Community support systems and urban mental health.

The many social systems of which individuals are members have an important role in promoting and restoring mental health. Pilot projects have shown that "natural" support systems in communities can collaborate with mental health professionals in programs designed to promote mental health in communities. Government plans for community support systems for deinstitutionalized psychiatric patients have been very inadequate and have largely ignored natural support systems. Planners and providers should take advantage of the considerable resources for support which already exist in urban communities.