Department Feature: Howard University Counseling Service

Ayana Watkins-Northern, Ph.D., chief psychologist and director of Clinical Services

The dedicated staff members of the University Counseling Service (UCS) provide the University Community with specialized counseling and psychological, crisis intervention, alcohol and drug prevention, training and educational services. While it primarily serves the student population, assisting students in their personal, social and career development, the UCS also provides Howard’s faculty and staff with vital intervention, consultation and referral services.

Led by Ayana Watkins-Northern, Ph.D., chief psychologist and director of Clinical Services, the UCS staff has served thousands of clients, helping them through periods of instability. “We hope to remove the stigma about seeking mental health services,” says Watkins-Northern. “Your mental health needs to be thought of in the same way as your physical health. They are equally important.”

Students or employees may be referred to the UCS when they seem unable to make good, sound judgments or seem to be experiencing the effects of a traumatic experience. A counselor will work with the individual to assess the problem and determine what is needed to stabilize the individual. For each client, the UCS gives careful consideration to matching the person with the right counselor to address his/her individual needs. If the treatment required is beyond the normal methods that the UCS is capable of providing, a referral will be made to an outside organization or mental health institution. If necessary, the counselor will also make appropriate contact with the student’s family.

Watkins-Northern stresses the fact that confidentiality is of the utmost importance and is strictly upheld with all clients with the only exception being when there is a potential threat to life. Maintaining the safety of the individual client and the University community is an ethical, moral and legal mandate for the clinical staff.

The UCS staff includes full-time psychologists, counselors, clinical social workers and a psychiatrist. In addition, clinical and counseling psychology students from different universities receive training through the UCS’ Pre-Doctoral Internship, Externship and Practicum Programs.

Because Howard’s student body is made up of people from more than 100 countries and five continents, psychology students are provided with a uniquely transnational training experience that prepares them to serve clients from diverse backgrounds and nationalities.

“We see our clinical psychology training program as a direct contribution to Howard’s goal of developing leaders for the global community,” says Watkins-Northern. “We are preparing Ph.D. clinicians to enter the health profession and become leaders in the area of diversity. The students understand the importance of a person’s difference and how that impacts the delivery of health services.” The program has been accredited by the American Psychological Association since 1985.

To educate the University Community about its various services, the UCS conducts outreach during orientation for new students and through residential staff, student organizations, and activities throughout the year. It also holds an annual wellness fair before spring break called “The Notorious Before Break Party” and participates in the National Depression Screening Day, held annually in October. In addition, the UCS has worked with University departments, academic chairs, faculty and other staff members to provide training on how to recognize indicators of potential maladaptive behavior and to properly recognize the warning signs of suicide and get help for the individual.

For more information about the University Counseling Service call (202) 806-6870. The UCS is located in The Student Resource Center, Building 19; 6th and Bryant Streets NW.