Mental health center versus community perceptions of mental health services.

A list of 53 mental health programs and services was presented to community samples of county commissioners and mental health board members, mental health program administrators, mental health clinicians, mental health clerical staff, clients, general public, staff of agencies related to mental health, and staff of community agencies not so related with a request to (a) indicate which programs and services were being offered by the mental health agencies of the catchment area, (b) indicate the relative importance of each offered service, and (c) indicate the relative importance for future program development of those not currently offered. Accuracy of program identification is noted and intergroup perceptions of mental health programs and services are compared.