Community Mental Health (CMH) The mission of the direct services CMH program is to prepare students for leadership and practice on behalf of mentally ill and emotionally disturbed children and adults, their families and caretakers, and those at risk of developing mental illness. The program prepares professionals to address the needs of disadvantaged groups and to improve basic systems of care and treatment. Students acquire an understanding of the organization and financing of mental health services, governing laws and requirements, and the interrelationships among service providers, natural helping networks, and clients.