This paper describes an ongoing effort by an interdisciplinary team from a large urban university to extend and improve the mental health services in a 23-county rural area. The model is presented as the collaboration of professionals from different geographic and working environments with different professional expectations and goals. Aspects of the process of acculturation which occurs when urban-based mental health professionals undertake a commitment to provide services in rural areas are considered. Characteristics of the urban and rural settings are illustrated as influences on the provision and utilization of services. Also included are discussions of programmatic, theoretical, practical, and technical issues involved in developing and maintaining effective contacts with rural agencies. Demographics of the rural area are presented, with an emphasis on the lack of health care facilities and human services, and characteristics of the rural mental health system are detailed, including the lack of adequate facilities and trained personnel. A model for the provision of mental health consultation, education, and program development is outlined in terms of service dimensions, i.e., educational-clinical consultation, programmatic consultation, and training, research, and self-evaluation. (NRB)