This article briefly reviews the literature on matrix organizational designs and discusses the ways in which the matrix design might be applied to the special features of a community mental health center. The phases of one community mental health center's experience in adopting a matrix organizational structure are described. (Author)

Discusses the origin, development, and future of the Office of Health Information and Health Promotion (OHIHP) established in 1976. Inadequate funding has prevented the OHIHP from executing plans for educating the public in better nutrition practices. (MA)

Consultation with community mental health agencies is necessary, the rationale being that: (1) traditional approaches of therapy are expensive; (2) consultation can interrelate total existing social service networks; and (3) community change requires cooperation between community agencies and community resources. The consultant and consultees can…

This paper reports results of a survey of elderly persons in a predominantly blue collar, New England town. Data about psychological distress and its relationship to demographic and social interaction characteristics are explored. Mental health services were not reaching elderly in need; there was minimal utilization of other helping services.…

The underlying philosophy of this model community-based patient education program is that patients have the right and the responsibility to participate in the management of their disease. (MM)

The president of a group practice prepayment program describes the health maintenance organization (HMO), an alternative health care delivery system for employee groups. An HMO differs from indemnity insurance in providing total medical and health care for a monthly fee, instead of paying only in cases of illness or accident. (MF)

This is a discussion of some of the reasons for the high cost of health care in the United States in government programs, hospital wages, physician's fees, excess beds, too many specialists, and high technology--and some of the proposed solutions to these problems. (BB)

Low-income parents, with children involved in a preventive educational intervention, were provided an out-reach mental health service in the form of weekly parent group meetings. Initially, these meetings apprised parents of their children's educational programs. Later, these meetings provided the opportunity for parents to learn a different set…

The relationship between type of educational institution and the prescription of medication to elementary school children with behavioral problems was examined via questionnaire data obtained from school psychologists, administrators, and mental health personnel in rural New York, and this data was then compared against urban data compiled by…

An effort was made to determine whether a comprehensive health benefits plan would be financially feasible by asking what the parents or students would be willing to pay for such a plan offered through the school. (MM)

Describes effort of mental health center staff to implement non-traditional programming for women in situational life crises. Successes in the work have helped overcome some objections to special approaches to women. Projects have community interest and support, have answered many unmet needs of women, and have enhanced service delivery.…

A Telephone Conference Network was chosen to deliver in-service training to 73 staff members at 14 acute and extended care facilities in Pennsylvania. The majority of respondents reported high levels of overall satisfaction with program format and interest in participating in additional programs. Only one-half of the respondents reported interest…

The relationships between factors of knowledge utilization and implementation of treatment innovations in mental health agencies following consultation are discussed. Agencies adopting the procedures report values and philosophies similar to those embodied in the innovation; more accurate information about the new procedures; stronger need for…

A volunteer experience in abnormal psychology is described. The program has been operating for 18 years, and student reactions have been quite positive. The program augments the traditional course offerings and provides reciprocal service for the University of Alabama and mental health facilities. Guidelines for implementing a volunteer program…

Describes a forensic outpatient assessment and treatment program for men who molest children based on a comprehensive theoretical framework and multifaceted assessment and treatment approaches. Outlines various etiological factors that explain sexual molestation of children and delineates forensic assessment and treatment strategies that follow…