This manual was written to empower and inform the members of community support programs in the state of Kansas. A community support group is defined as a supportive community of people which works together in partnership to help each other master the symptoms of mental illness and develop healthy and meaningful lives. The manual was designed to be used in relationship with fellow community members, especially with case managers, and was written in a question-and-answer format to give the user a basis from which to ask questions of his case manager, psychiatrist, or other helping professional. The manual is organized into several sections and questions and answers are given in the areas of: (1) mental illness; (2) treatment; (3) patient rights; (4) self-help; and (5) life style. Also included in the manual are a Personal Resource Guide to be completed by the user, a list of recommended reading, a bibliography, and a blank page for notes. (NB)