances your professional reputation and demonstrates commitment to excellence in your specialty area.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
Rehabilitation psychology offers strong career prospects driven by an aging population with increasing disability-related needs, growing recognition of mental health's role in physical rehabilitation, and expanding veteran populations requiring specialized rehabilitation services. Understanding the financial landscape helps you make informed career decisions.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, psychologists earned a median annual salary of $94,310 as of May 2024. The salary range for psychologists shows considerable variation based on experience, setting, and specialization. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $54,860 annually, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $157,330. Rehabilitation psychologists working in medical settings and specialized rehabilitation facilities often earn in the $85,000-$120,000 range, particularly with several years of experience.
Entry-level rehabilitation psychologists with new licenses typically start at $65,000-$75,000 in hospital or rehabilitation center settings. Mid-career professionals with 5-10 years of experience average $85,000-$110,000 depending on geographic location and practice setting. Senior rehabilitation psychologists with 15+ years of experience, particularly those in leadership or private practice, can earn $120,000-$150,000 or more annually.
Several factors influence rehabilitation psychologist salaries. Geographic location plays a significant role, with metropolitan areas and high cost-of-living states typically offering higher compensation. Practice setting matters substantially; hospitals and medical centers often pay more than community mental health centers, while private practice income varies based on caseload and insurance contracts. Specialization within rehabilitation psychology affects earnings, with neuropsychology and traumatic brain injury specialists often commanding premium rates. Board certification through ABPP can increase earning potential by 10-15 percent in many markets.
Employment outlook for psychologists remains positive. The BLS projects 6% job growth for psychologists from 2024 to 2034, faster than the 3% average for all occupations. This translates to approximately 12,900 new psychologist positions annually over the decade. Growth is particularly strong in healthcare settings including hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, and outpatient care centers responding to increasing demand for mental health and rehabilitation services.
Factors driving demand include an aging Baby Boomer population requiring rehabilitation services for strokes, injuries, and age-related conditions; increased survival rates from traumatic injuries and medical conditions requiring longer-term rehabilitation support; growing recognition of psychological factors in physical rehabilitation outcomes; and expanding insurance coverage for mental health and rehabilitation services under parity laws.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rehabilitation Psychology
What's the difference between a rehabilitation psychologist and a rehabilitation counselor?
Rehabilitation psychologists hold doctoral degrees (PhD or PsyD) and state licensure as psychologists, allowing them to provide psychological assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Rehabilitation counselors typically hold master's degrees and focus on vocational rehabilitation, case management, and counseling services. While both work with similar populations, psychologists have more extensive training in psychological assessment and can diagnose mental health conditions.
Can I practice rehabilitation psychology with just a master's degree?
No, you cannot practice as a licensed psychologist with only a master's degree. Most states require a doctoral degree for psychology licensure. However, master's degree holders can become licensed rehabilitation counselors, which allows direct client work in rehabilitation settings with a different credential. Some master's graduates work as psychological assistants under doctoral-level supervision.
How long does it take to become a fully licensed rehabilitation psychologist?
The complete timeline typically spans 10-14 years including 4 years for a bachelor's degree, 5-7 years for a doctoral program (including internship), and 1-2 years of post-doctoral supervised experience before obtaining licensure. Some students complete the journey faster through accelerated programs or by entering doctoral programs directly from undergraduate studies.
Do I need to specialize in rehabilitation psychology during my doctoral program?
While helpful, formal specialization isn't always necessary during your doctoral program. Many rehabilitation psychologists complete clinical or counseling psychology PhD or PsyD programs with rehabilitation-focused internships and post-doctoral training. Some universities offer formal rehabilitation psychology specialization tracks within their doctoral programs. Post-doctoral fellowships in rehabilitation psychology provide another path to specialization.
What's the job outlook for rehabilitation psychologists?
The job outlook is strong with 6% projected growth for psychologists through 2034, faster than the national average. Demand is particularly robust in medical settings, rehabilitation hospitals, and facilities serving aging populations and veterans. The field offers excellent opportunities for psychologists interested in healthcare settings and working with diverse disability populations.
Can I work as a rehabilitation psychologist in private practice?
Yes, once you're fully licensed, you can establish a private practice specializing in rehabilitation psychology. However, most rehabilitation psychologists work in healthcare settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or Veterans Affairs facilities where interdisciplinary team collaboration is essential. Some practitioners combine part-time private practice with hospital or institutional employment.
Key Takeaways
- Doctoral degree is essential: Nearly all states require a PhD or PsyD in psychology from an accredited program to practice as a licensed rehabilitation psychologist.
- Extensive supervised experience required: Expect to complete 3,000-5,000 supervised clinical hours across pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral training before obtaining independent licensure.
- Strong earning potential: Rehabilitation psychologists earn a median salary of $94,310 annually, with experienced specialists in medical settings often earning $85,000-$120,000 or more.
- Positive job growth: The field is growing 6% through 2034, faster than average for all occupations, driven by aging populations and increased demand for rehabilitation services.
- Meaningful career impact: Help individuals with disabilities, injuries, and chronic conditions achieve maximum independence, quality of life, and successful community integration.
Ready to Start Your Rehabilitation Psychology Career?
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Additional Resources and Professional Organizations
- American Board of Rehabilitation Psychology (ABRP) - Specialty board certification for rehabilitation psychologists
- Division of Rehabilitation Psychology - APA Division 22 for rehabilitation psychology professionals
- American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine - Interdisciplinary organization advancing rehabilitation research and practice
- Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards - Licensing information and credentials banking
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Psychologists - Official employment and salary data
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists, Industrial-Organizational Psychologists, School Psychologists, Psychologists-All Other; Psychiatric Techs; Psychiatrists; Substance Abuse, Behavioral Health and Mental Health Counselors; Marriage & Family Therapists; and Social Workers are based on state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed October 2025.
