This study reports the initial results from a study designed to assess the perceived needs for mental health services and other types of services in a group of elderly black women who participated in an urban, federally subsidized luncheon program. The two hypotheses tested were: (l) that the majority of elderly persons participating in this age-segregated program would not be satisfied with their current quality of life; and (2) that the majority of these elderly respondents would endorse as a high priority the need for neighborhood or community based mental health counseling services. Findings did not support either hypothesis. They did suggest that if a substantial number of elderly black women wish to have direct assistance type programs as a high priority, then perhaps government subsidized luncheon programs, as well as mental health clinics are useful services. The government should plan for and provide better delivery of these kinds of services, either directly or as auxillary projects. Satisfaction of specific needs could be the key to the primary prevention of psychopathology for elderly persons. (Author/EB)