In this progress report on the community mental health centers program, the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health reviews existing patterns of support, community organization, staffing, and practice in the 256 centers funded during the past two years under the federal grants program. Early pessimism regarding rigidity of the federal regulations now seems unwarranted: diversity of local needs has resulted in a diversity of methods and flexibility in meeting those needs. The emerging profile of services now being offered provides a foundation upon which other communities can act as the program expands.
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