This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2026-2027 VCU Bulletin. Courses that expose students to cutting-edge content and transformative learning may be added and notification of additional program approvals may be received prior to finalization. General education program content is also subject to change. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.

RHAB 201. Introduction to Rehabilitation Services. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. This course has been designed to expose the student to the history and development of the rehabilitation movement. Topics explored include basic concepts and philosophies of rehabilitation, psychological and vocational adjustments of the disabled, and an examination of selected rehabilitation methods.

RHAB 202. General Substance Abuse Studies. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. This course is designed to help the student develop an appreciation of society's attitude about the use of drugs and alcohol, and each individual's responsibility in decisions about the use of drugs. Discussion is offered on specific characteristics of drugs, how addiction occurs and role of rehabilitation after addiction.

RHAB 300. Introduction to Community Mental Health Services. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. The course provides a foundational overview of community mental health services, focusing on the workforce roles, ethical standards, specialized service areas and systemic factors that shape the field. Students will explore the diverse settings where community mental health services are delivered, such as clinics, schools, crisis centers and non-profit organizations, and learn about the roles of professionals who support mental health in the community. Topics include an examination of workforce needs and challenges, ethical considerations and cultural competency, and service delivery models for specialized populations, such as those with severe mental illness, substance use disorders and trauma-related needs. Additionally, students will analyze the social, economic and policy factors impacting community mental health, gaining insights into the complex systems that influence access, quality and equity in mental health services. Through case studies, discussions and guest speakers, the course prepares students for further study and potential careers in community mental health, fostering a deeper understanding of this essential field.

RHAB 310. Community Based Case Management. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Case management is an important element of service provision in the human services field. Fundamentally, case management is the process of helping individuals to find and engage in services that are available in the community that will help them gain health, wellness, stability and accomplish their goals in their chosen environments. We call this the continuum of care that is facilitated with effective case management skills. Effective case management requires much more than knowing where to send clients for different services. Effective case management is based on sound comprehensive assessment and case conceptualization, is grounded in evidence-based practice, and requires helping skills in implementation. This course will include a review of community-based services but will nest the case management process in the context of strong clinical applications and collaboration skillsets. We will also explore materials that discuss case management as a critical service for individuals who are dealing with substance related and addictive disorders.

RHAB 321. Introduction to Substance Abuse. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: RHAB 202. Introduction to substance abuse as a progressive family disease with consideration of basic contributing factors (physiological, psychological and sociocultural builds on foundation established in RHAB 202); exposure to multidisciplinary rehabilitative approaches to arresting the disease, as well as some knowledge of intervention; brief mention of the highlights of the continuum of care available in the recovery process.

RHAB 350. Mental Health and Wellness. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. The course provides an in-depth exploration of key frameworks, conditions and practices essential for understanding and promoting mental health and wellness. Students will critically examine diagnostic systems such as the DSM, ICD and ICF, analyzing their roles and limitations in assessing mental health conditions and planning effective treatments. The course covers major mental health conditions, including mood, anxiety and psychotic disorders, with a focus on recognizing symptoms and implementing evidence-based coping strategies. The course approaches wellness as a multidimensional concept, encouraging students to evaluate lifestyle factors, self-care strategies and holistic approaches that enhance mental well-being in diverse life contexts. Through interactive learning, case studies and experiential activities, students will gain the knowledge and skills to promote personal and community mental wellness.

RHAB 420. Multicultural Mental Health Services. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: RHAB 300. Enrollment is restricted to students with junior or senior standing. The course provides an in-depth exploration of how cultural, racial and ethnic identities shape mental health experiences and outcomes. Students will critically examine the diverse ways mental health is understood across different cultures and analyze systemic factors—such as socioeconomic disparities, discrimination and historical trauma—that contribute to mental health inequities. Through readings, discussions and experiential exercises, students will develop culturally sensitive communication skills and engage in self-reflection to uncover personal biases. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to approach mental health issues with cultural awareness, empathy and an understanding of the complexities surrounding mental health in diverse populations.

