Book excerpt: Cultural differences affect the way people think, feel, and act. In an increasingly diverse society, multicultural competency in research and counseling is not merely a matter of political correctness. It is a matter of scientific and professional responsibility. Handbook of Multicultural Competencies in Counseling and Psychology is the first book to offer the theoretical background, practical knowledge, and training strategies needed to achieve multicultural competence. Focusing on a wide range of professional settings, editors Donald B. Pope-Davis, Hardin L.K. Coleman, William Ming Liu, and Rebecca L. Toporek provide a compendium of the latest research related to multicultural competency and the hands-on framework to develop specialized multicultural practices. Promoting an appreciation of cultural differences, this innovative text includes A review of major measures of multicultural competency An analysis of popular empirically supported treatments within the schema of multicultural competency Information on multicultural competencies and accreditation An overview of ethical implications Teaching strategies to achieve multicultural competency Handbook of Multicultural Competencies in Counseling and Psychology provides a comprehensive foundation for understanding and integrating multiculturalism in all areas of professional practice. Offering directions for growth and development, the editors and a distinguished group of contributors explore emerging issues within the field. An indispensable resource for psychologists, social workers, school counselors, and teachers, this handbook is also an ideal supplementary text for students in counseling and clinical practice courses.