Zabrya Robson, a behavior health counselor at Community Care of West Virginia, came to West Virginia University knowing she wanted to help others. She earned her undergraduate degree at WVU, and then when looking for a master’s program to pursue counseling, she once again chose WVU largely because of the flexibility of the clinical rehabilitation and mental health counseling program.

B.S., Sport and Exercise Psychology, WVU (2021)
M.S., Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling, WVU (2023)
Hometown: Moundsville, W.Va.
Occupation: Behavioral Health Counselor, Community Care of West Virginia

What was your motivation behind pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling?

I had always known that I wanted to help others and a master’s degree is necessary in the field of counseling. I also wanted to be as knowledgeable as possible in order to help people as best as I can.

Why did you choose WVU’s program?

I chose the program at WVU due to its great reputation and flexibility. I had always been interested in working with individuals of various abilities, and this online program was the only one with a mental health and rehabilitation component.

What are the strengths/benefits of the program format?

The flexibility of the online program made it possible to get my degree on my own terms and at my own pace. I also feel as though I learned a lot because of the amount of research and hands-on learning that is needed to complete the program.

Working in the field, how do you apply the knowledge and skills you gained in the program in a practical setting?

The skills that I learned from this program help me every single day in my role at Community Care of West Virginia. Community Care is an integrated worksite where I work with individuals in a rehabilitation and mental health setting. But on top of the skills I learned, I still think one of the biggest keys is to always be kind and patient with individuals.

What are some of the biggest challenges professionals in the field face?

I think one of the biggest challenges that professionals face is separating yourself from your work.

What are your career aspirations?

I have a few career aspirations, such as becoming a family and couple’s therapist, or possibly a sex and intimacy therapist in the distant future. I want to help other people understand the thoughts and feelings of friends and family so they can thrive.

What is the best thing about being a Mountaineer?

The sense of community that all Mountaineers share!