The need to help the emotionally disturbed is discussed with a focus on community mental health centers. Psychiatric services described are diagnosis, inpatient care, day care, outpatient care, emergency care, continuity of care and services, and care adjusted to age groupings ranging from infancy to adolescence. Aspects of the community goal of prevention considered are detection through consultation; the education of teachers, parents, and the general public; and special programs, such as tutoring, designed to help poverty areas. Attention is also given to research and evaluation, the training of staff and professional personnel, the facilities and physical plants of institutions, and plans for establishing a community mental health center. (JM)