RHAB 450. Theories and Techniques for Human Services. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: RHAB 300. Enrollment is restricted to students with junior or senior standing. The course introduces students to essential interviewing skills and foundational theories in human services, emphasizing effective client interaction and understanding human behavior and change. Through a blend of lecture, practice exercises and self-reflection, students will develop core competencies in active listening, open-ended questioning and empathy to build rapport with diverse clients. Additionally, students will explore key theories—such as cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and systems approaches—to inform their interviewing practices and understand client behavior. The course highlights ethical standards and cultural competence, equipping students with the tools to adapt their skills to varied client backgrounds and needs. By the end of the course, students will have a foundational skillset for professional client interactions and a theoretical framework to guide their approach to human services work.

RHAB 452. Basics of Crisis Intervention. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. Focus on the basics of crisis intervention for health professions. Topics include psychological first aid, assessment of risk including self harm and substance use, and basics of trauma informed care. The course will provide practical, ethical and evidence-informed skills health professionals can use in real-world helping situations.

RHAB 495. Practicum in Rehabilitation. 6,9 Hours.

Semester course; 3 credits. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Designed to provide opportunities for observation and participation in rehabilitation and related settings. Experiences are systematically related to theoretical concepts.

RHAB 502. American Sign Language I. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online or face-to-face). 3 credits. Introduces the rules and grammatical structure of ASL with a focus on grammar and vocabulary to increase the learner's expressive and receptive understanding of the language. Provides an introduction to Deaf culture and cross-cultural interactions, as well as to tactile and close-vision communication techniques used by individuals who are deaf-blind.

RHAB 503. American Sign Language II. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 credits. Provides continued study of the grammatical structure of ASL; introduction of additional vocabulary with emphasis on expressive and receptive competence; continued study of the tactile and close-vision communication techniques used by individuals who are deaf-blind; and continued study of the Deaf culture.

RHAB 512. Counseling Children and Adolescents. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. Provides an overview of theories, techniques and counseling issues relevant to children and adolescents. Students will learn the basics principles and procedures of play therapy. Students will explore historical and theoretical foundations of child/adolescent therapy and implement basic play therapy skills to facilitate self-exploration, self-expression, self-understanding, personal growth and development.

RHAB 513. Essential Aspects of Acquired Brain Injury. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. The brain is an intricate and complex organ that controls all essential aspects of the body ranging from thinking, moving and control of the function of other organs. Injury to the brain through internal and external means is a major public health problem and is often called a silent epidemic because of the physical, cognitive and emotional problems that are not always immediately apparent. This often results in problems at school, work or in formal and informal relationships, which manifest into short and long-term deficits that can lead to unemployment, poverty, isolation and suicide. The course will discuss the etiology of brain injury including outcomes typically associated with brain injury. The class would benefit health professions students interested in working in the field of brain injury and who seek specialized knowledge to advance their health career and/or gain brain injury certification.

RHAB 521. Addiction Counseling. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Provides a biopsychosocial overview of addiction and addictive disorders. Reviews contemporary theories of addiction, pharmacological classification of psychoactive substances and contemporary approaches toward assessment, diagnosis, treatment and community support. Reviews cultural, legal and historical factors regarding substance use and addictive processes.

RHAB 522. Clinical Evaluation, Assessment and Treatment Planning in Addiction Counseling. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online). 3 credits. Focuses on approaches to screening, assessment and clinical evaluation of substance and behavioral addiction; advanced diagnosis including co-occurring disorders; clinical treatment planning; prevention; relapse prevention; and harm reduction approaches.

RHAB 523. Contemporary Issues in Addiction Counseling. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online). 3 credits. Examines current issues and research in the field. Topics include ethical decision-making, attachment and trauma, cultural intersections in addiction, perinatal addiction, adolescent/teen/family addiction, and medication assisted therapy.

