Mentoring & Counseling

Counseling Services Offered at Howard University and the Office of Medical Education

The College of Medicine has expanded the mental health and personal counseling services available to medical students. Personal counseling is defined as concerns that are not primarily of a psychiatric or psychological nature, excluding academic and financial concerns. The College of Medicine offers the following mental health and personal counseling service options:

  • University Counseling Services -- Mental health and personal counseling services are offered through the University Counseling Center, located at the corner of Sixth and Bryant Streets, Room G7. These services are designed to deliver a full range of psychological services, individual and group counseling/treatment and psychotherapy, psycho-diagnostic assessment, crisis intervention and consultation, as well as alcohol/drug prevention/education for the entire university community in a confidential manner.
  • Access to External Psychiatrists and Clinical Psychologists -- Beginning April 2011, medical students will have the option of seeking services from psychiatrists and psychologists on a list of external, community-based providers identified by the Dean’s Office. The list of providers can be obtained by contacting the Office of Medical Education (OME).

The OME will ensure that the needs of the medical students are met through one of the aforementioned options. This process will be overseen by the staff in OME. If you have questions or concerns regarding these mental health and personal counseling options, feel free to contact Dr. David Rose (darose@howard.edu) or Ms. Lea (klea@howard.edu) or by calling 806-6282.

Office of Medical Education (OME)

OME offers an academic counseling service that includes assistance with learning skills, assignment to tutors, and/or referral to other University services. Students who would like to discuss their academic performance may visit Dr. David Rose or Ms. Kelda Lea in Room 110 of the Seeley G. Mudd Building or may telephone them at (202) 806-6282.

  1. Learning Skills Program. During freshman orientation week and periodically throughout the academic year, students participate in seminars to strengthen study and learning skills, including time management and organization techniques. Workshops are also presented to assist students in understanding and memorizing information, using information to answer questions and solve problems, taking lecture notes, using group study effectively, taking multiple choice examinations, and managing time and stress in the medical school curriculum.
  2. Academic Counseling Program. Immediately after examinations, OME identifies and contacts freshman and sophomore students in academic difficulty. Students may receive academic counseling, assistance with learning skills, tutorial support, or referral to other University services.
  3. Tutorial Program. Medical student tutors may be assigned to students to assist them in handling course content. Tutors are selected on the basis of scholastic standing, personality, and interest.
  4. Summer Directed Study Program. Freshman and sophomore students may remove one or two course deficiencies by attending the four to six week tutorial programs conducted by medical student tutors under faculty supervision, and passing re examinations administered by the faculty at the end of the program.
  5. Exam Preparation Program. Aid in preparation for the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 is provided through faculty review sessions coordinated by OME and through medical student tutor review sessions. Exam preparation sessions sponsored by OME are available upon request for course examinations and for the USMLE Step 2.
  6. Academic Support for Students with Disabilities. In accordance with federal legislation regarding individuals with disabilities, the OME provides academic support services upon request.

Academic Counseling

Students having academic difficulty may utilize the services of the Office of Medical Education, the faculty advisors, the University Counseling Service, as well as department chairmen and faculty and the Office of the Dean. For academic policies, please refer to the booklet University and College of Medicine Policies Affecting Students and the College of Medicine Schedules booklet. These booklets are given to each student at registration.

The Howard University Counseling Service

The University Counseling Service provides individual and group counseling free of charge to all university students. Students may walk in or make appointments. The hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday-Friday. Services offered include educational and career counseling, personal counseling, and academic skills work. Personal counseling and therapy are provided by professional staff members, who have advanced degrees in psychology or education, and by graduate students under close supervision. The Counseling Service is located in the C. B. Powell Building, Sixth and Bryant Streets. The number is 806 6870/73. Confidentiality is strictly maintained.

Access to External Psychiatrists and Clinical Psychologists

Medical students will have the option of seeking services from psychiatrists and psychologists on a list of external, community-based providers identified by the Dean’s Office. The list of providers can be obtained by contacting the Office of Medical Education (OME).