Institutionalization, as is widely recognized, has undesirable effects on many sexual offenders, and it often increases the likelihood that they will offend again after discharge. The outpatient program described here combines group interaction with behavioral engineering and may indeed represent an effective alternative. (Author)

Discusses attempts of study groups of women in mental health professions that was instrumental in developing thearetical formulations concerning feminist therapy. From experiences both in the group and with clients, concludes that the profession as a whole must increase its responsiveness to concerns of women and issues of feminist therapy.…

Describes the implementation of a collaborative discharge planning program for a chronic psychiatric population. Emphasizes the importance of good communication between patient and professionals. Presents a case example. Findings suggest more substantial involvement of patients in after-care programs is needed. (Author/JAC)

Describes effort of mental health center staff to implement non-traditional programming for women in situational life crises. Successes in the work have helped overcome some objections to special approaches to women. Projects have community interest and support, have answered many unmet needs of women, and have enhanced service delivery.…

School integration efforts in recent decades have highlighted the prevalence of racial friction in the public schools. A mental health consultation project developed in Pittsburgh confronted the issue of racial and cultural differences head-on in an attempt to effect social change in the schools. (Author)

Two training programs in rural Iowa demonstrated community helpers can be trained to function effectively in rural mental health service delivery. Comparable training programs sponsored by the center are currently in progress. Training these natural helpers in interpersonal skills is an important service of community mental health centers. (Author)

A small new mental health center in a rural community of Ohio found collaboration a more feasible goal than consultation. Despite its limited staff and budget, the center was able--through cooperative efforts with agencies and individuals--to extend markedly its services to the community. (Author)

Describes an approach to cooperative efforts between a mental health center and a law enforcement agency. A series of programs were developed to provide human relations skills training to police officers. These cooperative training programs are designed to increase interpersonal sensitivity in dealing with citizens and fellow officers alike. (SJL)