RHAB 525. Introduction to Rehabilitation Counseling. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. The course provides an overview of the history, philosophy, legislation and organizational structure of the rehabilitation counseling profession, with a focus on the attitudinal, social and environmental barriers that impact the inclusion of people with disabilities. Emphasis is placed on developing a strong professional identity and understanding the roles and functions of rehabilitation counselors. The course also addresses key legal and ethical considerations, as well as current trends and emerging issues within rehabilitation counseling practice.

RHAB 526. Introduction to Mental Health Counseling. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Provides an overview of history, philosophy, legislation, organizational structure and trends in mental health counseling. Focuses on advocacy; professional identity, roles and functions; ethics; counseling certification and licensure; and career options.

RHAB 533. Directed Readings in Rehabilitation. 1-3 Hours.

Semester course; 1-3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. Provides intensive study in one or more topical areas of rehabilitation through directed readings under the supervision of a faculty member.

RHAB 611. Theories of Professional Counseling. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. Provides a deep understanding of the major theoretical approaches, models and strategies to effective counseling, consultation, prevention, advocacy and wellness programs with an emphasis on common factors and evidence-based effectiveness. The intent is to assist students in developing an ethical and culturally relevant yet personal model of counseling.

RHAB 612. Group Counseling Theories and Techniques. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Reviews theoretical foundations of group work, group dynamics and processes, group therapeutic factors, and characteristics and functions of effective group leaders. Reviews ethical and culturally relevant strategies for designing, implementing and facilitating a variety of group approaches. Provides experience in group participation and development of group leadership skills.

RHAB 613. Advanced Rehabilitation Counseling Seminar. 3-9 Hours.

3-9 lecture hours. 3-9 credits. Prerequisites: RHAB 611 and RHAB 612 or permission of instructor. This course is designed to provide an opportunity for students to undertake a more in-depth study of selected approaches to individual and/or group counseling of rehabilitation clients. Principles and techniques relevant to vocational, educational, and personal adjustment problems related to severe and multiple disabilities will be systematically explored and studied. Audio visual tape experience will be offered.

RHAB 614. Counseling Grief, Mourning, and Bereavement. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. The course offers an in-depth study of mourning and the grief process. Students explore aspects of theories and psychosocial processes of grief in natural and accidental death as well as other losses and life transitions. Types of grief will be explored along with knowledge and skills required by counselors to effectively support a diverse range of clients.

RHAB 615. Human Growth and Development. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Examines the major themes of research on human development over the lifespan -- from conception through adulthood. Focuses on the physical, emotional, social and cognitive aspects across the lifespan. Emphasizes how developmental processes relate to persons with disabilities and impact the work of rehabilitation and other helping professions.

RHAB 616. Couples and Family Counseling. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Provides an overview of approaches to couples and family counseling. Instruction in the theoretical foundation and interventions in couples and family therapy will be examined.

RHAB 623. Career Counseling and Job Placement. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. The course provides an overview of major theories of career development, especially those most relevant to rehabilitation and mental health counseling practice and examines career counseling strategies that integrate these theoretical and practical foundations. The course explores occupational information, job‑matching systems and major job placement approaches and techniques, with a particular emphasis on demand‑side job placement.

RHAB 624. Assessment and Evaluation. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. The course examines the principles of measurement, assessment and diagnosis in rehabilitation and mental health counseling. Students will learn to select, administer, score and interpret a range of contemporary psychological and vocational assessments, with attention to test validity, reliability and basic statistical concepts. The course also emphasizes appropriate test use with individuals with disabilities, including procedures for accommodations and accessibility in the testing process. In addition, students will explore major domains of assessment as well as key professional issues such as the history of assessment, legal and ethical considerations, and current trends in evaluation within counseling practice.

