ABSTRACT
This chapter describes an attempt to integrate the various theoretical trends in the field of community psychology and to arrive at a model of intervention which can meet the need for preventive services. Community interventions can be made at broader organizational levels and still maintain clear and precise behavioral objectives and outcomes. The actual implementation strategies and outcome criteria of the program, however, are developed within a behavioral framework. The systems approach stresses the broader social perspective and organizational focus of mental health interventions. The chapter also describes the effective integration of a collaborative mental health team in action. The maximally effective mental health structure will ultimately include schools and families as well as recreational and religious institutions. School-oriented programs provide a means of preventing further separation of problem children from their peers and reduce the possibility of stigmatizing side effects inherent in current mental health practices.
