Many professional staff training programs are designed to improve the interpersonal competence of the participants. This article presents a step-by-step description of a role-play test designed to evaluate both the effectiveness of such programs and the improvement in the skills of participants. (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)