This guide is designed for individuals working in community mental health centers or other mental health programs concerned with needs and problems of the elderly. Section One examines the mental health needs of the elderly, and identifies major community social support programs that help the elderly with social and economic needs. Section Two presents a conceptual model of community mental health services. Section Three discusses major principles useful in developing community mental health programs for the elderly and describes the program organization and evolution of seven such programs. Section Four provides information about federally supported programs relevant to the aged. The fifth section describes the purposes of different mental health program components. The appendices contain selected references and directories of agencies and institutions to which references are made in Section Four. (Author/NRB)