The Howard University Counseling Service Internship training program uses a practitioner-scholar model to prepare interns to be well-rounded, entry level psychologists with competencies in working with diverse populations. A minimum of 400 intervention hours is required of applicants. Also, a background in psychological assessment is preferred, given the required rotation in assessment at the DC Superior Court Child Guidance Clinic.

Interns complete one full year of specialized training in the substantive area of clinical/counseling psychology. A degree of self disclosure is expected. The work load is as follows:Direct Service Activities,Training Activities, Administrative Activities, Professional Development, Teaching, and Supervision. Our program utilizes a psychodynamic theoretical orientation, brief and long term therapy models, and includes special training in group therapy. The core training program consists of learning experiences in the following areas at HUCS: individual and group counseling and therapy, intake interviewing, University outreach, teaching, and supervision. 

There are also 3 rotational placements. One rotatoin is at Howard University Hospital's Inpatient Psychiatry Unit -1 halfday  per week for 4 months. On this rotation interns learn about inpatient treatment and diagnoses. Another  rotation is a forensic assessment rotation and takes place at the District of Columbia Superior Court's Child Guidance Clinic- one day every other week for 6 months interns conduct psychological assessments. Integrative reports are generally due on a weekly basis during the 6-month rotation. The third rotation is a two-month rotation based on individual choice. In the past, interns have chosen rotations in assessment, outreach, trauma, group, administration, etc. The program also includes a montly or biweekly research seminar second semester or during the summer months, a psychopharmacology seminar, and annual Diversity and professional development opportunities.