Research foundations and problems for counseling in the community are discussed. Research implications are outlined around Sarason's three challenges to community health; (1) extending therapeutic outreach, (2) studying those situations, settings, or forces in the community that set the stage for problems; and (3) efforts toward prevention. Although Sarason's challenges suggest a wide range of research problems, this paper is limited to such things as the process of self referral, accessibility of services, the development of disordered behavior, the transfer of therapeutic learning, situational prescriptions for clients, outcome criteria, and coping behavior. Other areas needing discussion are training, the organization of mental health services, and methodological approaches. (Author/KJ)