Rehabilitation counselors help people manage mental and physical disabilities. They help patients live as independently as possible.

Rehabilitation counselors work with patients who have physical, mental, or emotional disabilities. Often, they work with people who were born with a disability. They may work with people who, after an accident or illness, have a permanent disability.

Rehabilitation counselors work one-on-one with patients. They design exercises that teach patients how to perform necessary skills. They may train them to do light tasks, such as sweeping and dusting.

They create new ways for patients to complete tasks they used to perform easily. This may mean that a patient may need to learn how to use special tools and devices. Rehabilitation counselors may help patients learn how to use braces and wheelchairs.

Part of rehabilitation counseling is working with others to help patients. When developing treatment plans, counselors often consult with:

• Families
• Doctors
• Social workers
• Other therapists

They also often work directly with a patient's coworkers and managers.

They can advise others on how to work with the patient. They can also identify any potential problems, such as a physical barrier, so that necessary changes can be made.