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 via D.C. charter schools.
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 an assessment rotation which takes place in D.C. charter schools- every other Monday for 4 months interns will conduct psychological assessments within various charter schools. Interns will be expected to produce 3 to 4 integrated reports during the 4-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.