Ethical concerns in community mental health.

With growing emphasis for ethical behavior of professionals in contemporary American society, those mental health specialists involved in the community must focus on their own behavior. This becomes a difficult task, since it is apparent that current ethical guidelines for community psychologists are not comprehensive enough to be adequately helpful. Nine areas of conflicting values and ethical concerns are considered in an effort to begin formulation of a blueprint for community mental health workers. These areas include community participation, continuity of services, politics, planning, autonomy versus manipulation, overism, minority groups, training, and consultation. Ethical principles generic to each area are put forth as proposed guidelines for professional activities and as propagators of discussion and debate.