Client and practitioner perspectives on multicultural counseling competence

As the population of the United States becomes more diverse, it is important that research be done to inform the implementation of psychological services that meet the needs of a wide variety of ethnic and socioeconomic groups. Research suggests that minority and low-SES clients with mental health disorders are underserved and receive inferior care when they do receive treatment. Although a large body of theory on multicultural counseling competence (MCC) has been developed over the last 30 years, little empirical research has been done in this area. This research proposal reviews the current research and theory and proposes the development and norming of a consumer measure of MCC.