Volume 13, Issue 5 (May 2026), Pages: 206-215

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 Original Research Paper

Psychological counseling services for persons with disabilities in rehabilitation centers: Evidence from social work practice in Vietnam

 Author(s): 

M. A. Do Thi Kim Hue, Nguyen Trung Hai *

 Affiliation(s):

Social Work Faculty, University of Labor and Social Affairs, Hanoi, Vietnam

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 * Corresponding Author. 

   Corresponding author's ORCID profile:  https://orcid.org/0009-0009-2831-2616

 Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

 
https://doi.org/10.21833/ijaas.2026.05.019

 Abstract

Psychological counseling is an important component of social work services in residential rehabilitation centers for persons with disabilities (PWDs). However, limited evidence is available on counseling practices, perceived effectiveness, and professional competence in low- and middle-income countries, including Vietnam. This mixed-methods study was conducted at a public residential rehabilitation center in Vietnam. Quantitative data were collected through a structured survey of 148 PWDs selected from the center’s disability management records and assessed for their ability to participate. Analyses related to psychological counseling focused on 58 PWDs who had directly received counseling services. Qualitative data were obtained through non-participant observation and semi-structured interviews with PWDs and caregivers (n = 6), social workers (n = 4), and center leaders (n = 2). Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, and qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The results showed that stress-relief counseling and supportive conversations were the most common counseling activities. Individual face-to-face counseling was the most widely used and was considered the most effective approach, while group and telephone counseling were less common and showed more varied effectiveness ratings. Social workers received generally positive evaluations, especially regarding ethics and attitudes, although differences were observed in counseling methods and practical skills. The findings emphasize the need for continuous professional development and interdisciplinary collaboration.

 © 2026 The Authors. Published by IASE.

 This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

 Keywords

Psychological counseling, Residential rehabilitation, Persons with disabilities, Social work services, Vietnam

 Article history

Received 16 January 2026, Received in revised form 7 May 2026, Accepted 21 May 2026

 Acknowledgment

This research was supported by the University of Labor and Social Affairs under the institutional research funding program. The authors sincerely thank all students and participants who contributed to this study. 

 Compliance with ethical standards

 Ethical considerations

The study adhered to ethical principles of social research, including voluntary participation, informed consent, confidentiality, and respect for participants’ dignity. All participants were informed about the purpose of the study and their right to withdraw at any time without consequences. Identifying information was removed from transcripts and datasets, and all data were used solely for academic research purposes. 

 Citation:

Hue MADTK and Trung Hai N (2026). Psychological counseling services for persons with disabilities in rehabilitation centers: Evidence from social work practice in Vietnam. International Journal of Advanced and Applied Sciences, 13(5): 206-215

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