This study explored students' use of high school counselors, and more specifically, the effect of a black counselor on the helper preference of students. A questionnaire composed of 21 items concerning personal, educational and vocational problems was presented to sophomore and junior students from the following types of high schools: (1) white student body, private, small city, no black teachers or counselors; (2) integrated, urban, black teachers and counselors; (3) rural, all white, no black teachers or counselors; and (4) white, small city, black and white teachers and counselors. Several limitations of the study were outlined and taken into account as indicative of the need for further in-depth research prior to drawing definitive conclusions from the present study. One of the most critical concerns indicated by the results was the low image students have of counselors as relevant helpers in personal-social problem areas. Of the results discussed, it was strongly suggested that black counselors would be well accepted in all but the rural school. (TL)