Based on a North Carolina feasibility study (1967-73) which focused on development of a pattern for providing comprehensive mental health services to rural people, this guide deals with the process of creating alternatives to clinical care in Vance and Franklin counties. Specifically, this booklet details the chronological development of the following: (1) A Ministerial Counseling Network (workshops and seminars dealing with child behavior, grief, sex education, infidelity and marriage counseling, family communication problems, etc.); (2) Personal Enrichment Classes (a classroom situation utilizing trained volunteers and professionals to promote interactional skills and positive self-concept via craft activities and group and private discussions); (3) Developing Rural Mental Retardation Services (identifying needs; developing State and local mandate; evoking citizen and agency participation; establishing the need for a coordinator; etc.); (4) An Information Exchange and Its Variants: A Personal Problem Discussion Group (training aides and gaining participation for youth and family problem groups); (5) Al-Anon Groups (a resource for families of alcoholics); (6) Citizen Participation in Organizing an Alcoholism Care Network (agency coordination, public education, trained volunteers, etc.); (7) Vance county Alcoholism Program: A Home Detoxification Alcoholics Anonymous Program. (JC)