A number of studies have examined variables that discriminate individuals who drop out of mental health programs. However, relatively little attention has been focused on determining characteristics of individuals who fail to follow through after their initial contact with mental health services. This study was designed to provide a profile of individuals seeking treatment in a community mental health center and to determine client characteristics that discriminate individuals who fail to keep their initial appointment. Information about 407 consecutive calls for services was collected. Results indicated that there were significant gender and race differences in the reasons for utilization of community mental health services. A subset of variables accurately discriminated individuals who requested services but did not follow through with that request. Overall, no-shows as a group were less likely than those who attended or canceled first appointments, to provide information about home and work phone numbers, family doctor, and next of kin. No-shows were also more likely than the other two groups to be male, live in transient housing, report hallucinations, and present with relationship problems. Those who canceled their first appointment were more likely than the other two groups to have had more frequent contact with inpatient and outpatient treatment and to have a history of inpatient treatment. Six data tables and a list of intake variables are provided. (ABL)