RHAB 625. Research and Program Evaluation. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Examines basic principles rehabilitation research and program evaluation, including an emphasis on the critical review of published research for use in rehabilitation and mental health counseling practice. Focuses on students' understanding of the application of research and program evaluation tools to enhance the quality of rehabilitation services delivered.

RHAB 633. Case Management. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. Explores history, theory, practice and ethics of case management, as well as the full range of community resources as these contribute to successful outcomes. Reviews and critically analyzes benefit systems, treatment and life care planning, coordination and delivery of services, disability management, documentation and case studies.

RHAB 640. Medical and Psychosocial Aspects of Disabilities. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. Provides an overview of the major disabilities encountered by rehabilitation and mental health counselors. Focuses on functional limitations and the process of psychological adjustment.

RHAB 642. Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Health Disorders. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Examines the major mental disorders and their etiology, prevalence, diagnosis and impact on individuals and society. Reviews the prevailing multiaxial classification systems and diagnostic processes, procedures and nomenclatures currently used in clinical practice. Provides an overview of rehabilitation and mental health treatment planning and interventions using a biopsychosocial framework.

RHAB 644. Crisis and Trauma Counseling. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Focuses on the biopsychosocial and developmental effects of crisis, disasters and trauma on diverse individuals across the lifespan. Overviews trauma-informed and trauma-specific assessment and counseling interventions and strategies. Professional areas of risk assessment and crisis response will be addressed. The promotion of resilience and post-traumatic growth in counseling will be discussed.

RHAB 654. Multicultural Counseling. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. The course provides an overview of the diverse social and cultural contexts that shape counseling relationships, emphasizing both historical and contemporary trends in a multicultural society. Students will examine major theories of multicultural counseling and the ways in which human development, family influences, gender, race, ethnicity, ability and other intersecting identities shape client experiences. Emphasis is placed on developing the awareness, knowledge and skills needed to work effectively with clients from a wide range of backgrounds.

RHAB 681. Institutes and Workshops in Rehabilitation. 1-3 Hours.

Orientation institutes and other short-term training programs are offered for rehabilitation counselors newly recruited to the rehabilitation field and for the further professional development of those already employed. Content will vary according to the aims of the institutes or workshops. Length of time and number of credits are announced prior to each institute or workshop.

RHAB 682. Institutes and Workshops in Rehabilitation. 1-3 Hours.

Orientation institutes and other short-term training programs are offered for rehabilitation counselors newly recruited to the rehabilitation field and for the further professional development of those already employed. Content will vary according to the aims of the institutes or workshops. Length of time and number of credits are announced prior to each institute or workshop.

RHAB 683. Institutes and Workshops in Rehabilitation. 1-3 Hours.

Orientation institutes and other short-term training programs are offered for rehabilitation counselors newly recruited to the rehabilitation field and for the further professional development of those already employed. Content will vary according to the aims of the institutes or workshops. Length of time and number of credits are announced prior to each institute or workshop.

RHAB 684. Institutes and Workshops in Rehabilitation. 1-3 Hours.

Orientation institutes and other short-term training programs are offered for rehabilitation counselors newly recruited to the rehabilitation field and for the further professional development of those already employed. Content will vary according to the aims of the institutes or workshops. Length of time and number of credits are announced prior to each institute or workshop.

RHAB 685. Institutes and Workshops in Rehabilitation. 1-3 Hours.

Orientation institutes and other short-term training programs are offered for rehabilitation counselors newly recruited to the rehabilitation field and for the further professional development of those already employed. Content will vary according to the aims of the institutes or workshops. Length of time and number of credits are announced prior to each institute or workshop.

RHAB 686. Institutes and Workshops in Rehabilitation. 1-3 Hours.

Orientation institutes and other short-term training programs are offered for rehabilitation counselors newly recruited to the rehabilitation field and for the further professional development of those already employed. Content will vary according to the aims of the institutes or workshops. Length of time and number of credits are announced prior to each institute or workshop.

RHAB 687. Institutes and Workshops in Rehabilitation. 1-3 Hours.

