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 promoting self-help via educational programs in Vance and Franklin counties. Emphasizing both cognitive and affective experiences, this booklet details the following program activities: (1) Mental Health Information Programs (empathy-building mental health information and "resource use" education; developing a rural mental health association, a controversial approach; escalating the impact of films); (2) Personal Growth and Personality Development Education (family life education, a bridge to churches; parent education in children's emotional health via the Parent Teacher Association; strengthening the ministerial family by helping ministers and their wives and ministers' wives alone; institute on family life and marriage counseling); (3) Education Programs for Dealing with Normal Problems of Living (drug abuse education, a behavior education approach; education for family planning and sexual behavior; weight watchers; alcoholism education task force; parents without partners); (4) Training Leaders and Helpers (learning experiences to increase competence in other agencies and create a cadre of informed, sensitized volunteers). (JC)