The theoretical and practical importance of being responsive to the personal needs of the mental health worker is discussed. It is hypothesized that for mental health workers to function at optimal levels of effectiveness both within an agency and in delivering service to clients within an agency context their own needs for recognition, support,and enjoyment must be attended to. The view of the comprehensive community mental health center (CCMHC) as an interdependent system where clientele, service staff, and administration are continually affecting and being affected by one another is presented. Social system, family interaction, and individual personality theory are briefly discussed so as to provide a framework and rationale for this view. The authors' experiences at two mental health agencies illustrative of good and bad mental health practices with regard to staff serve to crystallize relevant issues. In conclusion, specific proposals to provide for the needs of mental health staff and the improvement of agency functioning are presented. (Author)