Suggests that in the past 20 years major shifts in federal government policies have taken place which have increased state control over mental health programs to the detriment of local communities. Identifies and discusses the major factors responsible for these changes. (Author/BH)

Suggests that a marketing approach can be applied to community mental health centers. Marketing is a management orientation of providing services for, not to, patients in a systematic manner, which can help mental health centers improve services, strengthen community image, achieve financial independence and aid in staff recruitment. (Author)