The author begins with a broad discussion of the background and historical development of bibliotherapy. Through the study of theories, observations, personal opinions and comments, it is concluded that the field of bibliotherapy is a very subjective one. It is recommended that libraries increase their bibliotherapeutic role. (SG)

To represent adequately the general public interest, it is crucial that the quality of citizen participation on boards of directors of community mental health agencies be improved. This can be achieved by providing board members, through training, with appropriate knowledge and skills. This article describes one such training program. (Author)

The author asserts that the mildly retarded individual in a developing nation like the People's Republic of China is much better able to cope with daily demands than in a complex and technologically sophisticated society. (Author)

Identifies and discusses major issues for enhancing mental health services for children and adolescents, including creating a balance between different types of services, reducing reliance on residential treatment, improving coordination of children's services, creating a public sector-private advocate partnership, establishing community-based…

Three evaluation methodologies used in studies of volunteer utilization are reviewed: model-program comparison, benefit-cost analysis; and qualitative program review. The importance of utilizing a comprehensive evaluation incorporating all three methodologies is discussed using an ongoing community mental health center volunteer program as an…

"Data Trends" reports present summaries of research on mental health services for children and adolescents and their families. The article summarized in this "Data Trends" discusses national data on transition services available for children served within the state child mental health systems. These data are derived from information provided by…

Nearly 20 years ago a culturally relevant program was created on the island of Guam. Inspired by the Gheel, the Belgium colony's humanized treatment of the mentally ill, the program is based on the island's Spanish heritage and makes use of Roman Catholic ritual in communal assembly and in commemorating developmental attainments. Beginning as a…

This paper outlines the preparations necessary for state psychological associations to make a timely, well-coordinated, and successful mental health response to disaster or trauma. It is suggested that early planning, recruiting, training, connecting with an authorized disaster organization, forming a mental health coalition, organizing…

It is the thesis of this paper that the amount of technical knowledge available in certain areas of clinical psychology and related fields is now sufficient to permit considerable advances to be made in the decision-making aspects of mental health services. (Author)

This article reflects the cognitive and emotional experience of the author. The focus was on securing funds needed for implementation and the vicissitudes of this endeavor in the areas of community organization and political action. (Author/EK)

The success of the training program for women as computer programers at the Missouri Institute of Psychiatry entails free instruction and the promise of part-time employment upon completion. The program must be so sub-divided that minimally trained persons can make a valid productive effort. (NL)

The results of the study on developmental group counseling showed no experimental control group differences of practical significance despite substantial differences between counseling group and placebo control group students in perception of personal benefit. (Author)

Three models of evaluation emerge: objective and independent, objective but serving one interest, and pseudo-scientific public relations. Evaluation of an interdisciplinary mental health education program and roles must all be attended to or the weak link undermines the rest. (Author/RL)