Jill Bezyak

PhD, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2008.
Area of Study: Rehabilitation Psychology

MS, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2000.
Area of Study: Rehabilitation Psychology

BA, Miami University, 1999.
Area of Study: Psychology

Professor, University of Northern Colorado
Department of Rehabilitation & Human Services (2018-Present)

Program Coordinator, University of Northern Colorado
Department of Rehabilitation & Human Services (2016-Present)

Associate Professor, University of Northern Colorado
Department of Rehabilitation & Human Services (2013-2018)

Postdoctoral Fellow, North Range Behavioral Health, Greeley, CO
(2010-2012)

Assistant Professor, University of Northern Colorado
Department of Rehabilitation & Human Services (2008-2013)

Rehabilitation Counseling Internships: Implications for State VR Agencies and Rehabilitation Counseling Programs

Previous research clearly points to shortages of qualified rehabilitation counselors in state vocational rehabilitation (VR) programs. Despite various explanations and specific strategies to address this ongoing problem with recruitment and retention, shortages of qualified rehabilitation counselors persist. In order to understand the separation between internship completion and ongoing employment, the current study aimed to explore the strengths and limitations of internships taking place at state VR agencies from a trainee perspective, along with career aspirations of trainees.

Areas of Interest

• Health promotion of individuals with chronic illness and disabilities
• Psychiatric rehabilitation
• ADA implementation
• Dual diagnosis
• Evidence-based practice in rehabilitation counseling

• Bezyak, J.L., Clark, A., Chiu, C.Y., Chan, F., & Testerman, N. (2016). Physical and mental health behaviors among individuals with severe mental illness: A comprehensive needs assessment. Journal of Applied Rehabilitation Counseling, 47(3), 15-21.
• Bezyak, J. & Clark, A. (2016). Promoting physical and mental health among college students: A needs assessment. Rehabilitation Research, Policy, and Education, 30(2), 188-192.
• Tansey, T.N, Bezyak, J., Kaya, C., Ditchman, N., & Catalano, D. (2016). Resilience and quality of life: An investigation of Kumpfer’s resilience model with persons with spinal cord injuries. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, https://doi.org/10.1177/0034355216655146
• Clark, A., Bezyak, J., & Testerman, N. (2015). Individuals with Severe Mental Illnesses have Improved Eating Behaviors after Attending a Six Week Nutrition Education Cooking Class. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, https://doi.org/10.1037/prj0000112
• Bezyak, J., Yan, M., Kang, H., Burke, J., & Chan, F. (2014). Communities of practice to improve employment outcomes: A needs assessment. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-013-9494-1
• Bezyak, J.L., Chan, F., Chiu, C.Y., Kaya, K., & Huck, G. (2014). Validating a Lifestyle Physical Activity Measure for People with Mental Illness. Rehabilitation Research, Policy, and Education, 28(3), 200-204.
• Tansey, T.N, Bezyak, J., Chan, F., Leahy, M.J., & Lui, J. (2014). Social cognitive predictors of readiness to use evidence-based practice: A survey of state vocational rehabilitation counselors. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, https://doi.org/10.3233/JVR-140705
• Bezyak, J., Ditchman, N. Burke, J., & Chan, F. (2013). Communities of practice: A knowledge translation tool for rehabilitation professionals. Rehabilitation Research, Policy, and Education, 15, 89-103.
• Chan, F., Bezyak, J., & Lui, J. (2013). Development and validation of the evidence-based practice-VR survey. Madison, WI: Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Evidence-Based VR Practice.
• Bezyak, J., Chan. F., Lee, E.J., Catalano, D., and Chiu, C.Y. (2012). Physical activity in individuals with severe mental illness: Client vs. case manager ratings. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 56(1), 62-64.