Associate Professor Lechowicz, Graduate Program Director, (516) 463-5786, Joseph.S.Lechowicz@hofstra.edu

The Master of Science in Education in Rehabilitation Counseling in Mental Health is designed for students who wish to qualify for the New York State license examination for mental health practitioners.  The program prepares students as professional counselors with specialized knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to assist persons with disabilities toward achieving their personal, social, psychological and vocational independence including appropriate employment and independent living.  It includes specialty courses by which students prepare for working in mental health and other specialized settings.  Graduates work in a variety of rehabilitation settings including state-federal rehabilitation agencies, mental health centers, medical centers, private rehabilitation agencies, Veteran’s Administration hospitals, substance abuse programs, independent living programs, insurance companies, private practice or other organizations serving persons with mental, emotional, social and physical disabilities.  They will be prepared to work as rehabilitation counselors, and be eligible for certification (CRC) as well as for the New York State Mental Health licensing exam.  Students must complete at least two clock hours of training in the identification and reporting of child abuse and maltreatment as part of their Internship study.

Prospective students with baccalaureate degrees can complete the comprehensive curriculum in two academic years.  Acceleration is possible with the approved transfer of a maximum of 12 appropriate course credits.  Part-time and nonmatriculated students, as well as those preparing for the CRC are accepted. 

Extensive fieldwork is an essential component of the academic training program.  A number of rehabilitation facilities in the Long Island and New York metropolitan areas provide prepracticum, practicum and internship experiences and training. 

The program has an outstanding record of graduates employed in the field; job placement and in-service education of graduates are actively promoted by the faculty.  Application to the program is made through the Office of Graduate Admissions.

Note:  National Rehabilitation Association, National Rehabilitation Counseling Association or American Counseling Association sponsored liability insurance is strongly recommended for internship students.  This insurance provides coverage while performing professional duties as a rehabilitation counselor in training.  Information may be obtained from the Graduate Program Director.