The reality of minorities is complex since their basic values, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors have been shaped by their life experiences. Therefore, in the case of minority inmates, specifically Puerto Rican inmates, a nontraditional counseling approach is recommended. A multicultural approach to counseling is described that focuses on social, experiential, and environmental factors as they relate to individual needs for cognitive congruence and balance among beliefs and behaviors. Conflicting experiences and beliefs of Puerto Rican inmates are examined, along with underlying assumptions of an alternative conceptualization of inmate experiences, beliefs, and behaviors. Beliefs of Puerto Rican inmates are compared with those of the dominant white culture in American society. The importance of developing assessment tools to investigate inmate attitudes, beliefs, and values is emphasized, and recommendations for counselors who work with Puerto Rican inmates are offered. An appendix contains a comparison of multicultural belief and value systems. 43 references