Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Certificate

The Certificate of Graduate Study in Psychiatric Rehabilitation is an 18 credit-hour graduate certificate that is designed for post-bachelor's degree students and helping professionals who want to gain more knowledge and skills in working with individuals with severe mental illnesses. This program will give you the skills you need to provide superior client care.

The Certificate of Graduate Study in Psychiatric Rehabilitation is designed to meet the needs of students seeking a rehabilitation counseling or other related graduate degree, individuals seeking a specialty certificate (pre- or post-master's), and non-degree seeking students needing courses in psychiatric or mental health areas for continuing education credit. Courses within the certificate program are appropriate for rehabilitation counselors; counselors; social workers; educational psychologists; marriage and family counselors; majors in psychology, public health, sociology, nursing, or education; or individuals pursuing vocational or personal interests in the area of psychiatric rehabilitation or mental health.

Program Goal

Students will be able to demonstrate specialized knowledge, skills, and values in working with individuals with psychiatric disabilities to help them achieve their personal, vocational, social, and independent living goals through counseling activity.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will demonstrate knowledge, skills, and values related to the recovery-focused philosophy of psychiatric rehabilitation.
• Students will be able to describe the nature, course, and impact of psychiatric disorders and co-occurring substance use disorders.
• Students will be able to design individualized rehabilitation strategies that enhance an individual's ability to find and maintain satisfying employment.
• Students will be able to compare and contrast classroom-based learning of theory and principles to actual rehabilitation settings.

Admission Standards

Applicants to the Certificate of Graduate Study in Psychiatric Rehabilitation must have earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. Admissions decisions are made on the basis of an overall evaluation of the applicant's preparation and ability to complete advanced study. Particular attention is paid to the applicant's work experience, practice interests, leadership ability, and motivation. Appropriate supporting documentation for admissions include: GRE scores or MAT scores, transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work, written statement of goals for graduate study, work and volunteer experience, and references. Applications are made electronically through the Graduate School and, when all materials are received, are reviewed by the Rehabilitation Counseling/Psychiatric Rehabilitation program faculty.

Application Information

For additional information or application materials, contact Dr. Kerry Lachance or Mx. Brianna Newton at:

Certificate of Graduate Study in Psychiatric Rehabilitation
Department of Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Science
University of South Carolina
Clinical Education Building/Medical Park 15
Suite B-20
3555 Harden Street Extension
Columbia, SC 29203
Phone: 803-434-4296
Fax: 803-434-4231
e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]

Applicants whose native language is not English must: 

1. Submit a satisfactory score on an English proficiency test. 

2. Take a diagnostic test in English when they arrive at the university.