Examines California confidentiality laws to exemplify differences in privileges held by psychotherapists and by the clergy. Advises clergy who are also practicing psychotherapists to be clear which role they are filling since confidentiality covers a broader area of communications for the psychotherapist than for the clergyperson. (Author/ABB)

Four accountability questions and corresponding data sets are identified. Examples of evaluation procedures that can be used in response to each accountability question are provided. Four steps for implementing a proactive approach to accountability are presented. (Author)

Assessed the effect of counselor responsibility for discipline on perceptions of counselor credibility and on influence of the counselor on high school students (N=185). Results indicated that students' perceptions of counselor credibility are not adversely affected by the counselor being assigned responsibility for discipline. (LLL)

A counselor role questionnaire was developed to assess attitudes toward 12 counselor roles, 10 of which were modifications of the major role activities outlined in the ASCA policy statement. The roles of ombudsman and change agent were added. Results indicate that students, administrators, teachers and parents view all 12 roles as appropriate.…

Critically examines the Black experience from historical and contemporary perspectives, looking at the changing demographics of the United States, with the Black population increasing at twice the rate of the White population, and at discrimination. Reviews theoretical articles and empirical research on counseling Blacks. Emphasizes issues related…

Focuses on weaknesses in behavioral science articles dealing with Mexican-Americans, including: (1) overgeneralization; (2) misinterpretation of data; (3) adherence to cultural blame syndrome; and (4) inappropriate treatment suggestions. Although research is needed to understand the educational problems of Mexican-Americans, a more thoughtful…

The purpose of this study was to determine if high school students would rate the counselor's credibility differently when the counselor functioned as an agent of social change rather than as an agent of social conformity. Females tended to rate the conformity role highest. (Author)

The results of two surveys investigating support for psychologists' roles advocated by the three-dimensional model of multicultural counseling are reported. Vignettes used varied high/low acculturation and internal/external etiology of problem. Psychologists rated roles somewhat differently than Asian- American university students; however,…

Examines the shortcomings of traditional counselor selection and training procedures, and presents suggestions for improving them vis-a-vis human rights counseling. Discusses recruitment and admission issues in counselor selection and the goals of human rights counseling. (Author/RC)

Provides an overview of state-mandated minimum competency testing programs. Describes the potential impact of competency testing on the school counselor. Proposes actions counselors might take to protect student well-being and counselor functions from misdirected regulation. (RC)

Describes how a guidance task force, consisting of counselors and teachers, sought and obtained community and professional support to defeat a proposed staff realignment plan in the Santa Barbara secondary schools. The Comprehensive Guidance Plan would have eliminated all guidance counselor positions. (Author/JAC)

Asian-American college students (N=557) completed a demographic questionnaire, a self-identity acculturation scale, and a measure of attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help. A 3 x 2 x 2 multivariate analysis showed a positive correlation between level of acculturation and willingness to seek professional psychological help. (TE)