The current mental health system suffers from fragmentation and inefficient utilization of all potential mental health resources, and paraprofessionals can be utilized as bridging agents between formal agencies and nonprofessional community caregivers. Arguments for conceptual reorganization of the mental health delivery system are presented, beginning with a brief historical overview of the development of current community-based approaches. Major issues and concerns involved in developing nonprofessional, paraprofessional and professional resources are delineated. The purposes and functions of various types of nonprofessional caregivers are described; their current relationship to formal mental health systems is presented; the role of paraprofessionals as bridging agents is discussed; and principles and recommendations for linking mental health agencies, paraprofessionals and nonprofessional community caregivers are suggested. (Author)