Disclosed is a portable rehabilitation apparatus and method for use of the apparatus by a user or patient. The apparatus is adapted for transitioning between a collapsed state to facilitate the mobility of the rehabilitation robot (e.g., using wheels) and an open state for operation of the rehabilitation robot by the user. The apparatus includes the rehabilitation robot that is contained within a compartment defined by a housing which is made up of moveable portions. The apparatus also includes a mast assembly adapted to form a gap between the moveable housing portions in order to provide the user with access to the rehabilitation robot. The mast assembly is further adapted to collapse, thereby eliminating the gap and closing off the compartment when the rehabilitation robot is not in use.