This study was undertaken to develop a comprehensive data base regarding the use of informal social support networks as avenues of help-seeking among Blacks for the solving of mental health related problems. The study population consisted of 451 noninstitutionalized Black adults from Richmond, Virginia, nearly two-thirds of whom were women. The respondents were interviewed with a structured interview schedule which is included at the end of the report. The incidence of mental health related problems, the number of stressful life circumstances, the number of recent problems, and the number of depressive symptoms experienced are detailed in the report. The most frequently experienced problems related to finances and family. The most recent problems related to life transitions. Female, divorced/separated, young, and less religious respondents experienced more stressful life circumstances. Other factors found to correspond with more problems were not being active community participants and having low incomes. Female friends, male friends, and sisters were named as those most often turned to for support, with a same sex preference indicated. For the most part, respondents turned to informal sources of support during financial crises and to formal services during health related crises. Overall, respondents were not knowledgeable about various mental health facilities in their community and only 4.6% indicated that they had used such a facility at least once in the past year. The study results have direct implications for enhancing the helping capacity of informal social support networks. (CG)