The emerging role of sociological consultation in the field of community mental health.

One of the most innovative features of the community mental health movement is its expansion to include other than the traditional mental health personnel. It seems most appropriate now that the sociologist be among the new manpower resources put to use by the various agencies concerned with the community mental health movement. In this regard, it is necessary that both professionals and lay people working in mental health be made aware of what the sociologist can contribute to the mental health movement. Sociological services relative to the comprehensive community mental health centers, to other mental health agencies, and to lay and professional persons concerned with mental health are described. The emergence of this role will not be without problems, several of which are described here.