Constituting an overview of a 10-volume report on the historical development and contemporary activities (1966-1973) of each of the 8 administrative Area Offices of the Indian Health Service (IHS) Mental Health Programs, this volume includes: the methods used for data collection (personal interviews with both past and present IHS key officials, area site visits, and examination of area reports); the report's limitations; the historical context for viewing the introduction of Mental Health Programs into IHS; the Headquarters for Mental Health Programs located in Albuquerque, New Mexico; the major accomplishments of IHS Mental Health Programs; selected themes appearing in the Area narratives (often in terms of polarities of opinion and practice); and 76 specific recommendations for identified problem areas. Recommendations re: issues yet to be resolved include: need for epidemiologic data; adaptation and integration of mental health services with indigenous cultures and practices; balance between direct and indirect mental health services; mental health consultation activities with other IHS staff and external agencies; services for special populations; alcoholism and alcohol abuse; drug abuse and inhalents; accidents, violence, and suicide; issues internal to IHS and mental health program administration (evaluation; recruitment, selection and retention of professional and paraprofessional personnel; institutional racism; etc.). (JC)