Change in a Community Mental Health Center: A Case Study with Twelve Lessons

Abstract

Comprehensive organizational change was planned and implemented in a community mental health center (CMHC). These efforts are placed in the context of environmental pressures that create serious organizational difficulties for CMHCs. The planning processes used, responses within the organization to the planned changes, and organizational lessons learned by the CMHC are presented, along with necessary information regarding the overall focus of the community mental health movement and the environmental pressures impinging on these organizations.