As the article by Fantuzzo, McWayne, and Bulotsky (2003) indicates, it increasingly is recognized that research in the mental health field must include enhanced efforts to conduct work outside the laboratory and in collaboration with major stakeholders. However, the full implications of bringing the rigor of the scientific method into the relatively unpredictable and uncontrollable circumstances found in the "real world" are only beginning to be appreciated. In this commentary, the authors reflect on the article by Fantuzzo et al. (2003) and highlight some fundamental matters for developing authentic collaboration for effective practice and research.