The development of the Technical Assistance Program for Community Mental Health Centers (CMHC) and its attempts to implement the provisions of the CMHC Act Amendments of 1975 are presented. The process by which funds for this program are allotted, the recipients of the allotments, and how they have used them are described. In addition, guidelines and priorities and the roles of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Divisions and the Department of Health, Education and Welfare Regional Offices are discussed. Examples of how NIMH Divisions are participating in providing assistance are offered to illustrate the program's activities. (Author)