Comprehensive mental health programs should be designed on the basis of identified mental health needs and locally established priorities so that the resulting combination of services is geared to the specific and unique requirements of the catchment area. In addition to being comprehensive, local programs should be physically accessible, ensure continuity of care, and pursue nondiscriminatory admissions and treatment policies. It also is vital that the services basic to a community mental health program function as components of the larger human services system meeting clients' other needs. No mental health service is fully effective or even relevant unless it is linked to the total caregiving system. The eight basic services discussed at length in the report are: consultation and education, emergency services, ambulatory services, day and evening treatment services, vocational rehabilitation, social rehabilitation, community residences, and hospital care and treatment. Effective administration requires that the area be responsible for planning, developing, monitoring, evaluating, and managing its own activities and resources. Area offices, therefore, must be established with the capacity to manage their own affairs. The functions can be grouped into six major categories: (1) executive, (2) clinical services administration, (3) business, (4) community participation, (5) evaluation and data systems, and (6) resource development. (Author)