This study investigates the controversy over whether or not culture has an effect on child and adolescent psychopathology. It presents the two opposing positions held in the field. The "universalists" argue that child and adolescent psychopathology is significantly similar across cultures. The "culturalists" argue that culture is a strikingly important factor when it comes to psychopathology. The study suggests that more cross-cultural studies of child and adolescent psychopathology are needed to make definite conclusions about the debate among the researchers since both sides are right to some degree. It suggests that the debate may not be a valid topic because some psychopathology can have a strong biological base and another psychopathology can have strong cultural influences. In addition, culture is too vague and global an area to study because it includes religion, community, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity. Before studies in culture could be conclusive, the topic would have to be described in more specific terms (i.e., religion or region). The paper concludes with some recommendations for successful multicultural therapy. Open-mindedness and cultural empathy are essential. Cultural empathy can be accomplished in three processes: knowing the background of the client, sensitively sharing the pain of the client, and expressing genuine concern and care for the client. (Contains 41 references.) (JDM)