ABSTRACT
Describing the typical community mental health center (CMHC) is not an easy task. Many different types of organizations or systems of care may identify themselves as mental health centers, from outpatient clinics to large, complex systems of care serving a variety of patient groups with a broad array of services, including inpatient and long-term care. The role of the medical director depends on many factors, including the size, scope, and overall purpose of the center.
