Methods and apparatus for client-based capabilities management for e.g., heterogeneous networks. In one exemplary embodiment, a client device associated with a cellular (e.g., EV-DO) network attempts to negotiate a session with a visited network while roaming. The negotiated session is selected from only the set of available capabilities (only the personalities which have a roaming agreement between the home network and the visited network), to ensure that the session negotiation can complete successfully. Once the session is negotiated, the visited network can execute standard authentication and authorization procedures with the assistance of the home network.