Reviews the history of state mental health planning from the federal perspective, discusses some state objectives for comprehensive planning, and presents a participatory model for plan development. Demonstrates how the model can be used to produce a mental health plan that is a viable management tool fulfilling many state objectives. (Author/BH)

Interviews with state mental health authorities revealed that many states are emphasizing program development and funding for the severely acutely and chronically mentally ill while deemphasizing consultation/education, prevention, and evaluation activities. Funding mechanisms are moving toward greater accountability and funding levels are…

Asserts that mental health planning has been limited by conceptual and logistical restraints, causing planning to be isolated from management and ineffectual in describing total system of services required by persons experiencing severe mental illness. Describes application of new ideas and information technologies which can yield enhanced…