One aspect of counselor competence is youth counseling competency (YCC) defined as the knowledge, skills, dispositions, and actions necessary to provide effective services to children and adolescents. Because trained counselors must be prepared to serve clients across the lifespan, YCC is a requirement of all professional counselors. Therefore, this study examined changes in trainees’ YCC throughout their practicum and internship courses and the role of direct hours with youth clients.
