This paper provides CORE-OM intake norms for a South African university counseling service, and compares these to the United Kingdom counseling service data reported by Connell, Barkham and Mellor-Clark (2007). The South African norms are very similar to the United Kingdom norms, with no statistical differences in the total or domain scores. There were, however, statistically significant differences in the South African data between black and white clients: black clients report higher total, life functioning and risk scores, indicating greater levels of distress. Black clients are also more likely to present with intake scores above the severe clinical cut-off point, and more likely to report suicidal ideation. It is argued that these differences are the result of the persistent inequalities entrenched during apartheid. (Contains 4 tables and 2 notes.)