Role of behavior modification in community mental health.

This paper briefly reviews the original concept of the community mental health movement; points to ways in which current service delivery systems deviate from this; offers and alternative framework for service delivery, that is, a behavioral model; and argues that its implementation would move community services closer to this conception. The implications of this model for intervention in the natural environment as well as for transitional and prosthetic facilities are described and examples given of its use. Emphasis is placed on working in the natural environment whenever possible via the use and cultivation of significant others as well as via provision of training in self-directed behavior change in addition to the blending of case management with careful evaluation of service.