Orientation institutes and other short-term training programs are offered for rehabilitation counselors newly recruited to the rehabilitation field and for the further professional development of those already employed. Content will vary according to the aims of the institutes or workshops. Length of time and number of credits are announced prior to each institute or workshop.

RHAB 688. Institutes and Workshops in Rehabilitation. 1-3 Hours.

Orientation institutes and other short-term training programs are offered for rehabilitation counselors newly recruited to the rehabilitation field and for the further professional development of those already employed. Content will vary according to the aims of the institutes or workshops. Length of time and number of credits are announced prior to each institute or workshop.

RHAB 689. Institutes and Workshops in Rehabilitation. 1-3 Hours.

Orientation institutes and other short-term training programs are offered for rehabilitation counselors newly recruited to the rehabilitation field and for the further professional development of those already employed. Content will vary according to the aims of the institutes or workshops. Length of time and number of credits are announced prior to each institute or workshop.

RHAB 691. Counseling Techniques. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. The course includes didactic learning and experiential practice of counseling and helping skills. Learning will focus on interviewing, attending and listening skills; building and maintaining a therapeutic relationship; and strategies and interventions to engage and sustain the client change process.

RHAB 692. Counseling Practicum. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 clinic/field experience hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: RHAB 691. Supervised field experience in mental health and rehabilitation counseling and classroom group guidance on professional identity, roles and functions, counseling practice issues, ethics, and specialized techniques. Includes 100 hours of supervised rehabilitation and/or mental health counseling practicum clinical experience.

RHAB 693. Supervised Clinical Practice in Rehabilitation Counseling. 3,6 Hours.

Semester course; 3 or 6 clinic and/or field experience hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 or 6 credits. Must be repeated for six credits. Prerequisite: RHAB 692. Enrollment is restricted to students who have completed 30 graduate credits. Emphasizes mastery of setting-specific roles and functions of the professional clinical rehabilitation counselor. Stresses ethical decision-making in practice. Involves scheduled seminars, supervision and meetings with faculty and agency supervisor.

RHAB 694. Job Placement in Rehabilitation. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Explores occupational information, job matching systems and job placement approaches. Focuses on demand-side job development, job seeking skills training, supported employment, transitional work and placement techniques including job analyses, ADA implementation and labor market surveys.

RHAB 695. Supervised Clinical Practice in Mental Health Counseling. 3,6 Hours.

Semester course; 3 or 6 clinic and/or field experience hours (delivered online or face-to-face). 3 or 6 credits. Must be repeated for six credits. Prerequisite: RHAB 692. Enrollment is restricted to students who have completed 30 graduate credits. Emphasizes mastery of setting-specific roles and functions of the professional clinical mental health counselor. Stresses ethical decision-making in practice. Involves scheduled seminars, supervision and meetings with faculty and agency supervisor.

RHAB 696. Supervised Clinical Practice in Rehabilitation and Mental Health. 3-9 Hours.

Semester course; 3-9 clinic/field experience hours. 3-9 credits (3 credits per 200 hours of supervised internship). May be repeated in increments of three credits; must have nine credits toward degree completion. Prerequisite: RHAB 692. Enrollment is restricted to students who have completed 30 graduate credits. Emphasizes mastery of setting-specific roles and functions of the professional rehabilitation and mental health counselor. Stresses ethical decision-making in practice. Involves scheduled seminars and meetings with faculty and agency supervisor.

RHAB 697. Supervised Clinical Practice in Counseling. 1-6 Hours.

Semester course; 1-6 credits. (1 credit per 100 hours of supervised internship.) May be repeated to a maximum of 9 credits. Prerequisite: Admission into advanced certificate in professional counseling program. Emphasizes advanced development of counseling skills pursuant to licensure or other post-master's training needs. Stresses ethical decision making in practice. Involves scheduled seminars and meetings with faculty and agency supervisor.