Over the last two decades, there has been a significant increase in the number of psychologists working in medical settings, driven by a growing awareness of the emotional and behavioral factors that influence health and illness. While many rehabilitation psychologists are found in psychiatry departments, they have also become integral members of various medical specialties, including pediatrics, geriatrics, primary care, family medicine, anesthesiology, and rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation psychologists work in diverse settings such as university medical schools, public and private hospitals, community-based rehabilitation centers focusing on specific populations like brain or spinal cord injury patients, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and specialized private practices. Their expertise is essential in addressing the psychological aspects of recovery, enhancing overall patient outcomes.