Behavior therapy in a community mental health center.

Behavioral principles offer an operational model for the services of a community mental health center. A demonstration and clinical research project adapted behavior analysis and therapy to the problems, patients, staff, and setting a typical comprehensive community mental health center. Innovations in the day hospital included a credit incentive system, educational workshops for community adaptation, and a goal-attainment method of planning and evaluating individual treatment. Behavior therapy was introduced for outpatients with anxiety and depression, marital conflict, and deficits in social skills. Consultation and education programs were established for parents, schools, and other community agencies. Experimental and evaluative research has documented the effectiveness of these programs.