A survey of funded applications for federal staffing grants from 80 community mental health centers reveals that of 3,830 full-time positions projected by the centers, 1,613 or 42% were listed as nonprofessional mental health personnel. The study was conducted to help the planners of new centers benefit from the projected staffing patterns of existing centers, and to gather information about the use of manpower and the types of personnel employed in the centers′ variety of services. In many respects, each center is unique because it serves a distinct community. However, all share many features in common, including the use of a variety of personnel. Staffing needs for each of the five basic services and specialized services are analyzed by categories of centers and communities served.