The new role of the clinical psychologist in a community mental health center.

As comprehensive community mental health centers begin to proliferate nationwide under the impetus of the Community Mental Health Centers Construction Act of 1963, it is imperative that the roles and functions of its staff members be redefined to meet the new demands that will be placed upon them by the community. These include participation in new programs concerned with welfare, education, rehabilitation, gerontology, and positive aspects of mental health and mental retardation. Several new roles for clinical psychologists in a community mental health setting are suggested; also a distinction is made between community mental health center psychologists and community psychologists. The roles that are cited are applicable to all mental health professionals and others who offer mental health services to the community.