The purpose of the internship program is to train generalist practitioners who are interested in developing competence and confidence for work as psychologists in a university counseling center or other outpatient mental health setting. The training experience includes the supervised practice of brief initial consultations/assessments; short-term, solution-focused individual therapy; group counseling; crisis interventions; consultation and outreach to the university community; and peer supervision with fellow interns. Other opportunities available to interns may include eating disorder assessment and treatment, alcohol and drug assessment and treatment, psychological assessment, and the development of preventive programs and interventions for issues or populations of the intern's own interest.
The agency places significant value and emphasis on multicultural competency development. Training staff interests and the diverse composition of the student population necessitate interns utilizing a multicultural perspective, no matter their theoretical orientation. Consistent with the principles and ethical code of our profession, Mental Health Services at Johns Hopkins University, and therefore, the Homewood Counseling Center, values diversity and individual differences (e.g., race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, social class, age, ability, etc.). We are committed to training our interns to work effectively with clients who represent a full range of diverse identities and experiences. In keeping with this objective, it is expected that our interns will welcome and be open to and engaged in this learning opportunity. It is also expected that interns will actively engage in seminars and other experiences where self-exploration with the aim of increasing multicultural competency in service to our clients is essential.
Individual supervision is a cornerstone of the program. Interns receive two hours of individual clinical supervision per week from a primary supervisor who is a licensed psychologist. Interns will switch supervisors halfway through their internship year. Interns have secondary supervisors for each of their group counseling and outreach experiences. Additional clinical supervision is available as necessary. In addition to individual supervision, interns meet with a licensed psychologist and potentially with other clinical staff members weekly for two hours in a group format to discuss cases and provide peer supervision to each other. Interns also participate in weekly seminars throughout the year focusing on topics that are relevant to clinical practice in a university counseling center and/or for their professional development.
Interns meet in a support group with a licensed member of the Mental Health Services staff for one hour per week. The group is a space for interns to process their experiences and to raise issues and concerns. Additionally, interns may meet weekly with the Training Director for additional support, to discuss updates, and to review the nuts and bolts of the program.
As part of their professional development, interns participate in agency committees and professional development opportunities.