The impact of cultural variables on the clinical and personality assessment of Asian Americans is discussed, with emphasis on Chinese Americans. Any assessment procedures must take into account the diversity of Asian Americans, who belong to more than 29 distinct subgroups that are heterogeneous in language, religion, custom, degree of acculturation, and socioeconomic status. Asian Americans have generally been inadequately represented in normative samples of standardized traits, resulting in a negative framework that labels Asian Americans globally and interprets differences from the norm as deficits in ability or character. Cultural values can affect the thematic values of tests and clinical interviews, as well as perception. Clinicians who differ in language or culture from their clients may encounter difficulties in assessment, including difficulties in translation. Diagnosis should move from the delineation of trait and typology toward becoming a tool for intervention. Cultural views must be understood as they affect adaptation and the development of cognitive and emotional skills. An 11-item list of references is included. (SLD)