A supplementary text for counseling, clinical psychology, and social work courses emphasizing strategies for meeting the needs of diverse populations, this book provides a thorough background to helping professionals on the developmental, cultural, and special mental health needs and concerns of Native American Indian clients. The book provides practitioners with key cultural information as well as practical guidance that will enhance their credibility when they seek to help Native American Indian/Alaskan Native clients. It addresses key questions relevant to providing services to this population: What are the developmental challenges of Native clients? How can Native clients achieve a mature and healthy sense of themselves in relation to others? What are the specific cultural and ethnic issues in helping Native clients? What are the effective methods for establishing rapport and intervening with diverse Native populations, especially those whose concerns were historically ignored by society?.