Predictors of observer ratings of multicultural counseling competence in Black, Latino, and White American trainees

Using transcribed intake sessions of 52 counselor- client dyads, this study explored the relative contributions of (a) counselor and client race or et hnicity, (b) counselor- client racial or ethnic match, (c) previous academi c training in multicultural counseling, and (d) self-reported multicultural counseling competence to observer ratings of trainees' multicultural couns eling competence. Results revealed that (a) Black American and Latino, Amer ican counselor trainees were rated as more multiculturally competent than t heir White American peers, and (b) prior multicultural training was positiv ely predictive of observer-rated multicultural counseling competence. Impli cations of the findings for counselor training and practice are presented.